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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18202 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2013 at 8:12 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

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 1264 of 1821

#12631 of 18202 Re: Fusion [benjaminh] by maxamillion85

May 21, 2009 (7:22 am)

Replying to: benjaminh (May 21, 2009 4:49 am)
If you are talking new Passat Sedans...they are automatic only for 09 on out. If you are talking Passat CC, only the base "Sport" model is avaiable with a manual.
 
I went and tried building an Altima 2.5S with pkgs similar to mz6user's...it seems the only option you can get on the Altima 2.5S now is the Convenience pkg. The Convenience pkg and the Connection pkg (new to the 2.5S w/o "SL" pkg for 09) is only available with the CVT. If you want alloys and a sunroof, you've got to step it all the way up to the 3.5SE and then you're forced to take Leather, Navigation and other options.
 
I've seen maybe ONE manual transmission Altima from the current generation. When I got my 05 Altima back in 2004 manual Altimas were rare, but you could find them. Its a dying market, but like a few of you here I prefer the feel and fun of a manual transmission. I just hope they at least keep offering the stick shift on the Accord EX and EX-L...for some reason I think eventually even Honda will drop it, especially since Mazda is dropping the 6spd manual on the i GT models for 2010.
 

#12632 of 18202 Also... by maxamillion85

May 21, 2009 (7:36 am)

...has anyone read the Passat CC vs. Mazda6 comparison done by Edmunds? It's an interesting read. Both cars are autos though.

#12633 of 18202 no manual on Passat by benjaminh

May 21, 2009 (8:19 am)

So, the Passat doesn't have a manual, and yet the Fusion and Camry offer 6 speed manuals on their base models???? The world has turned upside down. Awesome for Fusion and Camry. Pathetic for Passat.

#12634 of 18202 Re: no manual on Passat [benjaminh] by backy

May 21, 2009 (8:48 am)

Replying to: benjaminh (May 21, 2009 8:19 am)
I think it's more about trying to simplify the Passat lineup to reduce cost (and price) vs. neglecting stick shift lovers. Or it could be that VW has reviewed the industry's sales numbers and they know that few sticks are sold on mid-sized sedans. I'd be interested to know just how many stick-equipped mid-sized family sedans are sold in the U.S. in a year, compared to total sales.
 
We'll have to see if the all-new VW mid-sizer to be made in the U.S. has a broader lineup, with a stick available.

#12635 of 18202 Re: Fusion [benjaminh] by mcdawgg

May 21, 2009 (9:37 am)

Replying to: benjaminh (May 21, 2009 5:10 am)
Mine is an '07 and the best I've got all flat highway, light wind, 72 mph is 32.4 mpg.
 
Normally, going back and forth to work I get 31 mpg, mix of highway(60%)/city (40%).
 
The 2010's new I-4 engine is a little quicker and larger, but it gets an EPA of 1 additional MPG vs. the '07-09 Camry. That's pretty good. The Camry with the old I-4 has always done well in acceleration vs. the competition, so the 2010 will be even better.
 
I bought it when the Camrys were pretty new (2007 was the first year of this generation), and I paid $18k (not including tax). Back then, it was an OK deal, but then the economy was still OK then too. Now, you can get 2009 manual Camrys (base model) for $16,500, including the $1,000 rebate that they have in most areas. Note mine is a CE (now called base), so no keyless or power seat. I still think it is great for the money, and it allows you to have a quiet, smooth, & efficient family hauler that is just a little fun because of the stick shift.
 
I'd like to get a 2010 or 2011 with the 6 speed manual to replace our old car (not the '07 Camry), but I'll have to convince the "better" half.

#12636 of 18202 Re: Fusion [mcdawgg] by benjaminh

May 21, 2009 (10:07 am)

Replying to: mcdawgg (May 21, 2009 9:37 am)
Wow. Your real world mpg seems to be slightly better than for my 08 Accord manual. My latest mpg from the trip computer (c.40% hwy 60% city) is c. 27 mpg. The most I've gotten on the hwy (c. 75 mph, ac running, 4 passengers, fully loaded with luggage) is 31mpg, and I often get 30 or even 29+.

#12637 of 18202 Re: no manual on Passat [backy] by benjaminh

May 21, 2009 (10:21 am)

Replying to: backy (May 21, 2009 8:48 am)
I don't see how VW can spin this. It's just pathetic. Doesn't BWM have a manual even on its 5 series, or have they phased it out?

#12638 of 18202 Re: no manual on Passat [backy] by jeffyscott

May 21, 2009 (11:18 am)

Replying to: backy (May 21, 2009 8:48 am)
I would guess that for midsize sedans the numbers are below average, and average is now only 7% to begin with:
 
As recently as 1985, more than 50 percent of male car buyers said they wanted a stick shift. Last year, only 11 percent did, according to market researchers, and sales totaled 7 percent of the new car market.
 
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/economy/story/66604.html

#12639 of 18202 Re: no manual on Passat [benjaminh] by stephen987

May 21, 2009 (11:45 am)

Replying to: benjaminh (May 21, 2009 10:21 am)
I don't see how VW can spin this. It's just pathetic.
 
I can't tell if it means they're phasing out manual transmissions in general, or if it means they're de-emphasizing the role of the Passat in their US lineup. I think it only comes in one trim level now. . . so maybe they're making room for the P to move upmarket, and the new midsize that will be built in the US will take the role of more direct competition for the Accord, et al.

#12640 of 18202 manuals by benjaminh

May 21, 2009 (6:21 pm)

I don't think you can't get a manual on an Acura TL or Volvo V40 now either. A couple of years ago I think a manual was available on both of these models.
 
Interesting that you can now get a manual on the Cadillac CTS...

Messages Page 1264 of 1821

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