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Midsize Sedans 2.0

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Comments

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    Well, don't feel bad. My Z-24 needed a new alternator every 25k, brake rotors every 7.5k, new pressure plate 3 times, and the dash shorted out at 120k. By 140k it was bleeding to death, leaking head gasket, etc.

    One other note: I had to buy a re-built gauge cluster, and it was then that I saw the car's biggest flaw.

    There was a simple, plug in chip that contained the ODO. Yep, you could buy a new chip for $20, and it would start at ZERO. :confuse: So, buyer beware on vintage digi-dash GM cars.
  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,311
    Inside line on the weak spot of the Mazda6--the inside, as in lower quality and less headroom. I have a Mazda5, and while in many ways it's a fine car, the interior just feels a bit cheap. I think that's in part because Mazdas are made in Japan. The high yen has forced them to cut costs. Being made in USA has advantages for Honda and others in that sense. Although the Camry is made in USA and apparently still has a cheapish interior....

    Inside Line:
    "So it drives well, looks fantastic and returns significantly better fuel economy while being faster. So what's the rub?

    In short: the interior. After Mazda spent serious dollars on the exterior and the powertrain, there wasn't much left for the interior. At least that's our initial impression....these features and the quality of them are more in line with the outgoing Toyota Camry and Honda Accord than a sedan that's trying to blur the lines between family car and luxury car.

    This problem isn't new to Mazda. The Mazda 2, Mazda 3 and Mazda CX-5 all lag behind the competition in terms of interior styling and perceived quality. It wasn't a deal breaker to the engineers at Mazda. Is it for you?

    ...Unfortunately, the swoopy body results in a lower car with less headroom front and rear than its competitors."
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2018 Honda CR-V EX AWD (wife's)
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    Hey Ben! You are right about Mazda's perceived quality.

    As the former co-owner of a 2004 Mazda 6 Sportwagon and the owner of a 2003 Mazda Protege', I can tell you guys there were some quality issues.

    My wife's Mazda 6 was plagued with HVAC problems. The A/C seemed to break every time hot weather arrived. Also, it had bent rims, tire blow-outs, and brake rotor problems. It seemed like it shook and shimmied the whole time we owned it.

    My Protege' LX had no ABS, and was shod in summer tires. I hydroplaned at 60 mph in light drizzle, and crashed into a wall on 95. Totaled. I bought it new. Being a modern, well optioned car; it never even occurred to me that it had no ABS. I ASSUMED that it did.

    I have seen the inside of the new CX-5 in person. It looks great inside and out. However, I have been lamenting the lack of horsepower (again).

    The irony is that I think Ford's Eco-Boost 1.6 would be perfect for the CX-5, and the Mazda 3. It also would be great as the Eco-option in the new Mazda 6. It is too bad Mazda and Ford divorced some years ago.

    I get sick of seeing Mazda's Zoom-Zoom ad's with cars that take 9.5 seconds to reach 60. Sounds more like Yawn-Yawn. :P
  • scwmcanscwmcan Member Posts: 399
    Our 2007 Mazda 3 five door has been flawless after 110,000 km, and I also had a second 2007 Mazda 3 five door before that that was flawless up to 90,000 km. my partner had a 2003 protege 5 that was flawless for 110,000 km and a 98 protege that also had no problems for over 100,000 km so no I don't think that Mazdas quality is necessarily questionable. Now the 98 protege did seem to be a little loose in the rear ( it seemed to be tail happy in snowy conditions) but none of the rest have had that problem.
    Your wife A/C was a definately problem though, but was it wide spread throughout the line up or just an isolated problem with her car?
    As for you Protege not having ABS that was not uncommon even in 2003, the Corrola and Civic as I recall did not have standard ABS in all models until somewhere around 2007 or so ( may be wrong on this though, but know it was a fair late occurrence).. The problem in your case sounds like it wasn't the lack of ABS, but poor quality tires, which is the fault of the car manufactured for picking them, but is not a problem with the car itself ( though it can cause a problem with the car itself as occurred to you). Unfortunately OEM tires are generally quite bad as they are made to a price point, and even tires with a good name brand are not the same as what you can buy aftermarket. They are generally lower quality and will not last as long or grip as well as the aftermarket versions. Unfortunately for you your tires were prone to hydro planing as you found out the hard way. How old was the car when this happened and how worn were the tires, this is something you didn't mention, just blamed the manufacturer for it, but if the tires were fairly worn this would also increa the likelyhood of hydro planing ( please note not trying to shift blame or anything, just want clarity on what happened, )
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I think the CX-5 has a very nice interior. The dash reminds me of Mercedes/BMW.

