Comments on: Off topic: Ford Fusion frustration

A radio that won't take orders, bad documentation in the owners manual, and a sub-optimal rearview mirror.

[skillingssucks]

Typical Microsoft.

[Jim1900]

We just came back from a two-week trip through the national parks of Utah and Arizona, and rented a Ford Fusion, which I was delighted to try. It actually is a nice car for ride and handling, and I had no problem with the radio, though I did not press the phone button at all. And the digital climate control worked fairly well.

But I agree entirely on the rear window. It is a hazard to navigation. I am just waiting for the lawsuit against Ford by some poor driver who ran over a 5 year old kid and didn't see him at all. And that is not to mention the parking hassle. I had to drive by all the parallel parking opportunities, as you have no idea where the rear of the car is. It looks like styling triumphs over function at Ford.

[mhinnewyork]

Yes, the air conditioning was great. I'm glad to hear that someone else agrees about the view out the back. Michael Horowitz

[shutchi2]

I don't think I would trust a column from someone so clueless that they can't operate a car radio with Sync. Granted, it's not my favorite interface, but if you can't figure that out it speaks volumes to your credibility regarding technical subjects.

[mhinnewyork]

I freely admit that I know nothing about cars. But my point is, why should you need to know anything to use the radio? Why does a radio get into a state where the on/off button doesn't work? That's just poor design. And the fact that Hertz had never dealt with a radio that wouldn't turn off, shows it is not a common thing that everyone knows about except me. Michael Horowitz

[opinion8ted]

AppleSuxLeo: Your Microsoft bias is showing... I don't believe you've ever used an Apple product, either.

[marshuff]

Probably a good thing you couldn't get the radio to work. You're probably the type of person that text messages while driving. I think the other's are right. You really should take the bus. I don't think you are safe on the highway.

[evilernie345]

I Have a Focus and the Sync is the greatest. The phones didn't work because you have to pair them as with any bluetooth device. I hardly read the manual and my SYNC does everything. Even I know where the input jack is on the Fusion, it is in the center console, Your problem was bad customer service not a bad product. When I had my old Razr paired to it it would even read me my text messages.

[mhinnewyork]

I didn't mention it in the posting, but I also called Hertz about the audio input jack and they had no clue. In fairness, the car may not have had one, I don't always expect the owners manual to fully agree with the actual car, especially in a rental situation. Still, the owners manual said it was there, it didn't say some Fusion's have it and some don't. Michael Horowitz