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The V6 models usually have larger wheels and tires also. They definitely have different suspension components, transmissions and brakes. I don't know about the 08 model differences, but in 03 the V6 had traction control, while the I4 models did not, and they may have had more airbags. It's more than just the engine, because you can't just take the 4 cylinder engine out, put the V6 in and everything else is the same. That should be obvious. :confuse: In the V6 Accord supplement for the service manual there are over 1200 pages worth of differences.
Huh! Reality: Because their I-4s couldn't compete.
V6-like smoothness (the last Ecotec I heard was ok, but only that - ok), 190hp from 2.4L...
Just so that you know, $2200 in premium gets you not only the engine (besides, V6 and I-4 don't share transmissions), but different tuning to the chassis, brakes, additional features (powered passenger seat, additional noise insulation, homelink transmitter, exterior cosmetic upgrades including a chin spoiler and chrome touches). You don't think it is worth it? Why do you worry?
FordMoCo also offers its 2.3-liter Duratec I4 in all three models of the Fusion, the S, SE and top of the line SEL. I think that is intelligent even though I would wager that many, if not most, of the SELs come with the 3.0-liter Duratec V6.
Wow.
Apparently, there are some people on this board that believe that they think for EVERYONE else on this planet when they think that something may or may not be a "necessity".
Whether or not you find HIDs to be a "necessity" is inconsequential to someone that feels they "need" them for themselves. Same with Nav, same with a V6, same with a manual transmission. There's a reason why automakers have options in the FIRST place, to make a vehicle more pleasing to own/drive for THEMSELVES.
All cars operate effectively these days, fortunately, regardless of what the manufacturer might classify as an "option". Let's just let everyone have their own set of requirements when car shopping without telling them they are somehow wrong in what they have determined that they need.
Had a number of V8s long ago when these were common, last was in 1986 (it was a 1977 model, with a 460 ci V8).
Cool, was that an SR20DE or one of the later ones with the Altima engine?
I too am a manual trans zealot. Currently the stable as a Legacy 2.5i Wagon stick (for our needs, one of the greatest vehicles on the planet) and an Accord EX sedan stick (kind of a stress buy, a good deal, but considerable buyer's remorse).
Neither the wife nor I have ever owned an automatic transmission vehicle.
If they make me get an slushbox or a rubber band, I think I will just seek the cheapest one.
Yeah there is a used SEL 4cylinder/manual nearby I might check out, but my wife said if I am going to keep whining until I get an MS6, I should probably pursue that.
Enjoy your Altima, I'm sure you'll have fun with it.
I see that combination in my Mazda6 quite often...every day in fact! Wouldn't have it any other way either. Personally, I love the "connected" feel of a manual transmission where I have more control of how the car drives and responds. I also like how it rewards being mentally focused on my driving and helps me feel engaged (rather than passive) when I drive, which I think helps me be a better and safer driver.
As a company that caters to the auto enthusiast, I hope Mazda continues to offer their more powerful engines with a manual option... but I sense the "wisdom" of the market will ultimately determine whether this happens or not.
I know when it came to making my decision, the fact that the Accord charged a huge premium (like more than several thousand dollars) for going with a manual and a v-6 made it extremely easy to choose the Mazda6.
PS... I'm glad the members in this forum aren't still talking about gas and are once again talking about cars!
The Accord EXL V6 Automatic and Accord EXL V6 6MT had identical pricing.
At the time, Honda had an LX w/ a v-6 that was quite a bit less money than the EXL but was not available with a manual transmission. And the "premium" I spoke of related to the difference between the Mazda6 vs Accord both with v-6 and a manual - the mazda6 coming in under 20k and the Accord around 25k. Of course the Accord had leather (which I don't like: too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer), more power and an extra gear (6 speed), but the Mazda6 had superior brakes, better handling, 2 extra doors (I was looking at the Accord coupe since I didn't care for the looks of the sedan), and the Mazda6 also had a much more functional cargo area when bought in hatchback form. In other words, to get the Accord w/ a manual, I had to buy a trim level that included options I did not want and was Honda's most expensive trim level. I'm glad Mazda gave me a choice as to what trim level was available w/ the options that I wanted!
(You've probably figured out that some posts have had a thorough treatment of my friend Kirstie's patented Post-B-Gon, yes? :P Have some eggnog and cookies - they're over there in the corner.)
Honda Accord EXL-V6
Saturn Aura XR
Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
Hyundai Azera Limited
I'm still considering I4 models loaded with features such as the Accord EX-L. But my main models considered are the V6 models. I am not considering Altima models, seeing as I've had nothing but issues with my 05...so Altimas are off limits. LOL Not considering the Sonata either *at least not until the 09 models are debuted* because I think the interior materials are kinda cheap, the design is somewhat bland and I thinik the interior looks wierd. No Fusion models either..and the Kia Optima's V6 is weaksauce. So basically I'm asking if anyone has had any experiences with these models. Anyone tested the Malibu LTZ models? I've had experiences in Aura 3.6 XR? I'd like to get as much feedback from owners who own the Accord, Malibu and Aura models with V6 engine.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated...I'm looking to get something around tax time...
