Midsize Sedans 2.0

nyccarguy

My 2015 Legacy will be 6 months old on this coming Friday. Last Saturday I shot past the 10K mark on my way to work in the AM. It is a very comfortable commuter and I can't say enough good things about it's AWD system. I'm averaging 25.3 mpg lifetime. My best tank was 28.3 mpg. I'm pretty sure mileage will steadily increase since I won't be letting the car get nice and toasty for me for 10 - 15 minutes every AM in my driveway 6 days a week (we had a really cold winter here in the north east).

mtnman1

suydam said:

How interesting that you would find as noisy. For me it's the quiet Honda! I wonder what tires were on it. Really it shows that you can't take anyone's word when it comes to these things. You have to drive them to see what's right for you. Is the Altima on your list? So are you now leaning Legacy and maybe Fusion again?

I am leaning Legacy. Would really consider a 2016 mazda6 which are just hitting the dealerships, but there won't be many deals on them. The interior had some nice changes over the 2015 that I would want. At the Auto Show last saturday in Columbus they had a Soul Red Grand Touring that had people lined up to get inside it. It was absolutely gorgeous. When I took a test drive a couple weeks ago in a 2015 it handled very well and had a lot of power in that 4 cylinder. Had a bit of road noise but not overwhelming. Rode very smooth. CR rates this car with excellent Reliability and excellent owner satisfaction. The Altima is out due to the poor reliability ratings plus I am not a huge fan of the look. Not bad but I don't want to own it. I would say the Legacy is my number 1. I have an appointment friday afternoon to test drive the Fusion SE Hybrid and either an SE with the 2 liter turbo or a Titanium. The dealership I bought my 2009 has two SE Hybrids on the lot. Both have the Luxury package, Moonroof, Rear Sensors in addition to the rear Camera, Heated Steering wheel, and some other options I can't remember. One of them has the Navigation and the other doesn't. I don't need Navigation which to me is a waste but in so many cars you have to get the Navigation to get the other things you want. That was a good thing about the Accord as well. You could get the Navigation as a stand alone option. I would really like to get the Hybrid but I hate the god awful wheels they put on them. I really would like the H Spoke wheels but they don't come with them.

mtnman1

txboy said:

I don't understand what is going on with Toyota. They start to get more and more complain and negative review. Like 5-10 years ago Camry was the king with no doubt. I love corolla, i have driven it for two years and didn't pay a cent to repair it. But I was so disappointed with the new Camry. 2012 model was good but this 2015 Camry just look like a big size Corolla. Can you tell which one is Camry?? Could any one who has test drove it give a comment about it?

I test drove one several weeks ago. Not sure what you are talking about as far a negative reviews. Overall I think they are still one of the better Mid-Sized Sedans. Also have very good resale value. One of the most popular cars in the world. I think the new XSE is very good looking. It drove quite well and very smooth. About the second less noisy cabin behind the Legacy. Haven't driven a new Fusion yet so not sure how that will be. Good pick up from the 4 Cylinder. Interior was very nice. Center stack layout was very easy to work with. Good sized Dials and would be very easy to learn how to navigate around the screen. Nice leather seats and overall a good solid car. It's not a high performance sports car but a good reliable family sedan. It is still highly rated by CR. I just couldn't buy one because we already own a Highlander and the interiors are very similar. I don't want to feel like I am driving two identical vehicles. I like to change up my cars and I am not brand loyal. I will drive whatever I like and use ratings as a guide.

mtnman1

nyccarguy said:

My 2015 Legacy will be 6 months old on this coming Friday. Last Saturday I shot past the 10K mark on my way to work in the AM. It is a very comfortable commuter and I can't say enough good things about it's AWD system. I'm averaging 25.3 mpg lifetime. My best tank was 28.3 mpg. I'm pretty sure mileage will steadily increase since I won't be letting the car get nice and toasty for me for 10 - 15 minutes every AM in my driveway 6 days a week (we had a really cold winter here in the north east).

