Test drive: 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Aaron, I would still prefer a Toyota over a Ford or GM, Even when you throw the recent problems into the equation, I still believe their product is a better value for the money Remember No UAW legacy fees are tacked on and that is the best part. But I will always take an well made oil burner over a Hybrid any day of the week.

I agree with Agent Mike, at least partially. I would not consider buying any hybrid, whether made by Toyota, Ford, Nissan or whoever, as long as any other type of car drivetrain is available.

I realize that both Toyota and Ford have made hybrids that are both driveable and seemingly reliable. And, both companies should be commended for being able to make such a complex machine usable for transportation.

But, the real questions you should ask yourself before you buy one of these things is why buy a car that has very heavy and super-expensive batteries, questionable recyclability, extensive and complicated computer controls, less than great performance and a high price tag? Yes, it will save some fuel, but lots of non-hybrids can get close to the same mileage, and a few diesels may even beat it.

By the way, I have a theory about why at least some hybrids seem to have a better than average reliability record. I think that many, maybe even most hybrid owners make very liberal allowances for their car’s shortcomings. When their beloved hybrid stutters while accelerating, or when it jerks when transitioning from electric to gas power, the hybrid owner just smiles and says, “That’s just a quirk of hybrids. They all do that.” While if their gas or diesel powered car had similar problems, they would immediately be standing in the dealer’s service door, cursing that “sorry piece of junk.”

I recall the one advantage the Camry hybrid has is that it is closer in price to the regular car. In fact, depending on the features you want, the trim levels in the hybrid are actually a better deal than the gas version.

Steve is partially right on why hybrids seem to be more reliable. The other reason is that hybrid drivers are generally not true enthusiasts. Rarely, if ever will they push their cars to the limits. Not to generalize too much, but hybrid drivers also seem to be (to some extent) “greenies” that will go as easy on the controls as they will on the environment (not that there’s anything WRONG with that!).
Look at Buick. Does anyone other than JD Power believe it’s perennially one of the most reliable and trouble free cars out there? I don’t know about you, but from my perspective, most Buick drivers are still retirees or octogenarians who’s hearing has lost the ability to notice a squeak, who’s eyes cannot see a misfitting trim piece, and who’s butt-dyno (did Buick drivers ever really have a butt dyno?) doesn’t notice other drivablilty issues. (No offense to retirees intended).
Bottom line, if quality ranking surveys were generated by a more consistant pool of data, I’d be willing to bet both Buick and hybrids would drop considerably.

I believe the complaints you guys are making reference to are the very reasons the Fusion Hybrid is so highly regarded. The motoring press describes it as largely indistinguishable from a standard car. This is unlike the Camry and other hybrids where the hybrid-quirks are much more noticeable.

Last Generation Outgoing Sonata had more power and luxury features than Camry,but its a shame people with their Obvious Anti Hyundai Bias didnt notice.

Last Gen 2006-2010 Sonata had 175 HP Current Camry has 158 HP.

Aaron Gould wouldnt tell you guys that, as he’s obviously unable to accept this company.

I firmly believe that the majority of Hybrid buyers are either “making a statement” buyers or are “doing the right thing” buyers. When you look at hard numbers there’s no fiscal reality in buying a hybrid, so I feel it is simply an emotional purchase, regardless of make, ride or quality.

Aaron, I know you love the TDi Diesels, I’ve read your reviews. Besides, what is there not to love? But “simple as a rock” is a bit far fetched. The current TDi diesels are quite sophisticated. While the core is a big chunk of super strong metal without a spark plug in sight, the supporting architecture is as about as sophisticated as any modern automobile. Drive one and you’ll be stunned.

Now…my 98 Dodge Ram Diesel 4 x 4 work beast with a 5 speed and a 1/2 ton 6 cylinder Cummins hunk of iron under the hood…THAT is as simple as a rock and soooo easy to hotrod! 400 hp and 900 ft lbs of TQ and it gets 20 mpg on the highway running B-75 biodiesel.

