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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18436 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 12:40 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 1717 of 1845

#17153 of 18436 Re: Breaking promises and deadlines.... [akirby] by gregg_vw

Nov 16, 2012 (8:12 am)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 15, 2012 10:37 pm)
Nonetheless, the point is made. What constitutes an American car is subject to endless debate. To call cars built by for example Ford "American" simply because it is an American-based company does not solve it. It is not just the jobs that go to Mexico and Canada when "American" models are built there, but what about Fords built and sold in Europe, South America and Asia? Should locals there stop buying them, even though Ford provides a huge number of jobs in those countries, simply because it is a foreign company? I think not. Buy what you want and let competition improve the entire field.

#17155 of 18436 Whoa....hold on a sec. by cski

Nov 16, 2012 (9:21 am)

I didn't mean to spark a debate on what constitutes an American car and whatnot. It's a very complicated issue. I am worried about my country. I have tried to buy American brands without being stupid about it.
My grandfather was a foreman at the GM transmission plant outside Buffalo NY. So, my family purchased GM vehicle's. My '87 Z24 was a great looking and driving little car with a V6 stuffed in it. It was the first car I ever financed myself. (I was 19 yrs old in 1990) I loved it. Unfortunately, It broke down all the time.
 
American cars have made leaps and bounds since then thankfully, and I purposely bought a USA made car.
 
I like that my Optima was made in a new Georgia plant. That plant employs almost 2000 American workers. My grandfather (and father) would have been ok with that.

#17156 of 18436 KMMG West Point GA plant (Kia Optima) by cski

Nov 16, 2012 (10:54 am)

I took a look at the KMMG (Kia Motor's Manufacturing Georgia) website. There are 2500 direct manufacturing jobs, and another 7500 support jobs created since the opening of the plant in 2009.
 
The first vehicle produced there was a white Sorrento. In 2010 production started on the Optima.
 
In 2011 Kia produced 89,000 Optima's, which was not enough to keep up with demand. So, production was ramped up another 45,000 units this year with a target of roughly 150,000 depending on market conditions. They were smart to do that since the all knew Camry had some lukewarm reviews.
 
So much for no one ordering Korean cars.

#17157 of 18436 press request by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Nov 16, 2012 (1:16 pm)

If you are a parent of young children (at least one under 12 years old) who owns a the latest model VW Passat or Honda Accord sedan, a reporter would like for you to fill out a survey, due by December 1, 2012, for use in a print publication. Please email PRedmunds.com no later than Friday, November 30, 2012 for a copy of the survey.

#17158 of 18436 2013 Fusion Hybrid by b25nut

Nov 16, 2012 (6:28 pm)

I've had my Fusion Hybrid for eight days now, and I am now a former Hybrid skeptic. On my commutes to work each day (80% hwy 65-70 mph), I averaged 39.3 mpg this week. I just took the time to do a city test. Some stop and go and speeds of 30-40 mph. I went a total of 9.7 miles that included retracing my path so that climbs and descents balanced out. I am now a true believer.......53.2 mpg. When I ended the battery still had 2/3 of its charge.
I am amazed by the brakes. You should find that you will make your smoothest stops ever. Some of the reviews had made me leery of them, but they are a non-issue.
I narrowed down my choices for a new car in August to the Optima, Altima, Santa Fe Sport and the Fusion. I have spent $42,000+ on our last two cars and I set a limit this time of $34k. The first car that was eliminated was the Optima. I think it has the second best looks, but equipped the way I wanted it was $36k, and I didn't like the interior color options. I drove both the Altima and the Santa Fe Sport and they were both impressive, with the Altima $1,800 under my limit. Then I read a review that really hit a nerve. It said that if you choose the Altima, you are telling the world you have given up. Nissan makes great cars, but with the styling of many of their other models, I'm concerned about their future. The high rev sound of the engine during acceleration on the freeway also put me off.
The Hyundai ended up in second place since it looks nice and I wouldn't have been giving up much cargo carrying capacity. The 33 mpg hwy was a concern, but it was acceptable if the Fusion ended up being a dud.
The reviews sold me on the Fusion. It also gave me the exterior and interior colors I wanted. I ordered my Fusion Hybrid in September before even seeing a Fusion in person. I caught a lot of flak from my wife for doing that, but she's glad I did now. Getting the Hybrid cost me an extra $3,100 compared to the 1.6 SE, but I feel it is worth it. The seamless system makes driving more pleasurable, and really more exciting. It's very nice to start the car in the garage and hear nothing, with no exhaust smell fouling up the air.
I'm anything but an environmental activist. I still say I wouldn't be caught dead in a Prius.

#17159 of 18436 Re: Breaking promises and deadlines.... [akirby] by sdcal1

Nov 16, 2012 (9:44 pm)

Replying to: akirby (Nov 14, 2012 9:13 pm)
The average Joe out there does not post or understand launches or delays because of this or that. I am a heavy equipment salesman for 25 years now and we just don't offer anything until we have it because of experiences just like this. When a car salesman tells you can order a vehicle and 6 to 8 weeks later your vehicle will be here well then stupid them. Most believe in the dealer they have done business with maybe for years in the past. Delays for what ever reason effect people differently and again not everyone consumer is up to speed with modern launches. My own story was very complicated and created many problems for my family
 
That said... i received my daughters new Fusion two months ahead of unexpectedly when a vehicle came in close to my specs and I was given the opportunity to buy it like my fleet order back in August. Picked up last night. I must say I am blown away by just how technically advanced this vehicle is. I bought this for my 17 yr old daughter and not sure she will ever get all that it has to offer and just might be more vehicle than she should have. I have only driven it a few miles but the 1.6 is a little lacking and does have a tendency for the trans to search more than it should but can't imagine her to realize. The rest of us that are use to more powerful engines will feel how this little engine strains. Still impressed as my 14 year old son marveled at every cool item the advanced car had to offer. He spent 3 hours in the garage going over over all the items/options and how they worked. Oh youth and how they enjoy technology!!! He enjoyed telling me everyting and hopefully will have the patience with his sister to explain it all.
 
Will keep you posted as I plan to suprise her with a car she does not expect to be back from Flat Rock until around Christmas. Do love messing with the young.

#17160 of 18436 Saw three Fusions this weekend! by cski

Nov 19, 2012 (7:43 am)

I had to cruise down I-95 between Springfield and Richmond VA and saw two on the way down, and one on the way back. It looks great in white, and it looked decked out. I couldn't get over to see what trim level it was. (Titanium? Platinum diamond? gold ruby iridium?).
 
The other two were that killer blue color..... They were going the other way.
 
I gotta tell you, I love what they did with the front, and also am really fond of the dual exhaust and how they flawlessly integrated it into the rear bumper. This is the best looking Ford sedan I have seen since the 92-95 SHO. (The current SHO is classified as a large sedan).
 
Good job Ford.

#17161 of 18436 press request by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Nov 19, 2012 (11:18 am)

If you are a parent of young children (at least one under 12 years old) who owns a the latest model Ford Fusion or Honda Accord sedan, a reporter would like for you to fill out a survey, due by December 1, 2012, for use in a print publication. Please email PRedmunds.com no later than Friday, November 30, 2012 for a copy of the survey.

#17162 of 18436 telematics user? by Stever@Edmunds HOST

Nov 19, 2012 (6:04 pm)

A reporter would like to speak to car owners who use Chrysler Uconnect, Cadillac CUE or Ford's MyFord/MyLincoln Touch. If you use any of these telematics systems, please send your daytime contact information to predmunds.com no later than November 20, 2012 at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET.

Messages Page 1717 of 1845

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