    The outgoing Mazda6's interior is not too bad either. Interesting that Inside Line compared the new 6's interior to the previous Accord's. I thought the old Accord's interior quality was just fine--it was the design (too many small buttons) that I didn't like.

    Toyota has proven that you can sell a lot of mid-sized cars with a low-rent interior. But Mazda doesn't have Toyota's customer base or dealer network.

    Mazda does have time to make small tweaks to the interior before the US debut. Maybe they will do that, based on early reviews and the strong competition they face. That will include, I expect, an updated Sonata within the next few months--will be 3 years this January when the current Sonata debuted, and Hyundai tends to do mid-gen refreshes every 3 years or so.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Agreed. Our 2007 Mazda6 with about 84K miles has had no repairs other than a tailpipe hanger adjustment and a screw that fell out of a sun visor and the dealer replaced well out of warranty. Otherwise, just routine maint. Consumers reports, IIRC, has rated the 2nd gen Mazda6 pretty reliable as well.

    I don't see anything from the pictures that indicate poor quality in the dash material....how could I really as you really have to see it in person and touch the controls etc to feel quality IMO. But design wise, I much prefer it to the spaceship designs of Hyundai and Ford.

    By the way, regarding Camry, I think the interior in the new models are substantially better than the previous gen. This is just from sitting in them at the auto show but the difference is substantial. So all that assume the Camry interior is still cheap based on what they see in pictures should at least touch and feel before assuming that they are still subpar. Not a big fan but I think some people would bash Camry if they substituted a Mercedes interior. These same people would still say it has a "cheap" interior.
  • benjaminhbenjaminh Member Posts: 6,311
    edited October 2012
    "Yawn-Yawn"

    Funny~~!!

    But actually the next gen Mazda6 should be competitive 0-60, what with a 2.5 engine and a loss of something like 200 pounds. It should be pretty darn quick for a 4 cylinder. Did they have acceleration numbers in that test? I forget.
    2018 Acura TLX 2.4 Tech 4WS (mine), 2018 Honda CR-V EX AWD (wife's)
  • crkyolfrtcrkyolfrt Member Posts: 2,345
    Does anyone know the steps Mazda has taken, and in what year, to address their premature rusting of the early to mid 2000's? With such enjoyable driver's cars, it would be good to have some reassurance that a new or repeat purchaser may enjoy that drive for more than a few years before it ventures into not just blisters, but complete disintegration of panel integrity. Aside from the aesthetic ramifications of such premature issues, there is a safety expectation in future derived from present day claims and tests, and premature corrosion is a significant factor in maintaining that safety expectation.
  • scwmcanscwmcan Member Posts: 399
    Well I can only speak from experience with the ones we have had, there has been no additional rustproofing, and the cars were/have not been washed and waxed as much as I would like ( the current one gets washed two or three times a year). The roads around here are heavily salted, and brined ( apparently worse than salt in terms of corrosion potential). And the only rust that was noticeable was in the stone chips that I touched up for the first time this summer, so that is 5 years, 114,000 km with no rust ( oops I just recalled that the car was recalled to get additional rust proofing in the doors, so there was some extra rustproofing applied just to the interior of the doors). Of course none of the other Mazdas we owned had any rust on them either, so maybe we have just been lucky ( five total in the family, with a combined totally of aprox 600,000 km, and a minimum of three years old ( the protege 5) but most 5 years, and the latest 5 and counting.) but I don't think that there was a problem with rust from at the latest 2007 on, but maybe earlier than that. I don't see too many Mazda 3's around here with major rust, though I have seen some early ones with some rust.
  • This morning I hopped in the car for work and was greeted by a TPMS warning. I grabbed my flashlight, inspected the tires, gave each one a kick for good measure. They seemed fine.

