Ask the Car People.SM


Midsize Sedans 2.0

18214 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 11:30 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 1773 of 1822

#17721 of 18214 Mid-size quality and value.... by cski

Mar 11, 2013 (2:35 am)

In a C/D article on mid-size sedan's (6 car comparo May 2012), it was said that it is far harder to build a mid-size sedan for $25,000 than it is to build a $100,000, 500 hp super-car. Again, mid-size sedans have to be all things for (mostly) all people.
 
Furthermore, most luxury sedans and many crossovers share their underpinnings with the mid-size sedans their company produces. Take the Camry. The Venza, Solara, Rav-4, Lexus RX-350 and 4 Lexus sedan models are all based on the Camry. With Toyota at least, the Camry IS the franchise. There has to be a robust platform with top notch power-trains and advanced electronic systems so the various companies do not have to re-invent the wheel on their more profitable vehicles. Of course this platform sharing has been done for ages. So, the consumer really does win when 75% of their mid-size sedan is designed to pass mustard in luxury vehicles costing far more.

#17722 of 18214 Re: Mid-size quality and value.... [cski] by scwmcan

Mar 11, 2013 (3:19 am)

Replying to: cski (Mar 11, 2013 2:35 am)
You are correct in most of your statement, except only one Lexus Cessna ( the ES) uses a platform based on a Toyota model ( the Avalon, which in its new form may or may not still be based on the same platform as the Camry, I think it is basically, but I am sure others will chime in). The othe IS and GS use a version of the engine, but nothing else the same as the Camry and the LS share no parts that I know of.
Your point is still true though, it the midsized car has to be all things.

#17723 of 18214 Re: Mid-size quality and value.... [cski] by benjaminh

Mar 11, 2013 (4:40 am)

Replying to: cski (Mar 11, 2013 2:35 am)
cski wrote:
 
"With Toyota at least, the Camry IS the franchise. There has to be a robust platform...."
 
Not sure I'd call the Camry platform robust. As the president of IIHS said, "Toyota engineers have a lot of work to do to catch up with the competition," including your Optima!
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNG7Nm9XDko

#17724 of 18214 Different Manufacturers by tundradweller1

Mar 11, 2013 (7:30 am)

Replying to: gregg_vw (Mar 10, 2013 10:43 am)
Sure the quality ebbs and flows from all the manufacturers over the years.
As I posted I have owned all domestic vehicles, (and almost all Japanese Motorcycles). . After some researching it seems customer support from the import manufacturers and dealers is consistently better. The term "they all do that" is not the correct answer for someone having issues with their vehicle. To each his own indeed but personally I'm buying an import this time.

#17725 of 18214 Midsize cars have upgraded by marcus216

Mar 11, 2013 (7:49 am)

I looked at every midsized sedan before I settled on the 2013 Accord EXL V6. What surprised me the most about the new models from Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and even GM were the interiors. Materials have been vastly upgraded from past generations. For example, the driver's seat in the 2013 Nissan Altima SL was the most comfortable seat I have ever experienced in any car. My Honda has a great seat also. I love the perforated, soft leather, and upgraded materials throughout the cabin. the Ford Fusion interior also compared well to many luxury sedans. I was quite impressed with the interiors of most of the mainstream family sedans.

#17726 of 18214 Re: Midsize cars have upgraded [marcus216] by benjaminh

Mar 11, 2013 (9:32 am)

Replying to: marcus216 (Mar 11, 2013 7:49 am)
Congrats on your purchase!
 
Yeah, I agree about the improved interiors.
 
My 2008 Accord EXL is a very nice car, but when I test drove a 2013 Accord EXL it seemed very close to an Acura or Lexus to me....

#17727 of 18214 press request by kirstie_h HOST

Mar 11, 2013 (10:07 am)

A reporter is looking for a car buyer who was approved for a car loan after their credit was dinged during the Great Recession. If you or someone you know was affected by the recession, but is now fighting to get back on his/her feet, and was recently approved for a car loan, please send your daytime contact info to predmunds.com no later than Monday, 3/11/13 at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET.

#17728 of 18214 Re: Mid-size quality and value.... [benjaminh] by cski

Mar 11, 2013 (10:07 am)

Replying to: benjaminh (Mar 11, 2013 4:40 am)
Was using Toyota as an example. There has to be a robust platform so the "various companies" do not have to reinvent the wheel...
 
Correction on the ES..... It is based on the new Avalon for 2013 All data in my statement was based on major automotive magazines.
 
The point was about platform sharing. It gets a better vehicle to the consumer that otherwise would not be possible unless the platform is shared with more profitable models. Also, selling 300,000 Camryoptmaltmafusionassat's helps a lot!!

#17729 of 18214 Honda got its MOJO Back by andres3

Mar 11, 2013 (7:42 pm)

It's good to see Honda got its Mojo back with the '13 Accord, and apparently, the '13 Civic as well???

#17730 of 18214 Loving the Accord.... by cski

Mar 12, 2013 (5:27 am)

I like new Honda Accord as well. if it was available at the end of 2011, I would be driving one right now. It just has this X Factor of quality. I like the crisp lines of the exterior, I like the dash assembly with the 2 screens I like the IP gauge cluster, which is classic for the Accord 1 I can't figure out, is why Honda dozens have a competitive 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. That would have sealed the deal. I bet Honda would steal quite a few sales from Sonatas and Optima's if that was available.

Messages Page 1773 of 1822

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement