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Comments
Pretty sure CR understands MFT.
And another reviewer admits he has a major bias towards this car.
Must be something to do with the highly subjective "fun to drive" nonsense that car & Driver relies on. Its a hybrid not a sports car but compared to a Prius it is like one.
But somebody did write this in an earlier review about the 2011 version:
While we were less than impressed with the Sonata Hybrid's fuel thrift, we were pleased with its overall driving dynamics.
At 3,578 pounds, the Sonata Hybrid is still light on its feet, with a structurally rigid chassis that doesn't flex at the slightest change of direction.
Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of about nine seconds.
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And check out what Wayne Gerdes thinks about these second gen hybrids for the real scoop.
"I haven't even sat in a Tesla(just seen pictures) so I can't comment on it too much"
and
"There is nothing Tesla could have done with their touch screen to change that. Classic double standard."
and
"Obviously, you never used it".
and
"If you're going to bash something at least spend a little time understanding it first."
So you can judge the Tesla but other's can't judge MFT. That's what the rest of us call a double standard.
Also, side impacts are rare compared to rear enders.
Accord 31,507
Altima 29,534
Fusion 20,522
Sonata 18,903
Optima 13,752
Malibu 12,473
Passat 10,051
200 8,122
Avenger 6,131
Mazda6 3,447
Legacy 3,142
But it isn't a reason to disregard a car entirely. CR hated the BMW nav and radio interface (as did many) but they still liked BMW. It's just one factor. Same with Fusion. Same with Tesla. If you like the Fusion MFT, great. Others have really disliked it. Neither opinion says anything about CR. I may disagree with some reviewers' comments about a particular vehicle, but that doesn't mean everything they say is meaningless.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Also, side impacts are rare compared to rear enders.
So re-use the formerly top ranked crib for your child that has the drop side that is now outlawed because, after all, deaths from drop-side cribs are rare. And when someone's child is injured or killed when a driver runs a red light, their parents can take some solace that their car still has a large trunk. Guess I have a higher regard for children.
It sounds like the car would encourage making changes in my driving style.
I am still trying to extract maximum performance from mine a lot of the time. It is a hard habit to break.
I bought my car on 12/28/2011, and at that time the reviews of the Optima Hybrid and it's sister Sonata Hybrid were not as refined as other systems in operation, but that is the ONLY thing they found wrong. So, I passed on the Hybrid and went with the $5500 cheaper Optima EX.
Here is the C/D June 2011 review of the Sonata Hybrid:
"The integration of the hybrid system is far less impressive. Regardless of throttle input, the car rolls away from stops in EV mode. At about 10 or 15 mph, the gas engine starts with a jolt, and the rate of acceleration changes abruptly. Under full throttle, engine startup often causes a tire chirp. When cruising with the engine off at higher speeds, acceleration happens in four distinct steps: 1. Max out electric motor. 2. Start gas engine. 3. Strain gas engine in higher gear. 4. Downshift and get moving. If this is what happens when you make your electric motor work harder, we understand why everyone else on the market takes it easier on them". -C/D
I hope that this has been worked out on subsequent 2012 - 2013 models. They are beautiful, mega hi-tech cars, for a quite reasonable price.
I personally feel that between the Accord, Mazda 6, and Fusion; few will get buyers remorse.
Out of the rest, I would say *Passat, Optima/Sonata/Camry/Malibu are all equally good and will not let anyone down in operation, reliability, and value.
There are a couple more mid sizer's out there, but I feel that the ones I named are the relevant competitors.
*Passat having better handling and driving dynamics, as well as fit and finish than the last four. Again. It's IMO; and based on a composition of relevant articles, reviews, and owner statements.
The front end of a Sonata Hybrid actually looks more like a Mako shark.
Several Mazda's also sport this look as do some Aston-Martins.
So do several Audis.
And the Nissan GT-R has a very similar grill.
You want to see a really UG-Lee front end then check the first Subaru Tribeca.
Probably due to the styling Honda designers currently seem to prefer.
Japanese are some of the most style conscious consumers on the planet so its easy to see why they snatch up the snazzy Korean products.
Just did a search and according to the Economic Times, Hyundai stopped selling passenger cars in Japan in 2009 and only sells commercial vehicles now.
What is the source of your informatiion?
Above is from wikipedia.
I think Honda sells more Fits in Japan in one month then Hyundai sold passenger cars in Japan in 8 years. I understand people being enamored with their car but, really........how ridiculous.
3500 Mazda 6's a month is not going to cut it.
There is are reasons they took on a partner before and there are reasons many import brands build cars in North America.