    Well, TPMS took over my trip computer and outside temp area on my gauge cluster so it could continue to warn me all the way in to work.

    I stopped at the Shell that had a cool LED air pump and both front tires read 26 PSI. So, I believe that the sudden change in air temperature in my area may have been the cause of the low tire pressure(s). The light and warning are now off. I can't help but wonder though how long my front tires have been low, and how it has affected my fuel economy.

    Both front tires now have 36 PSI, and (WOW!) what a difference in steering feel.

    So, my goal this morning is to research my TPMS system and see exactly how low (or high) the pressure has to be in order for the system to issue a warning.

    Will get back to you guys on this.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    I thought the law required a warning at 75% of recommended psi.
  • I have no idea kirby...just that 26 psi is awful low, kills fuel economy and tire wear, and I feel like an idiot because for months now that front drivers-side tire has looked low and I rationalized the car being new and a having a TPMS so it should be "fine"...and never bothered to check it out.

    This plus the fact that I have complained of advanced tire wear on another site (Optima forums)

    has taught me a lesson. Trust my eyes, not the cars computer.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Under the first compliance option, a vehicle''s TPMS must warn the driver when the pressure in any single tire or in each tire in any combination of tires, up to a total of four tires, has fallen to 25 percent or more below the vehicle manufacturer''s recommended cold inflation pressure for the tires, or a minimum level of pressure specified in the standard, whichever pressure is higher.

    It's not intended to warn you until it's dangerously low. I think you should be able to set a higher warning point but it's not a substitute for checking your tire pressure regularly.
  • dieselonedieselone Member Posts: 5,729
    I know on my expedition the TPM doesn't give an alert until tire pressure is down to around 26 psi as well.

    Honestly, I prefer it the way it is. I have always checked my tire pressures every month or so. I certainly wouldn't want the TPM light going off every time there was a 2lb pressure drop.

    OTOH, the TPM has saved me a few times from driving with a dangerously low tire due to a puncture.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,439
    I just got a new Acura (2013 RDX) and the TPMS shows the exact pressure in each tire. You do have to scroll through to that screen on the message board (there is a warning of course that will pop up if a tire gets low), but it is a nice way to do it.

    I assumed all cars now would have gone to that style TPMS, but I guess not!

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

  • Yes..I agree that an over-active TPMS would be very, very annoying. I can imagine this because my wife's old 2001 Windstar had a system that would alert you every 3 psi, so we just ignored it if the tires looked ok.

    I would love to know what the actual pressures are via the dash display, but alas I ask too much of my Optima.

    Today; I got in to go to work and there was no warning, so I think it was the sudden temperature drop from high's in the 80's to mid 40's at night.

    problem solved.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    The Passat is well-done. Understated but elegant styling, room, and handling. Sales have gone from almost nothing to quite respectable, and deservedly so.

    It's a great time to shop for a mid-sized car. Everything has recently been renewed, or will be shortly. None of them are duds, with the possible exception of the Chrysler 200, which should be entirely new in 2014.

    I like the Fusion a lot, but its looks have been over-hyped. Yes, the grill has Aston overtones, but the rest of the car is right within the current styling themes for intermediates. It is less flashy than the Sonata and the Optima, but takes on more of a world style than Malibu--a car that looks like a proper Chevrolet. the new Fusion is another of Ford's products where the styling makes it look smaller in the metal than it actually is, even though it is actually larger than the previous Fusion. The 1.6 Ecoboost will probably meet the needs of most people, and is more of a competitive "base" engine than the 2.5.

