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Midsize Sedans 2.0

18223 messages,  Last post on May 25, 2013 at 9:56 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 809 of 1823

#8078 of 18223 Re: Old EPA new EPA [urnews] by elroy5

Dec 14, 2007 (10:35 am)

Replying to: urnews (Dec 14, 2007 10:05 am)
In a way, you're right Elroy. The old EPA rating for our 2007 SEL AWD Ford Fusion was 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The new rating is 17 city, 24 highway. I feel as though that is more realistic and certainly a lot closer to what we actually get.
 
I would also say that people who are getting over the new rating are wondering why they were lowered. But the most important thing to the EPA and the manufacturers is, these people will not be complaining. They will take the bonus mileage, and be happy. Squeaky wheel gets the grease, so to speak. Who's going to show up at the dealership saying "My car gets 5mpg over the EPA estimate, and I want something done about it!"

#8079 of 18223 2008 KIA Optima by mickeyrom

Dec 14, 2007 (11:15 am)

It seems to be more or less same as the 2007,but the EX no longer has a casette player.Almost all of the specs are the same.

#8080 of 18223 Re: MPG on winter gas [robertsmx] by baggs32

Dec 14, 2007 (11:15 am)

Replying to: robertsmx (Dec 14, 2007 10:22 am)
It usually is, but not over short distances. Try it. I have
 
Are you talking about resetting the mpg calculator before each short trip starts? It usually takes several miles before the calc gets back up to speed after a reset so yes, it would be very unreliable for short trips. I think the one in our Explorer starts us at something crazy like 30+ mpg when we reset it. It goes down fast from there.
 
I know the info system in my Mustang gives me average speed along with gallons used (both can be reset) but my Explorer does not give both of those. Do these mid-sizers not give that info either? Seems odd a V8 powered car would have such extra info but cars in which people actually care about gas mileage do not.

#8081 of 18223 Re: 2008 KIA Optima [mickeyrom] by backy

Dec 14, 2007 (11:39 am)

Replying to: mickeyrom (Dec 14, 2007 11:15 am)
So, no change in options packages, e.g. you still need to buy the "appearance pacakge" to get ABS and ESC on the LX? Bummer. I wish Kia would get with the program and offer both features standard, or at the least easily-available options.

#8082 of 18223 Re: 2008 Honda Accord [mz6greyghost] by backy

Dec 14, 2007 (11:48 am)

Replying to: mz6greyghost (Dec 14, 2007 5:39 am)
That was a really good try to get back on topic, I appreciate it.
 
It seems your impression of the 2008 Accord mirrors what professional reviewers have said--nice car, but some quibbles with the interior. I was not impressed with the interior materials either, except on an EX-L I saw on a dealer's showfloor that had an optional interior package with very tasteful rosewood-look trim. Many reviews have noted (in a negative sense) the sea of small dark buttons on the dash. I'm not a fan of that layout either--too many similar-shaped buttons, clustered too closely together for my taste.
 
Honda added more power when the car already had plenty of it. They added more interior room, but at the expense of making the car longer than some full-sized cars. They did add more standard safety features, which is a big plus for the 2008 over earlier generations. And the smoother ride is a good change, IMO. But I think the interior and the front styling still needs some work--maybe for 2011?

#8083 of 18223 Re: 2008 Honda Accord [backy] by mz6greyghost

Dec 14, 2007 (12:28 pm)

Replying to: backy (Dec 14, 2007 11:48 am)
That was a really good try to get back on topic, I appreciate it.
 
I'm glad somebody does.
 
It seems your impression of the 2008 Accord mirrors what professional reviewers have said--nice car, but some quibbles with the interior.
 
I thought the reviewers were being overly critical since it was a Honda, but after some observations, they were right. To me, one of the most appealing things about the Accord was the interior, both with materials and fit-and-finish. Notice how I said was. Instead of raising the bar, they nearly miss it altogether. The Altima and the Aura are nicer IMO, blending style, ergonomics, and materials nicely.
 
Honda added more power when the car already had plenty of it.
 
I'll be the last person to complain about too much power, but you're right, the power wasn't lacking. The "ECO" light that comes on the dash is a nice touch to an excellent (and seamless) cylinder-cutout program, and the resulting increase in fuel economy doesn't hurt either.
 
They added more interior room, but at the expense of making the car longer than some full-sized cars
 
This is something else that may hurt more than help. It's too big for me, that's for sure...
 
I have yet to see the Malibu up close, but I might this weekend with my Accord observations fresh in my mind.

#8084 of 18223 Re: Old EPA new EPA [robertsmx] by jeffyscott

Dec 14, 2007 (12:55 pm)

Replying to: robertsmx (Dec 14, 2007 10:14 am)
The comparison he drew was new EPA (on an economy car) against his observed mileage on a premium midsize.
 
That is an excellent point, I bet that'll happen a lot. I get 32 mpg hwy in my 2007 Mazda6, I would not buy a 2008 as they only get 28 now .

#8085 of 18223 Re: Old EPA new EPA & Winter Gas MPG[jeffyscott] by phaetondriver

Dec 14, 2007 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: jeffyscott (Dec 14, 2007 12:55 pm)
OK! After 50+ posts can we conclude that the EPA says "Your Mileage May Very"
says it all?
 
You buy a car for great mileage, buy a light weight car with a 4 banger.
You buy a car for a combination of fair size, comfort and mileage, buy a V6
You buy a car for speed and performance, buy a Mustang or Corvette.
 
If you can't find everything you want in one car, build your own like I did

#8086 of 18223 Re: Old EPA new EPA & Winter Gas MPG[jeffyscott] [phaetondriver] by urnews

Dec 14, 2007 (1:40 pm)

Replying to: phaetondriver (Dec 14, 2007 1:25 pm)

If you can't find everything you want in one car, build your own like I did.
 
What is it? Did you literally "build" your own car or just custom order one?

#8087 of 18223 Re: Old EPA new EPA & Winter Gas MPG[jeffyscott] [phaetondriver] by jeffyscott

Dec 14, 2007 (2:52 pm)

Replying to: phaetondriver (Dec 14, 2007 1:25 pm)
You buy a car for a combination of fair size, comfort and mileage, buy a V6
 
I'd say buy a 4 cyl midsize to meet those criteria. The 150-180 HP engines are adequate for most. If you do give any weight to mpg and overall economy, there is no need to put a V6 in most of these cars.
 
If you want a combination of speed/performance (acceleration really), fair size, and comfort, then look at a V6 (or 4 cyl turbo) midsize.

Messages Page 809 of 1823

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