That is an easy test as to how simple a car is by the way. Ask a simple question…how easy and expensive would it be it to double the horsepower? An older turbodiesel…surprisingly simple and relatively cheap. An older gasoline vehicle (ugh), more costly and more likely to blow up horribly, but still relatively cheap. A modern diesel car? Harder and WAY more expensive. The Series III TDi was comparatively easy to hot rod compared to the current models. I know, I built a Series III Golf TDi monster and man was it FUN! Only cost a couple of grand to double the HP and TQ.

A Hybrid? Fugeddaboudit! Though the idea of a sub 12 second Prius is a fun thought…just imagine the looks of horror on the faces of Civic SI drivers with giant exhaust cans!

Very brave of you Aaron…

Diesels are the way to go. Great MPG, Huge Torque especially the BMW, Audi and Mercedes and with the new bluemotion technology close to the “cleanliness” of a Hybrid with better mileage. I travel a lot to Europe and often get a Audi TDI or BMW and they are great cars to drive. Enough power great torque when you need it. And excellent MPG so pity they are not that widely spread over here. So a simple Diesel preferred above any Hybrid

@HyundaiSmoke

Don’t attack Aaron just because he isn’t a Hyundai fanboy like yourself.

HyundaiSmoke: Not sure who Aaron Gould is, but Aaron Gold had lots of nice things to say about the ‘09 Sonata:

http://cars.about.com/od/hyundai/gr/09_sonata.htm

Always helps to do a quick site search before commenting. Incidentally, the current Camry has 169 hp in LE/XLE models, 179 hp in the SE.

Kevin: I stand by my simplicity comment. That’s one of the things I love about diesels. Yes, they now have high-tech injection systems, but they have no ignition system, not to mention no hybrid controller, battery or motor/generator. Way, way simpler than a hybrid, let alone a gasoline engine. Heck, they didn’t even have mass airflow sensors until just recently. Give ‘em motion, fuel, air, and enough compression to make heat, and they run. Period. The old Detroit Diesel 2-strokes had to have emergency stop switches, because even if you shut off the fuel, the worn ones would suck oil past the piston rings and keep on running, accelerating to destruction.

A few years back, I worked for Banks Power as a copy writer, and we always had to be careful how we constructed our ads, because we had both gasoline and diesel products. The diesel HP gains would seem impossible to the gasoline people and the gas HP gains would seem pitiful to the diesel people. Diesel power and emissions are still… well, maybe not in its infancy, but still in the toddler stages. THere is a lot of room to grow. — Aaron

Aaron Gould! Snicker, snicker, how did I overlook that for all these years. That is better than the famous “Arrow”. For some reason, Gouldon’s Mustard springs to mind.

No, I don’t expect this comment to be posted. Hi to the Grrl Wonder and the rest of the family!

Aaron, I compared 2.4s, and I also made a fast mistake with your name.

I now realize US Camry has a 2.5 unlike the Euro/Asian Camry. I dont know about you, but I shop Power to Fuel Economy, and Hyundai out of the Asian makes has always had a decent ratio to where Im not really making a sacrifice on power or fuel economy. Like this Camry compared to current gen Sonata. 6 Less Ponies for 1 Extra MPG= A Non Starter in my book.

You should take back that comment you said to John Krafcik about the Accent getting its butt kicked by SX4, Yars, and Fit. Accent has been duking it out wth Versa for First and Second place in Subcompact sales for awhile now.

http://www.subcompactculture.com/2010/01/december-2009-subcompact-sales-big.html

As a Hyundai Owner, you kind of get tired of these great products, not being reccommended picks, top picks, etc…. while getting passed-up by these old school Also-Ran Japanese companies with fastly Deteriorating Quality by collumists like yourself. While the public who votes with their spending decisions says otherwise.

Its shameful that Hyundai had to make a Genesis for people to even notice the Plain as Day fact that Sonata had more power than most midsized cars for years with good fuel economy to boot, the same wth Accent and Subcompacts, and Elantra with Compacts.

These cars didnt even get judged on their merits fairly, they got judged on looks and Brand Equity and Image created 20 years ago that hasnt even ringed true at all for the last 10 years.

That proves my point that I made a few days ago, about Toyota not being able to get over these problems.

Hyundai has bee making good cars for a long time, but the perception is not up there with reality yet. And before you argue wth me about that, If you truly thought Hyundai made good cars, then our products should be the top reccommended picks on your site, and many other sites ALWAYS!!!

