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Midsize Sedans 2.0

13143 messages,  Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 6:29 PM

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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, Saturn Aura, Car Comparisons, Sedan

#10761 of 13143 Re: help me choose a sedan [nick_22] by stephen987 Sep 13, 2008 (1:13 pm)
Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 12:42 pm) If those are the top priority, look at the Sonata and the Accord first.
#10762 of 13143 Re: help me choose a sedan [stephen987] by bhmr59 Sep 13, 2008 (1:16 pm)
Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 13, 2008 12:23 pm) Another option, if our young friend lives in one of the hghly competitive areas, is the Hyundai Azera, It's only about 3 inches longer than the Sonata and is just loaded with features. Azera Limited (without Ultimate pkg) is easily available for under $25 in the competitive areas. Replies to this message: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 1:19 pm) stephen987 (Sep 13, 2008 2:05 pm) aqua33v6 (Sep 13, 2008 5:21 pm) ergsum (Sep 15, 2008 9:52 am) moocow1 (Sep 15, 2008 3:17 pm)
#10763 of 13143 Re: help me choose a sedan [bhmr59] by nick_22 Sep 13, 2008 (1:19 pm)
Replying to: bhmr59 (Sep 13, 2008 1:16 pm) the Azera is registered as a full-size sedan, so I'm not really sure about it's price or mileage, but I'll check it out nonetheless   oh yeah, and the Sonata has gotten horrible reviews from some of the sites I've been on   as well, I've heard good things about the Ford Mondeo, but apparently, it's only available in Europe, is that true? Replies to this message: stephen987 (Sep 13, 2008 2:05 pm) aqua33v6 (Sep 13, 2008 5:21 pm) ergsum (Sep 15, 2008 9:52 am) moocow1 (Sep 15, 2008 3:17 pm)
#10764 of 13143 Re: help me choose a sedan [nick_22] by stephen987 Sep 13, 2008 (2:05 pm)
Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 1:19 pm) Nick_22,   Yes, the Mondeo is a European-market car and unavailable in the US. That doesn't stop many US automotive writers from being envious though.   I would second the idea of taking a look at the Hyundai Azera. The Ford Taurus is also worth examining if interior room is a top priority.   As those who have been following this forum for a long time can attest, the idea of a "midsize sedan" is difficult to define. For many of us, the real question is "of the sedans I can buy for $25k, which one suits me best?" Fuel economy is often similar--compare the midsize Ford Fusion V6 to the fullsize Ford Taurus and you'll get a surprise--the Taurus, a bigger car with a bigger engine, still gets the same city mileage and better highway mileage according to EPA.   I'd be interested to see where you found negative reviews of the Sonata--pretty much everything I've seen about the current version is very positive, including reviews at Edmunds.com, Car & Driver, Consumer Reports, and various syndicated automotive columns.
#10765 of 13143 Re: help me choose a sedan [nick_22] by aqua33v6 Sep 13, 2008 (5:21 pm)
Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 1:19 pm) I own a 2006 Sonata GLS V6 and I've been very happy with it so far. It has just under 25K miles on it. I can't recall reading any "horrible" Sonata reviews... and I've read reviews by all the major auto mags. The 2006/07/08 Sonatas are right up there with the Camry and Accord in regards to overall quality and refinement. The 2009's are even better - nicer interior, best in class EPA, etc. You might be surprised if you test drive one.
#10766 of 13143 Re: help me choose a sedan [nick_22] by backy Sep 13, 2008 (5:30 pm)
Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 6:28 am) I was wondering if people on these forums could help me narrow it down to the top 3 based on space, build quality, equipment, safety, value, and driving performance...   You didn't mention "style", which I applaud you for but let's be realistic, you're 17 so I'll bet style counts for something here, right? You also didn't say what kind of "equipment" is most important to you. If you drive in the snow a lot, for example, that might tilt AWD cars like the Legacy, Fusion, and Milan in your favor.   You didn't mention "fuel economy" in your list. But unless your folks are going to help you buy gas, I'd think that is important to you too.   But anyway.... based on your list, plus the assumption that fuel economy and style both count for something, here's my top 3:   * Sonata SE I4: Perhaps the best value in the segment, a fine blend of handling and ride, one of the roomiest interiors and trunks, tons of standard safety equipment, sharp interior and decent exterior, and a peppy but economical I4.   * Mazda6 I4: Perhaps the sharpest looks in the segment, good power with decent if not great fuel economy, good blend of ride comfort and handling, lots of standard safety equipment, one of the roomiest interiors and trunks in the class, and lots of equipment available. Also the newest design in the class, so it won't be old very soon.   * Accord LX-P: Roomiest interior in the class, great reputation for quality and reliability, good blend of ride and handling, great resale value, peppy engine (EX has a little more power than LX-P) with good fuel economy, BMW-esque exterior, has all the basic features you need, great standard safety features and crash protection.   Another interesting choice would be the Passat. You could probably find a closeout 2008 for under $25k. Doesn't have the same reputation for reliability as do cars like the Accord and Sonata, but has great power, handling, build quality, and safety, and VWs tend to hold their value.
#10767 of 13143 Re: tough decision/dilema [hp6130] by mickeyrom Sep 14, 2008 (3:44 am)
Replying to: hp6130 (Mar 20, 2008 10:32 am) So you eliminated the Sonata...care to say why? I love Sonatas and KIA Optimas,so when someone does not like them I am curious why that is. Replies to this message: moparbad (Sep 14, 2008 9:25 am)
#10768 of 13143 Re: tough decision/dilema [mickeyrom] by moparbad Sep 14, 2008 (9:25 am)
Replying to: mickeyrom (Sep 14, 2008 3:44 am) Sonata reminds me of a Buick with it's soft suspension, uninspiring handling and soft seats. Sonata is even more Buick-like than Camry.
#10769 of 13143 Re: help me choose a sedan [nick_22] by oldcem Sep 14, 2008 (6:56 pm)
Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 12:42 pm) I went through this same exercise last March. At it's pricepoint I couldn't find anything that could match Saturn Aura. There's now a black Aura XE3.5 in my driveway. I've put 13K miles on it so far (business travel) and have been very satisfied with the car. It's quiet, roomy, and delivers excellent fuel economy on my long business trips. The performanceof mine (219hp) is about the same as the Ford Fusion 3.0. However, The Aura offers a higher hp V6 (3.6) in the XR Model that's significantly quicker than mine, and, class competitive. Suggest you give it a test drive.   Regards: Oldengineer
#10770 of 13143 Toyota Camry 2.7L? by thegraduate Sep 15, 2008 (8:32 am)
Will the Camry be getting the 2.7L from the Highlander in the 2010 refresh? It'd make sense to me. The current 2.4L is a little lacking based on personal experience with a 2.4L Camry LE. It had to downshift on very modest grades at 60 MPH with three average-weight people aboard. Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Sep 15, 2008 8:38 am) thegraduate (Sep 15, 2008 8:52 am) lucky_777 (Sep 15, 2008 8:57 am) thegraduate (Sep 15, 2008 9:14 am) lucky_777 (Sep 15, 2008 9:56 am) and 4 more... stephen987 (Sep 15, 2008 9:27 am)

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