Hey nyccarguy. Appreciate your input as I have really appreciated everyone's input on this subject. It really does help in the car buying decision. I am a bit concerned with the average mpg you have had thus far in the 2.5. It is rated 25 city and 36 Highway. Was hoping for at least 28 mpg overall. Maybe it will get better with time. I really do have to see about the Fusion Hybrid. The EPA rates it 44/41 but CR rates it 39 mpg overall which would be fantastic to me since my current V6 gets about 21 overall. Would be a huge savings especially if fuel prices rise in the next few years.

txboy

mtnman1 said:

txboy said:

I don't understand what is going on with Toyota. They start to get more and more complain and negative review. Like 5-10 years ago Camry was the king with no doubt. I love corolla, i have driven it for two years and didn't pay a cent to repair it. But I was so disappointed with the new Camry. 2012 model was good but this 2015 Camry just look like a big size Corolla. Can you tell which one is Camry?? Could any one who has test drove it give a comment about it?

I test drove one several weeks ago. Not sure what you are talking about as far a negative reviews. Overall I think they are still one of the better Mid-Sized Sedans. Also have very good resale value. One of the most popular cars in the world. I think the new XSE is very good looking. It drove quite well and very smooth. About the second less noisy cabin behind the Legacy. Haven't driven a new Fusion yet so not sure how that will be. Good pick up from the 4 Cylinder. Interior was very nice. Center stack layout was very easy to work with. Good sized Dials and would be very easy to learn how to navigate around the screen. Nice leather seats and overall a good solid car. It's not a high performance sports car but a good reliable family sedan. It is still highly rated by CR. I just couldn't buy one because we already own a Highlander and the interiors are very similar. I don't want to feel like I am driving two identical vehicles. I like to change up my cars and I am not brand loyal. I will drive whatever I like and use ratings as a guide.

Thanks for the comment. I wouldn't say Camry is not a good car. It is still a top reliable family sedan. But I just don't feel it is right with Toyota. And on the other hand, i am very curious about why they are doing this. When all other competitors (Honda, Ford, Subaru, Hyundai, Nissan ,Kia) are trying so hard to redesign their exterior, interior, increasing driving experience, making it high-tech etc, Toyota is just sitting there and watching. Previously, I guess MPG was Toyota's important selling point comparing with its US competitors. Now everyone got 30+ MPG on highway and 25+ MPG in the city.

I can't agree more with the last sentence in the following review by Cars.com
http://www.cars.com/toyota/camry/2015/expert-reviews
"Camry sales aren't likely to falter with this latest update to the brand's icon, but Toyota has done nothing to attract new buyers to the model. The new Camry is perfectly suited to keeping current owners happy for another generation when they trade in their old model, but given how good and advanced the competition has become, "I already own one and want another" may be the only reason left to buy the Camry over its competitors."


Yes, Toyota's reliability is not questionable. They are good at making a car as a machine. But fall way behind in modern design. One more example is I was shocked when Toyota released their new concept in hydrogen electric car named Fuel Cell Car which was a weird Corolla looking shell with hydrogen engine. I would rather buy an electric Smart than that ugly hydrogen corolla.

explorerx4

@mtnman1,
NAV is a standalone option on the Fusion. The 19 inch wheels are an $800 or $900 upgrade over the 18 inch wheels, but they list for $800 each to replace(don't curb one).
If the car has MyFord Touch, you get the same center screen NAV or not.
It basically has 4 functions, accessed by touching each corner of the screen.
The NAV tab is a compass if you don't have the NAV option.
Titanium should have paddle shifters for the transmission.

[Deleted User]

Oops

[Deleted User]

On the new Sonata looks vs the Subaru Legacy:

The more I see it on the road the more I like the looks. More chiseled and gives an overall impression of quality assembly. However, the only way for me to tell it is a Sonata at more than 300 feet away is the LED DRL's. Other than. That it is very similar to the Legacy in the front end, and now just looks like another anonymous car.

2012 Kia Opt EX 40k report since purchased new December 23rd 2011:

From my short love affair with the new Ecoboost Mustang, to other mid size sedans, I still think my 2012 EX in Spicy Red is one of the best looking cars on the road. I took my kids to test the Mustang with me, and there was just no back seat space for human legs. Only my 10 year olden "fit" AMD the seat does not go back far enough for me to be comfortable. I was surprised at how fast I appreciated my Optima again as I drove off the lot.

