Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Comments
My 12 Optima EX has lost it's appeal. Ever since I drive that 2015 Must 2.3 T "Ecoboost". It had that feel I missed so much, and it doesn't snow much here.... and even if it does everything shuts down. I hammered it getting on the local brand new, just paved, super-wide parkway and I can confirm it feels like 310hp and 320 lb Ft. The salesperson was frightened. I was smiling from ear to ear. The ergonomics suck. Obtuse even. Lots of flat, identical buttons on the center console. I loved the engine, but the car is not appropriate for my situation.
Now, can they put that 2.3T motor in a Fusion with AWD.....then I could actually carry my family in it. I want that motor though. Wicked
As for the mustang egronomics - must be a personal preference thing as every reviewer has praised the interior materials and layout.
Again, I had little time to acclimate myself with the controls, but still the power window buttons were in a weird place, and I had no idea what the toggle switches did. Also, the climate controls were small and at a glance non decipherable One item I do want to share is that brake feel was AWESOME. For 25k, you get a BMW 328 killer that will match it move for move. Hard to resist. SO, all the basics are there. Handling, engine, steering feel, and confidence inspiring brakes. Great car.
My problem, however, is that my current drive, a 2008 Accord EVL navi 5MT, has nothing wrong with it. And really, I still pretty much love my current drive. But at some point, when it comes time to replace the "while whale" as I call her, I might give the ILX consideration. Now that one of my kids is off at college, and since my wife has a 2013 Accord, I'm not sure I need a midsize anymore....Mostly I'm just driving back and forth to work by myself.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The ILX just seems like a tarted up Civic to me, and I don't think it will be anywhere near 6.0 to 60.
I had to pick my 8 year old son up from hockey practice tonight after work. The ice rink shares a parking lot with one of the city's beaches which means they just plow the 1st 2 rows of spots. Afterwards I said to him, you want to see something cool? He responded: "Subies Power?"
The Legacy drove through about a foot of unplowed, thick, snow without even flinching. I really dig this car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Here is a good challenge ........ drive thru Manhattan / NYC..... 5 boro's in snow storms without accidents. Avoiding kamikaze Taxis, Buses, and all the crazy drivers with non snow/ awd vehicles........ LoL
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
Hey Ben, Isn't the ILX a worked over Civic? (no offense man). I am love sick over that Mustang, but getting into my marriage a bit, my estranged wife buys trucks for her recycle business. She can only seat 3 safely in her F-250. I just can't be that selfish to buy a car that would only fit my kids in back if they had no legs. My car can seat all 5. The only muscle car with a real back seat is the Charger.... but I feel it will mostly be Charging me at the pump and charging again and again for repairs.
Ford: I love that Mustang. The fact that it had a $25k sticker and almost the options I would want made it almost a done deal.... but please put that 2.3T in a sharp looking four door, like the Fusion. I will come right down and buy it.
I know, I know, you guys thought I like the Mazda, but 184 bHP is not my idea of Zoom Zoom. I want power this time, a comfortable back seat with cup holders, heated seats, and I am prepared for a 34k sticker.
If my kids all said... dad, it's your turn to get what YOU want..... then I will be down at Ford getting that Mustang 2.3T (but with heated seats and 18" rims) for $26,900
It's a shame what they did to it.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
One of my favorite cars ever owned was my 1991 626LX. Hatchback, 5 speed. Fun to drive, fine on the highway, all with a whopping 110hp/130pd-ft torque.
I am a little surprised Mazda hasn't come out with a turbo model. They must just not see enough sales potential. Besides, with sky activ, they are positioning the brand as fun to drive well balanced and class leading efficiency. Not 0-60 bragging rights.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
When I was looking last year I didn't even consider the Mazda 6 that time - mainly because of the engine. They are positioning so I won't buy it. Maybe I'm the only one.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
If they are selling enough to stay in business, more power to them.
I still remember my research. the Accord EX of the same year put out a whopping 125 HP, but the mazda was slightly torquier.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
....and watch while my insurance agent laughs so hard he spits up his coffee. 707 HP will get young killed quick.
I love the name though and the new styling. The Challenger also shares the Hellcat name.
I just want a car that has some more guts to it. Sure my car can do 131mph, but getting there is so leisurely that I could read this issue of C/D before arriving at the rev limiter.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Like I have said before, the only domestic car I would consider is Ford. Anyway, but the time my driving record clears up I could buy a 2.3T Stang as a certified used car and keep the Kia for my girls.
interesting that you mentioned this. A family up the street has twin boys. They are in HS now, I think seniors (or old Juniors). But, they can drive. And the car they are using is the Pontiac Solstice the dad bought a year or so ago. Stick shift, and odd Lambo doors. Bright red. Not sure if it is a turbo though.
the "family" cars are an interesting mix. She drives a RWD Chrysler 300C (Hemi I think). And he has a 2010ish Mustang GT (automatic). And a C4 Vette in the garage that I have seen driving maybe once in 10 years (why bother?). So 4 cars, all RWD Domestics. Not that easy to do!