Madza needing to partner in order to survive is not an original thought by me.
If the exchange rate goes the other way, they could be in trouble.
Mazda has decided to build their brand via start-of-the-art technology/design (skyactiv platform), and quality (plant in Japan). This takes lots of bucks, leaving little for marketing. After building this foundation, money allocated to marketing will increase with the expectations that market share will increase. I think they are taking the wisest approach but only time will tell.
All of their new products are getting rave reviews.
The Mazda6 has even beaten the Honda Accord, the previous class-leader, in some comparison tests.
Mazda doesn't need to sell a lot. They just need to sell a good number and make a decent profit.
Mazda's engineering is on fire. Skyactiv is real.
I think Mazda is on a trajectory to steadily grow in the US for the next 3 years, even if they don't find a parter.
And I say all this as a Honda fan.
They aren't bad cars, but the inherent flaw remains in place in the 2013 refresh of the hybrids - transmission design.
They aren't in the same quality tier or level as Honda or Toyota.
He's had dashbard/trim finish issues since early in the car's life.
It came with wheel covers instead of alloys.
It had no power going up hills in the hot desert this summer.
It handled all right; I'll give it that, but the engine was gutless.
Based on my observations (of his admittedly base level Mazda 6), I am not interested in what they are doing yet. It'll take time to earn that trust back. It seems they have improved without the weight of incompetent Ford on their shoulders. Using gas guzzling underpowered Ford motors was the worst thing Mazda ever did. Hated the old 3.0 V6 in a rental/loaner I had many years ago.
The result is a top-notch, fully competitive hybrid sedan.
The Sonata Hybrid has a conventional six-speed automatic in lieu of the CVT-type arrangement used by most other hybrids. It's been tweaked to make up- and down-shifts smooth and barely perceptible. Better yet, the Sonata Hybrid's six-speed eliminates the buzzy drone and disconnected feeling that's typical of CVTs, especially under hard acceleration.
http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/latest-reviews/2013-sonata-hybrid-solves-hyunda- - i-hybrid-problem-article-1.1413841
Other hybrids use a quirky CVT to meld the electric and gas motors together, but Hyundai insists on using a more traditional six-speed automatic. In the past, the transmission seemed easily confused, resulting in harsh shifts at inopportune times.
The new Sonata Hybrid has a sense of refinement which is on par with Toyota’s Camry Hybrid. The transition from electric-to-gas, then back to electric is smooth, and hardly noticeable on the road.
There’s very little shift-shock as the clutch engages the gas motor
while the car is moving.
A key feature that the Sonata has over its Japanese rival comes with how it drives. The ride is communicative without being too stiff and uncomfortable. Additionally, there is far more steering feel here than what’s offered on the Camry, which is floaty and vague.
By improving its powertrain, the Sonata Hybrid hits all its marks when it comes to a mid-sized, hybrid family sedan. It’s fuel friendly and affordable, while maintaining the standard Sonata’s solid driving dynamics and unique style.
Picking the best mid-sized hybrid sedan is no longer a choice between the best fuel economy (Camry Hybrid) and good looks (Fusion Hybrid). Hyundai’s updated Sonata Hybrid blends it all together for a photo-finish.
http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/hyundai/2013-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-review-- - - 2593.html
I can't think of a single mid-sized family sedan that had alloys standard in its base trim in 2009. It's like you are blaming Mazda for your BIL's decision to buy a base Mazda6.
But I agree, when I drove a subsequent car, the VW CC (4cyl), it totally outclassed the 6. The VW was more expensive, comparatively, and at that point only had an auto...but I really liked it (Didn't buy either)
I haven't seen or driven a new 6 (not in the market); they do look very impressive.
link title
And I provide as many links as anyone to support my positions, like the reviewers' comments on the buzzy and quirky nature of CVTs.
Others, most notably the graduate, just post subjective opinions with no backup. He's also thrown down some misinformation about a recent podcast which I proved he fabricated.
He, no doubt, has never even driven a Sonata hybrid.
Now where's that passport . . . . .
In this case, the OP was comparing a five-year-old Mazda design to other, unspecified, cars. The 2009 Mazda6 was the first year of the previous-generation Mazda6. The 2008 Accord was the first year of the previous-generation Accord.
Heh, I fessed up on this source but the majority of the links I’ve referenced are recent.
The 2013 Sonata hybrids are a screaming deal and from personal experience I know the drive train issues are solved.
