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Auto Talk => The Mainstream Room => Topic started by: ifcar on May 22, 2005, 06:44:19 PM

Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 22, 2005, 06:44:19 PM
Posted this on C/D with a reasonably-enthusiastic response, so I'll put it here as well:

While most manufacturers try to hide the base versions of all their cars, family sedans tend to have the biggest difference between their base and top-of-the-line interiors, as the $20K-$30K price bracket can be considered the transition point between mainstream and luxury, and most midsize and large sedans cover both areas.

Because the prices of these vehicles range from something like $14k for the Sonata/Optima and Verona up to $22K for some of the others, it really isn't fair to do a poll, but you can get an idea of what everyone's base family sedan looks like, and back-to-back. Here are the vehicles:

Buick LaCrosse CX:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/4/7/180/609/1374095534.180609674.IM1.04.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Chevrolet Impala Base:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/13/177/219/1454299927.177219442.IM1.06.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Chevrolet Malibu Base:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/10/178/829/1446536605.178829006.IM1.04.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Chrysler 300 Base:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/4/28/181/915/1420348357.181915717.IM1.03.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Chrysler Sebring LX:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/21/182/007/1470370482.182007255.IM1.06.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Dodge Stratus SXT:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/3/8/179/179/1314464357.179179298.IM1.05.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Ford Five Hundred SE:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/4/182/204/1433000079.182204196.IM1.06.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Ford Taurus SE:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/2/19/178/122/1283739812.178122774.IM1.03.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Honda Accord DX:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/2/16/173/401/1277906759.173401833.IM1.04.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Hyundai Sonata GL (2005):
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/4/20/181/484/1403145098.181484121.IM1.05.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Hyundai XG350 Base:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/4/8/180/824/1375276859.180824508.IM1.03.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Kia Amanti w/cloth seats:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/4/23/181/680/1410718701.181680312.IM1.05.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Kia Optima LX:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/13/182/706/1454275978.182706226.IM1.09.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Mazda6 i:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/5/181/761/1435755960.181761685.IM1.05.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Mitsubishi Galant DE:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/2/19/178/377/1284053146.178377118.IM1.03.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Nissan Altima 2.5S:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/4/30/181/905/1425547034.181905099.IM1.04.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Pontiac G6 Base:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/2/9/177/611/1263082332.177611992.IM1.05.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Pontiac Grand Prix Base:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/2/11/177/612/1267902278.177612001.IM1.05.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Subaru Legacy 2.5i:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/3/22/178/628/1342458616.178628816.IM1.06.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Suzuki Verona S:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/3/24/179/994/1347048378.179994395.IM1.04.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Toyota Camry Standard:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/4/27/181/852/1418105404.181852986.IM1.03.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)

Volkswagen Passat GL:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/11/182/569/1449019875.182569924.IM1.03.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: BMWDave on May 22, 2005, 06:53:14 PM
Most of the interiors are OK, but the Impala is a horror.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Colonel Cadillac on May 23, 2005, 09:51:24 AM
The Buick is BY FAR the best. I hadn't realized the base version is so well done as well.

Honorary Mentions:
Ford 500 (I am very impressed with this one)
Mazda 6
Subaru Legacy
VW Passat
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on May 23, 2005, 12:39:02 PM
QuoteThe Buick is BY FAR the best. I hadn't realized the base version is so well done as well.

Honorary Mentions:
Ford 500 (I am very impressed with this one)
Mazda 6
Subaru Legacy
VW Passat
LOL
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Run Away on May 23, 2005, 01:08:26 PM
Legacy and Mazda 6 look the nicest to me.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on May 23, 2005, 01:16:59 PM
I'd have to say the Mazda is pretty sharp, even in base form.

The legacy looks good too.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: TurboDan on May 23, 2005, 02:03:33 PM
The Mazda6 is the best, by far.  The GM interiors are hideous in every sense of the word.  

Do you think the old 300 should be in this thread, though?  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 23, 2005, 02:24:34 PM
QuoteThe Mazda6 is the best, by far.  The GM interiors are hideous in every sense of the word.  

