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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18168 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2013 at 7:40 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 739 of 1817

#7379 of 18168 Re: More '09 Mazda6 interior pics [baggs32] by lilengineerboy

Nov 15, 2007 (9:00 pm)

Replying to: baggs32 (Nov 15, 2007 8:26 pm)
Me neither but I've heard the same thing and have watched several online demos and videos of Sync in action. If we get another Ford I'm definitely paying the $300 for Sync. I'm sold.
  
What will the 2008 Accord voice commands control? Sync allows you to control everything from your bluetooth cell phone (which can be in your purse or pocket) right down to the mp3 player you have plugged into the USB port. That USB port allows you to get software/feature updates into the system using your own USB drive too IIRC. Pretty cool IMO.
 
Due to a somewhat sudden change of events, the Accord is likely to get flipped for a Fusion or Focus, and whatever I get will have Sync. I am anxious to try it out.

#7380 of 18168 Voice Interface by tedebear

Nov 15, 2007 (9:14 pm)

My Sebring with MyGIG has voice activation that works great. I think I remember reading in the manual that it has a 1,000 word vocabulary. It's fun to play with as I cruise along.
 
The Bluetooth phone interface also works fine. I recently read some comments that others were having trouble getting their systems to recognize their cell phones.

#7381 of 18168 Re: More '09 Mazda6 interior pics [lilengineerboy] by robertsmx

Nov 15, 2007 (9:28 pm)

Replying to: lilengineerboy (Nov 15, 2007 8:58 pm)
Voice Recognition works! That is why I rely on it a lot. The new Accord's is even better (than my TL), especially when it comes to NAV related functions. The only challenge happens when someone "naughty" happens to be in the car, who takes pleasure in confusing the system.
 
As for touch screen, it isn't as better than an intuitively laid out dash, but it reduces number of "buttons" by getting only the selections related to function you chose. I agree, real buttons are better, but not always. They need to be laid out well, and distinctly marked (that they require no more than a glance, just like it would be with touch screen), and can be felt with a little learning. That takes me back to Honda, and why I feel they know how to get those little things done, well (but apparently, few recognize the point of having mostly dedicated buttons). Take a look here again...
Voice Recognition works! Thats why I rely on it for most part. The new Accord's is even better (than my TL), especially when it comes to NAV related functions.
 
As for touch screen, it isn't as better than an intuitively laid out dash (again, tough to beat Honda there, although, it is quite a challenge in my TL to figure out the buttons), but it drastically reduces eyes off the road when I want to use it (which is usually when I'm at a light/stopped). The best bet is with buttons that are not only grouped well but "feel" different than others.
 

 
- Well marked, easy to read buttons
- Logically grouped
- Multi-push buttons (like fan speed, category, skip, scan etc) have notches at the end to differentiate from others (that can be "felt" so with a little learning, the driver can simply position the finger and operate them).
 
Here is another example of thoughtful design (note the presence of dots)...

 
And of course, the buttons on the steering wheel. They are distinctly designed, large enough and easy to read. One of the problems I have had with my TL is between bluetooth selection and voice activation buttons in that they look/feel very similar. Honda addressed that with the new Accord. Now bluetooth selection is flush with the spoke on the rim and voice activation button stays put.

#7382 of 18168 Accord joins Legacy as IIHS Top Picks by backy

Nov 15, 2007 (9:38 pm)

The 2008 Accord joins the Legacy as the only mid-sized family sedans that are IIHS "top picks", meaning they scored "Good" in front, side, and rear crash tests and have ESC at least optional (but standard on the Accord).
 
http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr111507.html
 
One question, though: I wonder why the IIHS tested the Accord thoroughly within a month of its introduction, yet the Altima's been out for a year and hasn't been tested by the IIHS for side crashes yet, nor has the Optima, which has been out for over a year and a half in its present form? It's not like the Altima isn't a popular seller. The Optima less so, but it sells more units than many other cars that the IIHS has managed to squeeze into their test schedule in the past 18 months. Interesting...

#7383 of 18168 Re: Accord joins Legacy as IIHS Top Picks [backy] by elroy5

Nov 15, 2007 (10:48 pm)

Replying to: backy (Nov 15, 2007 9:38 pm)
What about the Sonata? Are these cars not on the list because they weren't tested, or because they didn't make the "top safety pick" cut?

#7384 of 18168 Re: Accord joins Legacy as IIHS Top Picks [backy] by colloquor

Nov 16, 2007 (8:15 am)

Replying to: backy (Nov 15, 2007 9:38 pm)
In the case of both the new Camry, and now the new Accord, IIHS test results are posted almost immediately after official introduction. This begs the question: Is this because of their respective popularity and sales, or payola on the part of manufacturers? No other vehicle or manufacturer results are fast-tracked in this fashion.

#7385 of 18168 Re: Accord joins Legacy as IIHS Top Picks [elroy5] by jeffyscott

Nov 16, 2007 (8:25 am)

Replying to: elroy5 (Nov 15, 2007 10:48 pm)
Sonata not listed in that news release because it is not a "top safety pick" (or "also ran"). It is listed here: http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=30
 
with "acceptable" for side, that is why it did not make the list.

#7386 of 18168 Re: Accord joins Legacy as IIHS Top Picks [colloquor] by robertsmx

Nov 16, 2007 (10:20 am)

Replying to: colloquor (Nov 16, 2007 8:15 am)
Conspiracy theory, again!
 
Of the sixteen vehicles listed in that link (previous post), only one is from 2007 (Kia Optima). 2008 Accord and Camry have been out for couple of months but 2008 Malibu is the newest, and still found itself being tested. Payola?

#7387 of 18168 Re: Accord joins Legacy as IIHS Top Picks [robertsmx] by chrono

Nov 16, 2007 (11:28 am)

Replying to: robertsmx (Nov 16, 2007 10:20 am)
Well not exactly. It looks like the rear and side impact crash tests were not performed on the 2008 Malibu. Side impact was not tested on the new Altima. Seems fishy to me.

#7388 of 18168 Re: Accord joins Legacy as IIHS Top Picks [chrono] by robertsmx

Nov 16, 2007 (1:56 pm)

Replying to: chrono (Nov 16, 2007 11:28 am)
Quit whining. Were Accord and Camry the only cars tested? Do you think they are not interested in testing the newest entries? (then why do they have even the front ratings in yet?)

Messages Page 739 of 1817

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