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Midsize Sedans 2.0

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Comments

  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,341
    wheels are the hardest feature to judge by, since it is quite possible that someone bought an EXL and just did the Sport wheels as an upgrade.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • ahightowerahightower Member Posts: 539
    Sport CVT is available in any color. Sport Manual is limited to black and grey.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Exactly - the "sporty" sport only comes in two colors. ;)
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    with my Fusion 2.0 ecoboost. Kind of like it though.
    My neighbor is looking for a new mid size sedan.
    He's pretty conservative and already looked at an S60.
    I did tell him to take a look at the Accord.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,928
    Any color as long as Honda offers it, which isn't many. If I was buying an Accord Sport, I'd get the dark blue. I think I might prefer the coupes lighter blue though, but it isn't offered with 4-doors.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,068
    The dark blue looked too much like black to me, so I got the dark red instead. I wish Honda would offer a medium blue like the Mazda or Chevy Cruze. But the red with tan interior is sharp. We seem to be in a rather dull period with colors generally, with most buyers wanting white, black, or silver.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Not certain if the KIA sedans have the colors...but I was looking at the Santa Fe and they have some really nice unique colors...an orange...a canyon red/brown, a unique green.

    But...I agree. For me, the exterior color really doesn't matter.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,928
    edited September 2013
    That dark red looked purple/violet to me. Didn't care for it, even on a TL SH-AWD. Give me a real red; like Audi's Misano Red Pearl!
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • Ok...I am clear on it now. I totally missed the M/T part. SO there are plenty of blue sport models.....just all with CVT's.

    Good to know. Thanks!!!
  • I like the red in the new BMW 4 series.

    I have noticed that a LOT of cars in the magazines are red with black trim outside and tan inside....which is what I have. It just looks sporty to me and waxing a red car really makes it pop. Silver/grey is my least favorite.
  • My mom drove a stick till she was 72. Back in her day, learning to drive stick was mandatory. It was easy for me, since I was driving a tractor mower at 8 and a YZ-80 by 11. When I was coming up, my folks said to me that "everyone needs to know how in case of an emergency, like having to take someone to the hospital and the only vehicle available was a stick".

    I just got in and did it.
  • andres3andres3 Member Posts: 13,928
    Black and white are my least favorite by far.

    And metallic pearl black and white doesn't do anything to change that.
    '18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
  • LOL. I did see a Taurus SHO yesterday that was all black, w/ black trim...and titanium rims (which hide brake dust). It looked menacing. There was nary a strip of chrome.

    If Darth Vader needed a car, he need not look further. :)
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    While I was at the outside ATM at the bank yesterday, the security guard stuck up a conversation with me about my Fusion. We talked about the color, the rims, features, etc...
    He said 'Those must be pretty good cars', you never see them on the stand alone used car lots.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    The Optima will save you a bit more plus I like the styling better. I'm not in the market however. Too bad --so sad. Buy on brothers and sisters -- buy on.
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    From the Edmunds review:

    For the most part, the Sonata has kept getting better. The current model, in particular, is not only a fully competitive choice for a family sedan, but a standout among its peers. In addition to the strong value proposition, it adds a few things previously not seen in this conservative nameplate -- namely, daring styling and sporty driving dynamics.

    Although it's classified as a full-size family sedan by the EPA, the Hyundai Sonata still competes in the midsize segment. It's available in GLS, SE and Limited trim levels. Even the base car comes well equipped, while the SE features sporty suspension tuning and the Limited pampers its passengers with more luxurious features.

    Whether serving family car or commuter car duty, the Hyundai Sonata is a nice place to be thanks to its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, solid build quality and quiet highway ride. Overall we're quite impressed, and we think family sedan shoppers should give the latest Sonata serious consideration.

    link title
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    The exterior design is aging on the Sonata...

    True, but I still think it's one of the better looking family sedans.

    ..., and the interior is drab and the center stack is unnecessarily complicated.

    I don't know how much time you've spent behind the wheel of the Sonata, but I find the interior quite nice for the price (GLS, black/tan) and the center stack logical and easy to navigate. I prefer the interior design to that of most other mid-sized family sedans, with the possible exception of the Optima.

    The large central volume knob is hard to grip and turn, as it seems to be designed to repel the human hand.

    Huh? There's two easy-to-grip knobs on the stereo, one on the left for power and volume and one on the right for tuning. Very logical, not hard at all to grip and turn.

    The cabin on the GLS is swathed in hard black plastic.

    Uh, no it isn't, not compared to most competitors. There is some black plastic, but much of it is nicely padded and grained. There's also quite a few metallic accents, and tan plastic (some padded) and cloth that brightens up the interior a lot.

