Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 2006 Ford Fusion is what awaits on the inside: This is a Ford that feels like an import. Okay, that’s probably because it’s kind of an import, as it is built in Hermosillo, Mexico, and comes to us thanks to the Mazda 6 architecture. That matters less than having a good seat to sit in and easy to use instrumentation, however, and the 2006 Ford Fusion delivers on all counts.

The Fusion has quality front seats, well bolstered for the daily commute, a cool instrumentation and gauge layout that’s simple and refreshing to look at, and plenty of room – especially upfront legroom. At no time during a 90-mile drive through the canyons of Los Angeles did fatigue or muscle crimp crop up. Perhaps most impressive about the Fusion, however, is what’s missing. Road noise and tire noise are notably absent, and scarcely any wind noise, rattle or vibration can be heard inside the cabin. Conversation or audio entertainment was front and center at all times, and the driver’s window sealed into its rubber moldings with a convincing thunk. It’s a sound that says silence – and that’s a word that shouts quality to American buyers.

American buyers are funny that way. We also like simplicity and style – but not ostentatious style – and we like it when the touch of things feels good to our fingertips. Again, the 2006 Ford Fusion meets our American standard for interior excellence, with soft-touch surfaces everywhere, quietly bold styling and simplicity in its layout that makes driving a pleasure.

For example, the radio and environmental controls are easy to see and easier still to use. As I began my test drive, I quickly glanced down to crank up the A/C – Los Angeles in the summer can be brutal, and on this day it was above ninety degrees. Much to my delight, my eyes immediately landed on the simple climate control adjustments. Better still, Fusion’s gauges were a model of clarity. Intersecting round displays, large and small, made it easy to see all pertinent data, and, well, it was also cool to look at, which made an immediate impression. Additional interior highlights on the test car include one-touch-down power windows for the driver, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats with six-way power adjustments for the driver, and a six-disc in-dash CD changer that reads MP3-encoded audio discs.

Standard interior appointments for all 2006 Ford Fusion’s include a dash-top storage bin and a center console with a clamshell lid over two storage compartments, as well as front door and seatback map pockets. Buyers can choose from three interiors “environments,” depending on trim level, with color combinations based on Medium Light Stone, Camel and Charcoal Black. Instrument panel options include Grained (S models), Carbon Fiber appliqué (SE), and Wood Trim or Piano Black looks (SEL).