You are here: Forums Sedans Midsize Sedans 2.0

Midsize Sedans 2.0

13216 messages,  Last post on Nov 22, 2009 at 11:04 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

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

#11464 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by bpizzuti Jan 14, 2009 (3:26 am)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 6:48 pm) In that case I would seriously recommend to you the Lincoln Town Car or Mercury Marquis. That seems to be the road feel you're looking for if you find a Camry too firm (most of us who have experienced Camrys associate them with the old Buick plushie-ride...BTW Buick is a lot more road-connected these days too).   When the 2010 Fusion comes out in a month or two it's going to have improved horsepower on both engines, but I DON'T know if they're making changes to the suspension. Also, test-drive the BASE wheel size in a vehicle...a lot of times upgrades get plus-size wheels which lowers the tire profile.   A CAMRY too firm...now I've heard it all. Replies to this message: 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)
#11465 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [bpizzuti] by mickeyrom Jan 14, 2009 (4:53 am)
Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 14, 2009 3:26 am) My Optima is a bit too firm for me too,but one gets used to it.
#11466 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [bpizzuti] by imidazol97 Jan 14, 2009 (5:18 am)
Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 14, 2009 3:26 am) >Also, test-drive the BASE wheel size in a vehicle...a lot of times upgrades get plus-size wheels which lowers the tire profile.    >A CAMRY too firm...now I've heard it all.   But be sure to test drive in the model you intend to purchase. If I understand, the Camry LE is softer and more Buick-like (I own two) while the SE is firmer. I had driven an SE when last shopping in 02.   Watch the tire pressure on the vehicle you test drive. Having the tires low or high can confuse your perception of whether the ride and drive is as you yourself would prefer. Replies to this message: venture (Jan 14, 2009 7:25 pm)
#11467 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [bpizzuti] by jeffyscott Jan 14, 2009 (6:58 am)
Replying to: bpizzuti (Jan 14, 2009 3:26 am) A CAMRY too firm...now I've heard it all.   and yet he said "I really like the ride on the Fusion"   I did not even test drive a Camry, as my assumption has always been that it is among the softest riding and vaguest handling cars (I also did not like the seat, anyway...so no need to drive one).   I'd have guessed the Fusion would be above (or below, depending on your desires) the Accord in terms firmness of ride. In any case, whatever the order between those two, I'm very surprised that someone who feels an Accord is too stiff and did not find the Camry to be different enough from the Accord, would like the Fusion's ride.
#11468 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [imidazol97] by venture Jan 14, 2009 (7:25 pm)
Replying to: imidazol97 (Jan 14, 2009 5:18 am) Watch the tire pressure on the vehicle you test drive. Having the tires low or high can confuse your perception of whether the ride and drive is as you yourself would prefer.   That's a mouthful.   When I picked up my Mazda6s GT it rode very firm. Now I like a firm ride, but this was starting to worry me. Every pavement joint was a jolt.   I checked the air pressure and each tire had 43 pounds of air. I lowered them all to 32 psi, which is what they are supposed to be, and now it's juuuust right.   I would guess that many cars driven on test drives have not had the complete PDI done yet, or they missed that part.
#11469 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by explorerx4 Jan 14, 2009 (7:36 pm)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 13, 2009 6:48 pm) as a ford guy, i would say wait a bit longer then try out the fusion with the 2.5 4cyl with the 6 speed auto. i have an 07 awd and i really like how the 6 speed works. the fusion ride is a bit soft for me and rolls too much in the corners. between my wife and i we had 3 taurii, but they were all sho's.
#11470 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions by starryknight Jan 14, 2009 (7:42 pm)
Now now. If everyone had the same preferences in ride quality, everyone would be buying pretty much the same car, wouldn't they?? Everyone has their own perceptions and opinions of what is soft and what is firm and I respect that. When I read reviews on Edmunds, KBB, Car & Driver, etc and read that they concluded the ride to be very plush on cars like the Camry, Impala, Azera, etc, and that these cars had the tendancy to bounce and bob going over dips on the highway, my perception was that they would be similar to the cars of the 80's. I was just a little suprised (and maybe a little disappointed) that they weren't really that soft, that's all. I really don't want to go the large car route, like the Grand Marquis or the more expensive Town Car. That's really too big, even though I would probably come closer in achieving my objective, plus I don't want RWD. As far as Buicks go, I haven't actually driven one in probably 15 - 20 years. They have never been a car I've been drawn to but maybe I'll try one out. And, bpizutti, I never said the Camry's ride was "too firm". I said the ride was a bit softer than my Accord but not enough so that I would be willing to lose a few thousand trading it in. Reading everyone's input and opinions, it looks like I won't find that perfect ride but will have to make some compromises instead. I do appreciate and respect everyone's input in this discussion. Thanks Replies to this message: explorerx4 (Jan 14, 2009 8:06 pm) bwia (Jan 15, 2009 5:29 am) jeffyscott (Jan 15, 2009 7:20 am)
#11471 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by explorerx4 Jan 14, 2009 (8:06 pm)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 14, 2009 7:42 pm) after all that, you better let us know what you decide! Replies to this message: bwia (Jan 15, 2009 5:29 am)
#11472 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [explorerx4] by bwia Jan 15, 2009 (5:29 am)
Replying to: explorerx4 (Jan 14, 2009 8:06 pm) The Chevy Malibu LS (16" tires) comes close to the plush and quiet ride you are so desirous of. Unfortunately, the 2009 Mallibu comes with 17 inchers so I not sure if the ride characteristics are the same as the 2008.
#11473 of 13216 Re: Wanted - Softer Suspensions [starryknight] by jeffyscott Jan 15, 2009 (7:20 am)
Replying to: starryknight (Jan 14, 2009 7:42 pm) they concluded the ride to be very plush...these cars had the tendancy to bounce and bob going over dips on the highway, my perception was that they would be similar to the cars of the 80's. I was just a little suprised (and maybe a little disappointed) that they weren't really that soft, that's all.   If you are looking for a land barge, maybe an older car that was soft to start with and has softened up even more with age would be appealing. My 1997 Windstar floats and jiggles and jostles it's way down the road, I like to make barge-like foghorn noises while driving it . I'm sure it was always soft, but I think it is even more so now than when it was new.   If a new Camry doesn't do it, maybe a 10 year old one would give you that (lack of) feel that you seek .   You could look into softer tires, some who like a soft ride have referred to Goodyear Comfort tread tires.

You are here: Forums Sedans Midsize Sedans 2.0