Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry vs. Ford Fusion

backy

I suggest you take a look at the prices of the Fusion and Sonata and see which costs more. For example, I know that for $19,995 MSRP (including destination) I can buy a Sonata GLS 4-cylinder with the following equipment:

Shiftronic automatic
16" alloy wheels
power windows/locks
power heated mirrors
ABS with EBD and traction control
6 airbags
ESC
6-speaker MP3 stereo
trip computer
fog lamps
automatic headlamps
leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
faux wood-grain or carbon trim'
active front head restraints
5-year, 60k mile bumper to bumper warranty
10-year, 100k mile powertrain warranty

What does a Fusion cost with that equipment? Also, consider that there are $1500-3000 in rebates available on the Fusion depending on if it's a V6 and if you already own a Hyundai. I think you will find the Sonata costs signficantly less, comparably equipped, than does the Fusion.

w9cw

Oh, I understand you're just repeating her words. I fully realize that. But, any salesperson (in any field) that relies on emphasizing the negatives of the competition, rather than selling their own product based upon its virtues, is not a good salesperson. Even the sales profession has ethics, and it's simply not professional to knock your competition. I know it's endemic, but it separates the good and bad salesmen. It can come back to haunt you! If she doesn't know the facts, she shouldn't be making such statements.

giantkiller

camry is bloated if you already made up your mind on the Fusion. I could say that the Fusion is bloated too but will the other person believe me? Go check the specs, thats all I'm saying. I wont go around posting here information and then I donty have something to support it. "It looks bloated" doesnt count to me. I check the specs, the Fusion is BIGGER, WIDER, LONGER than the present gen Camry. Now back to driving dynamics. The lastest comparo between these four has Accord winning it because of driving dynamics. Considering the Fusion has just now been released how come that Ford failed again to match its competition. C&D comparison shows that the Fusion bettered the present gen Camry only by 2/10 seconds in 0-60 and quarter mile. By the way the Camry finished last in the comparo.
Again quoting the C&D ,
"In other categories of athletics, the Accord was always in the top half of the class—second best in stopping distance, tied for second best with the Hyundai in roadholding—and was the top performer in the emergency-lane-change test."
There you go, throw your "drivers car" Fusion out of the window.

snakeweasel

I understand that but I don't think its ethically wrong to say "This has 'X' and car 'B' doesn't" if I ask what is the difference between their car and car 'B'. Its not bashing the other car if your giving factual information and the customer asks about it.

snakeweasel

I know that for $19,995 MSRP (including destination) I can buy a Sonata GLS 4-cylinder with the following equipment:

Shiftronic automatic

This always amazed me, does anyone actually use the shiftable automatics in "manual" mode?

I can see people using it on the test drive and when their car is new, but once the novelty wears off how often will it be used?

my guess is rarely.

tenpin288

This always amazed me, does anyone actually use the shiftable automatics in "manual" mode?

Actually, yes. We own an 04 Sonata (wife's car) and and 05 Tucson (my car) and I make use of the shiftronic often. We live in the Laurel Mtns of Pa and the ability to manually select the gear I want rather than what the transmission wants was a big selling point for both cars.

To me there is nothing more frustrating than having a 4 or more speed tranny and not being able to select each and every gear. There are many times in these hills that I need to be able to select 2nd gear for downhill control in adverse conditions. Most other 4sp(multi-speed) auto trannys can only select D, 3rd, and L(1st) and that just doesn't cut it for me.

kdhspyder

My experience is the same as yours. However on our MR2 it has the 'sequential manual' where you must upshift through the 6 gears (no clutch) but you dont have to downshift unless you want to.

It does make it more fun.

snakeweasel

Thanks, I wasn't sure if people actually used the things or not. As for the 4 speed every one I have driven allowed the selection of each and every gear. But come to think about it that was one complaint a friend of mine had about his van, couldn't select 2nd.

