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Midsize Sedans 2.0

13324 messages,  Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 5:42 PM

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


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#12732 of 13324
Re: Manuals in midsize cars [jeffyscott] by akirby
Jun 24, 2009 (7:49 am)
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Replying to: jeffyscott (Jun 24, 2009 5:20 am)

The only reason to buy a manual today is because you like them, for whatever reason (cheaper, less complicated, more fun, etc.). They no longer have performance or fuel economy advantages. I drove sticks for years but I don't want one as a daily driver in Atlanta traffic. I do want one in the mustang gt convertible I plan to buy in a few years but that won't be a daily driver.
 
Ford's powershift DSGs will show up first on the Fiesta. It's more fuel efficient than a regular 6 speed so it will be targeted at smaller cars. Larger versions that can handle more torque are on the way but nothing is confirmed beyond the Fiesta. I'd bet the Fusion won't see one before 2011 - they just have so many other things to work on first.
#12733 of 13324
Re: Manuals in midsize cars [akirby] by stephen987
Jun 24, 2009 (7:53 am)
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Replying to: akirby (Jun 24, 2009 7:49 am)

I agree that today's automatics are worlds beyond what was available even ten years ago. The best of them are finally approaching the immediate response of a manual.
 
But I'm not sure I'm ready to ditch the last manual in my stable and go automatics-only.
#12734 of 13324
Re: Toyota owns Subaru [jeffyscott] by m6user
Jun 24, 2009 (8:29 am)
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Replying to: jeffyscott (Jun 24, 2009 4:46 am)

"I'd pay $1000 extra and even more
 
Agreed. If they loved their sticks so much they wouldn't have a problem paying extra. The argument of why should I pay more for less is kind of like eating at a French restaurant, you get less but it is supposedly so much better that you shouldn't mind paying $100 a plate. It's called exclusivity. If the manufacturers thought they could sell em(at a profit) ....they'd make em.
#12735 of 13324
Re: Toyota owns Subaru [m6user] by acdii
Jun 24, 2009 (10:59 am)
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Replying to: m6user (Jun 24, 2009 8:29 am)

There may be some other factors as to why there are less models with a manual. CARB is one reason, since the computer cant control the driver, it may not be able to meet certain regulations, where an automatic that is computer controlled and regulated can meet those standards. Years ago a manual was standard, an automatic was an option, today it is more efficient to have an automatic and with only one transmission option, that means less stock on the assembly line, less overhead, etc. The automatic also doesn't need the clutch pedal, master/slave setup, etc. so less parts to supply, and less configurations of the main chassis to have.
 
You cant put a manual on an engine built for an automatic, so you would need engines designed for manuals, along with the associated PCM. The engine would have different linkages, different flywheel, and other accessories, so overall it is less expensive to a car line to stick with one transmission type on a car run, than to have a manual as an option.
#12736 of 13324
Re: Toyota owns Subaru [acdii] by m6user
Jun 24, 2009 (12:07 pm)
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Replying to: acdii (Jun 24, 2009 10:59 am)

The reverse is also true. If they can charge extra for an auto trans and make money they can do the reverse.
 
As far as CAFE is concerned, since most of the EPA numbers still show the manual trannies getting the same or better MPG I don't think that is of any consideration at this point. Could be in the future though. Right now I think it's strictly a demand thing that drives the production numbers.....not CAFE.
#12737 of 13324
Re: Toyota owns Subaru [elroy5] by lilengineerboy
Jun 24, 2009 (2:30 pm)
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Replying to: elroy5 (Jun 23, 2009 6:30 pm)

Slush boxes, as you call them, are better than they used to be. Many times they get better mileage than their manual counterparts. Today's computer controlled automatic transmission is hard to beat. Get with the program.
 
Oh good point. I will now just change my likes and wants to meet your paradigm. I stand corrected. /sarcasm
#12738 of 13324
Re: Manuals in midsize cars [akirby] by lilengineerboy
Jun 24, 2009 (2:32 pm)
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Replying to: akirby (Jun 24, 2009 7:49 am)

Ford's powershift DSGs will show up first on the Fiesta. It's more fuel efficient than a regular 6 speed so it will be targeted at smaller cars.
 
...replacing the "premium automatic" (read: slushbox) as that transmission can't hit the same fuel economy numbers
 
Larger versions that can handle more torque are on the way but nothing is confirmed beyond the Fiesta. I'd bet the Fusion won't see one before 2011 - they just have so many other things to work on first.
 
Volvo has it in Europe, slightly different but related transmission.
#12739 of 13324
I flew to Seattle on Thursday... by iluvmysephia1
Jun 24, 2009 (8:01 pm)
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and rented a 2009 Toyota Camry. In a nutshell the car is easy and safe and secure to drive. However, I found myself not liking the "floaty" suspension/handling package. The car is quiet at freeway speeds, has easy to steer steering, just it would wander off the road and hit those zip-strips near the road's fogline all of the time.
 
It did have a great stereo, and I had one of my favorite Foghat CD's and one of my favorite Guess Who CD's along on the trip with me, so that was very cool, to be able to rock out nicely. I drove two of my sisters and a friend of one of the sisters over to Kelowna, B.C. to see Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of Guess Who fame in concert at Kelowna's Prospera Place. Nice to have a "safe" driver to drive up there, as the show started at 7:30PM and got out at around 11:30PM, so it was pitch-black for the drive back to the Okanogan, WA, area one of my sisters has built a home at.
 
Overall I would give the 2009 Toyota Camry a score of 80 out of 100. For the more sportier handling I'd give a serious look at the 2009 Kia Optima, if I was interested in a car in this size-range. My 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS just handles too well and a big drop in handling as large as the Camry's would not cut it for me. I'd take a serious look at the Kia Optima, and from what I've heard, the midsize Optima would fit my bill perfectly. BTW-Kia is working on a new Optima-sized car right now codenamed the VG. So the Optima is under re-constructive surgery as I type this post out.
#12740 of 13324
Re: I flew to Seattle on Thursday... [iluvmysephia1] by akirby
Jun 25, 2009 (4:52 am)
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Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Jun 24, 2009 8:01 pm)

If I wanted better handling I think a Fusion, Mazda6 and Accord would be first on the list.
#12741 of 13324
Re: I flew to Seattle on Thursday... [akirby] by backy
Jun 25, 2009 (6:18 am)
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Replying to: akirby (Jun 25, 2009 4:52 am)

Yes, and maybe the Altima and Legacy also. The Optima does I think have a nice blend of handling and ride quality, more attuned for handling than the Sonata. If the Camry is too soft, the Optima might be more to their liking. Or even the Camry SE, or Sonata SE, with their handling upgrades.

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