Seeking WF's opinion on buying a new car

Most people fall into their various camps and try to convince others to join their ranks. If people actually empirically shopped, we'd all be driving econoboxes and minivans.

Oh, and btw, Consumer Reports doesn't actually test their cars, they give Toyota and Honda automatic recommendations. Of course, those companies earned the privilege, just take their reviews with a grain of salt.

If you're looking at Honda Accord's and want something a little more sporty, I recommend at least taking a look at the Honda Accord Coupe.

Why is it that Honda and Toyota (along with Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, and Scion) are all able to make decent-looking, nice coupes, but Detroit is incapable of it? Could it be because Detroit just throws stuff at the wall, to see what sticks rather than actually doing market research like a normal business (and therefore the Japanese car companies are eating their lunch)?

What would you all think of a Honda Civic Si coupe?

Personally the Civics are a little small for me. If you want a Coupe, I echo Nick and say check out the Accord.

Pontiac Solstice.

I never said they didn't do market research, I said the primary determinant of an untested model is how it's received by the public at an auto show. All the auto companies do this.

I think I've got an understanding what you're looking for. You want a good, all-purpose sedan, but you want to look good and have fun while driving, right?

Chevrolet | 2008 All New Malibu from Chevy

Well, I'll be blunt. You can find those things in our competitors, like the Camry, if you're numb and blind. The Honda? Well, she's a fine car on the inside, but I can't help but feel like the lines on the outside are a bit dated. I mean, both cars scream "ten years ago". They both offer V6 models, and Honda's is pretty good, but I know for a fact that our DOHC V6 is comparable to V8s from just a few years ago. Hell, even the new Cadillacs are offering the engine. It's a five-star front and side crash rating, combined with GM's patented OnStar system that can call for assistance no matter where or how you are.

But don't take my word for it. Here's a third party's assessment of the vehicle.

[yt=2008 Chevy Malibu]BmURrVIspAc[/yt]

And it's won two awards for only being out less than six months:

2008 North American Car of the Year
2008 MotorTrend Car of The Year

[Link]

Uh... :flow2: You say those lines look better than the Accord's?!?!

I personally see nothing in that vehicle...

That doesn't surprise me.

Just to play a little devil's advocate Chris, tell me why you'd pick the Malibu over the Honda Civic Si.

But thanks for that post, I'd rep you, but I seem to be out at the moment....

Well, I've stated my preference for the design, but other than that...

When I see that Honda, I think "teenager". I just do, maybe that's my own bias as a Michigan man. When I see a sedan (be it the Accord, Camry, or Malibu) I see a responsible adult. That's the image I'd want to present to the world. It's more than that. The Malibu looks and feels like a car twice it's price. It has a better engine than the coupe, and I like to feel sporty when I drive. I want a car that can go to a business meeting and handle the roads with ease.

That's actually what I think of when I see the Mustang. I obviously know plenty of adults drive it (including Marso before he wrecked his), but it just says to me "I'm a spoiled brat and/or obnoxious frat boy and my rich folks bought this for me."

I'll check them out tomorrow. To be honest, I haven't looked at them yet.

Seriously though, it looks like it got punched in the face a few times last night and was too drunk to put ice on it.

If you're going to go American, go with the Fusion IMO.



Looks great and drives the shit out of most everything. Too bad they don't have a coupe.

Fusion's not bad, Ford has excellent quality. I just don't like the styling for some reason.

Also, Ford overseas is amazing. It's absolutely mind boggling why Dearborn is keeping those designs out of the domestic market.

Yeah, the grille area on that car is fug-ly.

To me, that car isn't much of an improvement looks-wise over the Malibu.

I want a mercury milan.

Well, I'll post pics tomorrow, but I just wanted to let everyone know, I got a car today.

The 2008 Honda Civic Si, 2.0L, 4-cylinder, 197 horses out of the factory. Color = Habanero Red. 2-door coupe. I bought it brand new fresh off the truck, it still had plastic wrap on the tires!

I'm in love.

Get "MC MOD" on the vanity plate.

So where are these promised pics?

So glad you found you a ride! Honda rides have got good reputations. But they're too small for me. My GMC model is just right!

I haven't gotten around to taking any pics. I'll see what I can do today.