That’s why I say Toyota will not get over this. Hyundai still cant get over the image of Piss poor Excels, Scoupes, and 95 Accents. The newest of those products is 15 years old, but Hyundai still cant reach that brass ring at the top of the ceiling.

Toyota may be a trusted company, but in this day and age its so easy to get a bad reputation or loose your rep, and so hard to get rid of it that Toyota cant afford not one more slip up. That doesnt bode well for the Company as NHTSA is investigating those Corollas for Steering troubles.

Hyundai WILL be an upmarket company (But still Affordable), and eventually you’re going to have to start judging all of our cars, even Accent and Elantra Against car like: MINI, Golf, Jetta,Astra, that new Buick Subcompact that’s coming, etc….

We dont want to be te Toyota of Economy cars, we want to the the Toyota of upmarket cars. KIA can handle Toyota.

Aaron, You asked Krafick about the Genesis product, Ill explain it to you better, it will be like how Mercedes has AMG, VW with that new R/GmbH Division, etc….

Not a diferernt brand, just a special partitioning of the brand.

The Whole brand is going to be partitioned though like how it on the Hyundai website right now. Compacts (Accent/Elantra), Family Cars(Sonata, Azera), CUVs/SUVs, and Premium/Performance (Genesis stuff). The under Genesis stuff will be aspirational to be judged against both near Luxury cars like Buick and Economy cars like Toyota, the Genesis Stuff will full Luxury products to be Judged against Lexus and Merc.

They are grooming Hyundai to be the new Luxury brand (But affordable) over the next 10-15 years. You got to admit even the Accent looks like a Rendition of a small Euro BMW on the cheap.

Wow, did I make a wrong turn and walk in the Hyundai advertising department?

“If you truly thought Hyundai made good cars, then our products should be the top reccommended picks on your site, and many other sites ALWAYS!!!”

Apart from the obvious absurdity of this statement, the fact that the possesive is used suggests that this person is making a far less than objective claim regarding Hyundai’s standing in the automotive world.

Hyundai is a good, aggressive company making great products that are doing extremely well in the marketplace. But to suggest that in every segment they are best in every way is highly doubtful.

Furthermore, to attack Aaron for having the temerity to suggest otherwise smacks of a tendentiousness that is usually reserved to auto dealer showrooms and political conventions.

Mike in Minn,

I admit I got the political vibe from Mr. Hyundai, too. I was reminded of the recent political skirmishes over the now apparently dead, “healthcare reform”.

The supporters of this effort in Washington seemingly could not believe that they had somehow been unable to convince the American people and the rest of the Congress of the goodness of their proposed healthcare overhaul. So, they simply kept repeating their same tired arguments until everyone, even those in their own party, were sick of hearing it.

Healthcare reform isnt dead. Congress voted it in, they are just making revisons to it, and President Obama will sign it into law regardless of how the final legislation turns out. Many Americans will be pissed at him if he doesnt sign the bill once the final revisions are made.

On that fact, Hyundai is among the best now, and we should and demand to be treated as such!!! We will get what we want too, becuase lets face it-The company is actually backing us up with the right product.

As you see with the New Sonata we are only distancing ourselves even more from the pack.

Elantra is the next Debut on the Hyundai 24/7 2.0 plan, and that will have close to the same power as a Camry. Yeah, Camry power in an Elantra with 40 MPG!!! That will debut sometime in the next 3-4 big Autoshows.

Accent Sedan will come after that, and that is, Wow!!! That’s all I can say about that little masterpiece. Aaron, Krafcik is right. You’ll really love that next Accent hatch, and if they stay with what they plan, a Potential Car of the Year Winner. Considering what powertrains they plan for it, it would be very hard for them to blow it, well unless they screwed the interior up. Aaron, you might get your wish on that, “Accent should have 50 more horsepower thing.” That’s all I will say on that.

Ive been doing some competitive intelligence, and either Toyota is going to have to redo what they plan for next Camry or its going to get trounced on. Not just by HKAG, but VWAG, and FoMoCo as well.

That Next Gen Optima which will get a V6 GDI is going to be the “New Camry” as far as Im concerned.

