So right now I'm in the market for a new to me 4 door sedan... I'm considering between several four door sedans and the top three are as follows:

- (2007 - current) camry xle / se
- (2007 - current) accord ex
- 2011 sonata

I've driven the same four door sedan since 2004 and need a new ride pretty badly (current car is paid for but starting to need to some pricey maintenance).. I'm going to be purchasing one of these autos in the next month or two. With gas prices rising steadily I'm going to go with a 4 cylinder..eventhough I'd like something with some more power. The things that are most important to me in making this decision include: reliability, quality, resale value, features, gas mileage, interior and aesthetics. I've been doing research for a couple weeks now and I'm leaning towards the honda accord but its the most expensive of the three choices.

One thing that bothers me is the fact that both honda and toyota will most likely be coming out with a new generation of both the accord and camry in the near future since these models are now going into the 5th year of production on the current body style. The 2011 Sonata is in its first year of production on this generation and it seems to have some really nice features including nice exterior styling and 35mpg on the highway for the price but I'm concerned about long term reliability and resale value.

I'll be using the automobile for commuting to and from work and around the wake county area. I'll most likely also be using the automobile to transport family, coworkers, and clients around town the majority of the time. My price range for this auto is around 17 - 20k and I'd like to keep the purchase mileage < 30k. Which one would you choose and why?

[Edited on January 23, 2011 at 11:08 PM. Reason : ]

1/23/2011 11:01:28 PM

I'd go with the Accord. More power than Camry, better looking than Camry. I don't even consider the Sonata because of resale value.

1/23/2011 11:06:10 PM

^

1/23/2011 11:25:54 PM

It's hard to say what the resale value will be on the new Sonata. Resale value ultimately comes down to supply and demand, and demand seems to be high for these new models.

1/23/2011 11:29:13 PM

I actually really like the new Sonata in terms of features and styling. Haven't driven or sat in one so I can't say much about the driving dynamics or fit/finish/materials though. I tend to think resale value on Hyundais will be on the rise in the future, but how fast I cannot say.

1/24/2011 12:12:32 AM

i'd go with a sonata. you wont beat their warranty. isnt it 60k maintenance + 100k powertrain?

1/24/2011 8:59:54 AM

I have drive the 6-sp base Sonata... the transmission is very sweet, and the ride was good too, if a bit on the soft side. That can be rectified by going to the new Kia Optima... the new Kias have edgier styling, as well as an edgier ride. Kia is owned by Hyundai, but they style them and give them a riding character for younger people. Needless to say, engine is the same.

Fit and finish was very good inside, as was the interior styling. Seats have a lot of lateral support, something you wouldn't see in other midsize Japanese sedans, and it was even more than what you would find on a BMW.

The dash and displays were amazing, with gorgeous blue hues, and lots of neat little information displays... perfect for gadget/gizmo lovers.

Anybody deciding between the Sonata and the Optima should read this:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/15/korean-war-inside-line-pits-hyundai-sonata-against-kia-optima/

Optima first drive:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/2011-kia-optima-first-drive-review-road-test/

Optima Turbo 1st drive:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/20/2011-kia-optima-2-0t-first-drive-review-road-test/

1/24/2011 10:15:49 AM

yeah i'd go sonata/optima turbo

34ish mpg + 274 hp = who gives a crap about the other two?

[Edited on January 24, 2011 at 10:19 AM. Reason : .]

1/24/2011 10:19:15 AM

^The turbo is not in his price range. I still say Sonata/Optima. More power and better mileage than either Camry or Accord. Better looking too.

1/24/2011 10:29:21 AM

The Optima is certainly a good-looking car but I actually think the Sonata is even better-looking. I guess I'd have to drive both to see how distinct the disparity in ride quality is.

Turbo would of course be ideal. But being realistic, yes, outside price range, since it was a later addition to the lineup and starts around 24K. But finding a >1 year old SE or maybe Limited if you're willing to accept a bit higher mileage, should clock in under 20K. Hell, you could get a new one for under 20K if you get the base (GLS) model and are stingy with the options. MSRP of the GLS is 19,195.