    The new Mazda6 will be the best looking of all of them. The Accord certainly looks better than it did, and is now quieter too. The Altima looks more expensive than it is. The Camry is probably one of the least appealing of the lot, given its nothing interior styling and trim, and the un-integrated front and rear styling. Camry sells on reputation, deserved or not. It's 4 cylinder engine is hardly state of the art. Creative advertising could really shake things up for any of the new entries.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    Gregg, I totally agree. The new Passat is beautiful, inside and out. I screams AUDI!!I am an AUDI!!!, but

    The Chrysler 200 is the oldest platform in the midsize market. Yes, the 3.6 Pentastar engine added some much needed grunt and allowed the 200 to be removed from life support, but in the end.....the 200 is outdated. It is nothing more than a gussied up Sebring.

    The Fusion looks great, and I suspect it will take a large chunk of sales away from other mid-size offerings. My Korean friends are still sticking it to Toyota, and I can't believe the low quality looking cockpit materials on the Camry. Why could they not have added just a little more ES/GS 350 dash materials to the interior? Whyyyyyy? Also, the Toyota engine offerings are 25 HP short than some of it's competitors. So is it's warranty.

    I hate to beat this horse again, but my 2012 Optima EX (Spicy Red) blows them all away except the Passat. However, the Passat is $10k more!!! That is $1,000,000,000,000,000.012 more than my car. (my car's sticker was $24,360. After negotiation it was dropped to 20,260)

    So, who has the combination of style, features, and quality as my Optima EX 2.4?
    Please....lets talk about it. I think my deal was pretty much unbeatable. So was the warranty. :shades:
  • Optimas still draw the eye like no other mid-sizer, even though they are no longer the newest thing. Camrys don't.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,439
    I am not in the market for something in this class (different needs than when I bought my 2005 Accord, which has since moved on), but man, there are some nice choices here now.

    I actually don't care for the Sonata styling (overdone) but did like the Kia. The Accord seems to be a vast improvement over the last generation (which I did not care for). The Camry has plusses, the Fusion looks interesting, the passat and Altima are strong options. Even the malibu is light years ahead of the old one. The Legacy is a great option too.

    Tough class to be playing in, but good for the consumer.

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

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    Agreed. I like the Sonata, but only the turbo with the big fancy wheels. Most of the one's on the road though are of the GLS sort....hubcaps, single exhaust, no fog lights, cloth seats, and the base interior has a little too much hard black plastic.

    However, with the Kia; even the base model LX Optima has alloys (16's), dual exhaust, fog lights, etc. It looks just as good as any other Optima to the casual eye. (but no 17' alloys, dual zone climate control, manumatic sport shift, HID headlights, LED brake lights, leather, etc etc).

    I have started to look at Camry's with the attitude of "why would I WANT to buy this car? Why? The interior is drab, the center stack looks like Emerson and Soundesign had a baby. I just cant stand them for some reason. They are relatively good looking, but all the Camry's I see on the road around here are of the hubcap and beige paint variety. Great car to commit a crime in. "Well, I think it was a tan Toyota something-or-other officer".

    I am gonna go watch "The Walking Dead". And while I am thinking about it, why aren't they all driving Camry's? No way I am staking my life on a 82 Suburban!!!
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    I just pulled into my local grocery store and in the parking lot was a new Fusion. I gotta tell you.....it is fantastic looking in person.

    It was totally gorgeous in Titanium trim. It is going to be a home run hit, if they price it right for a good overall value. Well, I did some research, and it would cost around 27k to get all of the features that my Optima EX has. So, my car stickered $4,000 less BEFORE haggling down to $20,500. (in all fairness I bought my car on the last day of 2011..so the dealer just wanted to move another unit...so I got a great deal) Now, if the pricing was really close, I would have a very difficult decision on my hands.