the kids seem to have a choice of the Solstice or GT I guess, and get the solstice.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I can't even set foot in a dealership unless I'm serious about buying a car. I'm also a card carrying member of Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous. Test driving gets me into LOTS of trouble. Back in March of 2012 I was quite content (sort of content) with my 2010 Acura TSX until I saw an ad for leftover 2011 E90 328xi BMWs. $2500 rebate, 2 $500 payment credits, plus a $500 BMWCCA rebate. So I figured, what the hay? I strolled into a dealership on my way home from work one day, test drove the BMW, & fell madly in love with a car that I had lusted after since 1995. The only thing I had left to do was find my ideal leftover 2011 328xi & get the most I could for my trade. Done and done. Oh, and I "pulled out all the stops" convincing my wife that I "needed" the car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The Contour you asked? well, I actually had 2. the first was actually a Mystique. a 1995 (first year). top of the line model with a V6 and 5 speed. That was a fun car. Well made, high quality interior. Quick and sporty. real nice package. Did eat a couple of catalysts though. Other than that, it was fine.
the sons car was a 1999 (or 2000?) that we got in 2008. had about 90K on it. And I think a hard life. Ran OK. didn't look bad. trans shifted kind of hard at times. But it really seemed like a cheap, cheesy car that just did not drive well. Slow dog. essence of rental car (and this was an SE with nice alloys!). really seemed like a totally different car. I rarely drove it because I did not like it. Son did not either, but it beat walking! Needless to say, he was very happy when I bought my sisters Acura TL 8 months later for him to use. That car, he liked!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Part of what made me go for the Legacy. There's nothing out there that completely WOWs me. I'm happy with the Legacy. It makes a fantastic commuter. Comfortable, AWD, splendidly finished interior, Bluetooth, & heated seats.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
if I ever have some disposable income (not being disposed of at a college...) and get a better garage/parking arrangement (meaning, I move someplace cheaper!) I still want to have a toy. though after getting in and out of some sports cars at the car show, it is more likely going to be a pickup or a Wrangler, so I can get in and out of it!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
"so you have fun covered also" HA! Literally. My prelude is buried under at least a foot of snow;)
@roadburner
You can't give up over 130 hp. We both know that. Might as well wait for the next speed3
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Chris response,
You know, I had a 2003 Protégé LX.with 16" alloys, 50 series rubber, and a 5 speed manual. I bought it new for 11,500 (remember my mother in law does payroll for the whole chain of Rosenthal dealer network, for 30 years).
So I got a family deal. Great little car,. Liked the green exterior and tan interior, the quality of the fit and finish, control feel, and steering feel. It had only 140 HP, but so did the first generation Nissan Sentra SE-R models. It had plenty of zoom-zoom handling wise but for the last year of the Protégé, Mazda could have added 30 more HP and retired the name plate with dignity and ACTUAL ZOOM. I am sick of Zoom-Zoom advertising when only one "Zoom" is appropriate and truthful. I want more power. I want that 2.3T Eco-Boost Mustang. I will now stop talking about it. Lol.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Fuel economy:
I've used the fuelly app since purchased new in June 2013. 56 fill-ups resulting in...
Best mpg: 31.3
Avg mpg: 27.8
This is not overly impressive given the advertised claims, but it's been basically a commuter, not a long distance cruiser. My commute decreased from 25 to 9 miles each way last April, and the avg took a hit. I simultaneously quit caring about FE because I only fill up every three weeks, and I almost never use the ECON button as I just prefer the more responsive throttle and full-blast AC. And I suppose the two or three long (200+ miles) highway trips I've taken were at somewhat higher speeds. I've seen the trip computer as high as 40 on medium distance 60ish mph jaunts, but the whole tank never ends up that high.
Reliability:
Perfect. Have had two oil changes and two tire patches. Changed the cabin air filter and cannot believe how simple it is compared to my previous car, a 2008 Mazda3 (i Touring 5MT). It's holding up very well, as I'd expect from a new car. Still tight as a drum, no squeaks or rattles. The driver's floor mat is a piece of s***, started to wear a hole through with the right heel in the first few months, ended up getting a heavy duty rubber floormat (from a Freightliner truck!) to lay over it and we're good now. Otherwise, no complaints.
Favorite features:
-All the little things that set the Sport apart from the LX still make me look back as I walk away. The wheels, the spoiler, the exhaust tips. The upgraded cloth interior is very durable. The leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob.
-Love the automatic climate control (a small luxury that makes a big difference), and the AC really kicks when it's hot - my old Mazda just wasn't up to the task of 100+ degree Texas summers.
-The rear-view camera is really useful.
-The *perfect* manual transmission, something to look forward to every day. Hill-holding feature, while of course I am an excellent driver and got really good with the footwork and/or the handbrake in my last car, it's quite nice to just let off the brake and know you're not going to meet the darn Escalade that's practically kissing your bumper. (BACK OFF, LADY!)
-Still appreciate all the leg room up front for me, and in back even with my seat nearly all the way back. We have three boys who fit comfortably enough three-across the back, so we often take my car to save fuel and lease miles on her SUV.
Mild disappointments:
-The stereo's sound quality is fine but not "good", and
-it quit displaying my iphone's text messages about three software updates ago.
Would I buy it again?:
Absolutely. It looks and feels much more expensive than it really was, and it's the perfect balance of comfort and sport. And it's going to make a great first car for the boys in a few years.