But I agree having the ability to select 2nd is needed in hilly country.

driverdm

I use mine constantly in my Mazda6. In my experiences either people use it all the time or never at all. You have people who really liek to drive manual cars but they live in the city and at times want to avoid the headaches. Then there are also people who just like to shift themselves, adds more to the driving experience. To each his own but there's an answer to your question.

driverdm

For $19,793 you can get a Fusion 4c SEL that includes most of that stuff save for the safety equipment and has some creature features the Hyundai does not. For $20,919 you get the SEL with ABS and the safety package that includes side and curtain airbags. And for $20,383 you get an SE with the ABS, safety package, 6 disc changer with MP3 player, etc. So price wise they are pretty competitive, especailly since you never pay MSRP and there is $1,000 in available rebates.

The Fusion is not as safe as the Sonata and no one matches Hyundais warranty so we aren't even going to discuss those. Hyundai is the value leader, hands down. But I am not too much of a safety buff, and I only keep my cars for around four years or so, so the Sonata and Fusion are fighting it out for my dollars. As I said before the Fusion has a slight lead, to me, because of design inside and out and driving dynamics. But I couldn't fault anyone for buying a Hyundai on its merits, though I will never love the interior.

driverdm

As I told you before, the "bloated" look is a matter of design not dimensions. It is like saying "Oh you say that the Camry looks dull but it has the same dimensions". It isn't the space but what you do with it. So give that a rest.

And how come everyone picks on the Fusion for coming in second, but not the Sonata for coing in third. Isn't it brand spanking new too? If the Fusion "failed to match the compeition" than the Sonata failed even worse.

And from your same article "Most of the test drivers liked this car's controllability, and the way they fit inside. It feels heavy in motion, very stable, and deliberate. Road grip topped the others at 0.83g." And the Accord won for many reasons if you check the chart. And no duh the Fusion was slower than the Accord, it has 23 less horses and 6 less pound feet of torque. But give it its just due and remember that driving dynamics is not just about speed. No one would ever say a Miata is very fast.

chrisford

Just quoting C&D in not enough to convince anyone. There were loads of reviews done. Some lists the Fusion as the most dynamic and fun to drive. C&D isn't the Holy bible you know. Why do some of you let these "professional" tell you which car you should get. Go drive them for yourself and they talk to me. I had driven both Accord and Fusion. Fusion wins as per my style, taste and excitement level. Plus no looks at you in an Accord or stop you and ask what care is that...

ctalk

There were loads of reviews done. Some lists the Fusion as the most dynamic and fun to drive.

I've only seen two comparisons done, one by C&D and MT.

driverdm

True. However, chrisford did not say comparisons. There have been many reviews of the Fusion from almost every auto mag and site that tell of its driving dyvamic prowess. I try to give credit where credit is due. The Sonata has safety as its claim to fame, the Accord as refinement, the Fusion as driving fun and dynamics, and the Camry...the Camry...ummm... is good to think of when you have insomnia.

Sorry for the long rants people. I work 8:30am to 5pm all week and I can only read the posts at work, not reply to them. So when I get home I always have a lot to say.

goodegg

Gotta tell ya man - this "driving dynamic prowess" you speak of I can't find in the Fusion. Test drove an SEL again today and was waiting for the car to wow me. It just doesn't. There's hesitation in the gas pedal when starting from a stop. The steering is a bit spongy. The car made a few odd creaking noises before it got warmed up. Where's the "fun" in this car? Nothing special here.It ain't gonna win over Accord owners/buyers.

Drive one and whoever thinks this is a fun dynamic experience needs to get out more.

210delray

The IIHS frontal offset and side impact results for the Civic come out on December 4. Watch for them!

210delray

I also like to shift my Camry automatic manually. It's nice to be able to choose all 5 gears. But it's also nice to have the "grade logic" feature (which I believe Honda introduced), which downshifts the tranny into 4th or 3rd when descending steep grades, at least if you step on the brake pedal momentarily.

Ford products (cars at least) were notorious for not allowing the driver to select 2 on their 4-speed autos, an important gear for long slower downgrades.

