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Also, let's get back to midsize sedans. I don't think we can legitimately call the Flex a midsize sedan... even if we cut the top off, it's still more like a full-size sedan, and I don't have a torch handy anyway.
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Thanks kirstie!
1. Kia Optima SX Turbo: Cant wait for this car. Lots of tech, great FE, looks fantastic and a ton of power and torque. Downside is that it's a first year model and while Kia/Hyundai is making fantastic strides and getting great reviews on the new models, they're still not quite as established as some other car makers.
2. Ford Fusion Sport: So well reviewed and would love to have the SYNC system in a car. Power and performance make it sound like a fun car to drive. Downside would be the exterior look that I like but dont love and the FE on the V6 model isnt fantastic.
3. Honda Accord EX-L: I've had a lot of experience with Accords and I trust them. Solid car and nice interior. Downside is I really dont like a lot of the design elements they've gone with lately and the car is so ubiquitous. It's everywhere.
I'd be interested in the Sonata, but my local Hyundai/Chrysler/Jeep/Mazda dealer is slimy. One other to consider for me would be the Altima--it's about due for a refresh, but it still looks fresh and rates among the class leaders.
Downsides: CVT. However they have a 10 year warranty on that and seem to have worked out the bugs in the latest iteration. Every once in awhile when I park near someone with an Altima and see the owner I ask them how they like their Altima and not one has ever said they didn't like the tranny so maybe it grows on you. Others may not like the styling but I like it, IMO it kind of squats and looks like a road hugger even if it's not.
I feel the exactly the same way about the Fusions Sport as you do. In addition, I don't like the interior that well either. Doesn't have Homelink which I really like. Agree totally on the Sync system...would love it but won't buy a certain car to get it.
Optima=ditto.
Accord= just can't stand the recent designs, otherwise it seems like a good car.
Another I would add is the tubo Regal possibly. One of the few things that most reviewers cite is the lack of grunt and engine when pushed with the current I4. The turbo version could be very tempting as I loved the quality feel and sense of luxury when I drove one but it did feel a little anemic. If the price is right and it feels powerful and still gets decent mpg I would be very interested in it.
I have other vehicles on my list but they aren't midsize cars so I won't go there.
The Regal though, I've been kinda down on it lately. At first I was loving it but then ... what's it going to run me? Load it up now on Buick's site and it's almost 32k. With turbo what am I looking at? And color... it's either black, white, silver or beige?
Having said all that, I can totally see myself test driving one and loving it.
I really hope Kia comes through with that UVO/SYNC by the time the SX models hit the floor by the way. Does Buick have anything like that?
It's too bad it sounds like not much more than a refresh, since the platform hasn't had any significant changes in 9 years...
The preview photos don't show much, other than the now-familiar C-pillar that seems to be untouched from the current version, The tail lights look good (although very similar to other restyled sedans), but the projector headlights and grille don't look very promising. What does, though, is the Pentastar V6 with a 6-speed auto (283 HP, 260 lb-ft). No stats on the I-4 yet...
If the interior is as improved as promised, it just may get back on the radar of midsize sedan buyers. I'll still wait for the Fiat-based replacement, since just about every other sedan has been redone or refreshed since '01, and IMO Chrysler wasn't at the top of their game then either...
Although I only have had one Chrysler in my life I rather enjoyed it. It was a 1964 Polara with the pushbutton transmission if I remember correctly.
My brother recently traded in his '08 Altima on a '10 Fusion Sport. I got a tell ya, it's a hell of a good car. I was quite impressed at how well it drove. Quiet, refined, quick, and handling is impressive (the 3.5 v6 impressed me with it's smoothness and high end punch). Definitely a fun car to drive. Sync is very slick. It also says something, that the Fusion is my brother's first domestic car ever. Before the Altima he had an '06 Maxima.
The exterior of the Fusion Sport has grown on me (I prefer it over the lower trim models). So has the interior. While it may not be the most exciting design, everything feels fairly substantial and quality of materials are better than the Altima and my dad's 09 Accord Ex-L v6 which feels a little on the rough side compared to the Fusion (particularly road noise is much more pronounced in the Accord).
