Most people remember the horrible Fords (or any north american car - well, remember the Hyundai Pony??) from the 80s and their poor quality. Step forward - welcome to the survival mode Big Three. I have been driving North American vehicles now for the past 10 years, and I am currently commuting 80 km one way with a Fusion SE - I4 5 speed manual. Best commuter car I have had - better than the 99 Accord from durability, ride and efficiency perspective. I now have 70,000 kms on it - and have not had any mechanical failures (except for the Continental brand tires that needed replacement after 40,000 kms). My average fuel economy is 6.8 l/100kms with a best of 6.0 on a trip to Winnipeg and back (on one tankful from Regina). My next car? North American, resale value means nothing when the car has 200,000 kms on it. I want the difference in the purchase price up front, and when I bought this car, it was this or a Civic (the Honda deal had an ego, no customer service, and also wanted $4,000 more for a smaller car with less options/features).