Now on the 6-speed Fusion, you get two choices: D and L. Dumb.

snakeweasel

Now on the 6-speed Fusion, you get two choices: D and L. Dumb.

Yeah so does the Milan (Surprise :surprise: ) which is another reason I would get the 4 banger with the manual if I get that car.

shortarms

Replying to myself because I have more to add:

I did drive a Malibu - has adjustable everything, telescoping steering wheel plus adjustable pedals. But seat felt kind of uncomfortable to me.

Today I test drove a Sonata LX - before I'd just driven the GLS. The Sonata LX has a telescoping steering wheel. Wasn't sure if it was that or the leather seats but it felt more comfortable than the GLS. I asked about getting leather added to the GLS (it's not an option) and was told they would charge $1500. Anyhow, leaning toward the Sonata now - I like everything about it best of the 4 cars listed on this discussion. Looks are clearly subjective and comfort and handling seem an individual thing, but that's my vote.

jojoe

Absolutly,use it all the time, the only way I drive,brings back the old days and fun of driving.Also for those who say they don't see the 2006 Sonata on the road.Here in London I spotted 6 new ones on the road today alone.In my opinion ,I have the best new car on the road,not just for price,but for looks,feeling,power and big time safety.I do not care if the Honda has its reputation or if the Camry sells more,or if the Ford(never will buy one cause its a ford)has a new look,I bought the Sonata because its what my wife and I liked the most,bar none and we are very,very,happy.

iluvmysephia1

are you talking London, Ontario? Isn't that near Toronto, Ontario, and Kingston, Ontario, the home of The Tragically Hip? Man, I can't wait for those guys to strap on their guitars and tour the U.S. again. They are not known well in the States but they'll rock your house in a wonderful way.

Glad you're enjoying your '06 Sonata. What color did you guys get?

I gotta tell y'all, the front-runners in this discussion for me are the Ford Fusion and the Hyundai Sonata. Ford has done a good job with this new sedan and the fact remains that there are a lot of people who plain shut their eyes to foreign rigs. Plain and simple. No lengthy discussion required. I keep my eyes wide open to foreign rigs and am looking at my 3rd new Kia in 6 1/2 years. The thing is, I trade in every few years(it's been 4 years since I acquired my '01 Kia Sportage 4x4 so I'm taking longer than Kia #1 to Kia #2)but don't need to. I just love researching new cars and Kia can't be beat IMHO. The only carmaker that can come close is Hyundai and the '06 Hyundai Sonata is just plain a great mid-size sedan for the money. Hyundai is just plain on a huge roll now and I don't see the Hyundai/Kia machine slowing down much at all. Does anybody think ghastly prices will keep falling? I don't. Hence, I'm seeing if I can persuade myself from trading my '01 Sportage 4x4 in on an '06 Kia Rio5 SX that gets 32-35 mpg with the 5-speed. It has standard side and side curtain airbags and metal pedals and leather wrapped steering wheel. 15" Kumho's and sport 5-spoke alloys and a sport-tuned suspension that invite tossability. All for $14,195 for the 5-speed. I look but can't find anything that beats Kia for value. Not to digress too much, after all, this is about the Sonata, gentlemen. Oh, Kia just popped out their new Optima for 2006 that I should probably at least test drive. It looks like it's been improved almost as much as the Rio has been for 2006. Slap! We're talking about the Sonata and Fusion. Were there a coupla other rigs in this discussion?

I do have one concern about the Fusion being a Ford product. Will the car hold up and not be recalled like the sorry Focus of theirs? What a joke the Focus has turned out to be. Things are starting to implode at GM and Ford. Is this a mystery? Ford best be doing this Fusion right the first time. Not a reasonable facsimile, but right the first time. The Mercury Milan will not sell as well overall, but is a nice looking "luxury version" of the Fusion. The Buick Fusion, you might say.