    The Sonata is not the best mid-sized family sedan, having been eclipsed by newer designs like the Accord and Mazda6, but given it can be had nicely equipped for ~$18,000 or ~$220/month lease with 0 out of pocket, it's a great car for the money. And its FE is nothing to sniff at--mid 20s in town, mid-to-upper 30s on the highway is really good for a car with a full-size interior and 198 hp.
  • wayne21wayne21 Member Posts: 259
    Whether serving family car or commuter car duty, the Hyundai Sonata is a nice place to be thanks to its spacious cabin, COMFOTABLE SEATING, solid build quality and quiet highway ride.....

    Apparently they never sat in the front passenger seat. It may be comfortable, but for me at 5' 10" it sits too low. For my wife of 5' 3" it is absurd! FWIW - The optima suffers from the same problem with the passenger seat.
  • ral2167ral2167 Member Posts: 791
    Wouldn't go with current Sonata-- I'm assuming it lacks those blind spot monitors that light up in the side mirrors. Wouldn't get a car without those-- very useful.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    In 11 years of driving on the interstate (I've logged 350k miles in those 11 years), I've never needed them. I can see a use if you have trouble turning your head over your shoulder, but it seems little bit like overkill to me.

    Now, back-up cameras I like. I wish I had one in my Ram!
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    They're certainly a nice feature, but totally not necessary. Even with them I still turn my head and glance. And if you adjust your mirrors properly you won't have a blind spot to begin with.

    That said, I do like having them as a backup/convenience.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    To the OP credit, the current body style of both the Sonata and Optima are harder to see out of than some of their competitors (I'm 6'5"). The raked bodies allow for less glass and higher beltlines. My old Sonata (a 2009) was much easier to see out of; the new Accord and Altima both had easy sightlines also. I haven't driven any of the other competitors currently on the market.
  • I have to agree with thegraduate here. The Sonata and the Optima are particularly hard to see out of in the back.

    It is darn near impossible to back-in my Optima in w/o first adjusting my side mirror all the way down, and then using the line painted on the space as a guide. Also, the Optima is really, really low to the ground. My neighbors Camaro is higher off the ground. That, combined with the low seating position and it's slow steering and large turning radius makes it hard to place the wheels, further hindering parking maneuvers. I love my car in a lot of situations...the parking lot is not one of them.

    I have had a ton of cars, and this is the only car I have had this much trouble with in close quarters parking situations.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    The Optima/Sonata have a smaller turning radius than any of the cars they are usually compared to.
    It looks like the Fusion has the widest. It does have a long wheelbase and you can get some large tires.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • Try the turning radius in reverse. No fun. Guaranteed. The slow steering and the long wheelbase combined with the limited visibility make backing in a chore.

    I back mine in when I get home because at 5:00 AM I don't want to back out while sleepy and whack the neighbors Gigantoburban or Mallfinder or whatever.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    No backup sensors or rear camera? You should have got those.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    Our 2013 Sonata Ltd. is the first car we have owned with a rear view camera.
    Works flawlessly and is really helpful.
    Hyundai's Blue Link package is also as good as any other on-board nanny available; remote start, tracks your teenager, and turns on the heated seats in cold weather too.
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Occasionally, a person reads about the infamous untrustworthy teenager.

    I'd say that in any scenario that this might have merit...it is more of a reflection on the parents.
  • igozoomzoomigozoomzoom Member Posts: 801
    "In 11 years of driving on the interstate (I've logged 350k miles in those 11 years), I've never needed them. I can see a use if you have trouble turning your head over your shoulder, but it seems little bit like overkill to me.

    Now, back-up cameras I like. I wish I had one in my Ram!"


    I traded my 2007 Ford Explorer (from Hell) for a new 2012 Mazda CX-9 GT last November. The Explorer had rear backup (sonar) sensors that would beep in Reverse if an obstacle was detected and the frequency of the beeps increased as you got closer to it. It was one of the few features that worked correctly (or at all) on the Explorer!

    My CX-9 came with a standard RearView Backup Camera and Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM). I was a little disappointed to lose the backup sensors, but the backup camera seemed to be an adequate replacement. I'd just need some time to acclimate.

    I thought the BSM was silly and frivolous techno-overkill, but it was standard on the model I wanted, so I'd just ignore or deactivate it.

    I'm not ashamed to admit that I was WRONG on both counts!