Maintenance report after very cold, snowy winter for this area: I replaced my Bosch "blade" wipers with rain-X "hybrid" wipers. The Bosch were only 8 months old; but a streak developed on the drivers side right in my primary field of view....aggravating. I use Rain X so this switch was a no-brained and I am totally blown away at how good they work... and look.

Brakes at 39,500 and 3.4 years old:

Dealer wanted $120 + new fluid + disposal for a total of $140 for a brake fluid flush (it was black for many miles) I had it done at Merchants for $69.99. I did have the actual brake job done at the dealer and they threw in a front end alignment check because of all the potholes. I thought that was nice, and after hitting at least 10 "oh s***" depth sized ones (we are not used to them here) I am happy to say that my car was spot on aligned and no bent rims or blow outs occurred. Durable.

Paint: Lots of scratches from gratuitous salt and an angry "it's not you-it's me" breakup caused my car trunk to be bladed. I compounded, polished, and waxed it. You can barely see it now. She was cray-cray.

txboy

cski said:

On the new Sonata looks vs the Subaru Legacy:

The more I see it on the road the more I like the looks. More chiseled and gives an overall impression of quality assembly. However, the only way for me to tell it is a Sonata at more than 300 feet away is the LED DRL's. Other than. That it is very similar to the Legacy in the front end, and now just looks like another anonymous car.

2012 Kia Opt EX 40k report since purchased new December 23rd 2011:

Yeah, that's right. The new sonata and Legacy's front end was almost identical except the sonata's front is just a little higher.

roadburner

My dealer charged $110 to flush the fluid on the Club Sport, but it gets DOT 4 fluid and the ABS is cycled in order to verify all of the old fluid is flushed out.

suydam

For those of us who drive compact or midsize sedans I thought this article today was interesting:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/compact-suvs-grow-at-expense-of-car-segments-key-insights-report-says.html

Speaking for myself, we did just replace a compact wagon (a Pontiac Vibe) with a small ute (Buick Encore). However, we have a midsize sedan as primary vehicle. I wonder how many of these purchases are similar -- where there is still a compact or midsize sedan in addition to the subcompact or compact SUV? Maybe it depends on family size. When we had kids at home we always had a minivan and a compact sedan or wagon.

Michaell

suydam said:

For those of us who drive compact or midsize sedans I thought this article today was interesting:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/compact-suvs-grow-at-expense-of-car-segments-key-insights-report-says.html

Speaking for myself, we did just replace a compact wagon (a Pontiac Vibe) with a small ute (Buick Encore). However, we have a midsize sedan as primary vehicle. I wonder how many of these purchases are similar -- where there is still a compact or midsize sedan in addition to the subcompact or compact SUV? Maybe it depends on family size. When we had kids at home we always had a minivan and a compact sedan or wagon.

There's a discussion here at Edmunds on just that topic:

http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/31131/general/x/small-crossovers-will-they-replace-the-mid-sized-sedan#latest

With the HR-V, Trax, CX-3, Encore, Q3, CLA, X1, Juke all available - and I'm sure more coming - I'm not surprised to see this.

As the boomers get older, they are going to want something with better entry/exit - sliding into a small CUV rather than 'dropping down' into a sedan may be just the thing.

stickguy

Hey, I need to go look at that thread.

Suy, you sound like us. we got a minivan when kid #2 came along. 16 years later, wife wanted something smaller so dumped the Odyssey for an RDX. And I recently got a Sonata for my car. so we have a smaller CUV and midsize sedan. Try to use the sedan whenever we don't need the cargo capacity of the Ute.

backy

Michaell said:

suydam said:

For those of us who drive compact or midsize sedans I thought this article today was interesting:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-news/compact-suvs-grow-at-expense-of-car-segments-key-insights-report-says.html

... As the boomers get older, they are going to want something with better entry/exit - sliding into a small CUV rather than 'dropping down' into a sedan may be just the thing.

That's exactly why my wife's next vehicle will be a small crossover SUV instead of a mid-sized sedan. She has bad knees and a bad back, so a higher seating position will make it easier for her to enter and exit. Otherwise we'd be looking at the great choices in mid-sized sedans, like the Accord, Legacy, Mazda6, and Sonata.

mtnman1

explorerx4 said:

@mtnman1,
NAV is a standalone option on the Fusion. The 19 inch wheels are an $800 or $900 upgrade over the 18 inch wheels, but they list for $800 each to replace(don't curb one).
If the car has MyFord Touch, you get the same center screen NAV or not.
It basically has 4 functions, accessed by touching each corner of the screen.
The NAV tab is a compass if you don't have the NAV option.
Titanium should have paddle shifters for the transmission.