    So, it comes down to affordability and personal preference on style. I would not mind being seen in a new Fusion at all, and I am sure that many buyers will feel the same way.

    My hat's off to Ford. If anyone here has test driven one please post your experience.

    -Chris
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    edited October 2012
    image
    2012 Suzuki Kizashi

    For now I'll just have to poach looks at them from here or there whilst driving around the Spokane-Coeur d' Alene area, eh? :blush:

    I'm gonna get one one day! That blows the Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, even my beloved Mitsubishi's Galant outta the water. Sheesh Mitsubishi, do ya think it's time ta update your Galant? Or is the Galant toast? I think Mitsubishi decided to put the kiebash on the Galant because of poor sales but even the outgoing Galant blows the Toyota Camry cleanly out of the water.

    image
    This is what I'm talking about

    This almost looks grey ta me but I think it's that gorgeous silver I've been talkin' about. I don't see how you could want any other car on the planet besides the Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Simply gorgeous, great running, great performing car automotive dudes and dudettes.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • But the Kizashi is getting a bit long in the tooth. A styling update would help, but so many of the options and features on these other cars are not even available on the Kizashi. I like the size though...it's one of the reasons I bought a Volvo S60.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    Well, as predicted the new Fusion with the 1.6 Eco-Boost lost the comparo. It was also $29k. It IS a beautiful car...and it IS available with the 2.0 Eco-Boost with 237 HP.

    I recently saw one in a beautiful bright, deep blue color and was very impressed with it's looks, materials in the interior, and I am sure it drives fantastic.

    The numbers look good on the 1.6 engine...average power (178) and best torque in the comparo (184), but it is only available in one lump at a certain RPM. The transmission has to work hard to keep it on boost...and that kills engines over time.

    There is efficient and there is under-powered...a fine line to walk. I know MPG sells, and I know the EPA and CAFE requirements are tight...but there is NO WAY I would buy a 1.6 in a 3500 pound car. That's just me. :shades:
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Nice car, but I don't see any advantage of getting one over some of the current models, such as the new downsized Accord (esp. the LX 6MT, a great value) or the Optima LX (also a great value, although no MT), except AWD for people who need that. And I'd go with the Impreza for that, for less money, better FE, and actually more rear leg room (and availability of a hatchback).

    But the main reason I wouldn't touch a Kizashi is a very very small dealer network, and the real risk that Suzuki won't be selling cars in the USA much longer.
  • The new 2013 Accord won the test, but not by much. The winning order is as follows:

    1) 2013 Accord
    2) 2013 Fusion
    3) 2013 Altima
    4) 2013 Passat.

    The Fusion, Accord, Passat, and the Altima in the test are all the newest model mid-size sedan's on the USA market.

    My 2012 Optima EX was the best value I could have ever hoped for. I have three elementary school-aged girls and bought the nicest car I could afford, and it has surpassed ALL of my expectations.

    I actually detailed the outgoing 2010 Accord EX for a neighbor yesterday, with similar options as my Optima. I immediately noticed the hard black and grey plastics everywhere, no real aluminum or tasteful wood grain trim. The shift knob looked like it came out of a "94 Grand Am.

    It's black leather seat's however were FAR better than mine, and it drove about the same. The exterior was ok, but no fog lights or dual exhaust with the Accords 2.4, and it was just an older design. I can't wait to drive the new "13.

    Kind regards,
    Chris
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    To each his own. Ford has been engineering its Ecoboost engines to be bullet-proof...one of the many reasons they cost more than their non-ecoboosted choices. The hp and torque of the 1.6 are easily competitive with anything in this comparo list, and along with the transmission they use, it tends to stay a good torque curve. Don't like it? The Honda or any of the others are worthy alternatives.

    Interesting in the comparo was the use of the 1.6. The that is Ford's step-up engine from the 2.5 liter. All the other cars seemed to be fielded with their base engines. I suspect the Fusion may not have come in as high as second if the 2.5 model had been tested.

