Midsize Sedans Comparison Thread

oldjoe

Please do not say that the Hyundai Sonata can be compared to The Honda Accord...it gives me a case of stomach trouble. My I4 Honda even eats up the Hyundai V6 with its low gas mileage/. Test drive a Honda I4 and then test the Hyundai V6...no discernable difference in acceleration but a 20% penalty on gasoline usage. Remember, Honda or Toyota do not do everything excellantly...they just do everything darn well.

smith20

Please do not say that the Hyundai Sonata can be compared to The Honda Accord...it gives me a case of stomach trouble.

Wow, you are really biased . . .

Test drive a Honda I4 and then test the Hyundai V6...no discernable difference in acceleration

. . . and this assertion seems ridiculous. I'm wondering if you really did this proposed test yourself.

midnightcowboy

Actaully the Mazda 6 has even worse gas mileage than you are suggesting. My siter-in-law has the Mazda 6i ( 4 cylinder automatic) and I don't east it up but I gat better mileafge in my V6 6-speed Honda Accord coupe by several miles per gallon on the highway.

Mazda 6 are fun and sporty, but they don't get close to the EPA rated gas mileage. It might not be of concern to you, but to many it is becuase of high gas prices.

MidCow

backy

Please do not say that the Hyundai Sonata can be compared to The Honda Accord

Well... it can be; I did it ('05 Accord EX I4 to '06 Sonata GLS I4); and the Sonata came out very well in comparison to the Accord. Have you driven both cars, comparably equipped, back-to-back over the same roads as I did?

jahnu04

MidCow-

I own a 04 AT Mazda6 wagon and have put more than 11K miles. My commute is 70/30 Hwy/City driving and I get close to 26 mpg. EPA: 19 city/26 hwy. I live in Minnesota, during winter I avarage around 22-23, but for the last 4 months I have been consistently getting above 25. Recently I had also been on a 600 mile long trip and averaged 29+, 95% hwy, 70 mph and cruise on, I was surprised to see that number.

This one replaced my 95 Camry, Mazda6 is truly fun to drive (will never go back to camry again) and I knew when I bought the car that I would not get more than 26 for my regular commute. So far no complaints. Yes, it would had been nice if it gave couple more miles.

lmacmil

I think the CR acceleration figures are obtained by releasing the brake and stomping on the gas pedal. No brake torqueing like the auto mags do.

You are correct, CR purchases the vehicles from dealers whereas the car mags have them supplied by the manufacturers. I don't believe there's is any payola going on but I'm sure the manufacturers supply vehicles that are gone over with a fine tooth comb and meet or exceed all factory specs. Makes you wonder about the recent electronic failures in the BMW C&D tested.

johnson5

Seems to be there is another car 5% smaller than Sonata in size and weight, comes with a 200hp 6 cyl new engine with all the fuel saving features, Traction control and Stability control . Hopefully the estimated EPA miles may be around 32-33.
It is 2006 Kia Optima...expected in another 4 months.

backy

Where did you hear the V6 would be new? The reports I've read to date say it's the same 2.7L V6 engine that the Optima has now. Which doesn't sound right considering how underpowered that engine is compared to the competition these days. The pics I've seen of the new Optima looked pretty good, especially the interior. I think I like the exterior of the Sonata better.

midnightcowboy

Actually if you look at the topic of this thread the Kia is not included and it is off-topic to discuss it.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda MAZDA6, Sedan, Auto News, Opinion, Car Photos, Car Reviews

backy

The Optima is a mid-sized imported sedan, correct? In other discussions that suffer from the same problem this one does (max of six cars can be listed), our Host allowed us to discuss other cars that applied to the topic. Hopefully that is the case here as well. We have actually done that in the past, e.g. the Galant and Legacy have popped up, and there were no complaints (from the Host, or from other posters like you).

danf1

From what I've heard, the Optima will use the same 2.7 but with variable valve timing and a few other enhancements to give it 197hp. Not sure where I heard that, but it sounds believable.

midnightcowboy

Backy,

You are probably right. There is a similar thread, Edmund's has so many threads, on economy cars in the range $16-20K and they don't want you to discuss cars in the range of $16-20K only those few that were listed in the title thread :confuse: .

There was also a thread comparing three cars, and when some talk about only one car it is okay, but when others do it is moved :confuse:

But you are right the new Kia Optima probably fits into Mid-sized sedans. It also looks like Kia is moving into the competion

How close are you to buying a new car and what is your short list?

Cheers,

MidCow

stickguy

I know the title is Import, but it might be interesting to throw a domestic into the mix when the new Ford Fusion finally comes out. It is based on the Mazda 6 platform (although slightly expanded), and the initial reviews make it sound like a legitimate competitor to the old standbys (CamCord).

Supposed to drive like a 6, but much roomier.

stickguy

I have been looking lately. I started with compacts (the new Civic, and the Mazda 3). My wife decided it would make more sense to get something in the midsize class (even though it will cost me more money!)

Anyhow, as of now, the Accord is the top contender. I refuse to own a Camry (way to isloated and spongy for my taste). The 6 is nice, but I don't find the seats very comfortable (I'm very particular about seats), although the deals are good.

I mentioned the Fusion because I plan to look at it as soon as it finally shows up. I'm hoping it is as advertised (offering the drving dynamics of the 6, but with more room in the back seat, and more comfortable front seats). Pricing seems aggressive, assuming there are some discounts.