We’re tired of you old guys and your Toyotas.

Toyota/Lexus,

We Declare war

Thanks,

Hyundai/KIA

Hey, Im just being honest.

This new Prius isnt good enough. Remember when it first came out and people were hoping for 100 MPG at least? Look at the Yaris and Fit. Considering Toyota and Honda’s brand equity and reputation, they should have 130 HP Yarises and Fits getting 45 MPG and trouncing on Accent. That’s not the case, however. Why does the Corolla get close to the same fuel economy as it did 10 years ago?

That’s what Im talking about with the Japanese. No more new ideas, no more new advances towards anything automotive anymore (except hybrids). They used to be at the cutting edge, and now they are just mediocre car makers in my eyes.

You old guys dont get it, unlike you I dont see Honda or Toyota as this potentially innovative force going forward.

What’s the point of buying a car that’s been pretty much the same since 1995 (yeah to me Toyotas and Hondas have been pretty much the same for 15 years: Interiors, Engine refinement, fuel economy, etc…), while the Koreans are making 2011 stuff now?

Koreans continue to refine their product and add technology, and as a young man in my late 20s I just dont see that same attention to detail from the Japanese anymore. With Korean cars, you know the next one will be 10 times better than the last, and will feature some tech that was unthnkable just 5 years before.

The Japanese dont give me that feeling at all.

I see the Koreans making most of the short term (15-25) year advances in cars. Honda and Toyota are old school to me, and like everything else they need to go into an attrophy period in order to gain ground in the future. The Japanese will continue to work on hybrids over the next 5-10 yars, but once it makes sense the Koreans will make it better and cheaper.

I do think however, that the Koreans and Ford will be the leaders in advanced Gas only ICE engines, like the Germans are at the cutting edge of diesel. I think the Koreans will make the first car that gets 200 HP+ and 75-100 MPG. The Koreans(that includes GM/Holden) and then Ford are at the cutting edge now in these technologies, and they will make 90% of this dinosaur powetrain tech, which most of it is evolution of 80s tech obsolete.

This 2010 Camry sure looks and feels a lot like a 1995 Camry on the interior front. Same with Accord. However, it gets top picks, and most recommended, HOW?

Ill tell you how, the same reasons why Government Investigators can get away with lying at least 4 times in the last 10 years about Toyota Sudden Acceleration

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=atXvi2msqPOM

=Toyota Fanboyism, Giving them a Free Ride and not judging the products on Merit as opposed to branding, Being Dissmissive of the problem, Having Dismissive Outdated attitudes of other Automakers like: Hyundai/KIA, Ford, VW, etc….

Don`t forget to include a domestic vehicle once in a blue moon too.
The reason I quit reading Motor Trend is they`re all about Audi, Mercedes, and BMW.

About cars should be called About Asian cars.

Maybe we should get some Toyota and Honda dealers/partisans on here. Each one can choose a name for themselves (just so long as it includes their brand of choice in their handle). Then HyundaiSmoke you can have your all-out “war”.

You can lob potshots at each other while safely ensconced in the safety of your showrooms, basements or wherever. Each one can make the same claim against Aaron because their vehicles aren’t always top picks. Laughably, many of your arguments would still apply if Aaron was reviewing Freightliners. I mean everyone knows that Hyundais handle far better than tractors, right?

The rest of us can just sit back, pop some pop corn, and laugh like drunks at the fun.

In all seriousness, though, if HyundaiSmoke is right, there would be no point in this column or forum. Each Hyundai would simply be coronated without discussion.

Reviews aren’t unanimous because people weight the objective and subjective categories differently. That’s why one rational person will buy a Buick and another will choose a Genesis Coupe. Neither is objectively wrong. They just have different values and needs. Magazines aren’t unanimous and buyers aren’t either.

Finally, speaking of “fanboyism”, Hyundai also gets a bit of a free ride during this recession. They are perceived as being less expensive than the cars in the segments that they occupy. According to Krafcik, this isn’t really very true any more. But it sure helps them during rough times. So the knife of public perception can cut both ways.

