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At work we have new versions of each car and the Fusion is the best liked of the 2. Another guy also has a malibu, he loves it, and thursday at lunch he let me drive it. I'll be nice and say it just isn't my kind of car, but then the fusion and altima isn't either. But that said, I'd go with the fusion. One thing I did like better in the malibu was the gage cluster.
I have driven several 2006-2011 Impalas (rentals) and they are OK, but never have even set in a newer Malibu. I would rather have one to try than the Impala, but where I rent dont carry them. I like the Fusion though, but not a car I would buy for myself either... I am into larger cars and trucks. I like the new Taurus.
The latest generation Impala is way overdue for a major redesign IMO. Been on the market since late 2005 and the 2012 models are about to roll out... wonder if a new 2012 model is coming? I have read a new one was slated for 2013, now I hear 2014!
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion I4 SE without the sun and sync package, I wouldn't call it an absolutely fantastic car, but its an incredibly nice 4 door at a good price ($16K total for me, but I had a $4500 CARS rebate when I bought it in August 2009).
One big difference from Innotech's experience is the I4...it lacks the punch of the V6 and it does make for some interesting moments when merging onto a freeway. There's no 'stomp on the gas pedal' effect...I've got to really pay attention and look for my spot on the merge. But it does manage a solid 25 mpg in mixed driving and 30 in highway driving.
I don't have the sunroof...that adds another 1 to 1.5 inches of headroom in the front seat. And I didn't get the Sync...and regret it.
But aside from that, I agree with everything Innotech says.
Yeah the 4 cylinder didnt have the urgency I wanted. Im not concerned with gas prices because I dont commute more than 30 minutes a day (including waiting times of 2-3 minutes at each light) and I wanted to be able to zip across lanes and onto the highway with ease. The V6 definitely accomplishes that and puts a smile on my face. I dont like overstyled interiors so the more conservative but refined interior was perfect for me. The sunroof and sync definitely add to the experience of owning this great car. One thing Im impressed about is they developed a new type of steel wheel that is 5 spoked like a more expensive rim, so the stylized hubcap actually can fool people into thinking its a real rim. It doesnt look cheap and its much stronger than a traditional steel wheel. The other trims are actually real rims.
I like my 06' Altima 2.5 SE. Plenty of power, feels good on the road, comfortable (moreso to me than the Fusion). Drawback-just a tad noisy from roadnoise.
The Fusion is a nice looking car, well-built, etc. But I prefer the Altima. And I bought it used.
If it were up to me, Id take the Fusion Sport over the current Altima. But if you asked me to choose between a current Fusion Sport and an older Altima SE-R, Id have to go with the Altima.
+1 on a Sonata Turbo. For $28k, it's fully decked out.
OP wants a V-6. The Turbo is an I-4 and slower than the V-6 but seems to get better MPG.
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