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Based on my budget and interest in mid-size sedans, I am considering the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, and Buick LaCrosse of the 2005-2008 model years. I generally drive slow, so sportiness is not really an issue. Things I am looking for are interior room, driving comfort, reliability, low repair costs, decent acceleration, smooth ride and audio/instrumentation options in no particular order. I like each one's styling. Mercury Milan and Kia Optima being related to one of the above cars are also under consideration.
I know both the Fusion and the Sonata came with either a 4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder. Is there a big difference in driving experience with the V6 over the I4? I've heard of problems with the Fusion's transmission. Is this something that develops over time, or something evident during a test drive? Also is the AWD (with mpg premium) worth it? I will test drive these cars soon, but would love to hear owners' (and others) opinions. If each car is available for the same price, what would be your choice?
I used to own a 08 Sonata with the 4cyl 5 speed stick, a rare combo, and the clutch throw was long and hard, kind of a pain until you got used to it. But once rolling it was a great highway machine, capable of 35 mpg on long drives and usually averaged 28 mpg in the summer and 26 in the winter. Weld the hood shut reliable, capable on icy and snowy roads, and boring as a refrigerator. I got tired of the boring and had to money to upgrade but I would have no concerns with such a car if all I needed was Toyota reliability at Hyundai prices.
Keep in mind that the 2005 Sonata was the last of the horrible Hyjndais. 2006 brought us the Sonata built in the new Alabama plant and vastly improved over the previous model. You'll want the 2006 onwards.
I'd go with the Sonata as well; I drove a 2007 for two weeks after renting it at the Hertz facility at Nashville's airport while on vacation, and it was a joy to drive to Indianapolis, Knoxville & Atlanta with plenty of interior room (I'm 6-3 & 230), and a great ride on the interstates.
A buddy of mine purchased a 2008 Sonata two years ago here in Orange County before moving to Tucson, and absolutely loves it, and he's 6-5 and also has plenty of room.
Hyundais have been pretty solid since 2007; I have a 2007 Elantra, and it's been flawless after 65K miles except for two new tires and a new battery which I purchased last year.
I'd have no qualms about buying another Hyundai product.
The Buick, hands down, as it is comfortable and I agree will likely last longer with fewer issues as the vehicle ages.
__________________
All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
Location: Butler County Ohio and Winters in Florida
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I chose the Ford/Merc. Buick only second only due the 1st hand knowledge of driving the FMC products listed for over 120K, had them as company cars. Never a problem.
I know KIA Hyundais are good cars now, but no thanks, Korean doesnt need anymore of my money.
Thanks for the replies. After test driving all three cars, and based on the deals/availability of low-mileage examples, I bought a 2007 Mercury Milan Premier.
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