Do you think the old 300 should be in this thread, though?
What old 300? That's the 2005 300 Base, the version equipped with the 2.7-liter V6.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: TBR on May 23, 2005, 02:27:04 PM
It looks like the cameraman was drunk when he took a few of those, but my personal favorite is the Altima closely followed by the Lacrosse and then the 6 and Legacy.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 23, 2005, 02:54:32 PM
QuoteIt looks like the cameraman was drunk when he took a few of those, but my personal favorite is the Altima closely followed by the Lacrosse and then the 6 and Legacy.
These are all owner/dealer-posted images from AutoTrader.com, and most pics are even worse.  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: mazda6er on May 23, 2005, 03:48:48 PM
Yeah, the picture of the Accord makes it look like crap, but it remains my fav mainstream interior. I also like the Altima, Legacy, and (of course) my car, the Mazda6. The Mazda doesn't really look much different in the higher trimlines, however it does look MUCH better in black. (like mine)
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Laconian on May 23, 2005, 04:53:14 PM
Hey, the Grand Prix isn't bad at all!

My vote goes with the Legacy for its subtleness and restraint. The 6 just has too much aluminum-look trim in it.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 23, 2005, 04:54:59 PM
QuoteYeah, the picture of the Accord makes it look like crap, but it remains my fav mainstream interior. I also like the Altima, Legacy, and (of course) my car, the Mazda6. The Mazda doesn't really look much different in the higher trimlines, however it does look MUCH better in black. (like mine)
Have you ever posted pics of your car?  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: giant_mtb on May 23, 2005, 04:58:12 PM
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/3/22/178/628/1342458616.178628816.IM1.06.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)


I like that one...I seem to like dark interiors.  Except on luxury cars like BMW's, Lincoln's, etc.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: BMWDave on May 23, 2005, 05:26:45 PM
Quote(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/3/22/178/628/1342458616.178628816.IM1.06.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)


I like that one...I seem to like dark interiors.  Except on luxury cars like BMW's, Lincoln's, etc.
I was in one and I was very impressed with everything about it....it felt like I was in a much more expensive car.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: TBR on May 23, 2005, 07:10:38 PM
Quote
QuoteIt looks like the cameraman was drunk when he took a few of those, but my personal favorite is the Altima closely followed by the Lacrosse and then the 6 and Legacy.
These are all owner/dealer-posted images from AutoTrader.com, and most pics are even worse.
In that case they really aren't that bad. Though I still don't understand why it is so hard for some people to hold a camera level.  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: giant_mtb on May 23, 2005, 07:11:53 PM
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/2/19/178/377/1284053146.178377118.IM1.03.240x180_A.240x180.jpg)


