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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18218 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 3:51 PM

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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 316 of 1822

#3150 of 18218 More Fusion perceptions by targettuning

Jul 09, 2007 (6:18 am)

I have been noting my perceptions on a 2007 Fusion "S" 4 cylinder 5 speed automatic. Originally I was comparing it to a 2006.5 Kia Optima since I almost literally jumped out of the Kia into the Fusion. Now as I have driven the Fusion more and on a weekly repeated trip of a little over 300 miles I will say more.
1. The initial observation of a noisy engine (induction noise as opposed to mechanical clanks) remains. It also has, I believe, raspy exhaust but I can't hear much over the engine.
2. After driving in the Allegheny mountains I confirm initial observations of sluggish acceleration/ and or slow speeds up those mountains with the same four adults (less luggage) as was in the Optima last week. The Optima fairly flew up those same mountains and remained in at least 4th gear whereas the Fusion needed a downshift to 3rd to maintain speed once gained ( and that seemed to be more of a struggle).
3. I find I dislike even more the high rear package shelf/trunk as time passes. Sometimes when I crest a hill the car behind me is momentarily lost from sight as the rear rises on the downside of the hill. Additionally backing into a parking stall is difficult when you cannot see "behind" well.
4. The car feels larger than it probably is..upright and tall like a Ford crossover SUV. It feels solid (5K miles however) rides firmly and corners and tracks pretty well also.
5. Now for fuel economy. 345 miles 13 gallons = 26.538 mpg. This was unlike the trip using the Optima so I won't directly compare to it but it WAS typical of a week-end trip using our 1995 Dodge Stratus...same terrain, same route, same speeds, same load (4 adults no luggage). The Stratus for those who do not know has 187,500+ miles a 4 speed auto 2.5 liter V-6 (164 hp) which compares favorably with the 4 cylinder/5 speed auto Ford. The Stratus generally gets the same/similar or a bit more mpg on these trips (around 27.3- sometimes as much as 28 mpg). I have used it week in and week out for more than a year on this same exact trip so I have more experience with it but I am not really impressed with the Fusion so far. A Hyundai Sonata 4 cylinder/4 speed auto (2006) rented for the same trip a few months ago got (as I recall) about 29.something mpg.
I don't know that the V-6 Fusion would do any worse on this type drive. If you factor in the apparent laboring engine of the 4 cyl. in the mountains and additional gear (6 speed auto). I have never driven the V-6 model but since I have this trip every week I might strongly consider it over the 4 if I were to buy a Fusion/Milan. Conversely since I AM considering a Sonata I wonder (after having rented both 4 and V-6) if I really, really need the 6. The 4 cylinder in that car and the Optima is perfectly satisfactory..quick even..on my typical weekly trip..mountains included and seems to get better fuel economy (even the V-6 Sonata got about 29 mpg)!

#3151 of 18218 Re: The one and only [baggs32] by jeffyscott

Jul 09, 2007 (6:30 am)

Replying to: baggs32 (Jul 09, 2007 6:10 am)
Listings on Ebay, autotrader, or whatever are not ways to measure reliability or durability.
 
But I think they do provide some indication as to how common getting to 300K miles is...and all indications are 300K mi is not common at all, on any car. Which I think is something that most rational people already realized .

#3152 of 18218 Re: The one and only [jeffyscott] by kirstie_h HOST

Jul 09, 2007 (6:48 am)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Jul 09, 2007 6:30 am)
C'mon, folks. Several of your fellow members have urged on-topic conversation. It's not hard - the clue is in the discussion title.

#3153 of 18218 Mileage and "Hyper-Miling" by benderofbows

Jul 09, 2007 (6:51 am)

So far, I've been seeing 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway in the Accord, average of 30, without even trying to maximize economy (quick starts and heel-toe downshifts in the city, and 70-80 mph highway).
 
After reading an article on MSN about "hypermiling" (using various methods to greatly increase economy), I'm going to use this tank of gas to test some of the theories. Most of it is common sense, i.e. avoiding quick starts and excessive idling while stopped, no more than 5 mph over speedlimit or 55 mph, etc. Also, not giving it any more gas on hills, just keeping the throttle open to the same amount as on flat ground, and letting speed fall some.
 
Some of it has surprised me... The last mile of my commute home, if I slip into neutral at a certain point, I'll only have to give it five short pulls from 2,000-2,500 rpms to get into my driveway. The rest of the time I am coasting along just fine at idle in netural. It is also surprising to me how keeping the revs down below 2,500 makes acceleration seem excruciatingly slow to me, yet none of the other traffic seems to mind at all. I don't get passed by many people, and still leave some people behind.
 
