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Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry vs. Ford Fusion
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No doubt, the Fusions interior is better than the Fisher Price plastics and Payless leather used in the '06 Vulcanized Taurus that is my rental punishment right now, but its still not running with the class leaders.
~alpha
Whoa - really? What needs do you have that the Sonata meets better than the Accord? Is it just the money?
Classier exterior styling is the main reason, with a much bolder front end, an Audi-esque roofline, and little touches like the elliptical twin exhausts. I also prefer the lighter-colored dash of the Sonata to the black interior of the Accord. And I find panache in clever design details like the articulated trunk lid, Shiftronic automatics, and ESC on all models. Is that "real" enough for you? If not, too bad.
The 12% number doesn't seem too high. There are many cars I would "never" consider under any circumstance. However "never" is much to definite. 2 Years ago I would have said I would never consider a Hyundai. Why?, because I knew nothing about Hyundai's except their poor reputation deserved from cars made more than 10 years ago.
Last January I learned than I would get some additional money in March. Thought that it was time to get rid of my '91 Chrysler which needed about $1500-$2000 of work to make it right. After checking into various cars, including late model used cars, and test driving an '05 Sonata, I bought an '05 Sonata in early April.
The car has been wonderful. I'm glad I moved from the 12% category to the 48% category to the 40% category and that I untimately bought a Sonata.
I like the '05 look better than the '06 look. However, no one can deny that the '06 has better safety features and improved engines (4 or 6 cyl), although costing more money than the '05.
Yes, price was a big factor for me. But when I look at what I got with the GLS Special Value(heated seats,auto climate control,homelink mirror, special alloys) it would have cost at least $4000 more, comparably equiped, for a competing brand. Too bad the '06 doesn't have a SV GLS...essentially an LX without leather and power driver seat. Maybe a special value will appear in the future.
I also really like the Sonata GLS's alloys to the point that I may soon have the chance to buy a set to replace the steel wheels on my Camry XLE. I can even spray paint the clear center cover of the wheels to hide the Hyundai emblems.
~alpha
The Mazda6 is just too small and the MSRP is a little high compared to cars like the Sonata. It handles great, but not that many folks buy a mid-size sedan for that. The power is adequate, but most cars in the class have more. Apparently great looks aren't enough.
The Fusion is the car the Mazda6 should have been.
"Loaded" models with every option-
Fusion SEL V6- $25,945 (after $500 rebate)
Milan Premier V6- $25,790 (after $500 rebate)
Mid-level 6-cylinder models with only safety features added (and alloys on the Fusion)-
Fusion SE V6- $22,455 (after $500 rebate)
Milan Base V6- $22,780 (after $500 rebate)
They're basically neck and neck, although it's interesting that the loaded Fusion is a few bucks more than the loaded Milan.
Maybe the fugly 16's are to force buyers into ordering the pricier 17's? Heck, even the GL wheel covers look better.
My best friend's last three company cars were Taurus/Sables. I truly feel sorry for you right now, bud. Just stay away from sharp objects, it's not worth it! :P
How long are you stuck with it? BTW, we called his last Sable the "Disable".
Maybe the same reason they didn't put folding mirrors on the car--those $$$$s in savings over competitors have to come from someplace. You can only cut so much cost out through factory automation. But if it comes down to spending the money on engines and safety equipment, I'd rather it go to that than LED instruments. Call me old-fashioned, but I don't need fancy instruments.
I originally got the steel wheels on my Camry because I was cheap; the dealer located a "base" XLE with no options other than side airbags. Invariably, if you get alloys on the XLE, other options like a sunroof are bundled with them.
Had to get the XLE because my wife has been having lower back aches and wanted the extra adjustability of the XLE's power passenger seat. Of course, the extra goodies of the XLE are nice, like the CD changer, trip computer, auto dimming mirror, rear sunshade, etc. I could skip the fake wood, though!
I can get the Sonata alloys for a pretty steep discount from my employer.
Sonata alone has standard stability control on all models. Camry has it as an option on all but the low-line Standard model. On the Accord, it's available (standard?) only on the V6 models. The Fusion doesn't offer it at all.
(yea, I travel a lot... hopefully next round I'll get something other than the Taurus. I find the front seats REALLY uncomfortable, among other things)
~alpha
First of all Honda, Toyota or Nissan never had to be ashamed of their past. Japanese car manufactures have earned respect. Never will they say a "Honda,Toyota or Nissan like you never seen before". In fact the Japanese car manufactures are proud of their early years.
Second, not even American cars could compare with Japanese cars. I don't care if it be a Dodge, Ford or Chevy. The only good American cars are pricey and run through alot of mechanical problems and also I hate to say it,they look ugly.
Please go to Honda's website and see for yourself all the technology that Honda created that are being used in all cars today from German to American.
Honda is a scientific car company and they stay ahead of the game making gas efficient cars and hybrids.
American manufactures are selling high hp/gas guzzling engines because they can't compete with efficient reliable engines that the Japanese mastered.
Lets take it another level, Hondas are better cars then your favorite German cars. Why don't nobody talk about how the Germans make awful transmissions? German cars are status cars, thats it! Go ask a few mechanics around which cars are more reliable, German ,American or Japanese and see what they say. Like I said Japanese cars are simply the best cars. Not the fastest, speed does not make a car great, quality makes a car great. To all the people that bought a Hyundai just stop in at meineke and tell them "I'm Not Going To Pay Alot For A Muffler! :P
I'm pretty sure only the Germans offer the rear seat-mounted side airbags, usually as an option (better not to have them if you have young children riding in the rear).