    Oops...I think I was referencing another test in Motor Trend, where the Passat came in first, then Accord, then Fusion, then Altima, followed by Camry and Malibu.
  • Thats ok. The Passat came in first in my magazine just 45 days ago too. Funny how it was last this time. Funny as in odd.

    We will just have to see if the 1.6 holds up in real use. I very, very much like the Fusion. I wanted my favorite magazine to test the 2.0 in a comparo.

    It is more expensive because it the engine is made in England and is shipped here for installation in Dearborn, Michigan.

    The 2.5 is assembled in Mexico. Not sure where the 2.0 is built.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    It's more expensive because it gets slightly better fuel economy and it's not the base engine. It's not about cost - it's about marketing.

    There are no bad cars in this segment. Just varying degrees of good. The new Accord and Fusion appear to be just slightly above the rest overall but individually you could make a good case for any of them. Yes - even the Camry.

    I think Fusion will still offer the most powertrain options with 1.6, 1.6 autostart/stop, 1.6 manual, 2.0, 2.0 AWD, 2.0 Hybrid and 2.0 PIH.

    I'm likely ordering a 2013 Fusion Hybrid Titanium. 47 mpg is hard to pass up.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    Agreed. 47mpg is awesome.

    I have had so many problems with cars in the past...stranded on the road in many, that I am gun shy of anything that is limited production, turbocharged, or GT versions. My 87 Z24 with unrepairable cracked transmission and alternators that died monthly. 1994 - Yamaha engine melted down in my SHO. 96 Passat TDI that had to be shut off and on every 5 miles to get the turbo to work.

    All sales people had said things like "bullet proof" and "will never leave you stranded". All did. So, now I buy cars more likely to make it 150k without a major problem, and with the most available and cheapest parts. All the while still trying to buy something that isn't a bread-box on wheels.

    I understand why millions buy Corolla's and Camry's. They are a safe bet for reliability and are serene places to sit and drive. I am amused the adding an "S" on the back of everything increases sales. I am also amused that every 75% of Toyota Corolla's I see on the road (the ones with the "S" usually) are missing at least one hubcap. Does the S stand for stolen?

    No. With me it seems the S stands for sub-standard, stranded, sucker, and stupid.

    I am still holding out that I can drive a nice looking car that isn't a Camry or Accord or a Corolla out of fear of breakdowns.

    However, the EX on the back of my Kia may yet be EX-ploded or EX-pensive to repair. I hope not. Not this time.

    I do a lot of research now before I buy now. The rest is how I treat the car, and that the welding robot wasn't off-line when my car sailed down the assembly line. But it doesn't have an S....so there is hope.

    -C
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    You are talking about 1980s/1990s cars that had special engines. Car companies don't put out hardware that is not designed to last the long haul. They can't afford to in this competitive environment. Even VW with its questionable quality reputation had engineered their TDIs to be much more problem-free than their gassers by the early 2000s. My 2003 TDI is still going strong (with its new owner), and both a 2002 TDI and a 2005 TDI in my extended family have gone beyond 200K with only routine maintenance. Soon enough you will not have a choice. Contrary to what Allen said, the 1.6 and 2.0 Ecoboosts do cost more right now because they have the direct injection/turbo technology and equipment not present yet on some competitors' engines. Some components have been re-engineered for the added stress, so that the engine will last similarly to a non-Ecoboost 2.5 liter. However, soon enough most engines will be DI turbos, because with tightening MPG regulations, it is one way to get good mileage and the torque people want, without resorting to diesels, or the even more expensive hybrids and electrics.

    There has never been a time when the mid-size car buyer had so many excellent choices. Buy what you like, don't drive the piss out of it all the time, do the routine maintenance suggested, and any of these cars will give you more satisfactory service than you have had with your previous rides.
  • See, my Optima's (and the Sonata's) 2.4 engine is DI, non-turbo, and the car weighs in at 3240. 200 hp and 186 lb-ft without all the turbo gear.