What's with the ugly steering wheel?  :P  <_<  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 23, 2005, 07:17:29 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteIt looks like the cameraman was drunk when he took a few of those, but my personal favorite is the Altima closely followed by the Lacrosse and then the 6 and Legacy.
These are all owner/dealer-posted images from AutoTrader.com, and most pics are even worse.
In that case they really aren't that bad. Though I still don't understand why it is so hard for some people to hold a camera level.
If a dealer is taking a series of pics of all the cars on his lot, there isn't going to be much time spent on each pic.  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Fire It Up on May 23, 2005, 07:22:45 PM
The 6 looks much better in black, and the Accord looks much better in tan/brown. But I think the 6 is still the best, followed by the Subie.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: giant_mtb on May 23, 2005, 07:37:57 PM
QuoteThe 6 looks much better in black, and the Accord looks much better in tan/brown. But I think the 6 is still the best, followed by the Subie.
Yeah...the 6 and the Subie have the best interiors of those choices...no doubt. ^_^
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: mazda6er on May 24, 2005, 12:39:16 PM
Quote
QuoteYeah, the picture of the Accord makes it look like crap, but it remains my fav mainstream interior. I also like the Altima, Legacy, and (of course) my car, the Mazda6. The Mazda doesn't really look much different in the higher trimlines, however it does look MUCH better in black. (like mine)
Have you ever posted pics of your car?
No, I haven't. There's not much exciting about it, since everything is stock. I can't anyway, I don't have a digital camera, and even if I took pics with a regular camera, my scanner has died.  :(  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: BMWDave on May 24, 2005, 04:27:54 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteYeah, the picture of the Accord makes it look like crap, but it remains my fav mainstream interior. I also like the Altima, Legacy, and (of course) my car, the Mazda6. The Mazda doesn't really look much different in the higher trimlines, however it does look MUCH better in black. (like mine)
Have you ever posted pics of your car?
No, I haven't. There's not much exciting about it, since everything is stock. I can't anyway, I don't have a digital camera, and even if I took pics with a regular camera, my scanner has died.  :(
Hey man, dont knock your car.  The 6 is a great car, and if you ever get pictures, we'd love to see them.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 24, 2005, 04:40:28 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteYeah, the picture of the Accord makes it look like crap, but it remains my fav mainstream interior. I also like the Altima, Legacy, and (of course) my car, the Mazda6. The Mazda doesn't really look much different in the higher trimlines, however it does look MUCH better in black. (like mine)
Have you ever posted pics of your car?
No, I haven't. There's not much exciting about it, since everything is stock. I can't anyway, I don't have a digital camera, and even if I took pics with a regular camera, my scanner has died.  :(
Hey man, dont knock your car.  The 6 is a great car, and if you ever get pictures, we'd love to see them.
Exactly. It's a better car than most people have, and one that's fun to drive to boot.  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: mazda6er on May 24, 2005, 05:54:08 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteYeah, the picture of the Accord makes it look like crap, but it remains my fav mainstream interior. I also like the Altima, Legacy, and (of course) my car, the Mazda6. The Mazda doesn't really look much different in the higher trimlines, however it does look MUCH better in black. (like mine)
Have you ever posted pics of your car?
No, I haven't. There's not much exciting about it, since everything is stock. I can't anyway, I don't have a digital camera, and even if I took pics with a regular camera, my scanner has died.  :(
Hey man, dont knock your car.  The 6 is a great car, and if you ever get pictures, we'd love to see them.
Exactly. It's a better car than most people have, and one that's fun to drive to boot.
Well, thanks guys. I wasn't saying that I don't like my car, I love it. It's just that its nothing you all haven't seen before anyway. But if I ever get the opportunity to post pics I will.  :)  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Raghavan on May 25, 2005, 07:57:45 PM
Impala. :blink:  :o  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: BMWDave on May 25, 2005, 08:00:04 PM
QuoteImpala. :blink:  :o
Probably the worst interior of all of them.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Raghavan on May 25, 2005, 08:17:23 PM
Quote
QuoteImpala. :blink:  :o
Probably the worst interior of all of them.
That steering wheel looks like it's melted. :P  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 26, 2005, 05:49:22 AM
Quote
QuoteImpala. :blink:  :o
Probably the worst interior of all of them.
Probably?

What do you think comes close?
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Raghavan on May 26, 2005, 08:23:21 AM
Quote
Quote
QuoteImpala. :blink:  :o
Probably the worst interior of all of them.
Probably?

What do you think comes close?
Mitsu galant's steering wheel is a close second to the impala in ugliness....
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: BMWDave on May 26, 2005, 06:49:35 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteImpala. :blink:? :o
Probably the worst interior of all of them.
Probably?

What do you think comes close?
lol...its a figure of speech...I didnt want to bash it entirely.
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: ifcar on May 26, 2005, 07:53:24 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteImpala. :blink:  :o
Probably the worst interior of all of them.
Probably?

What do you think comes close?
lol...its a figure of speech...I didnt want to bash it entirely.
You can just come out and say it. I doubt anyone would be offended.  ;)  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: BMWDave on May 26, 2005, 07:55:44 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteImpala. :blink:? :o
Probably the worst interior of all of them.
Probably?

What do you think comes close?
lol...its a figure of speech...I didnt want to bash it entirely.
You can just come out and say it. I doubt anyone would be offended.  ;)
Next time I will come out swinging! ;)  
Title: Interiors: base versions of family sedans
Post by: Raghavan on May 26, 2005, 08:06:09 PM
the lacrosse actually looks pretty nice. a bit spartan, but the fit and finish look nice from the picture.
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