I was aware of the Nav being stand alone and also that I could get the Titanium with the wheels I want. You can't get the nicer wheels on the Hybrid SE. I went to the dealership that I have been doing business with the last 6 plus years to drive a loaded Hybrid SE this afternoon. Salesman had it sitting out front and as soon as I pulled in my parking spot and got out he hit the start button on the remote. Came out and went over a few details. I drove it about 30 miles about 95% interstate. Got up to 37 mpg on the car's computer which I am sure would improve over time due to the car having 38 miles on it when I got in it. Road noise was slightly intrusive. Kind of had trouble getting a comfortable position in the seat. I would have to get used to the buzzing sound coming from probably the fact that it was a Hybrid. It had pretty good accelaration for what it is. When I finished driving I really liked the fact that it was a Hybrid and extremely good looking. The one I was driving had an exterior color called Guard which was a beautiful Dark Green and the interior was the Pukey looking cream. I could not drive around in that interior. What killed it for me was when I opened the trunk to see how much space I would lose with the battery. Way too small for all the samples I have to carry around for my job. Disappointing because I think with the black leather interior I would have given it serious consideration. I also liked the advertised price of $5600 off which I would work to get reduced more. I am going to drive a Titanium sometime next week. At least with that they have a grey interior available. I have to say though IMO I really do not think any of the cars I have driven are as nice overall as the Legacy. I still want to have an open mind about the Fusion Titanium or an SE with the 2 liter Turbo.

[Deleted User]

txboy said:

cski said:

On the new Sonata looks vs the Subaru Legacy:

The more I see it on the road the more I like the looks. More chiseled and gives an overall impression of quality assembly. However, the only way for me to tell it is a Sonata at more than 300 feet away is the LED DRL's. Other than. That it is very similar to the Legacy in the front end, and now just looks like another anonymous car.

2012 Kia Opt EX 40k report since purchased new December 23rd 2011:

Yeah, that's right. The new sonata and Legacy's front end was almost identical except the sonata's front is just a little higher.

Thanks for the pictures illustrating my point. It is like Subaru bought a Sonata, scanned it into the design computer, and just changed it enough to not get sued. Take a hard lol at the headlights. Maybe they are the same part number???

However, the Subie has AWD ad the Sonata does not. Having owned AWD cars and SUV's with proper 4x4 systems and my impression is that they are not necessary here in Virginia. With both cars being 4" off the ground, it makes no difference in 8" of snow.

Both are great cars, but the AWD system in the Subie is going to cost more in maintenance (like having to buy all 4 tires at once) has an extra computer to run the AWD hardware, and then there is the actual mechanical system with 4 half-shafts and a sophisticated Haldex AWD diff lock.

If I lived just 60 to 100 miles North of here it would be a different story, but where I live is blocked by the Appalachian mountains, so most snow events miss us and hit Pittsburg and cities near it.

explorerx4

@mtnman1, Those H spoke 19 wheels on the Fusion are great looking, mine has them. A couple of things to think about. The wheels list for $800 apiece, would hate to curb one. The tires are of the rim protector type, though. Speaking of the tires you get with those wheels, they are about $1200 to replace the set of 4 and they are rated for only 40k miles.

stickguy

19s on a family sedan. Maybe I am a dinosaur, but I don't think a mid size sedan needs more than 17" wheels. Preferably with a decent amount of sidewall. Of course, could be influenced by the fact the roads by me are mostly bomb craters.

suydam

My Accord has 17" tires and I would not want to go bigger than that on a sedan. Potholes or no.

akirby

stickguy said:

19s on a family sedan. Maybe I am a dinosaur, but I don't think a mid size sedan needs more than 17" wheels. Preferably with a decent amount of sidewall. Of course, could be influenced by the fact the roads by me are mostly bomb craters.