One disclaimer. I don’t own a Honda, Toyota or a Hyundai. I own a Nissan Altima and a Jeep Wrangler. I’ve been looking at Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mazda6, VW Golf/Jetta TDI, and possibly the new Ford Focus as possible replacements for the Altima (if I don’t choose another Altima). Hyundai will likely be on my list of test drives as well when I start shopping in earnest.

HyundaiSmoke:

>If you truly thought Hyundai made good cars, then our products should be the top reccommended picks on your site

Er… that’s not how it works. There are plenty of cars that I think are good. In fact, it’s hard to find a truly *bad* car these days. But just because a car is good, that doesn’t make it the best in its class. And just because I like it, doesn’t make it the best in its class. Case in point: Accent and Versa. I happen to prefer the Accent. But the Versa is the better car. It’s bigger, it’s more practical, it’s safer, and it delivers better value-for-money throughout the model range. Which is the car that I, Aaron Gould — sorry, Gold — would rather drive? The Accent. Which is the car that most consumers are going to prefer? The Versa.

And the Accent does, by the way, get its but *roundly* kicked by the Fit. Although I’d still rather drive an Accent SE than a Fit Sport.

JKyle: Your comment stands. FWIW, there’s a journalist named Art Gould who also lives in LA, and we constantly get mixed up. For those wondering about the Arrow thing… I worked for Alamo Rent-A-Car back in college, and when I got my first batch of company-supplied shirts, the name on the breast pocket was not Aaron — it was Arrow. My mother still calls me Arrow. As you can tell, JKyle and I go back a while. — Aaron

@ HyundaiSmoke. I drive A 300K mile Volkswagen Beetle, An Audi A5 Convertible and an Audi Q5 all paid for in cash. And I really like them, all three of them! I am 47 and I do not consider myself old. And I like the Toyota’s and Honda’s far over the Koreans (Hyundai = Kia, Kia = Hyundai). Reasons. First of all the Koreans prefer a Merc Audi or BMW or even a Jap over a Hyundai if they can afford one. (I have been many many times in Korea so I know where I am talking about) So if the Koreans even do not like them….. Second Toyota and Honda have proven over the past years to be very reliable. Yes they do have recalls too and yes they are experiencing some quality issues. The Koreans had the same in Europe with the Sonata II and III and the Accent. Besides that I prefer a Camry rental than a Sonata Rental. Why? just a matter of taste. I guess Hyundai/Kia are good cars but they are no match to Honda, Toyota or Mazda not even close. Not to speak about the Germans. But I respect you like the Hyundai’s/Kia’s so please respect me preferring the Germans over the Japs and the Japs over the Koreans!

Aaron, the Versa is a good package, but its built in Mexico, and when I tested it Reved up to 4000 RPMs at 80 MPH on the highway. The Accent revs at 3100 RPMs at that speed.

The Versa might be a better packinging excercise, but the build quality was shaky. My tester had lose door handles. It came straight from the Aquascalientes, MX factory a few days earlier. The Build quality leaves a lot to be desired. The Hyundai is a very solid car. The i20 sold in Europe is packaged better than Versa; unlike Versa it has leather and leatherette, Sat Radio, etc… The options remind me of a Gen Coupe or a MINI Cooper actually. I expect Hyundai follow that rubric, and improve on it in Accent. It seems like they studied both Versa and MINI Cooper on the i20.

I have been lobbying Hyundai to provide an Accent 5 door, but they seem more commited to Elantra 5 Door Products. Next Gen Accent will have near 45 MPG and the 110 HP Alpha it currently uses will be replaced by a 1.6 Gamma engine From the i20, Soul, and Forte but with GDI. GDI will also give it 140 HP. This is just the base engine here. There will be a 1.6 Turbo SE, and a possibility of the gen Coupe engine being used for a hot variant.

Hyundai is hiding something about that Veloster. Like I said before it uses the same powertrains as Accent, and is close to the same size as current Accent Hatch, but 3 inches longer. It will ride on the same platform as Accent too. It will also have rear suicide side doors reminiscent of MINI Clubman, and the Saturn coupes too.

