This past weekend I made a visit to the Ford dealership at the Valley Auto Mall in Henderson to take a look at the hybrid vehicles. I've greatly enjoyed my Jeep, but decided that I need to practice what I preach in regards to the need for everyone to more fuel efficient vehicles. My Jeep Wrangler had a combined MPG of 15-- though in practice I usually averaged about 17.5. Those numbers put it among the worst pollution emitters & fossil fuel consumers of any passenger vehicle.

Unfortunately, the more environmentally and cost-friendly Fusion Hybrid, which is rated for a combined 39 MPG, was a bit out of my price range at an MSRP of $28,350. However, the manual transmission (which I prefer) Fusion SE was much more affordable, and still achieves a respectable 29 MPH on the highway-- with user reports of 33 MPH combined and 36 MPH highway. That is a 37% improvement in fuel consumption and gas emissions. Given my driving habits, that represents an estimate fuel savings of $1,000 per year. Whoo hoo!

Not to mention my two-day bargaining session got me a pretty good deal on the Fusion. After showing myself to be a terrible negotiator with my Wrangler, and the Tacoma before it, I refused to surrender until I got the best deal I thought possible.

The coolest thing about the car, besides the increased fuel efficiency, is the SYNC system. It connects to my Pre via bluetooth, allowing me dial hands-free by simply saying, "Phone. Dial," and then saying a name from my phone's contacts, or a number. It also has a USB port into which I plug a flash drive or other USB memory device, onto which I've put MP3s. Then I can say, "USB. Play artist Elvis Presley," and The King fills the cabin through the stereo system. Additionally, I get 6 month of Sirius satellite radio. Free!

I chose the Atlantic Green Metallic paint job, with Camel interior. I am not sure why the shade of green is called Atlantic, because it can easily be mistaken for black unless the sun is shining directly on it.

I've never named a car, and I probably won't name this one, but I am considering it. I'm not sure why most Americans use feminine names for their vehicles. The SYNC voice is female, though. Her name is Samantha. She is my fag hag who'll never get pregnant and move away.