Car Reviews Wanted

In My Humble Opinion
1

My girlfriend is looking at a Ford Fusion (she currently drives a Focus) or a Honda Prius. I think she has her heart set on the Prius. This is evident because she’s built one online about 65736365 times in the past week and a half. I want her to try out some other cars, if only to further refine what she wants and also to look into cars that may be a couple years old.

So, to you, wise Dopers, tell me what you think of your Fusion or Prius. Also recommend other cars of similar characteristics (smallish, good mileage, not incredibly expensive).

2

You mean the Toyota Prius, correct? I was very interested in one and came close to buying it. There’s not much I don’t like about it. I test drove it and it was as advertised–very quiet, and surprisingly quick acceleration for a hybrid. The inside was roomier than it looked from outside. I didn’t like the rear view and I didn’t like the general size of the car–I eventually went with an SUV. But if I’d been happy with a sedan, I probably would have purchased it.

I can’t speak for the mpg since I didn’t own it, but I did do much research while I was looking and I kept seeing high 40’s and that it was a bit better than the Honda hybrid.

3

Go to Edmunds.com and do a comparison review of similar vehicles. To my mind, Ford is going to have a tough time competing with the imports, but who knows.

4

Ford Fusion is the suckiest looking car I’ve ever seen. Why not go for a Focus?

(Ford Focus driver speaks.)

5

[QUOTE=jjimm]
Ford Fusion is the suckiest looking car I’ve ever seen. Why not go for a Focus?

(Ford Focus driver speaks.)
[/QUOTE]

As far as I can tell, the European Focus and the US Focus are two different models with the Euro version being the more modern of the two. I’m in the market for a new small car and looking at the Focus, but damn it, it bothers me that Ford gives the US market the lesser of the two models. Even so it looks like it will be fairly competitive in mileage at about 35 mpg highway. My commute is 90 miles per day all on the highway so the hybrid doesn’t make much sense for me.

Also considering the VW Rabbit (or GTI), Nissan Versa, Mazda 3, Volvo C30, and possibly the Chevy Malibu.

6

I love my Toyota Matrix and it gets good reviews. The Versa is similar looking.

7

Another one to consider is the Honda Fit. (I don’t own one but it’s on my short list for when I need to replace my Accord.)

8

I’ve driven a Versa and several other smallish models recently, and if I was in the market for that class of vehicle right now it would be my choice. A bit awkward-looking to my eyes, but that pays off with a surprising amount of interior room. A Tardis inside, as the Brits might say. Also goes and handles pleasantly, and seems pretty well screwed together.

Prius vs. Fusion? I would not have thought they were directly comparable. The Fusion supposedly is partially based on Mazda 6 mechanicals, and that seems a sound chassis (I’ve driven a couple of 6’s but no Fusions). On pure looks, the 6 is considerably better looking than the Fusion, and the new Malibu comes off better yet, but I’ve not driven one as yet.

9

[QUOTE=Dag Otto]
As far as I can tell, the European Focus and the US Focus are two different models with the Euro version being the more modern of the two. I’m in the market for a new small car and looking at the Focus, but damn it, it bothers me that Ford gives the US market the lesser of the two models. Even so it looks like it will be fairly competitive in mileage at about 35 mpg highway. My commute is 90 miles per day all on the highway so the hybrid doesn’t make much sense for me.

Also considering the VW Rabbit (or GTI), Nissan Versa, Mazda 3, Volvo C30, and possibly the Chevy Malibu.
[/QUOTE]

My wife and I have a 2005 Focus, and it’s been a great little car! (almost) 3 years and over 60,000 miles with no problems whatsoever. My wife commutes 60 miles round trip and usually gets about 33 mpg (mixed city & highway).

10

[QUOTE=Dag Otto]
As far as I can tell, the European Focus and the US Focus are two different models with the Euro version being the more modern of the two. I’m in the market for a new small car and looking at the Focus, but damn it, it bothers me that Ford gives the US market the lesser of the two models. Even so it looks like it will be fairly competitive in mileage at about 35 mpg highway. My commute is 90 miles per day all on the highway so the hybrid doesn’t make much sense for me.

Also considering the VW Rabbit (or GTI), Nissan Versa, Mazda 3, Volvo C30, and possibly the Chevy Malibu.
[/QUOTE]

To add further confusion, the European Ford Fusion is actually a tiny box van.

The North American Fusion has generally had good reviews, and as far as I can tell are a pretty good deal considering what you get for the price. I don’t like the look of the front grill very much, though. That’s one area where Ford could have imported some European influence.

11

[QUOTE=Throatwarbler Mangrove]
To add further confusion, the European Ford Fusion is actually a tiny box van.

