My comparison: midsize sedans

[Byteme]

I would have thought the Mazda would place higher than 6th. 

[ifcar]

Fifth place: Chevrolet Malibu

For some people looking for a midsize sedan, the Chevrolet Malibu will hit all the right notes. With its feeling of substance and control, its comfortable and quiet ride, and its flashy styling, it comes off as the clear luxury among the eight cars in this comparison. It also throws in excellent safety ratings and impressive gas mileage.

Where the Malibu falls behind, however, is its everyday usability...

Continued at link:
http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-national/comparison-review-eight-family-sedans-fifth-place

[WookieOnRitalin]

How the hell is the Optima in the top 4?

[Vinsanity]

How the hell is the Optima in the top 4?

I kinda saw that coming; they're probably dirt cheap in anticipation of the sexy new 2011's

[Vinsanity]

One thing I have to say: every time I read a review about the Malibu, it sounds more and more like it could've been written about my own car, to the point that it's become strangely endearing

but while my mpg is laughable, at least I have a really tight turning radius, even among other RWD cars, apparently.

[Raza]

As for AWD, yes it's true that no one NEEDS it, but at the same time it's very nice to have, especially for those who want a bit of extra security in terrible weather.

Yes, it's nice to have.  But is it worth the trade-off of higher gas consumption and/or shit acceleration, higher purchase price, and higher maintenance down the road?  Sure, that's up to the individual to decide, but for me, more often than not, it's an emphatic no. 

[2o6]

How the hell is the Optima in the top 4?

+1.


If price puts it up front, I'm going to scream.

[MX793]

One thing I have to say: every time I read a review about the Malibu, it sounds more and more like it could've been written about my own car, to the point that it's become strangely endearing

but while my mpg is laughable, at least I have a really tight turning radius, even among other RWD cars, apparently.

I was really surprised by how tight the Mustang's turning radius was the other day when I was maneuvering through a parking lot and actually put it at full lock.  Looking of the specs, the turning radius is only 33.4 ft (about 3/4 of a foot tighter than my Mazda!).

[ifcar]

Fourth place: Kia Optima

?Surprisingly delightful,? Car and Driver magazine called the Kia Optima in 2007, as it ranked the car in the top half of a six-car comparison test.

And then everyone forgot about it. Couple anonymous looks with an unrespected name, and it's easy to see why. Kia went for a much more striking design on the next-generation Optima ? due on sale this fall ? for that very reason.

But even in the waning months of its lifespan, the Optima retains the ?power to surprise? of Kia's slogan...

Continued at link:
http://www.examiner.com/autos-in-national/comparison-review-eight-family-sedans-fourth-place

[Atomic]

We've coped fine with 2WD cars all this time.

depends on the car. i would never drive a maxima without snows. with them, they (maxi's) are awesome, but i couldn't even drive up a slight incline with even an inch of snow with standard treads on those 18" tires. next up for me, a 2011 audi a4 or volvo s60 with awd, yet i keep toying with getting either a 2011 vw tiguan sel or volvo xc60 - so undecided. will likely settle for best deal between them once i decide between an awd/4wd sedan and awd/4wd suv/crossover. the nissan murano and mazda cx-9 are nice, but more family oriented and larger than i need as a singly guy.

[Atomic]

the latest rendition of the chevrolet malibu is a very impressive car. i cannot understand why gm if focusing on replacing it (yet realizing it will be switching to a global platform) while not immediately addressing the aging factor of the plain-jane, ugly chevy impala. the "full-sized" car is in desperate need of a major updating or a total replacement to keep it competitive, imo. aside from the cadillac cts in any flavor, i think the malibu sedan is perhaps the best looking gm in recent memory. i do not think it is necessarily better than the honda accord, but i see their demographics being different. right or wrong statistically, i do not know, but accord buyers are almost "cultish" about their vehicles, like with other honda products. honda buyers are extremely loyal. my family's living proof. still, the current chevy malbu congers up images of my childhood when chevy people rarely strayed and saw their neighbor's fords as being second rate to any and all gm's. ford owners often had contrary believes and many truck owners in gm, fmc and dodge (err, ram) camps still do. cars, i think, less so  .

if the ford fusion takes home the honors here, i will have to disagree. i do see it as perhaps being the best bargain, but far from the best car of the lot. the ford taurus sells far fewer cars than i realized until seeing the figures from august '10, but aside from its shockingly high price, it may be the best american car, not the best deal. i see the larger car competing more with the lavish accord (in comparison) to the less roomy, spartan fusion. again, this is my viewpoint and without having a tape measure in hand or dimensions in front of remember it from sitting in all of these cars at auto shows, as rentals or on showroom floors. new accords, i have had the pleasure of driving when visiting family - always amazed at their greatness from behind the wheel of each EX-L v6 with navi (the preference of relatives). maybe this is why there are so many cars competing in the mid-size category.

again, great thread, iffy, even if our opinions differ. again  !

[Atomic]

I would have thought the Mazda would place higher than 6th. 

how many judges on the panel? with all comparison tests, there are personal basis. it would be interesting seeing what rating system is used and the breakdown, point-by-point.

