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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18191 messages,  Last post on May 21, 2013 at 7:31 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 669 of 1820

#6672 of 18191 Re: Most Wanted Re: the meaning of zoom-zoom [louiswei] by aviboy97

Oct 23, 2007 (2:54 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Oct 23, 2007 2:43 pm)
the fusion's handling is nothing to write home about. It is marginally better than my mom's 1999 Camry but worse than the 2007 Camry SE I had on my last trip and much worse than my old 1997 Honda Accord.
 
 
According to many authors, they feel the Fusion SEL AWD handles better. Like I said, C&D's artice trally sticks out in my mind.
 
I have driven a Fusion, and it does handle nicely. Last time I drove a Camry, MY 2002-2006, it felt like a grandma mobile. Very comfortable, but, not meant to hit the corners. I used to own a 1991 Accord, and it handled nicely as well, but, it was smaller then the current Civic! My father owns a 2004 Accord coupe, and it has nice power, but, I never really tried to hit any corners with it. The 2006 Accord LX sedan I have on my lot is really nothing to write home about. Very basic. Not great in the corners.

#6673 of 18191 Re: Most Wanted Re: the meaning of zoom-zoom [aviboy97] by louiswei

Oct 23, 2007 (3:00 pm)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Oct 23, 2007 2:54 pm)
What if I don't need AWD since where I live rarely (if not never) snows. Why do I need to get AWD for better handling since other FWD sedans in the same class offer better handling? Why can't Ford puts better handling into the FWD Fusion if Honda can do it 10 years ago?
 
Too many unanswered questions.
 
Fusion is a decent effort from Ford but close, no cigar yet.
 
Last time I drove a Camry, MY 2002-2006, it felt like a grandma mobile.
 
Didn't you read my post before replying? I did say that the Fusion handles better than my mom's old Camry but the one I said that's better is the 2007 Camry SE.

#6674 of 18191 Handling by elroy5

Oct 23, 2007 (3:16 pm)

Replying to: louiswei (Oct 23, 2007 2:43 pm)
Handling is nice, but not most important. The suspension a car has, can make a big difference to me, in other ways. Some cars are not very stable at speed. They handle bumps very well, but will feel floaty or jittery, even when the road is smooth. In some cars, if you want to take a turn quickly, the front of the car feels like it dives, and the car leans a lot. I do appreciate a smooth ride, but not at the expense of everything else. I also can appreciate good handling, but not if the ride is harsh, and everything in the car vibrates and rattles. It's a fine line, and my Accord rides it very well.

#6675 of 18191 Re: Most Wanted Re: the meaning of zoom-zoom [mickeyrom] by csandste

Oct 23, 2007 (8:38 pm)

Replying to: mickeyrom (Oct 23, 2007 6:43 am)
As Mickyrom knows, we're both old farts with Optimas. I haven't read all the responses but I'll make a case for the joys of 60 series and handling mediocrity.
 
I have the Michelin 50 series tires that came with the appearance group. The dealer was all out of 60 series tires and gave me an excellent deal.
 
I think the handling is definitely better but the comfort certainly isn't. I find my 05 Malibu Maxx with 60 series tires to be more comfortable. Plus, replacement costs will be a lot higher on the Optima.
 
Then again, I'm not 25 years old and I'm not Car and Driver.

#6676 of 18191 2009 Mazda6 review (but it's the euro version) by zzzoom6

Oct 23, 2007 (9:41 pm)

Although the US will likely only get the 2.5 liter and a new v-6 (3.5 or 3.7 liter...don't know for sure yet), it seems pretty much everything has improved. I'm glad mazda hasn't softened the Mazda6 too much while increasing the quality of the interior, the size of the interior and HP and reducing weight and road noise. Of course I'd still would like to know more about the US version, but this will have to do for now.
 
My favorite quote:
 
The biggest compliment we can pay the car is that it's totally consistent. Whatever you do with the accelerator or steering won't upset it.
 
With taut body control, strong, progressive brakes, minimal tendency to run wide in hard cornering and even the ability to tuck tighter into bends if you ease off the throttle, it's predictable, but enjoyable to drive.
 
Japanese style with European dynamics? It works.
 
2009 Mazda6 preview

#6677 of 18191 Re: Most Wanted Re: the meaning of zoom-zoom [louiswei] by mz6greyghost

Oct 24, 2007 (4:56 am)

Replying to: louiswei (Oct 23, 2007 2:43 pm)
I would also pick the Camry SE over the Fusion. For all those people knocking on how bad the Camry handles, go try the SE version and it'll surprise you dearly.
 
I have. A 2007, to be exact. Handling is good, and leagues better than the regular Camry.
 
Better than the Fusion? Not really IMO. Both the Milan and Fusion have very good handling, and the SE feels about the same, with a slightly softer ride.
 
Most impressive in terms of handling was the Altima and the Aura. The Altima has always handled well, but the '07-up is more refined. The Aura was a BIG surprise, taking corners with great confidence and a smooth ride.

#6678 of 18191 Re: Most Wanted Re: the meaning of zoom-zoom [mz6greyghost] by jeffyscott

Oct 24, 2007 (6:02 am)

Replying to: mz6greyghost (Oct 24, 2007 4:56 am)
Not to mention one has to pay an extra $1200, over the Camry LE price, to get the SE. Many other cars come with good handling standard on all trim levels.

#6679 of 18191 Re: Most Wanted Re: the meaning of zoom-zoom [robertsmx] by lilengineerboy

Oct 24, 2007 (6:26 am)

Replying to: robertsmx (Oct 23, 2007 2:18 pm)
PS. The original intent was to illustrate the point of handling performance. When something feels faster than it is, then there is a problem.
 
Its more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, given that it would be basically the same speed.

#6680 of 18191 Re: Most Wanted Re: the meaning of zoom-zoom [louiswei] by aviboy97

Oct 24, 2007 (6:27 am)

Replying to: louiswei (Oct 23, 2007 3:00 pm)
Didn't you read my post before replying? I did say that the Fusion handles better than my mom's old Camry but the one I said that's better is the 2007 Camry SE.
 
Yeeeees. I was adding my own .02 Am I allowed to do that?

#6681 of 18191 Re: Handling [elroy5] by lilengineerboy

Oct 24, 2007 (6:38 am)

Replying to: elroy5 (Oct 23, 2007 3:16 pm)
Some cars are not very stable at speed. They handle bumps very well, but will feel floaty or jittery, even when the road is smooth. In some cars, if you want to take a turn quickly, the front of the car feels like it dives, and the car leans a lot.
 
This was one of the reasons I went with the EX vs the VP, as the VP lacks the rear sway bar, which adds stability in crosswinds. It also has a slightly larger footprint as each tire is 10mm wider (of course the size and style of tire kind of neuters the car, but thats neither here nor there). My Accord has gone back once to have the suspension checked because I couldn't believe the amount of body roll, I thought a sway bar end link had been damaged or not connected or something.
In hindsight, I could've gotten the VP and added a suspension kit and aftermarket tires and wheels and still come out ahead, but bygones.

Messages Page 669 of 1820

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