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Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison

6844 messages,  Last post on Mar 23, 2009 at 12:32 PM

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

#6258 of 6844 Re: How stupid must you be to buy a Ford !!?? [smithed] by captain2 Apr 23, 2008 (7:50 am)
Replying to: smithed (Apr 23, 2008 4:52 am) Bias against a certain maker can cause one to miss out on a good thing agrred - however, many of us (and possibly even this poster) will have such a bias - for a good reason - past experience. In my case, I'll never ever touch a Chrysler product ever again - even if they start selling everything they make at half price. All reflective of some tranny problems I had (with a truck) and their refusal to stand behind their badly designed (IMO) product. I have no doubt that the 'American' products are improving and although this may really be a function of older technologies they might use, or FTM that they simply spend more time building a car (more time for QC) - it should make no difference to the car buyer. He/She is entitled to the 'best' car possible for the least actual cost possible - if that happens to be a Ford product (or whoever) so be it. Just don't ever ask me to spend any of my money on a Chrysler!
#6259 of 6844 Re: interesting photo [autokritiker] by captain2 Apr 23, 2008 (9:46 am)
Replying to: autokritiker (Apr 18, 2008 3:01 pm) It takes dozens of miles, at least, before the ECU can update the Avg fuel economy and display it on the LED. actually no - I checked, the Average FE displayed updates every 8 seconds, so that at the beginning of a tank it will change very rapidly (almost like an 'instanteous' display and then obviously slow down substantially later in the tank. The Av also resets its FE display EVERY tank - something I rather it didn't but also a reason for low mileage displays (something also true for the ES?). If your contention here that CR is fibbing about the way they test for FE and are instead basing their 'results' on a 3 mile test drive as opposed to the 195 mile one they claim, what could possibly be their motivation? And BTW under the conditions of acceleration & slalom testing any of these cars including a Taurus/Avalon/ES would do very well to be getting 15.7 mpg as would a Honda Civic!
#6260 of 6844 A week in a Max by tjc78 Apr 28, 2008 (4:54 am)
I just got back from a business trip in which I was pleasantly surprised to be handed the key (fob actually) to a brand new Maxima (SE model). I am used to getting a base Impala or something equally as dull. Anyway, I haven't driven a Maxima since '06 before I bought my Avalon. First off the interior though improved is no where near the Avalons. Its smaller and the overall feel just isn't there for me. Not that it is awful, I just feel the Avalon is nicer. As for the drive I immediately noticed that it is significantly stiffer than my Avalon. The car is much flatter in curves and the steering is great. The trans was a CVT which is just ok for me. Much better than the CVT in the Ford 500 because the VQ engine has enough power to make it work. I still would prefer a traditional 5/6 speed. One thing Nissan has improved through the tranny and computer programming (I would guess) is the torque steer issues. This car had some but not nearly as bad as prior years.   So... the verdict? I still would pick my Avalon over the Max by a slim margin. Although the Max is a better handler it still is a big heavy FWD car that suffers from the same set of problems as my Avalon. My Avalon feels faster (probably is by a few tenths) and is quieter on the road. The CVT is just plain weird, especially went stomping on it at around 55 and the engine hits redline and just stays there. The car continues to pull strong, but you are just waiting for a shift that never happens. However, there was a manual mode and I guess I could get used to it.   Having said all that, I am now anxiously awaiting the '09 Maxima. With more power and a much better interior it could serve as a replacement for my Av. Currently its a nice ride, built well, and there is nothing bad I can say about the VQ. Its a tick noiser than the 2 GR in my Av but at least it sounds good. Overall, MPG was a tad over 21 (per the computer) and included a mix of city/hwy driving and quite a few full throttle excursions. Replies to this message: tonycd (Apr 28, 2008 9:44 am) captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 5:25 am) tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 6:30 am) captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 8:08 am) and 2 more...
