Need more evidence that Ford Motor is ahead in the Big Three game? Look no further than the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a car that is likely one of the best sedans in the domestic car field and probably in the top 10 in the industry.

The Chevrolet Malibu beats it -- and every other intermediate -- in the styling competition. But the Fusion Hybrid knocks the Malibu out of play because Chevy no longer makes the partial hybrid Malibu. That's a serious demerit to Chevy on that score.

The Fusion is roomy. It gets strong fuel economy. It's quiet. It's well-appointed. It's built like a tank. Except for one rattle on the test car, the fit and finish were fine. And it beats every hybrid sedan I have driven (I have not tested the Toyota Prius).

No car is perfect, and mine had a few issues, mainly relating to the instruments and gauges and an odd rattle that developed in the dashboard.

The test model had a base price of $27,270, and included only one option, called Rapid Spec, a package that includes a lane change warning system, rear view video camera, a moon roof and an upgraded audio system. The final price was $29,590.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and battery system. The Fusion Hybrid has a four-star rollover rating, a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rear seat rating.

Standard equipment includes power accessories, dual-zone air conditioning, traction control and side curtain air bags.

The seats are unusually supportive and the fabrics are both substantial and attractive.

Turn the ignition and, as is the case with all hybrids, you won't hear a thing. Look for a tiny green symbol in the lower right hand corner of the dashboard to tell you the car is ready to go. I'd prefer a larger "ready" sign that is easier to read and decipher.

When the car starts, you'll see two clusters of instruments spread across the dash. It's all beautifully done, and entertaining too, thanks to a gauge that awards you more leaves on a tree when you drive sensibly.

About those leaves: I think they are awarded too quickly. The Fusion Hybrid is rated at 41 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway.

I averaged 33 to 34 mpg with mostly city driving. Yet, the leaves on the gauge still seemed to overrun the tree.

On the fourth day that I drove the Fusion Hybrid, I heard a dull rattle or thump coming from inside the dash, and all attempts to discover where it was located failed.

Fortunately, the noise didn't occur unless I hit a pothole or a wrinkle in the road surface.