The Kia Optima 2.7L engine (185 HP) is rated much lower HP than most of the current offerings. However, my '05 Sonata has that engine and is rated 170 HP and it "goes." Throughout the year, I average about the EPA rating (at that time) of 19 MPG. Current EPA rating is probably 18 MPG. My drive to work is under 3 miles each way.
My brother drives an '07 Sonata SE (234 HP) and EPA rated 20, local. The interior is nice. The '08 Sonata SE is available with I4 and manual shift, but not leather seats. The '09 might offer leather, if Hyundai follows what they did with the '08 Elantra.
Also, for the power that 2.7 liter makes and the MPG you are getting..there is NO WAY I'd get an Optima V6, when I could have the comparable Accord EX-L I4 for similar money...18 mpg is kinda low doncha think?
Style-wise Malibu is my favorite...interior wise It's a toss up between the Accord and Azera. The Malibu's design and color combos are very very nice...but some of the interior materials leave a LOT to to be desired...from the hard plastic door panels to the secondary controls for the power window switches and homelink system. Accord right now is my favorite but I need some extended time with all of them to really figure out what I'd want. I've also seen folks claim that the Malibu is thousands of dollars cheaper than the Accord...not so. The Accord is the least expensive of the Japanese Big three family sedans...coming in some $2000 cheaper than the equivalent Altima 3.5SE or 3.5SL. In my research the Malibu LTZ when equipped like an Accord is about $150-$300 less depending on color choices.
So, I'm not complaining about my MPG with the type of driving I do. The only long road trip I had was when I drove the car home from FL to CT when I bought it. I averaged over 27 MPH while the car was still breaking in, and I kept up with traffic, going mostly 70-75.
The current Sonata lists HP at 162 for the 4 cyl. If I were shopping today, I'd look at the Limited 4 cyl version. But my idea was, if you want a cyl manual shift, the Sonata SE may satisfy your desires. There's only one way to tell; test drive one.
Good luck in your car hunting.
That might be true but if you are looking to differentiate yourself with a vehicle in this segment, eh good luck.
The Fusions/Milans are great cars but aren't exactly setting any sales records (but probably more than the Galants).
Probably the mid-sizer that was the most rare of all in the U.S. was the Verona, but Suzuki has dropped that model. RIP.
Yup, if I remember what I read correctly, the 2008 Fusions now come with ABS.
If you lean toward the sportier end, the Aura, Legacy and Mazda6 might be worth considering. And if you're still in the market mid-08, the next generation Mazda6 may be available in the US (this new model is already getting great reviews in Europe where it is now available for purchase, but there may be changes to the US version... should know more within a month or two when US specs are released).
I looked at the Malibu this weekend and was pretty impressed. The interior looked very nice and I thought the interior materials were very good. The sliding part of the center console was a bit sticky and there were some sharp points at the bottom part of the gear shift, but overall, the fit and finish was good. Nice use of soft touch plastic up on the dash (almost rubberized) and the feel of the buttons was good. Back seat comfort was good also with lots of legroom. I wanted to take one for a drive, but they were a bit busy and didn't want to waste the salespeople's time. Still not too fond of the grill, but it's not terribly annoying to me either. Regardless, it's good to see another quality competitor in this segment.
Rear seat head injury criterion (and star rating):
Accord - 451 (3 stars)
Fusion - 471 (4 stars)
Sonata - 472 (5 stars)
Mazda6 - 199 (4 stars)
Camry - 109 (5 stars)
Aura - 495 (5 stars)
Legacy - 473 (5 stars)
Altima - 390 (5 stars)
Perhaps folks with kids should take a closer look at the Camry or Mazda6, if they care about protecting them from head injury.
In this class, the Accord,Camry, Fusion/Milan, Legacy, and Passat have received "Good" IIHS side impact scores; all received "Good" on the frontal offset crash test also. The Sonata and G6 received "Acceptable" on the IIHS side impact test ("Good" on the front). The rest have either not been tested by the IIHS for side impact, were not tested with side airbags, or have not been tested since design changes were made, so no score is available.
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=30
I had one of your so-called "significant problem" 03 Accords as well. I had it for 50 months and 65,000 miles and even with the extremely short warranty Honda provides, my total repair bill on that vehicle totalled to the almighty $0.00.
you spend more then that in wasted time in one day with a domestic.
Considering that I paid about $20K for a new '07 Altima 2.5S with Convenience Plus package last summer, I don't see why not.
Interesting. Can you provide links to back up your assertion. Or is this just your (extremely biased) opinion?
Bingo!
In my opinion, Honda has the best overall customer service (and cars) in this segment, although Toyotas' is pretty good. People who sing Hondas' praises have a reason to do so.