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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18437 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 6:38 AM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda MAZDA6, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1028 of 1844

#10268 of 18437 Re: Ford - best in class fuel economy? [akirby] by igozoomzoom

Jul 24, 2008 (10:06 am)

Replying to: akirby (Jul 24, 2008 6:47 am)
It's quite possible that the 2010 Fusion/Milan with the new 2.5L 4-cylinder will match or even slightly beat the Accord and Camry 4-cylinder automatic models.
 
Accord and Camry models with the 4-cylinder/5-speed automatic powertrain have EPA mileage ratings of 21mpg city and 31mpg highway.
 
The 2.5L in '09 Mazda6 has EPA fuel economy ratings of 21 city (same as Camcord) and 30 highway (only one mpg behind Camcord).
 
The current Fusion 4-cylinder models weight about 200 pounds less than the new Mazda6, so that could have an impact. The Mazda's automatic transmission is most likely geared to strike a certain balance of performance and economy...with an emphasis on performance in keeping with Mazda's "Zoom-Zoom" image. If that's the case, Ford could gear it toward better fuel economy. Even better, they could follow Chevrolet's lead with the Malibu LTZ and match a 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission to achieve significantly higher fuel economy!
 
I'm anxious to see how it turns out when the 2010 models hit the road early next year. If the 2.5L Fusion has EPA ratings that do exceed the Accord and Camry- WHERE DO I PICK UP MY ORDER FORM??? =)

#10269 of 18437 Ford is impressing with plans by moocow1

Jul 24, 2008 (10:07 am)

Of course plans don't mean reality. I expect at least a few of these plans to be delayed, too much on the plate at once. However if they pull off having high fuel economy cars with good engines, 6 speed autos, good european driving dynamics. I gotta say I will be MAJORLY impressed. Long long ago, I once considered a focus. This could finally push me to at least look again at something.
 
Of course regarding the mid-size cars, the range of fuel economy is damn small. Generally we're looking at 20-22 city and 30-32 highway, if ford gets 23/33, I'm not gonna be particularly impressed with a 1mpg advantage over sonata(The best fuel economy right now for non-hybrid! woohoo!) If they pull off like 25/35, that would be a major midsize advantage over any other.

#10270 of 18437 Re: Ford is impressing with plans [moocow1] by akirby

Jul 24, 2008 (10:27 am)

Replying to: moocow1 (Jul 24, 2008 10:07 am)
These aren't "plans" - the cars hit the factory floor in just over 4 months. And all Fulans get 6 speed transmissions - manual, automatic, I4, V6. That's one advantage they'll have over the others.
 
Ford never had direction to achieve best in class fuel economy - it was never as important as emissions and other priorities. Obviously that's changed. Here is a quote from Ford product chief Kuzack:
 
It's all part of a mandate by Ford product chief Derrick Kuzak: When the company significantly changes a vehicle and updates its powertrain, fuel economy must be best in class.
 
"When we have new powertrains in a new vehicle, why would we have an expectation of anything less than being equal to or better than anything the competition is offering?"

#10271 of 18437 Re: Top Ten Sellers for June [louiswei] by thegraduate

Jul 24, 2008 (10:33 am)

Replying to: louiswei (Jul 24, 2008 7:55 am)
In my head, a nameplate's sales are a nameplate's sales (Corolla, Matrix, Accord). That Toyota calls them different things is their choice. Obviously not everyone thinks like I do.
 
I didn't intend to imply that it was wrong.

#10272 of 18437 Re: Ford is impressing with plans [moocow1] by thegraduate

Jul 24, 2008 (10:37 am)

Replying to: moocow1 (Jul 24, 2008 10:07 am)
22/33 for the 2009 Malibu is on its way (See It Here) I'm not sure what changed from the 2008 to the 2009 model to get the extra 1 MPG. The 6-speed 2.4L put the 2008 Malibu at 22/32. Where'd the extra mileage come from for 2009?

#10273 of 18437 Re: Ford - best in class fuel economy? [akirby] by backy

Jul 24, 2008 (10:49 am)

Replying to: akirby (Jul 24, 2008 8:57 am)
What do you consider "mainstream"? The Optima, for example, outsold the Aura, Mazda6, Milan, and Passat last month--most of those by a large margin. Even the Galant is only 3,000 units behind the Passat YTD. Is mainstream only Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion, Malibu, and Sonata?

#10274 of 18437 Re: Ford - best in class fuel economy? [kdshapiro] by backy

Jul 24, 2008 (10:51 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Jul 24, 2008 9:03 am)
Well, if it's any consolation, I believed you.
 
I was getting 37+ mpg on that Milan I4 AT on the highway on my trip, so I can certainly see an Accord getting 38 mpg on the highway under certain conditions.

#10275 of 18437 Re: Ford - best in class fuel economy? [backy] by akirby

Jul 24, 2008 (11:08 am)

Replying to: backy (Jul 24, 2008 10:49 am)
Is mainstream only Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion, Malibu, and Sonata?
 
To me - yes. Not trying to imply anything except the frame of reference for my statements.

#10276 of 18437 Re: Ford - best in class fuel economy? [backy] by thegraduate

Jul 24, 2008 (11:12 am)

Replying to: backy (Jul 24, 2008 10:51 am)
I was getting 37+ mpg on that Milan I4 AT on the highway on my trip, so I can certainly see an Accord getting 38 mpg on the highway under certain conditions.
 
The "certain conditions" are what are so important. You can't get such mileage at 80 MPH with 4 people and the A/C cranked, running with winter blend 10% Ethanol.
 
You CAN however at 70mph, alone, A/C, with the cruise set.
 
I'm convinced that 90% of people could improve their economy by an easy 10% if they'd do nothing but drive when in the car; paying attention to lights and how fast they NEEDED to accelerate, not how fast they have to accelerate to be at the front of the pack on the six lane highway.

#10277 of 18437 Re: Ford - best in class fuel economy? [thegraduate] by akirby

Jul 24, 2008 (11:26 am)

Replying to: thegraduate (Jul 24, 2008 11:12 am)
And for city driving - coasting whenever possible. You'd be surprised how much you can coast if you start paying attention.
 
But let's not go overboard and start hyper-miling - pushing the car, taking corners too fast, coasting well below the speed limit and flow of traffic.

Messages Page 1028 of 1844

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