Sort of random...I've had my 2011 Ford Fusion SE for a bit over a year now. Black with a matte black painted grill (that silver was just too much). I think the Fusions from that generation look pretty good/standard, but nothing special. Interior looks decent enough and is functional. I really like how it drives, and it's quite comfortable for long rides. I get a solid 27-28mpg combined with the 4-cylinder, which offers plenty of power for me. Plenty of space and room for someone nearly 6'4" and with guests. I got it for $11K, ~50K miles. A good deal compared to similar cars with similar features around the same year.

But, anyway, what I've been very surprised with is the stereo system in the car. I believe I have the basic stereo, though this does include tweeters on the front doors. Even when driving on the interstate, it has a surprising amount of resolving ability at fairly low volumes. Overall balance and is fairly neutral with a touch of tweaking, though the bass/mid-bass isn't perfectly clean, and the treble can be a touch harsh at times. But I think it offers a genuinely good and enjoyable listening experience. I had come from a '95 Civic with a DIY stereo, so I had planned on eventually upgrading what was in the Fusion. It's good enough stock that I'm really not sure I care enough to do so.

For stock audio and given the price point of the car (especially used), it is VERY good.

I think the worst I've heard was the Nissan Sentra (previous generation). Probably one of the worst sounding systems I've heard, and not just for a car.

Max!!  $19,999

VW GX3 reborn (rather than stillborn)!  God bless America.  I might have to pick one up eventually.

Toyota's response to battery vehicles: Toyota FCV, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that is about the size of a Corolla ($16k) and costs $70k.

But wait! There's more... Japan has decided hydrogen is the future and is planning 100 hydrogen filling stations. In addition they have decided to subsidize hydrogen cars with a whopping $20,000 check to buyers.

Someone REALLY wants hydrogen to work, but it won't. Hydrogen production and transportation is less efficient than just burning coal/natural gas to generate electricity for battery cars. Carbon capturing is largely a non-issue as the carbon can be captured nearly as well from power plants as it is from the hydrogen conversion process.

Those who feel a $7500 subsidy on an electric car is too much, well, now you have a new talking point.

The glorious Toyota FCV in the sheetmetal:





 

1. Yes I'm aware prototypes have been running around California for years. See next point for why I posted it now.

2. I know it's been out as a concept since last year, but just recently (1 month ago) it was announced it was beyond the concept stage and nearing production ready. They still haven't actually named the model yet.

3. It's not a concept anymore, sorry. Deliveries start in Japan in Q2 2015.

4. Never said anything about their safety. Fuel cells are pretty safe by design.

5. The price is expected to be $70k as a production vehicle, reduced by $20k by Japanese government subsidies to $50k. (announced today)


http://insideevs.com/toyota-reveals-70000-fuel-cell-sedan-sales-japan-april-2015-shortly-after-in-europe-us/

http://insideevs.com/japanese-government-offer-20000-subsidy-fuel-cell-vehicle-purchases/