    It is a blast to drive, and without jamming my foot to the floor or coming near redline. I have no problem with modern.

    Lastly In the Car & Driver comparo, the Fusion BROKE DOWN. It was flashing warning lights....of the check engine sort. They also said the tranny was very busy, trying desperately to keep on boost.
  • "DA DA DA Don Da da don da da....da da da daaa da dun don da da..."

    (The evil empire music played as Darth Vader walks into the control room of his gigantic ship's bridge/CIC. (or when Vader enter's any scene where evil is to be done). lmao.

    I imagine the same music runs in customers heads as they are marched into the finance department with not so perfect credit. "Sir, the force may be with you, but not with your credit. ...and your trade is an X-wing what? It says here o your car fax report that it was crashed in a swamp and has some water damage. and because of that, all you have is a salvage title Luke.
    Well, I can put you in a Versa! How about that? lol.
  • fury63fury63 Member Posts: 26
    I bought a Titanium last week after looking at the new Accord and the LaCrosse. Coming from a Maxima SV, I never thought I'd be excited about a Fusion. But I have to say it delivers. The excellent ride and quiet interior along with the Sync technology and the overall look are what hooked me. I have about 600 miles on it. For me, it is a very comfortable ride in both city and highway driving. You have to baby it to get good mpg in stop-n-good. Highway is between 28-30. Hopefully it will get better. My kids love the ambient lighting and the stereo rocks. So far I'm pleased with it.
  • Which engine is in it? 2.5? 1.6? 2.0? Please tell us all about it. Thanks!!!

    Welcome also!
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Titaniums only come with the 2.0L.
  • Good to know that. Thanks. How does it drive? How was your dealer experience? What do you like about it? Where is the sweet spot in the power delivery?
  • fury63fury63 Member Posts: 26
    It's a very well done vehicle. I do mostly highway driving and it seems to have to have the merge/passing power. I have to get used to a conventional transmission as opposed to the CVT on the Max - and the turbo as you push it hard. As I mentioned, it's a very smooth and quiet ride. You have to test drive one yourself. The Sync system isn't perfect but I knew that going in. Bluetooth streaming is hit/miss with my iPhone 4S but it works well tethered to USB. I really like the voice command capability. My only gripe is it can be a bit slow to respond (changing from XM to a certain FM station for instance). I have only the base Titanium package and the sunroof so I can't comment on the other features. The seats wrap around you and feel very secure. Ford did a good job of managing ride quality with handling as I feel it's pretty responsive. It's about the same size interior/exterior as my Maxima with a longer wheelbase. Good back seat room. It's a very easy car to drive. I have to enjoy the fact I'm the only one around here with one now because I'm pretty sure Ford will sell the heck out of these.
  • Now that was a review! :shades:

    I forgot the Max had a CVT. I need to drive a CVT in a nice car like the MAX so I can throw off the chains of oppression as I stop thinking of a Subaru Justy every time I hear "CVT".

    The switch must be something to get used to. I like the Max. Ever since they have made it it was the original (Japanese) 4DSC. Back in 96 190 HP was hot stuff and then the 2000 with 222 HP was on tap for delivery. Great addition to the genuine sport sedan.
  • fury63fury63 Member Posts: 26
    I think Nissan did a great job on their CVT but in the end it's a CVT and some people can't get past that. You can always put it in sport mode for that simulated shift. I enjoyed driving the Max; just wanted something different. Unfortunately for the Max their MPGs are still not that great but that's what the Altima is for I guess.
  • The Altima is Nissan's Accamalibusion. An amalgam of current mid-size sedan style, MPG, and design. I am already bored with it.

    Car and Driver said it looks like a Camry that was stung by bees. Lol.
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi on here, I remain mostly impressed with the:

    Suzuki Kizashi...

    .

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • I also am a fan of the Kizashi. A very well built car that is prime for freshening. Suzuki has an opportunity to be the newest sedan on the block since all the major players have been designed, redesigned, or freshened in the past year or so. Suzuki seems to be holding back on committing to the mid-size sedan fight. I am curious to see what they do as a company in the near future.