They continue to sell well - with the Kia version included, the Koreans sold over 3,400 in the US July.
http://www.hybridcars.com/july-2013-dashboard/
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Hyundai_Sonata-Hybrid/
Hybrids compared:
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/compare/?trims=12214-349885_121- 57-353068_12162-355788
The 2013 Accord came in 7th.
It's not like somebody is beating up your kid or insulting your wife.....it's just a car. Jeeesh.
My point was though you had a good analogy, I could make an even stronger one to explorerx4.
2. Fusion
3. Optima
4. Camry
5. Sonata
"Our reviewers see the Sonata as missing out on key touches. "Hyundai's not there yet on crisp, balanced handling," Healey said. "The Sonata still rides on the busy side," Mays noted, "picking up highway ruts that others filter out." "While the engine is peppy, powertrain refinement is not on par with the rest of these cars," Robinson said. "This one feels tight to me because of the seat bolsters," Raquel Girvin said. "No backup camera in the Sonata," Varela asked. "Huh. I would have expected more from Hyundai."
The verdict: "The Sonata won our last Family Sedan Shootout, but that was mostly due to the dynamic styling and the fact that it had a lot more features than most for the money," Robinson said. "Well, the styling is no longer that dramatic and most of these cars are very well-equipped, so it's firmly mid-pack in this comparison."
http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/Story.jsp?referer=&year=New§ion=Seda- n&story=26k_sedanResult&subject=stories
Considering I was supporting you, I'm curious how you will handle a response that is contrary to your opinion.
"Worsening car blind spots
If you're having a hard time seeing out of your car, you're not alone. Cars designed with high trunks and hoods and low, sloping rooflines give a sleek appearance on the outside but can cause visibility problems from the inside.
Consumer Reports tests cars for blind spots and says the new designs are making things much worse. It's a problem not only in traffic but also in driveways and parking lots.
Wide rear pillars and smaller back windows make it especially hard to see out the back, even when you turn your head around. More than 200 people die every year in accidents by drivers who did not see them, and many of those are children.
Consumer Reports tests rear visibility and finds that some cars are seriously lacking it, especially for drivers who are short.
The Hyundai Sonata sedan has a blind zone of 21 feet....
http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewdepaula/2012/12/31/test-drive-2013-honda-acco- - rd-really-satisfies/
"Matthew de Paula, Contributor
Test Drive: 2013 Honda Accord Really Satisfies
....a four-cylinder Honda Accord leaving a sports car in the dust does say something: Despite being grossly out of its element on a racetrack—as shown by how much the car leaned when changing directions—this midsize sedan is so well engineered that it maintains poise even when being flung about.
More importantly to car buyers, all of the engineering upgrades that make the new Accord perform better than expected on a racetrack also give it a quieter, smoother and more responsive ride in everyday driving.....
The 2013 model is so much improved that it’s in another league entirely. “For the new Accord, we went back to zero and started from the beginning with everything,” says Shoji Matsui, chief engineer for the Accord
A little over half of the steel used in the new Accord’s underlying body is high tensile, which makes the car markedly more rigid while cutting 57 pounds. The difference can be felt in the car’s agility....
Excellent outward visibility only enhances the sense of safety. Many car manufacturers continue to favor style over practicality by designing flashy cars with small windows, higher belt lines and thicker roof pillars (read more about such design disasters here). Kudos to Honda engineers for keeping the windows tall, belt line relatively low and front roof pillars as thin as possible. Every new Honda Accord also gets larger side mirrors and a rearview camera to further aid visibility....
The styling of the new Accord has grown on me. It definitely looks better than the previous model, thanks largely to the redesigned front end that has been trimmed down to achieve a more athletic look and to give the driver a better view of the road ahead.
The clean, simple styling and slim headlights—which use LEDs on the top Touring model, a feature typically found only on luxury cars—recall Accords from the 1980s and ‘90s. Compared to more extroverted designs like those of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, the new Accord might seem bland. But this is a family sedan, not a sports car, and its handsome, restrained appearance will continue to look good long after other designs become outdated...."
Don't get all bent out of shape just because I wondered what in heck you were talking about in your posts.
For the first time ever I will make a blasphemous statement and agree that I actually like the appearance of the new Accord. I've always loathed Honda (mainly because the vehicles are so boring), but when it comes time to replace my 2009 Fusion the Accord may be on my short list. I read that Car and Driver rated the new Malibu as the best riding as far as interior quietness and a comfortable ride. Slowest off the line though and Fuel efficiency lacks. That's what impressed me about the Honda was the MPG rating and the quickness of the 4 cylinder. Plus for the first time the Accord looks pretty good.