Aaron if you’re looking for a Hyundai Versa the next gen Rio 5 will be what you’re seeking. Look at Venga in Europe, that’s essentially a next Gen Rio MPV, that is a very nice packaging exercise too. Versa stuff is a little downmarket and overpirced for the features it offers on the SL trim for the “new Hyundai.” If they can package a Forte with leatherette seats just for $1k off the base price, imagine how the Accent will be packaged. Remember Forte sedan is just only $50 more than Accent base sedan.

For the price of a Versa SL you are going to find leather and various other goodies in a Next gen Accent.

I think Hyundai is following the German path as opposed to the Japanese path.

I think they are better than the Japanese Peter, becuase they can provide the same for less and more for the same price, and a hell of a lot more just for a little bit more.

Sonata is not as well built as Accent or Elantra due to the source location. The Ulsan Plant that makes Accents is a top spec plant wth the utmost superior quality controls. The Montgomery plant has the same controls, but if you look at data the Accents are more reliable than Sonatas.

Maybe it is or maybe it isnt the American worker, but I dont consider American built Sonatas as good as the Korean built Accents. Ive owned Accents for a while. the 07 Accent is a Lexus compared to the 98 Accent I used to own. However, I think the 98 handles better than the 07, and I have talked to Hyundai about it, and they are working on that. The Suspension and sound proofing on the 07 is more refined than the 98 version.

I have 95K Miles on the 07, and when I got it it was brand spanking new with 68 miles on the ODO. The 98 had decent powertrain quality, but the 07 is much better. I love my car I have wheels Intake Borla exhaust, aftermarket leather, HIDs, etc…. However, if Hyundai made a Next gen Accent that had like 7-10 more MPG and 30 more HP (As they plan on having).

Sorry 07 but you’re either going to get traded in or used as a tuner experiment and beater car.

Aaron I hear Rondo and Soul were picked by About and another magazine for best picks. Thanks.

The Rondo isnt the car I would have picked, as I think its woefully overpowered and under fuel efficient. I hear that’s getting replaced with a Forte 5 with the same power but much better fuel economy.

Forte is a very underrated car and if they develop that more, Fortes are going to grow up to be nice Jettas, but with Superior Hyundai reliability. Its better than a Corolla that has had the same power and fuel economy for like 90 years. Plus, what Corolla in the US has Leatherette and leather seating surfaces? That interior is a notch or 2 above Corolla as well.

They took a car that barely was compettive, and made it better than the competition. Yeah, this car is woefully underrated.

Mike, that’s the whole point of my diatribe.

Toyotas and Hondas are corronated without a fair assessment of competitors. Youre right about that Hyundai pricing, but the advantage is you get VW features from the Hyundai at that Toyota price, and even better for more. Hyundai offers leather at prices that Toyota offers a CD changer at. That’s the difference, and that speaks volumes.

By the way Peter You’re not old, but you’re on the cusp between Gen W (Baby Boomers) and Gen X. Baby Boomers= 1946-1962, Gen X=1963-1978, Gen Y=1979-2003

Most of My Fellow Gen Y Friends drive American, Korean, and German products, and the Japanese need to really worry. You older guys dont see it, but this is what I see.

Most of the people that I know who drive Japanese, drive used Japanese Luxury cars or Subarus. Some Drive Nissans, but a lot of Gen Ys arent touching the Toyota/Scion and Honda cars.

Its started in the used car market were guys were charging us young people $7500 for a 10 year old Civic with 92 billion miles on it.

In response, a lot of us Gen Ys went to cheaper Korean and American used alternatives, and now we have the money to buy New Korean and American cars. Since were used to these cars, we want these cars.

A lot of you old guys dont see this either, but there’s a hidden but growing VW Hippy culture among Gen Ys, so I see sales growing for them too.

I’m a gen Xer.

Still….I might be old ’cause I’m getting fairly bald on top.

As far as my point being the same as yours. Well…not exactly. I wouldn’t replace one prejudice with another even if I accepted your unsupported charge that Hyundai is being treated unfairly.

Mike, It is obvious that Hyundai/KIA is being treated unfairly, when cars with less power yet similar fuel economy are favored over our cars. Everything Toyota makes has less power than a comparable KIA, but nearly and in many cases the same MPG.

These cars have the same plastics the same soft touch points, the same cloth, etc… People treat the sameness between KIA and Toyota as if its like the gulf of difference between the Sonata and Sebring.

