Looking for a great new car, some tax credits, decent fuel economy and good resale value all at a price you can afford?  You might want to consider the 2010 Ford Fusion and/or 2010 Mercury Milan.  Both offer a pretty good value – prices start at $19,995 and $21,905. 

The front-wheel-drive Fusion S, with a new fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine, has a base price of $19,995; the SE trim level is $20,545; the SEL is $23,975. An optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine also is available on SE and SEL models.  Buyers can also choose the Fusion Sport, which is equipped with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 263 horsepower and 249 ft.-lb. of torque. The Fusion Sport FWD starts at $25,825; the AWD at $27,675.

The 2010 Mercury Milan starts at $21,180 for the FWD model with the I-4 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. For $27,800, you can buy the Milan Premier AWD model with a fuel-efficient 3.0-liter V-6 engine.

Hybrid Tax Credits

The Fusion Hybrid starts at $27,995, while the Milan Hybrid is priced at $31,300.  Customers who purchase a new Fusion or Milan Hybrid by March 31, 2009, may qualify for a $3,400 tax credit on their 2009 federal income tax return the highest hybrid credit available. Between April 1, 2009, and September 30, 2009, those who purchase a 2010 Fusion or Milan Hybrid are eligible for a partial credit of $1,700 and between October 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010, an $850 credit applies towards the purchase of a new Ford Fusion or Mercury Milan Hybrid.

Both the Fusion and Milan Hybrids will get you approximately 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway.

Ford Fusion and Milan’s value also have seemingly strong residual values. According to Automotive Leasing Guide (a California-based consulting and data-gathering firm), the base 2010 Fusion is projected to retain 50 percent of its original value at the end of a conventional three-year lease term; a six-point increase overall ever since the Fusion launched for the 2006 model year.

For more information, visit Ford.com.

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