The Toyota and Honda are both so bland it isn't worth mentioning them in this discussion. Resale value notwithstanding, these two are bland vanilla with weak headlights and not enough reason to go on. Nuff said, Sam Elliott.

bigo

The Fusion goes to show.. when an american automaker wants to do something good.. they can.. FORD need more products like this and it should do good.. gain some market share fr0m the imports.

snakeweasel

One question that popped into my mind about 5 and six speed auto transmissions that allow you to only select drive and low. Does anyone know what gear the "L" is?

BTW thinking about it with a 6 speed auto giving you the choice of any of the gears would make that gear selector mighty long. That is unless you make it with the option of a clutchless manual like some cars do.

bhmr59

They've added new info and have a flash presentation.

Price starts at $24,335 + $660 destination, keeping MSRP under $25K. The base Azera could be a price player compared to the top line Accord's & Camry's, while offering much more standard equipment.

goodegg

So your frontrunner is the Fusion, but then you rip it? I guess a guy that thinks a Kia is the answer can be a bit confused at times. Folks don't buy Kias around here. Some Hyundais. A billion Camcords. But to each his own.

The Accord's reign continues. The country club set will buy one and keep the extra $ over the BMW, but would get laughed off the premises pulling up in a Kia.

Why even pay $15K for a Kia? You could just get a moped. Or even just a bike. Or how about walking? Now there's a great price tag.

backy

Not long ago it was, "Why would you want to buy a Hyundai?? People will laugh at you!" Now Hyundai has gained some respect and many people favorably compare Hyundais such as the Sonata to Hondas and Toyotas. So now it has become, "Why would you want to buy a Kia?? People will laugh at you!" Personally, I wouldn't want to associate with people who would laugh at me because of the kind of car I choose to buy, whether it's a Sonata or a Kia. If they are that intolerant and mean-spirited--not to mention unaware of the huge advances made by Hyundai and Kia in the past five years--I'll find other "friends".

snakeweasel

Just went there, nice presentation. Looks like Hyundai did good with the Azera. Now gotta wait till it gets to the showrooms.

snakeweasel

Yes it used to be "Why would you buy a Honda? People will laugh at you".

Laugh all you want at me driving a Hyundai, but its paid for :P

giantkiller

I'm getting tired of your rambling about Kia. Kia is fine , Kia is good, Kia is exiting , and Accord and Camry are boring. Kia and Hyunda except probably for the new Sta Fe are POS. End of discussion.

giantkiller

They really do laugh at you. You wont get any respect. That's a reality and I dont blame them, just to pissed off IluvmySephia, its because Kia's in general are POS. You can quote me on that. And we can have discussion here about that.

jrock65

Wow, what a great post. I love posts that basically say so and so is "POS" and end in "end of discussion". Like it's the ultimate authority on the subject or something. lol

goodegg

My friends can kid me about anything they want. Doesn't mean they're mean spirited. I too wouldn't equate a Kia to an Accord. Honda has rightfully earned its position as king of the hill in this sector. But just like the game the king is always looking to get knocked off its perch. I don't think Kia (or even Hyundai) will do it.

Hyundai has made great strides with the Sonata. Seems to be a good car. But I don't think its acceptance in all circles will come anytime soon. Altho it would fine with me.

backy

Kidding is one thing; ridicule and intolerance is another. Like someone not minding one bit when someone talks all day, all night, twice on Saturday about how great Accords are, but when someone is a big fan of Kias (based on first-hand ownership experience over many years, no less) they are ridiculed and told that all Kias are s***. That is mean-spirited.

Sonata is only the tip of the iceberg. Laying just underwater, ready to pop up, are the all-new Accent, Azera, Santa Fe, Entourage, Elantra, six-passenger hybrid cross-over vehicle, and a full-sized SUV. If I were Honda and Toyota, I'd be a little worried.

giantkiller

No theyre not. Theyre just telling the truth. Except probably for the new Sta Fe, all Hyundai's and Kia's , blanket statement, are POS.

giantkiller

I did say that we can have discussion about it. Why dont you start and refute my statement?

goodegg

Sure I think Honda and Toyota are a little worried, but I think the car buying public is set in their ways, so unseating Camcord's grip will take a huge contender (this is a 4 car discussion) and I don't think Sonata or Fusion will do that.

