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Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry vs. Ford Fusion - READ ONLY

2824 messages,  Last post on Feb 06, 2006 at 7:12 PM

You are in the Hyundai Sonata Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Sedan

Messages Page 16 of 283

#146 of 2824 Exactly right, backy... by iluvmysephia1

Oct 07, 2005 (9:06 am)

that's my take on the Fusion, too. Not regarding it's engine power the Fusion will be a hit, though the price of the one you saw is a little steep vs. value quotient vs. the competition. That is only one reason why I traded my '97 Ford Escort in on a '99 Kia Sephia back in may of 1999. Value given for the buck, and styling. Yes, I did favor the styling of the Sephia over the Escort and I feel even stronger now about it than I did 6 years ago after joining the Kia owner/driver's camp.
 
The Ford Fusion will be a hit, though, engine power notwithstanding. It's looks are appealing and that chrome will work in it's favor. It's engine power will not matter to thousands of American buyers. I now reside in vast-land South Dakota, and this is GM-Chrysler-Ford territory, tried and true. Only the daring in this crowd will consider Toyota-yes, Toyota, with it's dynamic reputation. The people of the Midwest must be fueled by severe patriotism or something, I noticed the same thing in Missouri. GM, DCX and Ford products abound. I have never seen so many Chevy Cadavaliers in my life that I saw on the streets of Missouri.
 
I much prefer the Hyundai Sonata for looks and the value package. It's hard to beat.
I rented a 2005 Toyota Camry last week and never found out it's engine size. All I know is I drove all over eastern Idaho and my gas mileage was 32.5 mpg upon rental return. The quarters were surprising cramped in the cabin, but I only adjusted my seat several comfort directionals, and couldn't seem to fumble the right knob to move the driver's seat back about 4 inches. It didn't really matter, overall in the '05 Camry driving experience, knobs and controls were easy to read and the car was very easy to learn controls on. My grade for the Camry was 96 out of 100. It was hard to find anything to knock-I figure I must've had the 4-cylinder Camry and yet power was adequate to zip up to freeway speed. More than enough power for me. That's what brings me to think that I would get a 4-cylinder Hyundai Sonata if I were to go that route. Anyhow, I can easily understand the success of Toyota's Camry with the American people. A great car and Toyota is no doubt very proud of it.
 
It only makes me yearn to test drive the Sonata, yet I have my serious sights on much smaller new rigs.
 
I just think that the "American rigs for one and for all" mentality of at least America's Midwest section will drive buyer's who want the smaller full-size cars to Ford's Fusion. Just one take on it, that's all.

#147 of 2824 Re: Fusion first impression [backy] by motownusa

Oct 07, 2005 (9:24 am)

Replying to: backy (Oct 07, 2005 5:57 am)
While I haven't driven the Mazda6, I was a passenger in one. My cousin owns an 04 4 cylinder and he drove to Houston airport to pick me up. The ride from Hobby International to his house is about 40 minutes. As he was driving I was noticing the details of the car. The inside looks very well put together no unsightly panel gap that I could see. The seats were pretty comfy and the ride quality wasn't as bad as I thought, although certainly no were near as comfortable as my 03 Camry. However, my biggest complaint about the 6 is noise. And I mean it is noisy to the point that you almost have to shout to have a conversation. My Camry is almost silent by comparison. If you want a quiet car, the Mazda isn't it. I hope the Fusion is better in that regards. The Honda and Toyota I4 engines are vastly superior to the Mazda engine (IMHO)

#148 of 2824 noise by stickguy

Oct 07, 2005 (9:27 am)

the Fusion seems to be very quiet from my test drives, and I believe the reviews have noted this too.

#149 of 2824 Milan by stickguy

Oct 10, 2005 (10:15 am)

test drove a Milan at lunch today. Mostly stoppped in to look at the styling compared to the Fusion, but the sales person wanted to take a ride (ended up being a 10 mile loop, a real good work out). Anyway, the rear looks nice, but I didn't care too much for th egrill. It would look better if it wasn't silver IMO.
 
