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Midsize Sedans 2.0

13213 messages,  Last post on Nov 22, 2009 at 1:40 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, Saturn Aura, Car Comparisons, Sedan

#11453 of 13213 Wanted - Softer Suspensions by starryknight Jan 13, 2009 (5:09 pm)
I'd like to start another discussion regarding the suspensions in midsize cars. My beef is this.....in recent years, I've found there to be a growing lack of soft suspensions in midsized (and even a few larger) cars. I used to have a 2000 Ford Taurus and that car had a very nice, soft suspension. It soaked up bumps and handled potholes like a trooper and I had no handling issues. I traded it in for a 2007 Accord. What a difference! I knew the suspension was stiffer but thought I could get used to it but, after a year and a half, I'm looking to trade again. Just can't take it any longer. I feel EVERY small crack in the road and forget about potholes. When one of those babies comes along, it feels like the front end is being ripped out (you can't avoid them all). What ever happened to the nice, soft, cushy suspensions like what we could get 20-30 years ago. I understand the newer "sport tuned" suspensions make the car safer and more stable but really now. Family sedans are supposed to be comfortable. I, for one, would like those cars to go back to super soft suspensions and leave the stiff, sporty suspensions to the corvettes of the world. Let's discuss Replies to this message: backy (Jan 13, 2009 5:24 pm) mz6greyghost (Jan 13, 2009 5:49 pm) bpizzuti (Jan 13, 2009 6:08 pm) starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 6:48 pm) thegraduate (Jan 13, 2009 6:53 pm) backy (Jan 13, 2009 7:23 pm) bpizzuti (Jan 14, 2009 3:26 am) and 4 more... explorerx4 (Jan 14, 2009 7:36 pm)
#11454 of 13213 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by backy Jan 13, 2009 (5:24 pm)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 5:09 pm) Well, you happened to choose a car with one of the firmest, "feel every pebble" suspensions in mid-sized sedan country. But there's hope! The suspension of the 2008+ Accord is softer than the previous generation's. For what you want, I think you'll find it more to your liking. Other mid-sizers with a smooth ride are the Camry (possibly the best in terms of smoothness), the Fulan (very nice blend of ride smoothness and handling), and the Sonata (GLS or Limited trim; SE has a stiffer suspension). The Malibu and Aura are supposed to ride quite nicely also but I haven't driven them. Personally I also like the ride of the Optima; like the Fusion, a nice blend of ride smoothness and handling. I also like the way the Mazda6 rides and drives, but it may be too stiff for your taste--you could try it and see though.   Try some of those, maybe starting with the 2008-9 Accord to compare it to what you have now, then the Camry to compare with a car optimized for ride smoothness above all else.
#11455 of 13213 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by mz6greyghost Jan 13, 2009 (5:49 pm)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 5:09 pm) The only car up your alley would be the Camry, any model except the SE.   Not to be sarcastic, but have you considered a Buick, notably the LaCrosse?
#11456 of 13213 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by bpizzuti Jan 13, 2009 (6:08 pm)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 5:09 pm) May I suggest a nice Ford Crown Victoria then?   Soft suspensions went away partially because of the safety factor (as relates to handling and accident avoidance) but also because fewer and fewer people wanted them. Now there ARE some sedans that are softer than the Accord you drove...it's one of the firmer ones, along with Mazda and Nissan (though Nissan is probably a bit softer than the other two). Softies tend to include, as mentioned, Hyundai Sonata (non-SE), Toyota Camry, and Chevy Malibu from what I hear, but even those are firmer than the 20-30 year old cars you're yearning for.   Fact is, the marshmallowy ride is disappearing because most people don't want it anymore, for the very reasons you mentioned: safety and stability. The more disconnected you are from the road, the harder it is to notice when you're losing control (and the harder it is to stay in control in the first place). Replies to this message: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 6:48 pm) thegraduate (Jan 13, 2009 6:53 pm) backy (Jan 13, 2009 7:23 pm) bpizzuti (Jan 14, 2009 3:26 am) mickeyrom (Jan 14, 2009 4:53 am) imidazol97 (Jan 14, 2009 5:18 am) and 1 more... jeffyscott (Jan 14, 2009 6:58 am) explorerx4 (Jan 14, 2009 7:36 pm)
#11457 of 13213 by madpistol Jan 13, 2009 (6:13 pm)
Buick or Toyota get my vote. Nearly all of the cars in both brands are plush and supple. Any sort of Hyundai usually has very "vague" steering feel and a plush ride as well.   Both Toyota and Hyundai have "sporty" models on their car lot as well, and you should probably avoid those. They usually have much firmer suspensions.   On another subject, I'm pretty sure I know why most car manufacturers are starting to tune their cars on the sportier side of driving. One of the reasons is road feel; it gives most drivers a sense of control when they know what they're driving on. It also makes the car more fun for day-to-day driving. The other reason as you mentioned is safety. If the car's driver knows what they're driving on, it will usually stave off hypnotism more because it keeps the drivers interested in the ride.   This is coming from experience. I used to own a Toyota Solara. One of the biggest problems I had in that car was the tendency to become drowsy while driving. I think this was mainly because I was not focused on the road, and the soft suspension seemed to lull me while driving. On the flip side, I now own a Nissan Altima, which has a firmer suspension and more communicative steering wheel. Because of this, I find it easier to keep myself concentrated on the drive. Thus, I am less likely to become drowsy. From my experience, I believe the Altima is the safer car simply because I'm more involved in the drive than I was in the Solara... Of course, 6 air-bags and a 5-star crash rating don't hurt the Altima's safety either.   That should explain why most cars are starting to strike a balance between comfort and sport. It has also been proven that MOST people like a car that is fun to drive.   BTW, I have an '08 Altima 2.5 S model, and even though it's firm, The car has never bottomed out or boomed on pot holes like you explained on your Accord. It might be worth it for you to take a look at it.
