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Not too familiar with Mazda. But would be willing to give it a try. I do not want anything American. Sorry, no offense, but I go to Michigan on business and that is all they drive up there, and I have seen and rode in 2008s and newer that are already making noises and other problems.
I would go with the Sonata, then the Altima, and finally the Accord because of their iffy automatics. About not wanting anything American--before you entirely rule them out, Motor Trend named the Ford Fusion Car of the Year in its January issue. The Fusion Hybrid, by all accounts, is a fantastic car with excellent fuel economy and seemingly very good build quality. The non-hybrid Fusion should be darned good as well.
I'd personally go with either the Sonata or the Ford Fusion in the mid-size segment. And if it wasn't for our government's bailout of GM and Chrysler, I'd take a look at the newest Chevy Malibus too (but NOT the Malibu Hybrid). Best of luck in what you ultimately decide on!
Wife drove an Altima 4 cylinder for a few weeks. The engine was whisper quiet. Could hardly tell it was running. It also moved pretty well for a four cylinder in a heavy midsize sedan. Of the three you listed, the Altima is the most sporty looking. Before considering the Sonata, keep in mind that this model is on it's last leg and a replacement model is coming soon with styling loosely based upon the Hyundai Genesis sedan. The Ford Fusion shares the platform with the previous Mazda 6. The current Mazda 6 overall body shape is closer to the current Nissan Maxima. Another car to consider is the Subaru Legacy. It comes standard with all wheel drive. The Ford Fusion has all wheel drive as an option.
Honda is riding the gravy train of their reputation from years past. They are still fairly reliable, but do not offer a competitive product these days in terms of features and value for the dollar.
Hyundai's are junk, don't let any of these people on here steer you towards them. We drove 2 Hyundai's at my wife's insistence, and they are cheap-feeling crap. And all of the older Hyundai's I have seen are in terrible shape and rattle you to death. Yes, Hyundai has come a long way, but it's the equivalent of going from a cheap street hooker to high-dollar escort. Either way, you are still getting screwed.
Nissan has been very reliable for me, and has taken care of me in the past. Their cars are nice and sporty feeling, and have plenty of nice options for the dollar.
Toyota makes a good car, but it will bore you to death. It's like driving with a Thorazine drip.
And another vote for Mazda, very solid product, and again, a lot of features for the money.
Honda is riding the gravy train of their reputation from years past. They are still fairly reliable, but do not offer a competitive product these days in terms of features and value for the dollar.
Agreed! Just as an example, I would far prefer a 2005 or older Civic than a 2006 or newer.
Quote:
Hyundai's are junk, don't let any of these people on here steer you towards them. We drove 2 Hyundai's at my wife's insistence, and they are cheap-feeling crap. And all of the older Hyundai's I have seen are in terrible shape and rattle you to death. Yes, Hyundai has come a long way, but it's the equivalent of going from a cheap street hooker to high-dollar escort. Either way, you are still getting screwed.
Could I ask you which two Hyundai models you drove? The older ones (older than about 2004 or 2005) I can agree with you on. But the newest Elantras and Sonatas are supposed to be at or near the very top of their classes, even if the noisy, plebeian, spartan Accent and its minivan are decidedly not. The jury seems to still be out on the new and more expensive Hyundai Genesis, but the early reviews are very good from what I understand.
Agreed! Just as an example, I would far prefer a 2005 or older Civic than a 2006 or newer.
Could I ask you which two Hyundai models you drove? The older ones (older than about 2004 or 2005) I can agree with you on. But the newest Elantras and Sonatas are supposed to be at or near the very top of their classes, even if the noisy, plebeian, spartan Accent and its minivan are decidedly not. The jury seems to still be out on the new and more expensive Hyundai Genesis, but the early reviews are very good from what I understand.
I'd still like to try out the Hyundai Elantra Touring (wagon version). Some how they made the Touring version look better than the Elantra even though the Touring is the wagon. My only problem is the black interior. Not good here in south Louisiana.
We were in the market for a new car last week (traded in a 2000 Honda Accord). Drove Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Mazda 6. Wound up with the Mazda 6. Mazda was on our list as we have a 2004 MPV that we have been very happy with.
Didn't care for the Camry. No special reason; just didn't strike a chord with us. Fusion seemed to be a pretty solid car and I thought it rode better than the Accord. I really thought that we would wind up with another Accord, but the Mazda 6 styling, ride and handling won us over.
Agreed! Just as an example, I would far prefer a 2005 or older Civic than a 2006 or newer.
Could I ask you which two Hyundai models you drove? The older ones (older than about 2004 or 2005) I can agree with you on. But the newest Elantras and Sonatas are supposed to be at or near the very top of their classes, even if the noisy, plebeian, spartan Accent and its minivan are decidedly not. The jury seems to still be out on the new and more expensive Hyundai Genesis, but the early reviews are very good from what I understand.
I've driven new, or no more than 2 years old -
Accent
Elantra
Sonata
Genesis
Genesis Coupe
Tuscon
Santa Fe
They are junk, and not worth the money. If they were $5K less across the board, maybe.
Accent
Elantra
Sonata
Genesis
Genesis Coupe
Tuscon
Santa Fe
They are junk, and not worth the money. If they were $5K less across the board, maybe.
Driven 'em all! OK. Well, the OP might want to take a second look at the Fusion, unless he/she's had exposure to a brand-new one while in Michigan and didn't like it. And that Mazda 6 JRR mentioned! Sometimes you have a really strong idea of what you want in a car, and then something unexpected comes along.
I highly recommend the Sonata or just about any product in Hyundai's line up. They are all great cars in their respective segments and generally reviewed very favorably by just about any automotive journalist in the world. I've owned one and its no surprise that Hyundai is doing so well while the rest of the automotive industry is suffering.
Hi! We were in the market for two new cars during the month of December, and eventually my husband chose a '09 Lancer GTS, and I got an '09 Honda Element.
I came from a '97 CRV and it was the best car I'd ever owned and was very good to me, even though I wasn't always good to it.
We test drove an Accord (didn't like the body style) the VW Passat and Jetta--both very sporty looking cars, but in the end could not justify the horrible word of mouth that VW receives.
I narrowed my choices down to the 2010 Altima and the Honda Element. The Altima was a WONDERFUL car. Silent engine, it handled nicely, and it is probably the sexiest sedan in it's class. I test drove a Hybrid.
Ultimately, I went with the Element because I just couldn't picture myself in a sedan, and the Element fits my lifestyle better. Plus, it seems like every other car on the road is an Altima, and I wanted to ride in something unique and quirky.
I don't think you'd go wrong with either an Accord or an Altima, but if it were my money, I'd go for the Altima.
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