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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18211 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 7:57 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, Kia Optima, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1598 of 1822

#15969 of 18211 One thing I wouldn't try ta do... by iluvmysephia1

Dec 14, 2010 (10:38 pm)

after reading this '11 Kia Optima vs. '11 Hyundai Sonata comparo is say "I could've told ya so."
 
But nothing I read in the above review would surprise me too much. I have always felt that Kia makes more of an enthusiast's automobile while Hyundai makes more of a Toyota-type rig for the masses.
 
Take a look at total sales of cars and also the total number of comments on the Edmunds' Hyundai threads ta wade through vs. total comments on the Edmunds' Kia threads. Large difference overall. Kind of an odd point but more people tend to gravitate towards Hyundai vs. towards Kia. And reviews like the one above don't explain why that ought to be.
 
I prefer Kia to Hyundai, I've bought two new Kia's and loved them both, and I would venture a guess I always will prefer Kia. The only two Hyundai's I have ever test-drove and have almost bought were a 1999 Hyundai Elantra sedan in a burnt orange color that Hyundai called red. Was a good rig, but Mrs.iluvmysephia1 went through the roof with disdain at the thought of that one. She did go along on the test drive.
 
The other two test drives were of the 2003 Hyundai Tiburon 5-speed sportsters. I enjoyed my test drives but we primarily always want and need 4-door rigs and...Mrs.iluvmysephia1 wasn't down wid this vehicle at all.

#15970 of 18211 Re: One thing I wouldn't try ta do... [iluvmysephia1] by jeffyscott

Dec 15, 2010 (6:15 am)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Dec 14, 2010 10:38 pm)
I think Hyundai has completely overcome its bad reputation from its early days of selling crappy cars, while Kia has not yet done so. While Kia cars may be fine today, there are many ex-owners with stories of how bad cars such as, well, the Sephia were.

#15971 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [dash5] by backy

Dec 15, 2010 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: dash5 (Dec 14, 2010 6:22 am)
Wouldn't a comparo of the Sonata GLS to the Optima LX be more fair, or Sonata Limited to Optima EX? The comments re the Optima's leather seats vs. Sonata's cloth are one example that this was a mis-match. Also, the Limited has larger rims, which could have helped the Sonata in the handling department.
 
I wonder which car I would like better: a base trim Sonata with its cloth seats, or the higher-trim Optima with its leather seats and other goodies. Duh.

#15972 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [backy] by stickguy

Dec 15, 2010 (4:09 pm)

Replying to: backy (Dec 15, 2010 4:02 pm)
not up on the Kia nomenclature, but is the EX equivilant to the Sonata SE? If so, maybe the SE has the firmer suspension and tighter handling missing from the GLS.

#15973 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [stickguy] by backy

Dec 15, 2010 (4:22 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Dec 15, 2010 4:09 pm)
That's true, the SE has a sport-tuned suspension. But the SE is not available with a leather interior--the Optima EX is. If anything, it would be the Optima SX that is the "sport" trim for the Optima.

#15974 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [backy] by dash5

Dec 15, 2010 (8:23 pm)

Replying to: backy (Dec 15, 2010 4:02 pm)
Yes absolutely the cars were not evenly matched in terms of add ons I agree. They admit as much. Better to compare it to an SE or Limited. Still, all told the Optima does have a number of features the Sonata does not. Heated rear seats, cooled front seats, panoramic sunroof, cooled glove box, Heated steering wheel, HID lights, LED tail lights, push button start (?) and eventually the UVO system. I think none of those are available on Sonata, correct me if I'm wrong though.
 
The steering should be a pretty straight up comparison, and the interior layout and dash materials. Ride quality you could use the Sonata SE although the Optima SX and turbo EX should be even more sport tuned with larger breaks than the base EX.

#15975 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [dash5] by backy

Dec 15, 2010 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: dash5 (Dec 15, 2010 8:23 pm)
I am pretty sure the Sonata (Limited) has heated rear seats and push button start (even the Elantra has those). Not cooled front seats though, or the panoramic sunroof etc.
 
I saw some Optimas at my local Hyundai/Kia dealer the other day, and the one in Dark Cherry was especially sharp. And it was an LX! It appeared to have standard alloys, and good looking ones at that. Probably everything I'd need for about $21k list.

#15976 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [backy] by dash5

Dec 15, 2010 (8:53 pm)

Replying to: backy (Dec 15, 2010 8:32 pm)
You're probably right on those options I keep forgetting the details.
 
I'm in the market for the SX but I really think the LX and EX are such tremendous values. Definitely sharp looking on paper. I have yet to sit in one but the local dealer called me tonight to say they are in. Gotta go check em out!

#15977 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [backy] by aviboy97

Dec 18, 2010 (9:00 am)

Replying to: backy (Dec 15, 2010 8:32 pm)
The more I look at the Optima, the uglier it gets. I saw one in person, and the way the interior is designed just does not do it for me. I prefer the styling of the Sonata by a long shot.

#15978 of 18211 Re: Optima vrs Sonata [aviboy97] by backy

Dec 18, 2010 (9:29 pm)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Dec 18, 2010 9:00 am)
I guess that validates Hyundai/Kia's decision to make the Sonata and Optima look much different. Some will prefer the Sonata's "fluidic" styling, and some the Optima's more European lines. And they'll sell lots of both. I think both are good looking, but in different ways. The only thing I don't like much on the Optima's exterior is the shape of the window behind the rear doors. But maybe that's the favorite stylistic detail for others.

Messages Page 1598 of 1822

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