The North American Fusion has generally had good reviews, and as far as I can tell are a pretty good deal considering what you get for the price. I don’t like the look of the front grill very much, though. That’s one area where Ford could have imported some European influence.
[/QUOTE]
In that case, I withdraw my comment WRT the OP. Honestly, the Euro Ford Fusion is one of those cars that you look at and go “why?!!”, both to the manufacturer, and anyone that’s been damn fool enough to buy one. It seems that Jeremy Clarkson agrees (warning: article contains tongue-in-cheek prejudice against Germans, Americans, gay people, short people, indeed anyone who is’t Jeremy Clarkson…).

Now I see that the US version is actually an uglified Mondeo. They’re not bad cars. I’ll shut up now.

12

So far, the suggestions are appreciated. I appreciate the effort, jjimm. Maybe you guys will get proper automobiles and then you’ll be able to contribute to these types of discussions (I kid).

She has looked at reviews online (actually from Edmund’s, too) but she says she puts more weight behind reviews of people that have owned the product.

I’m pushing her to check out GM’s models, but it may be a moot point. We test drove a Prius last night and it may be a first-round knockout. She fell in love with it and the saleswoman knew it too. It was funny that she was trying to play hardball, but she made it apparent that she absolutely loved it. The rear window was a concern, but she’s going to upgrade and get the next model up, which has the backup camera. That mitigates any problems greatly. The upgrade in package just happens to be about the same amount that Toyota gives you off the price because of the expired hybrid credit, so it’d be stupid to not go with the upgraded package. They also happened to have a used '07 Prius on the lot (with 45 thousand miles?!?!) that someone traded in. Girl looked at that and I told her that the Prius also held its value very well. Long story short, she loved it and may be doing that after al. There are still a few months left, but I’ll attempt to push her to other dealers (she still has yet to test drive the Fusion; the dealer wanted “get to know her” for a couple hours instead of handing the girl the keys, which is what they did at the Toyota dealership right away).

A thing of note, and this may also be speaking volumes: Ford wanted her to lease. The salesman was pushing her in that direction. Toyota wanted her to buy.

Also, I’ll be in the market for a car VERY soon (my 1988 Mercury Tracer is rusting out) and we’ll probably end up getting his & her cars because I’m looking for the same things she’s looking for in a car.

Yes, everyone go “awwwwwwww”.

13

  1. Never, ever buy a car from a Toyota salesman. They are going to rip her off.

  2. The Honda Civic Hybrid gets about the same mailage, is more reliable, comes with a large tax credit (Toyota has lost theirs), and you don’t have to deal with crooks to buy a car.

Go try the Honda.

The Honda Fit is a wonder, bigger inside than outside,good milage, priced right, etc. Not enough guts for me.

14

I’d look at the Honda Fit. Much cheaper than the Prius, and the gas mileage isn’t that much worse. You’re paying a big premium for the hybrid package, and it’ll take a long, long time to recoup that in fuel savings against something like the Fit. The Fit will probably be more reliable, and cheaper to maintain.

Don’t forget to check out insurance rates. I don’t know where the Prius lands on the insurance charts.

15

[QUOTE=DrDeth]

  1. Never, ever buy a car from a Toyota salesman. They are going to rip her off.

  2. The Honda Civic Hybrid gets about the same mailage, is more reliable, comes with a large tax credit (Toyota has lost theirs), and you don’t have to deal with crooks to buy a car.

Go try the Honda.

The Honda Fit is a wonder, bigger inside than outside,good milage, priced right, etc. Not enough guts for me.
[/QUOTE]

What’s so evil about Toyota salespeople?

16

[QUOTE=DrDeth]

  1. Never, ever buy a car from a Toyota salesman. They are going to rip her off.

  2. The Honda Civic Hybrid gets about the same mailage, is more reliable, comes with a large tax credit (Toyota has lost theirs), and you don’t have to deal with crooks to buy a car.

Go try the Honda.

The Honda Fit is a wonder, bigger inside than outside,good milage, priced right, etc. Not enough guts for me.
[/QUOTE]

I just bought a Prius after looking at both the Prius and Civic Hybrid.

  • the Civic hybrid does not get near the same mileage. It is rated in the low 30’s/pg where the Prius is rated in the mid 40’s/pg. What struck me was talking to people who’d owned the Civic telling me they had barely gotten 30mpg. Whereas all the people I talked to who owned a Prius consistently told me that they get mid 40’s (which is what I have been getting).
  • the Civic handles a bit better, but is much slower off the line. I really noticed this when I test drove it. It’s not a “bog”, but more just a very slow/paced acceleration. I knew it would drive me crazy. But the Prius is very nice off the line, and calls on the torque when needed (uphill freeway onramps are no problem whatsoever).

