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Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison

6854 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2012 at 8:08 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 585 of 686

#5839 of 6854 Re: Genesis is Coming [captain2] by jaymagic

Mar 17, 2008 (3:43 pm)

Replying to: captain2 (Mar 17, 2008 9:21 am)
Captain, you should know better, lol. I changed after first 1500, then every 7500 since. I do hope you are right about my Michelins, since they are the original equipment tire on an Azera. 235-55-17 MXV4 S8 model ($202 ea. at Tire Rack), I will be thrilled If I get 50K out of them. They have been a great tire for me, so far. My guess is that Discount Tire might be wanting to sell me some new ones sooner versus later, lol, hence the "5000" miles left comment.
 
As for the TC/ESC, I don't know how much you drive in difficult winter conditions, but slush on top of ice at about 32 degrees, is about as bad as it can get. And, in the mountains you have to go up and downhill, so even at 20 mph or even much less, it can get interesting. Of course, the last time I had even a fender bender was in an Avalon, with its vehicle skid control, etc. When a van loses it, and crosses two lanes of traffic going downhill and is sliding crosswise toward you one car length in front of you, you will find that even the mighty Avalon is screwed, with its Michelins not getting any traction to turn or brake, even at no more than 10-15 mph. Now perhaps my Azera will perform better, but even I doubt it. Given that the two months with the highest snow totals in Colorado are March and April, I expect to see those conditions a few more times this spring. BTW, my other vehicle is an Explorer with studded snows.
 
I believe as of 2007 every Hyundai model had the ESC capability, as standard equipment Unlike some manufacturers, like TOYOTA, which made it available as an extra cost option, speaking of cheap and valuing profit over safety. In fact, I think it is still an option on some Avalon models, isn't it??? I thought perhaps companies like Hyundai would shame them into making it a standard feature for 2008,but I guess not. Yep, still an option on a "cheap" Avalon. Guess some TOY fans will have to wait for the government to make safety a priorityfor its customers.

#5840 of 6854 Re: Genesis is Coming [jaymagic] by thegraduate

Mar 17, 2008 (4:55 pm)

Replying to: jaymagic (Mar 17, 2008 3:43 pm)
I believe as of 2007 every Hyundai model had the ESC capability, as standard equipment Unlike some manufacturers, like TOYOTA, which made it available as an extra cost option, speaking of cheap and valuing profit over safety.
 
If you're going to speak of one, you must speak of the other. The Hyundai Accent doesn't offer ESC, and the Elantra makes you get the top-of-the-line model in order to get it. You are awfully quick to sarcastically badmouth Toyota yet praise Hyundai when they both do the same thing with some vehicles in their lineup, even though Hyundai has it standard on some trims, it doesn't offer it on the "cheap" ones.
 
Back on topic though, all Hyundai vehicles RELEVANT to this discussion have ESC standard, which, at this price level and size of car, should already be the case with all manufacturers I feel.

#5841 of 6854 Re: Genesis is Coming [thegraduate] by jaymagic

Mar 17, 2008 (5:33 pm)

Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 17, 2008 4:55 pm)
I stand corrected re the Accent. I do know that the base Azera has the ESC and TC as standard equipment, while the Avalon makes it an option. And, having had it in both a previous Avalon and my current Azera, it should be in every car, certainly in any of the size and cost of a "mainstream sedan." I also like that I can turn it off, if I want, but with it coming on automatically the next time the car is started.

#5842 of 6854 Re: Genesis is Coming [jaymagic] by allmet33

Mar 18, 2008 (6:39 am)

Replying to: jaymagic (Mar 17, 2008 5:33 pm)
All trim levels of the Azera come with ESC.
 
Personally, I like the fact that it comes on automatically the next time the car is started. I rather forget to turn it off rather than turn it back on.

#5843 of 6854 Re: Genesis is Coming [jaymagic] by captain2

Mar 18, 2008 (6:39 am)

Replying to: jaymagic (Mar 17, 2008 3:43 pm)
you should know better
you are right about that, would suspect that anybody who is spending the time to participate on these forums, would all be quite 'anal' about things like oil changes.
 
