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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18168 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2013 at 7:40 PM

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 1555 of 1817

#15539 of 18168 Re: 2011 Altima 2.5s vs 2011 VW Jetta Wagen vs 2011 Ford Fusion SE [jeffyscott] by huddler

Sep 05, 2010 (7:45 am)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Sep 03, 2010 11:11 am)
I appreciate the 3 or 4 replies that I received to my post. Thanks guys! I plan to test drive all 3 vehicles once they get some 2011 models in stock. Not sure when I can expect that to happen but I assume within the next month or so.
 
I am a little curious about this comment regarding the 2011 Jetta being "cheapened". What does that mean exactly? Thanks in advance.

#15540 of 18168 Re: 2011 Altima 2.5s vs 2011 VW Jetta Wagen vs 2011 Ford Fusion SE [huddler] by jeffyscott

Sep 05, 2010 (7:52 am)

Replying to: huddler (Sep 05, 2010 7:45 am)
Note that the "cheapened" comment did not apply to the 2011 sportwagen. The 2011 wagon and sedan will now be completely different models as is the 2011 Golf.
 
You should find plenty of info by searching for "2011 Jetta", here is one review from our hosts here at edmunds:
 
http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/jetta/2011/testdrive.html

#15541 of 18168 Re: Accord or Avalon [akirby] by acdii

Sep 05, 2010 (9:03 am)

Replying to: akirby (Sep 04, 2010 12:18 pm)
I test drove the MKZ, I own the sport, other then a slightly quieter ride, they handled the same and had the same get up and go. The seat comfort in the MKZ is slightly better than the Sport, but so is the seat comfort in the SEL, The SEL and MKZ have the same seat design, but MKZ has higher quality leather. The Sport seats are different than all the other models in the Fusion/Milan/MKZ. The all had the same features, Sync, Nav, etc. the MKZ has the THX sound system, while the Fusion has the Sony, and from what others have said in other forums, the Sony sounds better than the THX. Under the hood, the MKZ and Sport use the same engine/drive train, with the Sport having a slightly better tuned suspension for handling. So, other than cosmetic changes, no, not exaggerating.
 
Now if I were to be buying a used car, I would look for a 2009 and up MKZ, more for the comfort of the seats than anything else, the one thing about the Sport is the seat cushion is a bit short for my thigh so the stitching presses against a nerve if I sit a certain way, but the seat back is more supportive, so its a draw.

#15542 of 18168 Re: 2011 Altima 2.5s vs 2011 VW Jetta Wagen vs 2011 Ford Fusion SE [jeffyscott] by backy

Sep 05, 2010 (9:59 am)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Sep 05, 2010 7:52 am)
Also a good review on the 2011 Jetta in October's C/D. They go into detail on how the 2011 Jetta is different than the current model, e.g. beam rear suspension, starter engine the ancient 115 hp 2.0L vs. the 2.5 I5, cheaper interior bits, no power seat. I think they said it is returning to hydraulic steering though. And much roomier inside--such that it probably is now in the EPA mid-sized class along with compacts like the Elantra and Sentra.

#15543 of 18168 Re: Accord or Avalon [acdii] by akirby

Sep 05, 2010 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: acdii (Sep 05, 2010 9:03 am)
But the difference isn't $10K - it's closer to $7K equally equipped. And Lincoln offers more sound deadening, better materials, cooled seats, etc. I'm NOT saying the MKZ is worth the extra money. I bought an Edge instead of a MKX even though in the past we've preferred Lincolns. But to say that it's a $10K difference for just a homelink opener is exaggerating a bit.

#15544 of 18168 Re: Accord or Avalon [zekeman1] by aviboy97

Sep 07, 2010 (7:53 am)

Replying to: zekeman1 (Sep 05, 2010 7:08 am)
I agree that Lexus has a higher build quality then Acura does. I have not found much difference between a Honda and an Acura. They essentially feel the same. Why would I pay premium money for a jazzed up Honda? Again, this is my opinion. I do think Hondas are built better then Toyota's, especially when it comes to interiors.
 
I would not necessarly say Audi's have extreme quality. Their interior's tend to wear away quite quickly and are a nightmare to fix when they do break, as are BMW's. In regards to driving experience, BMW's are fantastic. Unfortunately, I do not make enough money to justify owning one because of their initial price and cost of repairs. Being in the car business, I have come to loath anything that comes from Germany. I have delt several used late model German cars that are nothing but headaches for me and my customers. Plus, the RO's on them are astronomical once they are out of warranty.

#15545 of 18168 Quiet and comfortable vrs crisp handling by dash5

Sep 07, 2010 (10:20 am)

So as I wait and wait for the new Kia Optima to be available for a test drive, I figured I'd try and strike up a conversation. In a recent article by Kelly Blue Book, they commented on what the midsized sedan segment looks for in their cars and I'd like to hear what people think:
 
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2011-kia-optima-__-first-drive
 
"Hitting the right notes with the mid-sized-sedan buyer is also evident in the way the Optima rides and handles. Contrary to what the auto enthusiast press would have you believe, the mid-size sedan driver is more concerned about quiet and a comfortable ride than about crisp handling, and we discovered that Kia engineers tuned the Optima's suspension with that bias in mind. The Optima's suspension is reasonably sophisticated with Macpherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear, but as a drive on the course at Road Atlanta proved, it is not a setup designed for ultimate cornering at the expense of ride, and that's as it should be. "
 
Of course, everyone wants both, but reality being what it is you have trade offs. To one degree or another. Finding that balance is very important.

#15546 of 18168 Re: Quiet and comfortable vrs crisp handling [dash5] by jeffyscott

Sep 07, 2010 (10:44 am)

Replying to: dash5 (Sep 07, 2010 10:20 am)
The part in bold is enough to make me fairly certain I'd not want one...I do recognize that the majority of buyers don't care about handling, though.
 
This is a definite improvement in the wheels:

#15547 of 18168 Re: Quiet and comfortable vrs crisp handling [jeffyscott] by m6user

Sep 07, 2010 (11:01 am)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Sep 07, 2010 10:44 am)
I do recognize that the majority of buyers don't care about handling, though.
 
I think that's a little bit of an overstatement. Of course they care about handling. They just don't like it the same as you or I might. I have never met anybody that says "I don't care at all about handling". In fact, they most often say "I like how it handles". Even a Camry buyer will probably say one of the reasons they bought their car was because of "the way it handles". It all boils down to one's personal definition of what good handling means to them. Some people can't stand the way my Mazda6 rides/handles but I like it.
 
Some people(not you) on here like to denigrate others that don't want sports car type handling in their vehicle. I say it's your money, get what you like.
 
IMO most of these denigrators think they are born Indy drivers that have just never been discovered.
 
As far as the Optima goes, I'll wait and see just what they mean by a test drive myself. I agree on the wheels...they look good in that picture.

#15548 of 18168 Re: Quiet and comfortable vrs crisp handling [m6user] by aviboy97

Sep 07, 2010 (11:29 am)

Replying to: m6user (Sep 07, 2010 11:01 am)
". In fact, they most often say "I like how it handles". Even a Camry buyer will probably say one of the reasons they bought their car was because of "the way it handles"
 
When a customer says " I like the way it handles" it is not necessarily a reference to how it corners. Maybe they like how it "handles" pot holes or bumpy roads. Maybe they like how it "handles" the road and offers a cushy ride. The phrase "how it handles" is totally subjective.

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