If the Fusion tested out as nicely as the Accord (my test, that is), it would be hard to ignore a price differential of +/- 3K.

backy

I will be buying a new car within the next year. I can't give my short list here because most of it would be off-topic. And it's an evolving list. But of the mid-sized imports, the Sonata is currently my #1 choice, although I'll have to take a look at the refreshed Accord, the new Camry (if it's out by then), and maybe the Mazda6i (although if I go Mazda it will probably be another one--which happens to be off-topic). I'll have to drive the Optima too, but Kia won't give me a loyalty rebate like Hyundai will--and they don't include their cousin Hyundais as "competition" for the competitive rebates. Plus I have a coupon good for $250 off best price on my next Hyundai.

midnightcowboy

Backy,

Thanks, I asked because you always have good input and analysis.

YMMV,

MidCow

johnson5

In Europe, Magentis( Optima) buyers will have a choice of three engines: 2.0-liter four and 2.7-liter V6 gasoline units (rated at 146 and and 195 horsepowerand a 142-hp, 2.0-liter diesel. In the U.S., Optima buyers get to choose between the two petrol-burning engines, with the four connected to a four-speed automatic transmission and the six channeled through a six-speed automatic

backy

Hmmm. I wonder if that 2.0L gas engine is the all-new new Hyundai/DC motor that will replace the current 138 hp Beta engine? Interesting how the Optima gets a 6-speed auto and the Sonata only five!

bhmr59

Take a look at the new Hyundai Sonata. It's been getting good reviews.

Maybe you'll prefer it or maybe you won't. You could save a lot compared to the Acord or you could get a more deluxe trim for the same type of money. Have you seen the comparision, I think it was C &D, of the '06 Sonata, '05 Accord & "05 Camry? In the $22K price range they rated the Sonata the best.

ctalk

I think it was C &D, of the '06 Sonata, '05 Accord & "05 Camry? In the $22K price range they rated the Sonata the best.

I believe it was Edmunds who did the comparison. C&D hasn't came out with a comparison yet between the 3 (from what I know) My prediction is they will come out with a comparison in 2006/07 since there are so many new sedans coming out.

stickguy

Yes, I did see some positive reviews. I believe that Edmunds also rated it 1st ina comparison.

But, all the test I have seen have been of the V6. I drive a stick, so that leaves me at a 4 cyl / 5 speed.

the Sonata also tends to be higher rated because they compare similar priced models, not equipment. So, the V6 Sonata was going against a 4 cyl in the other cars.

Of note, the CamCord does get much better mileage. In the comparison, the Accord averaged 27, and the Hyundai 20. The performance isn't that much different either.

banditboy

I been following this thread as i just got a mazda6i 6 days go....the 1 point is the comparision between the sonata V6 and I4 accords + camry ....

I read alot of people saying that the comparison should have been with equal configured car and was wondering the price difference between a equal equiped
accord and sonata is 4k -5k and considering the same progression

a acura tl ,lexus is300 ,bmw 3 series ,accord is 4k can we include them in a midsize comparision if they have compariable equipment?

pat

No, all of those vehicles but the Accord are in a different class and are being discussed at this link: Entry-Level Luxury Performance Sedans. I'm not sure why you keep wanting to mix up classes. Occasionally on a one-to-one basis that can fly (even though some will always object), but in a multi-vehicle comparo, it is completely unworkable.

In fact, some of these differing-class vehicles ARE being compared one-to-one - take a look at the list on this board (Comparisons) - but we are not going to do it in a multi-vehicle match-up.

I think if you use the Browse by Vehicle search on the left to look up the vehicles you find of interest, you'll be able to locate lots of discussions that will suit your interests. That way you won't have to keep trying to rearrange conversations that are already underway. If you can't find what you need and/or if you have any questions, email me. Thanks.

banditboy

I guess it shows english is not my first language so might have lost in translation....

But, my point was that accord v6 loaded with everything does not belong in this discussion and most people i know including me shop in a price range than
option in different cars with different price

No thread hijacking ....i was trying to make a point that price is an important and most case only citeria so the edmunds comparision actually makes sense to me

when i was shopping for 20 k car the 22k accord was suggested a few times
but for me it was not a item to compare,i used a 5 speed LX not the DX which had everything i need except the price

pat

Okay, gotcha, but the Accord is definitely part of this discussion, loaded or not.

Just check the "What is this discussion about?" about line (or, more easily seen, the price quote and consumer review links) at the top of the discussion to find out on what vehicles the discussion is primarily focused.

And again, if you have any questions or can't find what works for you, just drop me an email.

Thanks.

ctalk

But, my point was that accord v6 loaded with everything does not belong in this discussion and most people i know including me shop in a price range than
option in different cars with different price

So, what your saying is, a loaded Accord does not belong in this discussion?
I'm still quite confused as to what your saying.

People who shop for the Accord EX V6 will most likely cross-shop it will the Nissan Altima 3.5SE, Camry SE/XLE V6, and Hyundai Sonata LX V6. And in some cases, the Acura TL or G35.

pat

The Accord is most definitely part of this discussion and that fact is not up for debate. So let's keep going.

stickguy

I think the point the poster was trying to make is that some of these cars (such as the Accord) cover a wide price spread. Big difference from a base DX to a loaded EX V6. So, you have to be careful to compare equivelant models, which due to different pricing structures, may be wildly different in content.

So, a loaded V6 Sonata vs. an LX Accord 4 cyl, may be the same price. Or, do you compare it to an EX V6, which costs a lot more.

Or, he could have had a completely different point, but I still like this one!

Actually works on the bottom and top end. That loaded Accord creeps into TL territory (price and equipment), while a lower end car (or Korean brand) might compete with compacts like the CIvic on price.

backy

Shoot, the Civic competes with the Accord on price!

pat

Makes sense, thanks.