Regional Talk > Chicago > Cars

Cars

My wife has a 2011 Fusion SE. It's not loaded, but nicely equipped with a V6, a/c, sunroof, satellite radio, etc.

She absolutely loves it, and I can see why. It drives really nice, and other than oil changes it's never been back to the dealer for anything.

I'd highly recommend it.

reply to gdm
I don't have any of these but have ridden in a friends Hyundai Sonata. They're pretty damn nice IMO.

I'm going to look at Honda/Hyundai at lunch dealer has both by my work. I'm hoping to hit Ford, Chevy and Subaru this weekend.

I've heard good things about the Fusion, Civic and Cruze. Don't know many people that have a Hyundai and few that have Subaru just not the Impreza.

Aren't Subarus expensive?
What about a Volkswagen Touareg? Though I think those are pricey as well.

Subaru Impreza is the first model, starting at 17k.

Both Hyundais are really nice.

My sister has a '10 Fusion and likes it a lot.
I had a '11 Fusion SEL for a week while in Vegas last year and really liked it also. We drove it down to Phoenix and it did great on MPG and was very comfortable. I'm 6ft 270lbs so I'm not a small boy.
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In need of a Vegas vacation.

reply to gdm

reply to gdm
Subarus are a lot of fun to drive, but I don't think they're good on gas (compared to your other choices), unless you buy a gimped model.

reply to gdm
You may also want to look at the Mazda 3 with SkyActive series.

You may also want to look at some of the related versions of some listed:
Hyundai Elantra/Kia Forte
Mazda 3/Ford Focus (not as closely related as they used to be)
Chevy Cruze/Buick Verano

reply to jester121
The 2012 Impreza gets 27/36.

reply to gdm
I like my Scion xB if that counts for anything. It was only about 18k.

One thing I found out it is the Elantra and Cruze have no spare tire. Less weight better fuel.

I have a mid level Elantra at 13,500 and sonata just under 16 mid level as well. That's with trading in the SUV.

reply to gdm
The 2010 was around 19/23 if I recall correctly, so they've clearly been busy. I see the '12 has a CVT which made a big difference for sure, even up to 2011 some Subarus still had kind of crappy 4 speed auto transmissions (no OD) which wasn't helping economy.

reply to gdm
I have a 2011 Fusion SE with the 2.5 4 cylinder with the 6 speed trans. I get average daily driving 27 and 31 highway. I love it. I have the Sync system, and it's great with my Android phone. I've had no issues.

With the millage that you put on, I would suggest getting the Ford ESP (extended warranty). I did not purchase up front, but from the base 3 years 36k, and to extend 3 more years or 100k with zero deductible is only $2600. That's a Ford warranty, not a third party product.
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"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” - Edmund Burke

reply to gdm
Drove a brand new 2012 Chevy Cruze for a week while my HHR was getting worked on. Thought it was very comfortable, loved the high-tech feel to dash. Fully integrated bluetooth for your cell phone, satellite radio, I believe Onstar as well. The on thing that spoiled it for me was the erratic automatic transmission. It had a bad habit of not wanting to downshift when needed (like for passing) combined with downshifting way too much all of a sudden.

I've been told that the Cruze has an adaptive transmission and it was a symptom of someone having driven the p*%s out of it. Would have learned itself out after more normal driving. Not sure if I believe that.

I've also spent some quality time in the Subaru Impreza. It's pretty plain Jane feature wise, but it's an awesome machine! Especially if you take it out past where the blacktop ends.

reply to bakalao2k

reply to gdm
Ended up getting a Chevy Cruze Eco. The fusion was a bit more than I wanted to spend and not that good of gas mileage.

Subaru handled fairly well but the Cruze fit my needs. I was a bit shocked actually at how comfortable it was, handled and the quietness on the highway.

Actually the Fusion doesn't get as high MPG as the Cruze. The I4S gets 34, the I4SE gets 33 well they are rated that way. I talked to some friends that have the SE and they told me the best they've gotten is 35 high way driving sometimes 36 depending on speed.