    The backup camera is very disorienting and if I am looking at the display, I lose some/all peripheral vision to my left (so I can't see an oncoming car when backing out of a parking spot). I have trash pickup on Tuesday mornings, so I roll the cans to the curb on Monday night. On more Tuesday mornings than I care to admit, I have plowed right into them as I backed out of my driveway! That didn't happen when I had the beeps to warn me! The CX-9 received a cosmetic 'refresh' for 2013 and a few new features including Rear Backup Sensors AND an improved Backup Camera. They also added side mirrors that tilt-down in Reverse. At least they corrected those issues, even if I don't benefit from them.

    My argument against needing a BSM has always been that if your mirrors are properly adjusted, you won't have a blind spot. Um, try driving a 'Large/Full-size Crossover' like the CX-9 and you'll realize that no amount of mirror adjustment will totally eliminate the blind spots. In 2005, I had a two-level cervical spine fusion (three vertebrae in my neck are now one big lump of bone held together with titanium screws and plates), so I lost about 15% side-to-side range of motion. But I still can look over my shoulder to double-check for a car in my peripheral before I make a lane change.

    But the BSM has a secondary and potentially life-saving use. A good driver should always be aware of his/her surroundings, including any vehicles located anywhere near them in adjacent lanes. So even if I have no need or intention of changing lanes, I still have those little yellow warning symbols showing in the corner of my side mirrors when a car is within the 'blind spot range' on either rear flank. Several months ago, I discovered first-hand just how important that information could be!

    I was driving on I-75 heading out of metro Atlanta just after dark. There were six lanes heading north and I was driving in the second lane from the left at 75-80 mph. I behind a truck and suddenly a large piece of furniture (dresser/chest of some sort) came tumbling off the back and right into my path! My instinct was to swerve to the right since there were more lanes and should be slower moving. But I had noticed only seconds earlier that the warning light on the right mirror indicated that a vehicle was hiding on my right rear corner. So I nailed the brakes and steered into the left lane instead and safety maneuvered around the obstacle.

    I probably owe just as much credit to the handing prowess of my CX-9 as to the BSM. In my Explorer, I would have plowed right into the obstacle and/or attempted to make an emergency maneuver likely to cause a rollover! Have I mentioned that I do NOT miss that thing???
    2015.5 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Platinum, 2012 Mazda CX-9 GT
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Excellent, and informative post. Appreciated..
  • No, not standard on my EX model. It is an option, but you have to get the premium technology package. When I bought my Optima in late 2011, not many affordable sedans had backup cameras, and frankly I never even considered asking about one as I came out of a Grand Cherokee with great visibility. I didn't anticipate that I would have this problem.

    The good news is that rear view mirror cameras have really come down in price and can be purchased on eBay for $60 to $199, and include the compass and outside temp gauges with some of them.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The backup camera is very disorienting and if I am looking at the display, I lose some/all peripheral vision to my left (so I can't see an oncoming car when backing out of a parking spot).

    On the 2013 Fusion you get the backup camera plus rear sensors PLUS cross traffic detection. The system looks to the side from the rear of the car and if it senses a car coming it will alert you including which side it's coming from even before you can see it. You can be in between two big trucks and still back out safely without fear of an oncoming car.

    That's a far better combined safety feature than Blind Spot detection or Lane keeping.
  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,068
    The backup camera is disorienting at first but the more I use it the more I love it! The blind spot camera on the Accord is also excellent in heavy traffic. It allows you to see motorcycles or bikes coming up on your right, something that is hard to do just with a swivel. I'm sold on both features now! Probably wouldn't have thought about them before because I had no experience with them. My next second car will definitely have them.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • Not to mention that Honda really knocked one out of the park on styling this time to. Every time I see one of the EX-L V6 or Sport Models I start to drool just a tiny bit. It's not just the styling. My car has great styling. It is the way Honda made the Accord look like it was carved from one block, and the shape reminds me most of the best looking Accords, the 1989 - 1994. It's like Honda returned to the original recipe, instead of the Buick they made in 03 and 04. They looked like jelly beans.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I think the Civic looks better than the Accord. I would like them to reverse the styling, Civic midsized and Accord compact. Just me and Honda probably knows best.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,723
    One thing that bugs me about the Accord 4 cyl models is the empty left side exhaust cutout. An obvious cost saving move.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • suydamsuydam Member Posts: 5,068
    I do like the dual exhausts on the Altima. But I drive on the inside of the car and there I think the Accord has the edge.
    '24 Kia Sportage PHEV
    '24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited September 2013
    OMG! It bugs me too!!! I complained about the empty exhaust cutout a few months back. Yes, it is a cost saving move.

    That is why I mentioned the EX-L V6 and the Sport as the two specific models that I really like. Both have dual pipes.

    The Optima has dual exhaust AND fog lights on every model, from the LX to the SX-L, one of the reasons I was drawn to it.

    All Accords offer standard alloy rims, which are 16" like most other competitors.