[omicron]

I, um, actually quite like those Optimas. Lovely, wide vision from the driver's seat without feeling like you're driving a bus, which is just what I'd want in a car of this ilk.

[Atomic]

I, um, actually quite like those Optimas. Lovely, wide vision from the driver's seat without feeling like you're driving a bus, which is just what I'd want in a car of this ilk.

i have yet to drive one. the only thing i noticed about these sweet looking cars is that the outer door handles always seem ill-fitting to the touch. nothing major! it just makes me question longterm durability before even getting in. i have sat in many at auto shows and while visiting friends working out dealerships. however, the vehicles look pretty tight (fit wise), otherwise. i see so many on the road, just like i do camry's. it's almost a shame they are so popular and not as exclusive as the vw cc is.

[Atomic]

one thing that i cannot live without: navi with back-up camera, after having a car with this. the last thing i knew, the chevy malibu lacked even basic navigation. is it offered for '11, i wonder?

[MX793]

one thing that i cannot live without: navi with back-up camera, after having a car with this. the last thing i knew, the chevy malibu lacked even basic navigation. is it offered for '11, i wonder?

IIRC, the Malibu comes with Onstar which offers turn-by-turn directions (similar to Ford's SYNC if you get a model without a real navigation system), but no traditional navigation system with a map displayed on a screen.

[the Teuton]

I, um, actually quite like those Optimas. Lovely, wide vision from the driver's seat without feeling like you're driving a bus, which is just what I'd want in a car of this ilk.

They're better than I thought they'd be, but it's nothing more than what it promises to be: A cheap, functional, no-frills alternative to the midsize sedan.

[Atomic]

They're better than I thought they'd be, but it's nothing more than what it promises to be: A cheap, functional, no-frills alternative to the midsize sedan.

if it did not look so great, i would not think twice about it. it is hot to look at. no doubt. again, "too plentiful", imo. still think the honda accord is the perfect car. yes. there are many on the roads, too. that is why i am a nissan maxima sv guy. the honda does everything right. i even find the v6 to be sporty. even lavishly equipped. still like something with sexier curves to fit my personality as a driving enthusiast, but the latest accord ex-l with navi is far more passionate than the quintessential buick-like, "pillowy" riding toyota camry xel. even the racier looking "se" model reminds me of what older buick owners LOVED about their automobiles. there is nothing wrong with a vehicle that has such a smooth ride - obviously! many prefer this, as sales figures prove. it is just not my kind of car.  the optima seems to fit the niche vacated by the pontiac grand am. ever gal around, especially young and middle aged hairdressers owned one. no lie!

[68_427]

Hey ifcar any reason why the Passat isn't in the comparison?  If it was where would it place disregarding price?

[Atomic]

Hey ifcar any reason why the Passat isn't in the comparison?  If it was where would it place disregarding price?

losing the awd/4wd option, among other items, the price is far more reasonable than before... i guess the typical family looking for a midsize sedan is not as concerned with all the bells&whistles if it means paying a heavy price for such a car. i think the cc outsells the passat nowadays, but they can get expensive when one moves up beyond the nicely equipped "base" version.

[68_427]

losing the awd/4wd option, among other items, the price is far more reasonable than before... i guess the typical family looking for a midsize sedan is not as concerned with all the bells&whistles if it means paying a heavy price for such a car. i think the cc outsells the passat nowadays, but they can get expensive when one moves up beyond the nicely equipped "base" version.

The cars he's comparing seem to be base versions anyways.  I'm just wondering because I really want my mom to get a Passat.

[Submariner]

I just saw the hotest paramedic I've ever seen.  Damn was she sexy.  Sorry to hijac but I don't care.

Win. 

[Atomic]

The cars he's comparing seem to be base versions anyways.  I'm just wondering because I really want my mom to get a Passat.

exactly. good point!

[Atomic]

exactly. good point!

and... i did not realize it was "just" iffy! wow, a lot of work for a single person. does he use a point system - rating such things as interior comfort, trunk space, price, etc.? i love studying how motor trend, car&driver, road&track and others rate vehicles. some of the scoring in these magazines boil down to personal preferences (i.e. styling, fun-to-drive factor).

[68_427]

It's pretty much Iffy's opinion of which is the best blend of everything people look for in a mainstream mid size car.

[Vinsanity]

I must admit that I think the updated front fascia of the Optima looks pretty handsome. Seems like it would serve as a fine affordable little commuter car for someone who piles on the miles.

[ifcar]

They're better than I thought they'd be, but it's nothing more than what it promises to be: A cheap, functional, no-frills alternative to the midsize sedan.

Vehemently disagree.

[ifcar]

Hey ifcar any reason why the Passat isn't in the comparison?  If it was where would it place disregarding price?

Below where an Acura TSX or Nissan Maxima would place regardless of price. Different class of car.

[68_427]

Yet prices are comparable.  I'm sure there are families out there that would be interested in knowing if spending the extra ~2K is worth it.  Otherwise I'm just interested in knowing what you think of it.

[r0tor]

What's the point of complaining about power when you drive the gutless base models... All the cars tested are slow ass turds in base trim