1/24/2011 11:59:49 AM

I'm gonna test drive all of them and make a decision from there. Thanks for all the input..

1/24/2011 4:09:53 PM

suzuki kizashi. really.

http://tinyurl.com/6cqgl5q

[Edited on January 24, 2011 at 4:20 PM. Reason : added link to cars.com]

1/24/2011 4:14:34 PM

^^^The Kia is supposed to be more the "athletic" of the two models and has a more sporty suspension tune. I admit they're both good looking vehicles though personally I thin the Sonota looks too chunky (I hate cars with high hoods & beltlines...though they seem all the rage these days).

^^Good luck.

[Edited on January 24, 2011 at 4:18 PM. Reason : ^]

1/24/2011 4:17:57 PM

^^ that's actually a really good looking well featured car. We were looking at one when my gf's zucchini died and was at their dealership.

1/24/2011 4:20:28 PM

you know, if you are concerned with resale, you'll do better if you buy a car that's bottomed-out but is likely to keep going for a long while despite high miles. that way you can get more POWAR too.

Not my favorite choice, but this seems like some serious quality, reliability, low loss on resale bang for the buck:

2007 Lexus es350 with 111k miles: $15950
http://tinyurl.com/5u28une

here's one further away (fredericksburg, VA), but 2007 es350 with 54k miles: $18995
http://tinyurl.com/4gz47uy

I was also tempted to list a high-mileage hyundai genesis 3.8L v6 (290 hp) ... but the cheapest they've gone is like $22k... although I saw one at $25k with only 20k miles on it.

[Edited on January 24, 2011 at 4:42 PM. Reason : added fredericksburg es350 and then comment about hyundai genesis ]

1/24/2011 4:29:05 PM

Quote :

"suzuki kizashi. really."

GO FOR IT! For some reason I forgot to mention it earlier.

All the mags seem to love it, and it seems to have a very athletic ride quality, so much better than Toyota/Honda.

And it looks hot.

Hell, their ads compare it to the A4 and TSX all the time. And one mag actually even said the ride quality in the Kizashi was equal to an A4's, and leagues ahead of the Camry and the Accord.

If I were in your shoes, I would go for the Kizashi, Optima, or Sonata, pretty much in that order.

Kizashi GTS (6-sp) Review:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/2010-suzuki-kizashi-gts-review

Suzuki's Kizashi Test Drive Challenge offers $100 to Audi A4 and Acura TSX buyers:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/suzukis-kizashi-test-drive-challenge-offers-100-to-audi-a4-and

From the 1st link:

Quote :

"After spending some quality time with the model, we don't envy those potential Acura and Audi customers who are unprepared for how difficult their decision is going to be."

Quote :

"Let's talk engines. The Kizashi's is slightly more powerful than other four-cylinders used by the competition in their base models. But whereas most of the competition also offers a V6 engine, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is the only powerplant available in the Kizashi, so it better be good. And it is. Very good. This 2.4-liter doesn't act like its in the same class as other base engines. Rather, it acts like a premium mill, the kind of four-cylinder that's offered in addition to a V6, not below it."

Quote :

"The real ace up the Kizashi's sleeve, though, is its steering. An often overlooked fact is that fun-to-drive vehicles don't have to be quick. A host of other aspects can pick up the performance slack, and steering is a big one. Inputs entered via the Kizashi's compact, thick-rimmed steering wheel got delivered to the road quickly through our GTS tester's 18-inch alloys wrapped in 235/45R18 all-season rubber. From there, we were rewarded with actual feedback from the road that wasn't obscured by numbness from the power steering. It's a terrific system that's accurate without being twitchy and effortless without being over-boosted."

Quote :

"By the end of our time with the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS, we were totally on board with comparing this car to the Acura TSX and Audi A4."

It is a great-looking car compared to the ugly Toyota and Honda, drives much better than them, has a 6-sp option, and is even available with AWD!

1/25/2011 5:08:42 AM

http://i.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/spy-shots-aussies-developing-ford-falcon-gt-h/

This.....

1/25/2011 10:36:39 PM