This was my first time getting one up to highway speed (even hit 70!) Overall, I was impressed. It has plenty of pep (I drove a 4 cyl. 5 speed), and a nice ride. Excellent handling, and road noise was modest. Accelerated well.
 
One quibble, which I expected, is that the gearing is still a bit short. 70 was ~2,900 RPM. Better than my current ride (a tC), but buzzier than an Accord. If they could know 3-400 RPMs off it at 70 it would make for a quiter cruise, with better MPG and still plenty of passing power.
 
Anyway, a very nice package, and since most people will get the AT, the cruising RPM of the manual is irrelevant. For the $$, it will be a very good choice, and should certainly be considered a viable option in this class.

#150 of 2824 Re: Fusion first impression [motownusa] by tbear503

Oct 11, 2005 (12:00 pm)

Replying to: motownusa (Oct 07, 2005 9:24 am)
Amen to the fact that the Mazda 6 is noisy. My first test drive in the Sonata really punctuated that.

#151 of 2824 Fusion V6 by ilikecars23

Oct 11, 2005 (1:50 pm)

I see alot of people stating that the fusion's V6 is underpowered. I was able to test drive the V6, and i must state this engine is very approprioate for this application. I never felt this engine lacking in power, the 6 speed auto is geared perfectly to keep the V6 in its sweet spot. Also, this engine is suprisingly quiet and refined, it features every technology that the others have in this class. Im 23 and i dont need a engine that pins me back in my seat when i drive, i need a engine that has an excellent powerband and one that goes about its business unobtrusively. And again this is a midsize sedan designed for family duty and it without a doubt does its job with the best of them, while offering more style. Just my opinion

#152 of 2824 Accord Camry untouchable by goodegg

Oct 11, 2005 (4:46 pm)

I can't believe anyone would compare a Sonata to an Accord or Camry. The Sonata I drove seemed like it was doing a constant mild vibrate. And yes the 6 is loud. Haven't driven a Fusion - will soon - but I doubt this car is a threat to the 2 clear leaders in this class. IMO - the Accord is the top dog.

#153 of 2824 Re: Accord Camry untouchable [leadfoot6] by backy

Oct 11, 2005 (4:55 pm)

Replying to: goodegg (Oct 11, 2005 4:46 pm)
You needed to turn off the seat vibrator switch on the Sonata--it's to the left of the steering column.
 
The '06 Sonata you drove must have had something wrong with it. The two that I've driven (I4 and V6) were two of the smoothest cars I've ever been in. The I4 was no slouch either. No vibrator. The Accord, OTOH, did vibrate my body with its constant thumps over every little bump in the road.
 
Maybe you didn't notice that Edmunds.com did the unfathomable--compared the Sonata to the like-priced Accord and Camry (the unmitigated gall of those people!). And the Sonata took first place.

#154 of 2824 Re: Accord Camry untouchable [leadfoot6] by ctalk

Oct 11, 2005 (6:40 pm)

Replying to: goodegg (Oct 11, 2005 4:46 pm)
The Sonata, is actually more smooth and quieter than the Accord. But the Accord has a more 'sportier' character. I find it has a nice balance between sport, and comfort, some may find it a little to harsh.
 
I currently own he 2005 Accord EX V6, I did look at the Sonata and if it did not have its (in my opinion) bland interior, I would have bought the Sonata. Its probably the most improved car I have driven this year. It is years ahead from its previous model.
 
Like Backy stated, edmunds compared like-priced models of the Accord and Camry to the Sonata. The Sonata came out on top as their favorite budget priced family sedan.
 
I still find the Accord to be at least near the top of its class, or even at the top. The Camry on the other hand, is dated, and is simply out-classed by many of its competitors (but you have to remember, it's in its last year)

#155 of 2824 Re: Accord Camry untouchable [backy] by goodegg

Oct 11, 2005 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: backy (Oct 11, 2005 4:55 pm)
Who's paying edmunds to write that nonsense? Real world (and long term) usage will tell the tale. One good model year does not a winner make. Period. Hyundai might have fooled ya once, but Honda and Toyota will up the ante again with their new versions coming out soon. Booyah.

Messages Page 16 of 283

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