I’ve had my Prius for about 3 weeks now and I am loving it. There are things to get used to:

  • the rear view. I tend to just focus on the upper half, and it has not been a problem.
  • the “turning off” at stop lights. This was probably the hardest to get used. The “dead-like” feeling - no vibration, no sound. But when you hit the gas, off you go.
  • the button on/off and the key never leaves your pocket. The smartkey is really cool, and after a couple days becomes very easy. But the button on/off combined with how quiet the car is when “idle” has allowed me to walk away from the car, while it was still “on” a couple times. I even spent an hour in the library with my car “on” in the parking lot. So now I check more carefully when I walk away.

I opted for option package #5 which has the navigation and bluetooth (as well as the rear-view camera). The rear-view camera is marginally useful. One of these days there will be something below the bumper (like a dog or a child), and it will be worth it, but otherwise it is not all that useful.
The bluetooth, however, is great. I am not a big advocate of cell-phone use, but this certainly helps when calls come in. Totally hands free, and sounds great (microphone in the ceiling, and the “receiver” plays through the stereo).
A friend recommended the navigation system, and I decided to go with it. The DVD covers the entire US, so I figure it could be useful on a roadtrip.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask the new Prius owner.

17

[QUOTE=Least Original User Name Ever]
What’s so evil about Toyota salespeople?
[/QUOTE]

All the stories you have heard about crooked salesmen using sleazy tricks and high-pressure techniques? Toyota encouranges these and even trains dudes in them They consitently got the worst rating in “satisfaction with the deal”.
**
cormac262** Not according to CR, C&D and the EPA. But it is true than many Coivic Hybrid drivers drive theirs like ordinary cars, whilst Prius drivers are trained to drive slowly and slow acceleration. The difference is in how you drive them.

Edmunds has epa ratings:
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/honda/civic/100943566/specs.html
Honda EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 40 mpg / 45 mpg

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/toyota/prius/100920100/specs.html
Prius EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 48 mpg / 45 mpg

and the Honda comes with a $1050 tax credit, the Prius with 0.

Admittedly Prius owners are either VERY pleased or hate it, and generally love it.

You can buy a new Prius from a Broker. It’s worth it, not getting ripped off. Remember, they are taught the “four way” which means they have four ways of ripping you off- Price, Trade-in, Financing and Payments (or add ons?). They will high pressure you for all the silly things no sane person buys Undercoat, extra warranty, sealant, ect). You trade-in will be given a crap value. They will try to get you into financing just a little higher- even .5% makes them a lot over 60/72 months. I have watched them add things on that you didn’t want hoping that you’ll either not notice or be so tired you’ll give in. Or you do pay for an option, like floormats and they are not there. They will tell you the car is so hot that there’s no discount, but the average discount is, in reality, around $1000. True, that’s less than other cars in that price range, but a grand is still a grand.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice car, other than the rear view. But if you must own one, get a “new-used” one fom another car company (some dudes buy 'em and hate them), or go to a broker. Otherwise be prepared either for a seige or a rip-off, most likely both.

I will be a nickel that if you let one of our car experts here like Rick look at your Toyota invoice, he’ll find where you were ripped. :frowning:

18

Well, she got the Prius. She’s had it for a day, but so far, she absolutely loves it.

She did get dicked over at one dealer, so we went to another, and it was like night and day. They were upfront with all the numbers and everything and it ended up being lower than the price she thought she’d pay per month. The saleswoman at the scorned dealer said she felt betrayed and bitched my girlfriend out on the phone when we were at work. Class act. She’s composing a letter to Toyota in her head.

I drove it tonight in the snow and I liked it. I may consider getting one as well. I’m in the market for a new car, that’s for sure.

19

[QUOTE=Least Original User Name Ever]
What’s so evil about Toyota salespeople?
[/QUOTE]
A Toyota dealership in Adelaide actually confiscated our keys for over three hours while they tried to talk us into buying a car well outside the price limit we’d already clearly set.

The key thing was supposedly on the pretext of working out the trade-in on our vehicle, but we had already established that there was no way we were buying the car, so the trade-in factor was irrelevant. As we explained to them.

They just didn’t want to let us go without trying everything to change our minds.

Car Sales People: If someone says to you from the outset “This is my budget; I will not be swayed above it”, try *believing *them. It might just be possible that they’ve done their research and know the limit above which they cannot go.

I love the idea of the Prius, but I have a very, very bitter taste in my mouth where Toyota are concerned.

20

[QUOTE=DrDeth]

  1. Never, ever buy a car from a Toyota salesman. They are going to rip her off.
    [/QUOTE]

And this is why, when I purchased a new 4-Runner from a Toyota salesman, I got such a low price that … 9 months later when it was totaled (thanks, son) the insurance company paid me $3,500 more than I owed on it? :wink:
Do your homework, if you buy from *any * dealer. It is true that a lot of add-on stuff can be slipped in on the unsuspecting buyer.