A few of the theories are pretty wild, such as shutting of the engine at stoplights and on long downhills, drafting 18-wheelers, etc. I won't be going crazy here, just trying some of the easy stuff for one tank of gas, at least 80% city, to see how much of a difference it makes.
 
Has anybody already tried anything like this? What do you guys think, will it make any difference and if so, will it be worth it? I think I'll see some substantial gains with the coasting. Also, the Accord is the perfect car to try this with, as I can keep the VTEC on the "economy" profile.

#3154 of 18218 Re: More Fusion perceptions [targettuning] by goodegg

Jul 09, 2007 (7:03 am)

Replying to: targettuning (Jul 09, 2007 6:18 am)
I AM considering a Sonata I wonder (after having rented both 4 and V-6) if I really, really need the 6
 
Can't speak on the Sonata 4 cyl, but the Accord 4 cyl is a strong, peppy, marvelous piece of machinery which is hard to beat.

#3155 of 18218 Re: Mileage and "Hyper-Miling" [benderofbows] by goodegg

Jul 09, 2007 (7:06 am)

Replying to: benderofbows (Jul 09, 2007 6:51 am)
Has anybody already tried anything like this? What do you guys think, will it make any difference and if so, will it be worth it?
 
I would guess you're late to work every day.

#3156 of 18218 Re: Mileage and "Hyper-Miling" [benderofbows] by kirstie_h HOST

Jul 09, 2007 (7:10 am)

Replying to: benderofbows (Jul 09, 2007 6:51 am)
It's set up for hybrids, but you might check out our Hypermiling discussion.

#3157 of 18218 Re: Mileage and "Hyper-Miling" [benderofbows] by targettuning

Jul 09, 2007 (7:35 am)

Replying to: benderofbows (Jul 09, 2007 6:51 am)
I, for one think much of this has become a "game" for the participants. Not so much in managing fuel economy as bragging rights. Also, most of their moves seem downright dangerous to me. I would not attempt most of the things they do....not worth my life for whatever fuel economy gained. Oh, coasting seems harmless enough but what if a powered move becomes necessary? By the time one realizes they are in neutral and remembers to engage drive the need for the powered move has passed..to what harm?? Not for me!

#3158 of 18218 Re: Mileage and "Hyper-Miling" [benderofbows] by urnews

Jul 09, 2007 (7:37 am)

Replying to: benderofbows (Jul 09, 2007 6:51 am)
So far, I've been seeing 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway in the Accord, average of 30, without even trying to maximize economy (quick starts and heel-toe downshifts in the city, and 70-80 mph highway).
 
Every time I read a mileage report I get nauseous. That's because no matter what we do our 2007 SEL AWD V6 Fusion only yields a constant 14.8 in all-city driving after seven months and 3,700 miles.
 
The revised EPA estimate (always optimistic) for this power train is 17 mpg city; 24 mpg highway. We did take one 360-mile trip with this car and it averaged 26 mpg going and 24 mpg returning driving 65-75 mph.
 
Technicians at our dealership checked the car over with a computer at 1,500 miles and said everything was according to specifications; they found nothing to be "wrong."
 
Our terrain is flat. The climate is moderate (air conditioner now in use all the time). The tires are slightly over inflated to 35 psi. My wife and I are conservative, gentle drivers.
 
Every visit to a gasoline station, every two weeks, makes me cringe and causes me to wish we had purchased the I4 with either the automatic or a five-speed manual. The fill-up experience occasionally makes me wish we had bought an Accord, too.
 
We like most everything about the Fusion, EXCEPT for the crummy mileage. I have nicknamed the car "The Guzzler," because of its poor mileage.

#3159 of 18218 Re: Mileage and "Hyper-Miling" [urnews] by targettuning

Jul 09, 2007 (7:54 am)

Replying to: urnews (Jul 09, 2007 7:37 am)
Since I am now driving a rental 2007 "S" model 4 cylinder/5 speed auto Fusion for an undetermined length of time it would pay you to read (and heed maybe?)some of those observations I am posting. First, and maybe foremost to you would be the excessive engine noise followed closely by fuel economy which at 26.5 highway is unremarkable among similar sized 4 cylinder (and some V-6) competition. This week I will be driving around town and to/from work (small city suburban driving) where the Stratus routinely gets 22-23 mpg. I'll post what the Fusion gets under those same conditions. You state you had wished you had purchased the 4 instead..as I have frequently been told "watch what you wish for." The 4 cylinder version seems to me to be sub-par as compared to both the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima in some categories (noise,standard features and fuel economy at least)...undoubtedly, as many will chime in, to the Accord/Camry 4's as well. I have no real axe to grind against Ford either..just calls 'em as I see 'em.

Messages Page 316 of 1822

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