    The mid-size sedan is THE most difficult car to build for the masses. It has to be all things to all people...and Suzuki seems to not want to play that game.
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    The Mazda6 is the next new one out of the gate and should be at dealers very early in 2013. The Kizashi is old news that never caught on. The Suzuki dealer right next to my Mazda dealer closed up about a year after the Kizashi came out. They needed a conventional transmission and a V6 or turbo 4. They were touting it as a cheap alternative to an Audi but it didn't have the HP to really compete in that sports arena. Suzuki will probably slip quietly away into the night(from the USA) much like Izuzu did. My understanding is that they do well in Japan and the rest of Asia but just can't seem to make great inroads in the US and I think Europe as well. I don't even hear that much about their motorcycles much anymore. I know their boat motorss are that desired either.
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited October 2012
    The Kizashi has very few fans but some of them are quite loyal. Most of them would be impressed if they drove the 2013 competitive models, and could see where the Kizashi needs updating. I like the size of the Kizashi, but it has fallen behind on styling, equipment, power choices, and quietness.

    The 2014 Mazda6, out in January, looks to be a winner.
  • I was being polite. If you read between the lines I said this about the Kizashi:

    A) It needed updating badly. (boring)
    B) Their heart isn't in it. (boring)
    C) They nibbled some market share from the big boys as an alternative too many. (boring)
    D) Didn't Suzuki make crappy little 4x4's (Samurai) that enjoyed a cult following? Why don't they do that again?
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    For full disclosure - my car history has been:

    1996 Accord: My first car. Cramped for my 6'4" frame, and not particularly peppy (130hp) but it had a personality. I miss that car.

    2006 Accord: Great to drive. Had some road noise, felt more powerful than it was.

    Currently have a 2009 Sonata GLS V6: Quiet, smooth riding, lots of power with good MPG (averaging 29-30mpg on my highway commute), absolutely no fun to drive around a bend.

    The 2013 Accord was still disapppointingly noisy compared to my quiet Hyundai. I'm not sure I could go back to that level of road noise every day after commuting 100 miles a day in my quiet coffin of a car, the Sonata. However, the engine felt good under my foot, but made a noise that was not pleasant like previous Honda fours. Part of DI, I suppose.

    The CVT didn't feel that different from an automatic. It had obvious "shift" points. When I gunned it to merge, it had definite "shifts" in ratio. Frankly, I liked the feel of the 2012 Altima I drove, and how it smoothly ramped up the revs, and dropped them back. The Accord didn't feel as "rubber-bandy" I suppose, but it wasn't nearly as smooth as the Altima was, either. Overall, not a deal maker or breaker for me. It was good enough.

    The interior had loads of space. My Sonata is a "Large Car" by EPA standards, with a moonroof, and the Accord felt at least as spacious. No problems there. My seat in my Hyundai offered more travel/front legroom for me, but not by much. The Honda offered comfy seating and rear vents, a nice touch.

    In the end, these were the items I focused on; powertrain, space, and noise levels. While the Honda was definitely more spry than my current Sonata, nothing about it made me pine for a new car right now. I'm content with what I have (and no car payment).

    image
  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,704
    edited October 2012
    badly...already? Huh? No way! I don't even have to re-test drive the car to know that it hasn't. Oh well, if nobody buys one that will mean all the more Kizashi's left for me. Mine-mine-mine!

    All mine.

    image
    Hurry...catch a glimpse of it before it becomes a little red X

    Look at that car, gentlemen. Simply the coolest midsize car on the market. And it is the smallest midsize car as well. This car looks mah-vel-ous in silver. Best color for the Kizashi.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    I got your message but was just adding to it. However, don't really equate boring with needing an update or their heart isn't in it. Suzuki is huge in Japan and Asia, one of the best selling brands there. They just can't figure out the US market very well.
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