Hyundai may have some good models out, but so did Subaru, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Isuzu......and where are they now?

Competition is great tho. Bring em on. Keeps Honda on their toes.

scape2

of Honda/Toyota will never be knocked off their "Throne". Is going to be your and their downfall. Remember when Ford/GM dominated this segment? There were those who thought they too would never be knocked off their Throne. The Accord/Camry have become very boring and complacent and spendy. The present design of the Accord/Camry are blah, blah, blah. Anyone who keeps up on auto news knows that Hyundai is no slouch. They are doing some incredible engineering and offering some quality product for a great value. Sound familiar? Remember when Honda and Toyota did this?
I have driven a Sonata and Accord and a Camry. The new Sonata is quiet the improvement. I feel Hyundai has one more hurdle, image, to get over. Ford Fusion is getting great reviews. I have yet to read one negative review. To think the Accord/Camry are forever going to dominate is very shortsighted.. To think no other car company could ever offer a great value, good quality vehicle is the same mistake GM/Ford made to begin with.. Can you imagine? What if the Fusion/Milan/Zeph did take off? If this vehicle proved to give the value, the quality the public demands? Ford has the factory capacity to meet demand, more demand than Honda could even dream of. This would not bode well for Honda. Toyota on the other hand has more resources, more $$ to meet the challenge.

backy

Realize that you have just said that many Hondas and Toyotas, including the Accord and Camry, are worse than a POS--which is difficult, but possible I suppose.

Maybe we could raise the level of the discussion a bit?

giantkiller

Didnt I just told you that the Accord won the comparo because of its athletic prowess? Give it a rest , the Fusion is so bloated it barely beat the Camry in the 0-60 and quarter mile. By the way the Camry came second in the interior and creature comfort.

jrock65

Um, ok.

I don't know how

"End of discussion" is consistent with: "I did say that we can have discussion about it.", but whatever floats your boat.

First of all, this discussion is NOT about whether all Hyundais and Kias are POS. If you want that discussion, you can start one.

One of the cars meant to be discussed in this thread is the Sonata, which is a fine car and far from a POS. No publication has labelled the new Sonata anything close to a POS, unlike some previous Hyundais. My wife has a 2004 Accord EX-V6 and we would still get an Accord over the Sonata, but that doesn't stop me from recognizing that the Sonata is a better car in many respects, such as exterior styling, room, trunk space, low-end torque and value.

giantkiller

Did I said that? Well then let me correct myself. All Kia's and Hyundai's except for the new Sta Fe are POS.

backy

If you are stating that as a fact, how about you prove it? If it's just your opinion, then we can disagree and move on to the topic at hand.

driverdm

First it was the demographics of the Fusion.
I proved you wrong

Then it was the demographics of a Camry.
I proved you wrong

And now you want to have us believe that looking "bloated" and being a heavy car are the same thing. It seems like you need to give it a rest. Ever heard of the Mitsu Eclipse. It doesn't "look" bloated, but it is a very heavy car. Second of all, I don't know where you get your info from. The Fusion didn't barely beat the Camry because of its weight. The Accord has 23 more horses under the hood. What do you expect? And according to the magazine you are basing your post on, the Fusion griped the road better than the Accord. As I said, a Miata isn't fast but it's strong suit is defintely its driving dynamics. Same here with the Fusion. And in case you didn't catch this last time. Bloated is a look that has to do with design, typically how far the fender is from the hood line. It has nothing to do with actual dimensions, such as overall length, width, and height. The Sonata doesn't look bloated at all but it's dimensions are close to a Camry.