#11458 of 13213 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [bpizzuti] by starryknight Jan 13, 2009 (6:48 pm)
Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 13, 2009 6:08 pm) Thank you all for your input. I didn't want to make my original post too long to start with, so here's what I've experienced so far with other cars I've test driven.   2008 Accord LXP 4 cyl 2009 Camry Ltd 6 cyl 2008 Azera Ltd 6 cyl 2009 Malibu LT 4 & 6 cyl 2009 Impala LT 6 cyl 2008 Fusion 4 & 6 cyl 2008 Altima S 4 cyl   These are the cars that most review sites claimed to have the softest suspensions (maybe except the Malibu). At the time (1-1/2 years ago), the Accord was too expensive and I'm not sure I like it enough to buy another one anyway. The suspensions on the Camry, Azera and Impala were similar and were a little softer but not enough so that would make me lose a few thousand dollars trading my accord in for them. I really like the ride on the Fusion the best but I found the 4 cyl too weak and the 6 cyl had less hp and worse mpg than the others. The Altima, in my opinion, was not much softer than my Accord. I think maybe if they could, at least, put in struts/shocks that have more travel. That might make all the difference. Driving position is also important to me and my accord SE, w/o the power seats, is not comfortable to me. My Taurus had P/S. From the test drives, the most comfortable driving positions I experienced were in order........ Azera, Impala, Fusion, Malibu, Altima, Accord, Camry. So, I'm not sure what I'm going to go with if I can't find something with a ride like a 1967 Pontiac Bonneville. Just kidding....I'm not really interested in RWD's either. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Jan 13, 2009 6:53 pm) backy (Jan 13, 2009 7:23 pm) bpizzuti (Jan 14, 2009 3:26 am) mickeyrom (Jan 14, 2009 4:53 am) imidazol97 (Jan 14, 2009 5:18 am) venture (Jan 14, 2009 7:25 pm) jeffyscott (Jan 14, 2009 6:58 am) explorerx4 (Jan 14, 2009 7:36 pm)
#11459 of 13213 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by thegraduate Jan 13, 2009 (6:53 pm)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 6:48 pm) Its not a midsize sedan, but might I suggest a NEW Taurus? My folks wanted a comfortable car for driving from Gulf Shores, AL to Birmingham, AL (a trip they make very regularly). They decided on the Taurus because they could get a Taurus SEL with 263hp, Leather, Sync, Convenience Pkg, etc... for cheaper than the local Honda dealer would sell them an LX 4-cyl Accord. $22k out-the-door earlier in the year.   I own two Accords, and recommended the Taurus to them. Its obviously a softer car, with lighter steering and a softer suspension, but it is also very very quiet, and a "safe" handler, if not a canyon-carver.   Check it out.
#11460 of 13213 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by backy Jan 13, 2009 (7:23 pm)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 6:48 pm) Wait a few weeks... then the 2010 Fusion and Milan will be out, with a more powerful but more economical I4--plus a hybrid variant with power between the I4 and V6 and great fuel economy for a mid-sized sedan.   OTOH, if you liked the Impala, you can get a super deal right now on a closeout 2008 or, better yet, a slightly used 2008 (which I have seen advertised starting around $11k--you can likely get more than that for your 2007 Accord!). Another option is a 2008 Sonata, again available for around $11k with low miles and 3+ years of warranty left. So price should not be an issue if you want a smoother ride.
#11461 of 13213 Suspension and ride by imidazol97 Jan 13, 2009 (7:38 pm)
I'm glad to read the discussion about the good and bad of various suspension types. I too prefer a suspension that doesn't tranmit each pebble through the tires to the car seat. I like to travel for 7 hours and arrive feeling comfortable.   The tire profile and type of tire is also a big factor. I dread picking a next car because many have lower profile tires which transmit more road shock. I like a suspension that has control but is able to absorb. But when the wheels and tires are low height, a lot more is going to come through.   In some brands, going up to fancier, better equipped models also means a change in tire profile and ride.   I had a Mustang Pace Car that had the early Michelin TRX tires that were lower profile and I realized then how much the tires contribute to the irritation of tar strips and slight bumps that get tiring after a while, and that's only my opinion. Replies to this message: backy (Jan 13, 2009 8:24 pm)
#11462 of 13213 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions by starryknight Jan 13, 2009 (8:13 pm)
I couldn't agree more about the lower profile tires. I guess that's another beef I have with the more recent cars. I prefer a good 6"+ between the wheels and the road. 17"+ wheels are just too big for my liking. My Taurus had 16" and that's as big as I want to go.   Backy, I knew I forgot a car that I did test drive a couple of years ago, which was a Sonata, both the 4 & 6 cyl. I remember the ride being smooth and I liked the power of the V6 but still had the same issue with strut travel.....bottoming out with potholes and also sometimes going over speed bumps, etc. Also, I've been reading about too many people having issues with noisy suspensions on these cars. Not really sure what's up with that, though.

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