    I remember when almost all Honda products had hubcaps, even sporty offerings. For example, my girlfriends '94 Acura Integra 2 door V-Tech which was loaded (even the wing and sunroof) except for alloys.

    Similarly, the top of the line Civic EX had hubcaps too. You had too buy an Si to get them. It might not be a big deal to some, but I hate anything on my wheels that can fall off!
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    The Hyundai Sonatas have some for THE best looking OE wheels out there, especially the Turbo and Ltd. versions
  • Are you aware that the CX-9 is a Ford Edge platform from the firewall forward? Meaning the powertrain (3.7 liter V6 and Aisin 6 speed Auto)and the rest of the powertrain is Ford. I think it is the same 3.7 in the Mustang, albeit with different tuning in this application.

    Mazda added it's own frame in the rear, which is why there is no resemblance.

    For the most part it is getting harder and harder to spot platform sharing, which is a good thing. Particularly after the thinly veiled GM models in fairly recent memory, although the current Lincoln MK-Z and MK-X models are obviously Ford Fusion and Edge products. I do love the new MK-Z's looks. It looks like the bat-mobile, but is it $6000 more for a grill and bumper treatment?
    I thought the CX-9 was pure blood Japanese.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    The 3.5 and 3.7L V6s that Mazda uses started out as Ford engines but Mazda is now producing their own versions in their own plants in Japan. The Aisin tranny is not a Ford product and has never been used in the Edge - it has always used the 6F50 Ford/GM tranny.

    The new MKZ is not "obviously" a Fusion product - they share no sheet metal. The MKZ offers many upgrades over the Fusion - 3.7L V6, LED adaptive headlamps, electronically controlled suspension, cooled seats, THX audio, push button transmission, electric telescoping wheel, auto-trunk opening/closing, real wood trim, better leather, etc. etc.

    That's a bit more than a "grille and bumper" treatment.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited September 2013
    "The new MKZ is not "obviously" a Fusion product - they share no sheet metal. The MKZ offers many upgrades over the Fusion - 3.7L V6, LED adaptive headlamps, electronically controlled suspension, cooled seats, THX audio, push button transmission, electric telescoping wheel, auto-trunk opening/closing, real wood trim, better leather, etc. etc."

    "That's a bit more than a "grille and bumper" treatment"

    Well kirby, I am not convinced, and neither is Car & Driver
    They said the same thing I did, options or not. I have seen the inside and it looks very similar. The following is excerpts from September C/D page 81.

    "Interior design diverges from the Fusion's, but material and build quality aren't commensurate with the up-charge"

    "This isn't a strategy that works, Just ask Mercury"

    and lastly, their summary of the model: "even with some obvious changes, it's too much like a Ford Fusion"

    (Hybrid model tested; but I left out all references to the powertrain to be fair).

    They didn't say it was a bad car! They said that you should probably just buy a Fusion, which is exactly what you bought. It's a nice car.

    Also, I think it looks awesome, but I don't see many on the road. I do see a lot of Fusions....the Titanium looks great. How about a Fusion SHO!
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,280
    The endless shilling for the Sonata is really getting tired, krypto.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Don't blame krypto, if all you posters and lurkers would stop buying Sonatas based on his posts, he would go away.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Who died and made Car and Driver the sole authority?

    Other reviewers don't share that opinion.
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    Interesting factoid:
    The MKZ hybrid costs the same as the normally aspirated version.
    That is not the case for the Fusion or any other mid-sized hybrid sedan.

    My posts about Hyundai's nifty wheels was in response to cski's musings about Honda's hubcaps and alloys. Just adding to the discussion.

    BTW, the front and rear lights on my 2013 Sonata hybrid are very eye catching.
    A poster on another forum complained they were too distracting but when did drawing other drivers' eyes to brake and turn lights become dangerous?
    The design concept behind the Sonata h's lights is reputedly based on the structure of an atom.

    However, the # of exhausts seems pointless as you should be looking at the brake and turn signals for obvious safety reasons.
  • kyrptokyrpto Member Posts: 216
    To clarify the 'atom' look was for the rear brake lights.
  • vservser Member Posts: 48
    How is your fusion? I'm torn between it and the v6 accord. Fusions interior to me, is nicer. Fusion offers more accessories. But Ford is a great unknown to me. My sensible side screams honda. But my fun side whispers Ford. Thoughts?
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,280
    Odd, I don't find those two even remotely comparable. The Fusion screams cheap to me while the Accord V6 is a more premium car.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I love it, even with some build issues that will be fixed shortly. New ones should be fine. The gadgets are really nice. Automatic dimming headlamps is my favorite.
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