You don't think these look great? Rides fine to me but we don't have potholes.

explorerx4

Most places I've been lately have a lot of frost heaves.

roadburner

akirby said:

stickguy said:

19s on a family sedan. Maybe I am a dinosaur, but I don't think a mid size sedan needs more than 17" wheels. Preferably with a decent amount of sidewall. Of course, could be influenced by the fact the roads by me are mostly bomb craters.

You don't think these look great? Rides fine to me but we don't have potholes.

Beautiful car! If only it had three pedals, 350 bhp, and RWD biased AWD...

mtnman1

explorerx4 said:

@mtnman1, Those H spoke 19 wheels on the Fusion are great looking, mine has them. A couple of things to think about. The wheels list for $800 apiece, would hate to curb one. The tires are of the rim protector type, though. Speaking of the tires you get with those wheels, they are about $1200 to replace the set of 4 and they are rated for only 40k miles.

I have a very good idea about the price to replace. My Highlander has 19" Wheels as well. I really love the look and the Pictures of the Fusion with the 19" wheels. I think it is one of the best looking cars on the road in this segment.

I am going crazy trying to decide which car I want. Really thinking seriously about going back to my Ford Dealer tomorrow and buying the Hybrid SE that they have that is Red with a Black Leather interior. It has the Luxury Package, Moonroof, Heated Steering Wheel, Push Button Start and Remote start, MyFord Touch and many more options. It does not have the Nav, but I have to pay extra for the Color Choice. The Trunk space bothers me and the Black Leather with a dark exterior bakes me in the summer in my current Fusion, but I think I can deal with trunk by being creative about packing it. I want that mpg increase in a great looking car. Have an appointment at 1:30 today to go back to Subaru and drive the Legacy again. Want to take it out for a longer drive. The talk about the AWD system in this thread does not deter me. They have one of the best systems in the car industry. Don't know if I will make a decision even after driving it again for the fourth time. Never had a more difficult time making a decision about a car purchase plus what to do with my current vehicle. Do I trade it and get roughly $8K or do I give it to my Son who is Graduating with a Degree in Chemistry on May 10. I could have a good down payment and just write a check for $12K for a total down payment of $20K. Or I could give it to him, lose the 8K and the reduction in the Sales Tax. Then I would have to put down $20K in cash plus pay an extra $600 in sales tax.

stickguy

Sell it to the kid. First lesson on the harsh reality of the real world!

suydam

Or have him pay half. He won't need too many lessons in harsh reality as it's pretty brutal out there for new grads. It might be, though, that a more economical car to run would be better for him. You know, it sounds like there are things you really don't like about the particular Ford you are looking at. A new car should make you very happy, not something you can "live with". Maybe a different Ford. Is it really mainly the FE that's the hang up with the Legacy? If that's the deal breaker, then maybe try a hybrid of a different make altogether.

explorerx4

I think AWD is great. I had an AWD Fusion several years ago. It does drive a bit heavier, but the handling is more neutral, less understeer. It helps in the dry, wet and snow. It does use a bit more fuel, but mid size cars are all pretty efficient.

mtnman1

stickguy said:

Sell it to the kid. First lesson on the harsh reality of the real world!

Nah. He has been accepted to a handful of Major Universities PHD program. He just spent the last two days at Michigan State and two weeks ago spent two days at Indiana Univerity where the schools have the students they have accepted to their programs. These were the two schools he decided he would like to attend based on their ratings nationally for their Chemistry PHD programs. It is a full ride 6 years including free Health Insurance and $24,000/year pay at IU and $27,000/year pay at MSU for the required student teaching. It has been quite a grind for him to complete his bachelors on time and letter in two Varsity Sports. Long hours little sleep. He deserves this, but my selfish side says he can continue to drive the 2004 Impala he has now and I can save the $600 in tax and have $8000 more to put towards a car.

mtnman1

suydam said:

Or have him pay half. He won't need too many lessons in harsh reality as it's pretty brutal out there for new grads. It might be, though, that a more economical car to run would be better for him. You know, it sounds like there are things you really don't like about the particular Ford you are looking at. A new car should make you very happy, not something you can "live with". Maybe a different Ford. Is it really mainly the FE that's the hang up with the Legacy? If that's the deal breaker, then maybe try a hybrid of a different make altogether.