Funny you should say "do your research" and post something this ridiculous. Are you claiming that Honda INVENTED double wishbone suspension? There are cars from 1950's that had double wishbone. The only thing Honda did was to use it on their econobox model earlier than the most manufacturers.
I'm as big of a fan of Japanese cars as any other, but to claim that the ONLY thing german cars have is the status appeal is very far from the truth. That is no different than to claim that the only thing that matters in a bottle of wine is its alcohol content.
While I DO agree that a lot of people buy German cars for the image, I have to admit that German makes (especially companies like BMW and Porsche) have built that image by genuinely appealing to the enthusiasts group by offering cars that were much more than mobile appliances.
Actually Hyundai has always made some pretty reliable cars. Unfortunatly the one that was actually crap was the one that they used to get into the US auto market. So the fact that their Edsel was their first car in the US has haunted them and of course it is something that is hard to shake. But they are shaking that image with some great cars.
First of all Honda, Toyota or Nissan never had to be ashamed of their past.
Well when those cars first came to the US they weren't tops either. Why do you think Nissan refused to use their name on their cars when they first imported them into the US?
American manufactures are selling high hp/gas guzzling engines because they can't compete with efficient reliable engines that the Japanese mastered.
Because there is a large market for large high hp cars, more so than small efficient cars in this country. And it will remain that way for at least a while.
To all the people that bought a Hyundai just stop in at meineke and tell them "I'm Not Going To Pay Alot For A Muffler!
Why? after 130k miles on my Hyundai the original muffler is still good even after all those Chicago winters.
Let me guess you drive a Honda?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I'll take that bet and you would lose since it violates economic laws. The only way that sales would drop in that case is that if the price drops enough to make the cars unprofitable and the likes of MB close their doors. You see even if rich people switch to something else that other people cannot afford the German car companies will gain more than they lose. Thats because their cars will be more affordable and with their "snob" appeal will attract many more people than you think they will lose.
In other words there is a vast number of people out there that would like to own a MB but cannot truely afford them. If you reduce the price they will buy them.
Vice versa if Japanese cars had German price tags the wealthy would want them more.
Well first off the Japanese car would have to have the reputation of the MB's of this world and they do not (despite what you may think). They will stick with what has the image and trust me MB has a far better image than Honda. Plus if you raise the price you lose all your base customers who will go to something more affordable.
Take an economics lesson please.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
We're talking about the Sonata, the Accord, the Camry and the Fusion.
Let's try to stick to the subject.
The Azera might be a better car in that respect.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Well, not to sound "smart", but if you look at the standard features and specifications on the upcoming Azera vs the current XG350 your question will be answered. In my opinion, the XG never caught on with the market because I don't think it was ever that much better than the Sonata to justify its' upcharge over the Sonata (and I am referring to both the current and previous Sonatas).
However, with that said, I do feel that the US market isn't ready to accept a $30,000 Hyundai - especially people who have never owned a Hyundai. Even if the car is beautiful, provides a lot of amenities, etc... it is still a Hyundai, and public perception goes a long ways. Now people that actually have and do currently own Hyundais, and have had good experiences with them may be excited about the Azera. However, warranty or not, a lot of people will have a problem paying $30,000 for a Hyundai when that dollar amount can get them into the teritory of Acura, preowned Lexus, etc.
And they were the ones that were manufactured in Bromont, Canada.
As for topic-ness, we added the Fusion to this discussion because it was a natural competitor to the original 3 cars. Maybe we could add the Azera also?
And you can bet there will be incentives--maybe not in the initial weeks, but given the car is competing also with the Avalon that is in the same price range, you know there will be some rebates.
Recall though that the last new sedan that Hyundai rolled out, the Sonata, is considered by many to be a strong contender in the mid-sized field, fully competitive with Toyota and Honda. So there is reason to believe the Azera will be competitive also.
If you're adding the Azera to the mix of cars in the upper end here you might as well add the Maxima. Drove my friend's 05 today - its a rocket. Feels good too. Nice machine.
I would hold off on any judgment of the Azera (good or bad) until you are able to get in one and check it out.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Also agree that the Maxima is a helluva vehicle. No stigma in owning a Nissan.
I was willing to "take a gamble" on public perception changing toward Hyundai within a few years, kind of like playing the stock market. Also, barring any significant problems, I plan to keep my Sonata at least 7 years. At that point, resale value vs Toy/Hon doesn't mean much. Looking at present day value, quality & features for the money, I opted for the Sonata.
As Hyundai's quality continues improving and the public acceptance of Hyundai improves, Hyundai's used car value (today's new car, or '05 or '04, etc) will improve compared to other used cars of the same model year.
If Hyundai is competitive today as a new car, it's just a matter of time until the stigma "earned" long ago will disappear. Those "taking a gamble" on Hyundai at the cutting edge will come out ahead at trade-in time.
I just looked up my car on the Kelly Blue Book web site and found that the trade in value is 21.12% of its original cost, the private party value is 31.08%, and the retail value is 50.2%. Not bad for a car that is over 5 years old and has 130k miles on it.
FWIW I checked the trade in value of a Civic of the same year with the same mileage and it was just over 20% of the original cost.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
this is only what i see locally.
don't get me wrong, i think hondas are good vehicles, but not a lot better than others.
maybe we can have some fun with this: got a publication from ford and it had an article about the new fusion.
one of the highlighted bullets was that is can compete with the best of japan and korea. guess it meant toyota and hyundai.
All I've tried to tell others, on this forum and other places, is the next time you're looking to buy a new car is CONSIDER a Hyundai, take a look, check out the specs and take a test drive. You may be pleasantly surprised or you may say "no thanks."
I surprised last February and bought a Sonata in April and have been very pleased so far.