KIA and Toyota are the same pretty much, so therefore the only thing you can decide on is name branding. Since Toyota in the past tense had that untouchable quality reputation, most Auto Journalists are going to pick the Toyota over the KIA, despite the KIA being just as good. I hope hese recalls will permanently force more journalists to say “Well KIA is good and then there’s Toyota. You know what? Ill give KIA a chance here.”

Aaron, sure you guys love tha Fit, but the people who vote with their pockets say I can get a larger car with the same or even better Fuel Economy with features like leather, etc… cars like KIA Forte for the same price.

For that price the Honda Fit is a Horrible car. Im not willing to pay that much for a small car without some kind of leather or leatherette. A car that has an interior that to me feels no different than that Accent hatch that gets better fuel Economy and is less.

If this was a decade ago when everybody else made either POS or cars that were good but everything else about them were ok, then fine you can reccommend the Honda Fit ANYDAY EVERYDAY without any disputes or arguements about it. This is a new day now, and everybody else is just as good, and for the price the Honda is an inferior product. Compare the Cheaper more Fuel Efficient Civic

I still think this Fit is a $13K car that costs $16K, and there’s nothing you guys can say that would change my mind on that one.

Its set up to be like a cheap Niche car that actually isnt cheap for a B segment car. The Fit and Xd are the only 2 cars in the segment where there is NO and I mean NO justification for the price.

I think the most Expensive Accent is overpriced as you can get leather in a larger Forte for $2K less.

However, if I was in the market I wouldnt even bother with buying any car right now as 2011 will be the “year of the small car” with over 20 new and redesigned small cars on the street that will make this Generation of small cars look like a joke.

2011 will also be the year where 40 MPG becomes the new 30 MPG, and 45 MPG becomes the new 35MPG.

B-Segments 40 MPG Min 45 MPG Avg.
C-Segments 35 MPG Min 40 MPG Avg.

….and I repeat…..”I wouldn’t replace one prejudice with another…”

Hope you enjoy your Hyundai.

Actually, you have no alternative.

sayonara

I dont have an Alternative Actually. The Japanese are falling apart. Chrysler, is POOP (This is someone who grew up in a Chrysler family). GM Is good, but not as good as Hyundai or KIA. As many Journalists say that Camaro has an interior from a last gen KIA.

Ford is very good but, its just something about them that seems funny to me. I think the 2 biggest mistakes they are going to make are:

1. Giving the Fiesta only 40 MPG in a class of cars that many of them will have more power and MPG closer to 45, Plus or Minus 2 MPG. In terms of power and fuel Economy Next Gen Hyundai Accent, next Gen VW Polo, and next Gen Chevy Aveo look the most promising. All over 130 Horse, all 43 MPG or more.

2. Not bringing the Fiesta over here a year early. A 2011 MY Fiesta is going to kill all of the momentum from the Fiesta Movement with least 10 competitors that will have better MPG and HP.

Many people ask Ford not to bring their 48 MPG 100 horse Fiesta Engine over, but I think Ford will be forced to do so. I know they plan on bringing their RS engine with the Turbo. Fiesta will have hot hatch popularlity, but other than that Ford has a rude awakening coming in terms of sales.

I have driven a 2007 camry for the last 3 years and I am so excited to get rid of this piece of junk. I received one of the first ones and since it was a company car I did not have a chance to drive the vehicle before I received it. I agree with About.com’s reviews about styling not bad for a sedan, but they are way offthe mark when it comes to handling. Saying that the car felt secure with stability control is totally misleading. Total lack of steering response and play in the wheel to the point of feeling unsafe. I am fortunate that I have never had to swerve to avoid someone or something. The keyless entry stopped operating the drivers door a year ago. Out of warranty o course. Annoying. The orignal tires lasted 20000 miles thanks Toyota. The michelins I put on since then look brand new after 45000 more miles at 65 k they still look great. The seat belt will get jammed and not pull out far enough to reach the locking mechanism. The hood latch does not pop the hood; it unlocks it so you have to reach with your fingers to pop it and then open it. Don’t load the trunk with anything because you will knock the lever to fold down the seats out of it’s seat. Garbage . End of story.