No the only thing that bothers me is the trunk space really and the drivers seat adjustment. I am going back tomorrow to look at the Fusion again and play around with the seat some more. Also I want to see if the MYFordTouch can be easily mastered. I am fairly tech savvy for my age but there is a cluster on the screen. They have the Red w/black leather retailing at 32.890 with a price of 28,205. That is $72 lower than CR's Car Buying deal and $428 less than TrueCar. I also got a firm price on the Subaru today of $27,993 which is exactly invoice. MSRP is $30,220.

I did drive the Subaru today about 30 miles on the expressway. Noisier inside than I noticed in my earlier drives, but no worse than any other car. Easy to use touch screen, but I have to get used to the tiny steering wheel controls. I still want to take a good long look at the Fusion Hybrid again.

benjaminh

cksi's next car? The 2016 Optima:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/this-is-it-kia-reveals-first-image-of-snazzy-new-2016-optima-sedan/

explorerx4

Once you go to push button start, you don't want to go back to having to use a key to start the car.

venture

Here's my Fusion with 19" wheels. Love 'em.

[Deleted User]

akirby said:

stickguy said:

19s on a family sedan. Maybe I am a dinosaur, but I don't think a mid size sedan needs more than 17" wheels. Preferably with a decent amount of sidewall. Of course, could be influenced by the fact the roads by me are mostly bomb craters.

You don't think these look great? Rides fine to me but we don't have potholes.

They look great.... but a bit too revealing for when the car gets older amend you can see all the dirty mechanicals

[Deleted User]

venture said:

Here's my Fusion with 19" wheels. Love 'em.

The tires still have plenty of sidewall here. I bet it rides great. I am just saying my 17"s have been through hell this winter and has taken a lot of large pothole abuse w/.o any damage or even alignment or balance problems. Kudos Kia and Bridgestone

suydam

It's also the cost to replace them.

brian125

My R-spec Genesis has 19' Continental's on them. They would of been destroyed here in the NY/ tri-state area this Winter. Pot holes here range from small ( 1foot deep) to large ( 2ft and over ) Hit one of these and your Rim and Tire are history. I just got back to NY a few days ago and cant believe how bad these roads are. From Staten Island Thru Brooklyn into Queens I thought I was going to lose something on My Bmw X-5.

mtnman1

Went back today to my Ford Dealership and drove another Fusion Hybrid SE which did not have navigation (Didn't need). I took a long drive about 35 miles and about 50/50 City and Highway. Got up to 45 mpg and overall ran 41 mpg according to the Car's Computer. Car had 35 miles on it when I started. Loved it. Plenty of power and very comfortable. When I got back to the dealership I got out, positioned the front seats to see how the back seats were. Seemed to have more legroom than the Legacy. Checked the trunk again and decided I would make it work for my job for the hopefully potential large savings in gas. It is a Ruby Red exterior with Black Leather Interior. Options are Equipment Group 502A which include Heated Leather seats and many other things, Moonroof w/iniversal Garage Door Opener, SE Hybrid Tech/My Ford Touch Pkg, Reverse Sensing System, Heated Steering Wheel, All Weather Floor Mats, and Intelligent Access w/Push Button Start. The above include Remote Start, Memory driver seat and many more goodies. Went in and asked the Salesman if we could sit down in his office to go over the numbers. MSRP was $32,795 and selling price was $28,205 with discount and rebates. He wouldn't budge on the price which was already over $400 less than the True Price Retail and even lower than Consumer Report's Car Buying deal. He agreed to instead change my trade in appraisal from $7700 to $8700 which will also save me a total of $652 in Sales Tax. Gave him $1000 to hold it until Tuesday so my Wife and I can both come over for the financing. I am writing a check for $12000 along with the trade making the OTD total $29,907. Getting $9207 financed for 3 years which I may just pay at signing as well. Won't have to worry about the 19" wheels. Comes with 17" Alloys that aren't particularly pretty but the rest of the Car is gorgeous. Thanks for everyone's advice.

explorerx4

@mtnman1, hope it works out for you, and expect to hear from you on Tuesday.

stickguy

hard to argue with that mileage.