And what is it with the brakes on the Accords? My dad had to have his rear brake shoes replaced at 28k miles and apparently two other people he knows with '09 Accord's have had similar premature brake wear.
As good as the current Fusion is, this'll only make it better.
Don't know why it won't be available until '13, seems kinda long just to create a US version of a current car.
This is all part of Ford's global platform campaign - build one vehicle and sell it everywhere just like the Fiesta and the upcoming 2012 Focus due in March.
Don't expect the new Fusion to look exactly like that. These are Mondeo testing mules. They wouldn't be showing the new body style now. Given what they were able to do with the Fiesta and Focus I expect a similarly stunning design.
It's also very likely that the next Taurus will be built on this platform (stretched and/or widened). And the new Fusion will likely only offer 4 cylinder engines including at least one ecoboost (direct injection turbo) model.
Which I am not.
2013 Toyota "FT-86" which may be named Celica
I want one of these RWD babies in 6-speed manual transmission form. Proposed pricing is right around $20,000 for the base model. It may get a boxer motor from Subaru with 190hp. 4 cylinders of course and with the proposed idea of keeping the body light that would be more than enough torque and power ta the wheels for this NE Nevada padre to spiddle out. But starting with a great bodystyle like that they can tweak and fiddle and fit all they want and further refine this beauty for production and delivery should be in late 2012 sometime.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It seems to me that a big drawback for many buyers to considering a Prius is it's looks. I fully realize the aerodynamics involved in the body styling to achieve that avg 50mpg, but what if it had good looking midsize sedan(interior is already EPA midsize I believe) or hatch metalwork on it and averaged say 45mpg?
I don't think the aerodynamic change would affect the city mpg that much but the hwy mpg would probably be substantially reduced.. I still believe the avg mpg would be really high.
I think it could be a very good seller.
A hybrid version of an otherwise regular car doesn't do that in the way the distinct Prius styling does.
Would appreciate input for a vehicle around $32-35K that addresses the above comments.
Somewhat concerned with Toyota based on negative PR over the past months.
Based on that, both are reliable as you'll find. Which is more comfortable when you test drive them? My biggest problem with the Camry is I really dislike the interior look. Considering how much time you'll spend in it I'd base it on comfort and interior overall.
As for other options I'd try the Ford Fusion, Altima and Hyundai Sonata. Actually for 35k you could probably get into a nice Maxima too.
Link to CD article
Looks like this segment will be the hot one in the foreseeable future...so I'm stoked that we'll be participating.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Good stuff. The wheel choices are interesting, and, it looks really good with tan interior. Cant wait til October. Or I guess December for the turbo.
There needs to be a "yawn" smiley on here, since that's the only thing that comes to mind when seeing this.
Click me!
Not bashing it, just wondering how big an effect it will have on future sales.
Hyundai/Kia has proven you can make an affordable but striking midsize car....why can't we have an affordable and striking hybrid that gets 50 mpg like the Prius or very close to it. The Hyundai/Kia midsize hybrids will be interesting and like Back suggested earlier, the promised new Elantra in a hybrid form should really be good combo of good style with huge mpg.
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I want good pick up, low road noise, and good handling in bad weather.
I like a 4 dr (I think), but nothing too grandma looking either.
I also want reliability. I'm getting rid of a Dodge Caliber with under $30K...definitely looking for upgrade (but a horse and buggy would be an upgrade from the Caliber). :lemon:
Please help me decide. I've researched till my eyes go crossed.
What is your experience with these cars? Or is there another car comparable in this category that you like better? My price range is $20k...someone made me an offer on a Honda Accord for $18K..($25K msrp.) I haven't jumped yet....just want to make sure I'm getting the right thing this time.
My personal list is the Optima, Fusion and Altima.
This is also a great time to buy as the 2011's are already hitting the lots and they want the 10's gone. If you can hold out till the Thanksgiving - New Years time period, even better time to buy!
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
As an owner of a 2007 Mazda 6i, I recommend the Mazda 6. I have 68,000 trouble free miles. It is sportier and better looking than the Accord, and I'm sure you can find good deals on them. I prefer not to drive the same car as everyone else. Check it out. :shades:
The Sandman :sick: :shades:
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2015 Golf TSI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)