Thirdly how are Hyundai POS except the Sante Fe? The Sonata is a great car. The Sante Fe,... we haven't even seen it yet in person. So you single out a car that you have only seen in pictures? THat makes no sense. Hyundai is a good car company. They have come a long way and will continue to progress. I think Ford has done a 180 as well. THeir new products are phenominal in comparison to where they were just two years ago.

kdhspyder

This particular poster is adamant about all his wrong opinions. Of that he is absolutely certain. Best reply:
'Thank you for your opinion. It will be given the consideraton it deserves.'

kdhspyder

This thinking of Honda/Toyota will never be knocked off their "Throne". Is going to be your and their downfall.

Actually Toyota has stated already that they are most concerned about Hyundai of all other manufacturers. It's been disguised but there is a strategy already working to fight 'fire with fire' and it may decimate other major manufacturers. With Toyota's GazillionBillion$ reserve it can do things others would not.

I've learned not to underestimate the foresight of 'Yota.

For all the extremely well-informed carnutz here on this site performance is not at all important to the heart of the US market. The periphery possibly, yes. Style, reliability, efficiency and affordability are all much more important because so many car-buying decisions are made by women alone - or where they have the final say in the family.

The Sonata and Azera are strong competitors to the Camry as may be the Fusion/Milan but let the Camry numbers start to retreat and you'll see Scion-like Camry's out in a flash. Everything Toyota has in the States revolves around the Camry. It's why the numbers continue to grow every year, even with a '3rd-rate' model, while other major models fall away one by one.

Weird as it may seem the Corolla is almost just as important. Soon you may see the top two autos in the US are the Camry and Corolla. It's smoke and mirrors somehow.

bimmer4me

I wouldn't even have considered a Hyundai, let alone enter one of their showrooms, but my opinion has changed. Last week, I went to a local Hyundai dealer to look at the new Sonata LX V6. Test drove one and walked away impressed. I'm not quite ready for a new car, but when the time comes, I'll certainly entertain the idea of owning a Hyundai Sonata. I currently have a 99 Accord and it has been a great car, but who knows, my next purchase may be a Hyundai. I actually like the exterior styling of the new Sonata much better than the current Accord. It's one of the reasons I still have my 99 Accord, couldn't get myself to like this current Accord's exterior styling. I'm going to wait for the 2007 Sonata...I never purchase any all new car in its first year production.

kdhspyder

jrock65..
The prior post wasnt directed to you but as an addendum to your reply actually.. poorly worded on my part.

Sometimes if you are trying to pull your jacket from a pitbull it's worthwhile to consider if you really want that jacket back. Maybe it's just better to allow the pitbull to 'tear the jacket to shreds' by himself. Incivility has it's own reward.

ctalk

My wife has a 2004 Accord EX-V6 and we would still get an Accord over the Sonata, but that doesn't stop me from recognizing that the Sonata is a better car in many respects, such as exterior styling, room, trunk space, low-end torque and value.

Agreed. I also admit the Sonata is a better car in many ways. Its a excellent car, and I hope it will do well. If I cared more about space, room, and exterior styling the Sonata would probably be on the top of my list.

I saw a 06 Sonata today and noticed the silver is more like a metallic light blue. But I notice that only under the sun. Has anyone noticed this?

spinzero

'm getting tired of your rambling about Kia. Kia is fine , Kia is good, Kia is exiting , and Accord and Camry are boring. Kia and Hyunda except probably for the new Sta Fe are POS. End of discussion.

You must be such a great authority on automobile industry in your own little world. So great that you have misspelled Santa Fe three times so far, consistently as "Sta Fe". Let me guess, it's not important because they are POS, right? Sure, why bother actually gathering knowledge on something when you KNOW before hand that they are POS.

So pray tell, how much research and first hand experience have you done/had on recent offerings from Korea before you reached that thoroughly educated conclusion?

Or perhaps the host should end this thread as the ultimate authority declared it to be THE END OF DISCUSSION! That so made me tremble.

One just has to wonder, how many ignorant, short sighted people had made these kind of statements on Hondas and Toyotas back in the 70's.

snakeweasel

Kia and Hyunda except probably for the new Sta Fe are POS. End of discussion.

Yep I agree with you they are Pretty Outstanding Stuff.