2010 Fusion Motor Trend ‘Car of Year’

Motor Trend on Tuesday named the 2010 Ford Fusion its "Car of the Year." The award marked the second consecutive year that Ford Motor Co. claimed one of the influential magazine's top honors. Last year, the 2009 F-150 pickup claimed "Truck of the Year."

Ford's midsize sedan beat out 22 other contenders, including the new Toyota Prius, Nissan 370Z and BMW 7 Series.

Members of the magazine's editorial staff told The Detroit News they were impressed by the improvements Ford has made to every aspect of the Fusion since it debuted in 2005.

"Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers," said Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie.

"The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord."

Despite one of the worst markets in automotive history, the Fusion has set a new full-year sales record this year, gaining market share and becoming the best-selling car from any U.S. automaker.

CEO Alan Mulally called the Motor Trend award "another proof point" that Ford's turnaround is working.