mtnman1

@explorerx4 Just got home a little while ago and finished Dinner so I will make today's post quick. Car is absolutely gorgeous. The Ruby Red on a Sunny day is incredible. I was really blown away by what the Salesman showed me when going over things about the car. With my remote start I am able to open all the windows and the Moonroof by hitting the Unlock botton twice and holding it down which will be great on a hot summer day to cool it down before I get in it. Then if I want to close them remotely I just hit the lock button twice and hold it down. It didn't come equipped with Mud Flaps which he said would be $98 for the Front and another $98 for the back installed before Sales Tax. He sold them to me for $122.00 including Tax and installation. He is going to call me when they come in so I can go over and get them put on. Hopefully I can get a picture tomorrow while it's Sunny before the rains move in Thursday and Friday and I can post here.

venture

mtnman1 said:

@explorerx4 Just got home a little while ago and finished Dinner so I will make today's post quick. Car is absolutely gorgeous. The Ruby Red on a Sunny day is incredible. I was really blown away by what the Salesman showed me when going over things about the car. With my remote start I am able to open all the windows and the Moonroof by hitting the Unlock botton twice and holding it down which will be great on a hot summer day to cool it down before I get in it. Then if I want to close them remotely I just hit the lock button twice and hold it down. It didn't come equipped with Mud Flaps which he said would be $98 for the Front and another $98 for the back installed before Sales Tax. He sold them to me for $122.00 including Tax and installation. He is going to call me when they come in so I can go over and get them put on. Hopefully I can get a picture tomorrow while it's Sunny before the rains move in Thursday and Friday and I can post here.

That red is a really nice color. You are going to love it. Congratulations.

explorerx4

@mtnman1,
Congrats on your new Fusion.
I didn't know that about using the remote to open/close the windows/sunroof. I'll have to try it.
Let me know how you configure the dash displays.
When it warms up a bit, crack the sunroof open at the back and lower the right rear window a bit to get a nice breeze without using the A/C.

suydam

Accord has that feature too. But apparently it's easy to do it accidentally so be careful!

ab348

Chevy introduced the New Malibu today, going on sale at the end of the year. I am frankly amazed that they cut bait on the existing model so quickly, but it was probably the right move as it was challenged in the marketplace. This one seems to have a lot of improvements and certainly is better-looking.

brian125

A lot nicer than the 2015 model. looks similar to the Impala

Here is some additional info on the 2016 model.

More Tech And Safety Features

Chevy outfitted the Malibu with its latest and best technologies, including nine new safety features. Notably, there's a customizable Teen Driver feature that is standard on most trims. It mutes the audio when passengers aren't using seat belts and displays warnings when the car is going faster than pre-programmed speeds. It also generates a user report that displays the top speed, distance traveled and notes if any safety features were triggered during the drive. GM doesn't monitor or record the information, which can be deleted.

Other available safety features include a rear view camera, front pedestrian alert, lane keeping assist, active cruise control with automatic braking and Intellibeam automatic high-beam headlights. The car has 10 airbags as standard equipment. The Malibu will be sold in L, LS and LT trims. A new level, Premier, replaces LTZ as Chevy's new top trim. The Malibu goes on sale late this year, and the hybrid joins in spring 2016.

akirby

Teen Driver is the same as Ford's MyKey - several years later. They're also planning a regular hybrid (finally). This will be a solid competitor and much much much better than the current Malibu. Which incidentally will continue as a fleet model (which makes no sense other than pumping up sales volume).

benjaminh

That Malibu looks like another midsize car featuring poor rear visibility....

stickguy

and short on rear head room.

back up camera and BLIS will be mandatory.

txboy

I feel, in general, American brand has less visibility than foreign cars..is that right?

akirby

What is it that's behind you that you can't see? You can easily see vehicles behind you and you can't see things directly behind you close to the bumper no matter the design, so I really don't see why this is such a concern.

txboy

I don't agree. The size of the windows and thickness of pillars would affect a lot in visibility and I think this matters in terms of driving safety. If you are in a mustang or camaro rather than Camry you can feel it is much darker inside. It means most of lights was blocked by the car frame and therefore you would see less things than it doesn't. Not only when you drive but also when you backing, or parking, with bad visibility, you may not see a pedestrian standing next to the car who hasn't notice you as well and possibly hit the person.