On a more serious note,and contrary to popular belief (not anything unusual for me) - I am quite suspicious of computers in the vehicles we drive. I have enough of an understanding of how things like ESC systems work, and also had an experience about 2 years ago in my non-ESC Avalon that I believe that I might not be here today if my car had this 'wonderful' 'safety' feature. Kinda been on a campaign ever since to correct a common misperception that ESC improves the way any vehicle handles. IT DOESN'T. Furthermore I believe that this misperception and the 'catcher's mitt' that these systems provide also ultimately lead to some really bad driving habits and drivers. Is it a 'safety' feature - certainly, but is it something that an enthusiast really wants on his car - maybe not. That depends entirely on how conservatively systems like this are implemented. This would not be a class of vehicles (the large 'family' sedan) that something like ESC would logically be implemented appropriately (for the enthusiast). Although these cars are not BMWs or Porsches or whatever, it doesn't mean that they can't be something we can 'enjoy'. So, in effect, we enthusiasts are at the mercy of some computer nerds (and liability lawyers). A dangerous 'Big Brother' path we are starting down, and now that the government has seen fit to get involved it will get even worse.
So fine, Hyundai in 2005 (the Sonata?) gets a bit of a head start on what they know is going to federally mandated in a few years anyway - big deal - but, to me, the fact that I can't buy an Azera without the ESC is not something to brag on.
.

#5844 of 6854 New Maxima by joe97

Mar 18, 2008 (6:42 am)

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/new-york-08-preview-2009-nissan-maxima-leaked- - -on-forum/
 
Not sure about the front and rear but the rest (i.e. interior) looks great

#5845 of 6854 Re: Genesis is Coming [allmet33] by captain2

Mar 18, 2008 (6:50 am)

Replying to: allmet33 (Mar 18, 2008 6:39 am)
Personally, I like the fact that it comes on automatically the next time the car is started.
It would have to, if it is to be construed a 'safety' feature' as well as to avoid incurring the wrath of some lawyer down the road. Don't know of any car that doesn't do this when it is also giving the driver the option of shutting it off. However, there are some implementations of ESC, where even when turned off it is still on (Chryslers) and several implementations where there is no real option to shut it off at all (Toyotas) . And yes, I would imagine that all Azera drivers normally have it on because it would require a conscience effort to shut it off - that the reason why they do it that way. It's almost would have you wondering whether the car's computer records any incidences where the driver turned it off so that the mfgr. might protect itself from TV lawyers.

#5846 of 6854 Re: New Maxima [joe97] by captain2

Mar 18, 2008 (6:55 am)

Replying to: joe97 (Mar 18, 2008 6:42 am)
thanks for the link - a really good looking car IMO. Wonder if they are still thinking that they can have the '4DSC' along with the 270+hp and FWD that it probably does have. This (the sporty side of things) is definitely the Maxima's niche in this group - glad to see it reaffirmed.

#5847 of 6854 Re: New Maxima [captain2] by tjc78

Mar 18, 2008 (7:31 am)

Replying to: captain2 (Mar 18, 2008 6:55 am)
I really like the look of the the car as well. Hopefully, it won't have CVT!

#5848 of 6854 Re: Genesis is Coming [captain2] by tjc78

Mar 18, 2008 (7:36 am)

Replying to: captain2 (Mar 18, 2008 6:50 am)
"However, there are some implementations of ESC, where even when turned off it is still on (Chryslers) and several implementations where there is no real option to shut it off at all (Toyotas)"
 
IIRC the Chryslers can be fully turned off in a way similar to the insane command sequence in the Toyotas. I still can not get over the fact that Toyota no longer puts an "off" switch for the VSC/Trac, at least the sensitivity of the newer system is less than it was on my '00 Solara. My '03 Av didn't have either system and I must say I never missed it.

Messages Page 585 of 686

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