#6261 of 6844 Re: A week in a Max [tjc78] by tonycd Apr 28, 2008 (9:44 am)
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 28, 2008 4:54 am) Thanks, TJC. Always interested in seeing actual test drive impressions. Anyone else out there who has one, know you'll have at least one reader.   Especially interesting to hear they've quelled the torque steer. That was always said to be the bane of that entire generation of Alt/Max's.
#6262 of 6844 Re: A week in a Max [tjc78] by captain2 Apr 29, 2008 (5:25 am)
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 28, 2008 4:54 am) I found the SE Max trims to be substantially 'tighter/firmer' than any Avalon. The softer SL while adding a bit more std. bling produces a ride closer to the Av Touring but still well short of the isolation you get in the XLS/Ltd. A different demographic those 2 cars I would bet, the Maxima selling to a younger buyer? Replies to this message: tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 6:30 am) captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 8:08 am) tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 12:03 pm) and 1 more...
#6263 of 6844 Re: A week in a Max [captain2] by tjc78 Apr 29, 2008 (6:30 am)
Replying to: captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 5:25 am) No doubt the Avalon still draws an older crowd. I am not sure if its just because its a big car or the price or what. The Maxima probably grabs a lot of younger people that can afford a "G" but want the extra room the Max offers.   When I drove the Max in '06 I drove the SL model and I think you are spot on it saying that the ride compares to the Av Touring. The SE model may be a tad too firm for my tastes. However, the ride was far from jarring or harsh. I wonder if the new Max will offer two suspension options like the current model? Who knows, with Nissan going back to the "4DSC" theme they may even offer something more sporty and tightened up than the current SE. Replies to this message: captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 8:08 am) tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 12:03 pm) alexstore (Apr 30, 2008 3:56 am)
#6264 of 6844 Re: A week in a Max [tjc78] by captain2 Apr 29, 2008 (8:08 am)
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 6:30 am) I, for one, would hate to see a personality change on the 09 Maxima, it is not a car that can likely compete with something like an Avalon - not that it is especially good or bad - just different. Replies to this message: tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 12:03 pm) alexstore (Apr 30, 2008 3:56 am)
#6265 of 6844 Re: A week in a Max [captain2] by tjc78 Apr 29, 2008 (12:03 pm)
Replying to: captain2 (Apr 29, 2008 8:08 am) I don't think you will. Nissan will always tend to be a little on the sportier side of things while Toyota and Honda build the more conservative vehicles. The Maxima does compete with the Avalon, but instead of saying which one might be better I think the ultimate decision will come down to driver preference. Replies to this message: alexstore (Apr 30, 2008 3:56 am)
#6266 of 6844 Re: A week in a Max [tjc78] by alexstore Apr 30, 2008 (3:56 am)
Replying to: tjc78 (Apr 29, 2008 12:03 pm) I totally agree with you. As I wrote before, I had both Maxima and Avalon on my shopping list. Even though I still believe overall that Avalon is the best/ one of the best (if we include G8) car on this forum, Maxima met my needs in all aspects. Azera was not available at that time, but after driving / riding in one, even if it was available it did not offer me ( except for safety ), what I wanted in my car. Plus I never buy any car in its first year. Let some guys who like to pay more, spend time at the dealers fixing bugs.
#6267 of 6844 Re: 2010 Ford Taurus -- Half the Picture [cdmuile] by carolinabob Apr 30, 2008 (12:14 pm)
Replying to: cdmuile (Apr 14, 2008 5:38 pm) Thank goodness Hyundai did not buy Jaguar. Jag is pretty and runs fast, but has very low reliability and very high repair costs. It would not help Hyundai become a really big player to saddle itself with an expensive, low volume, unreliable car. Replies to this message: captain2 (May 01, 2008 6:00 am) tonycd (May 02, 2008 7:51 pm) MITCHREED (Jan 01, 2009 3:00 pm) rpfingsten (Jan 02, 2009 12:58 am)

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