2009 Hyundai Sonata and 2008 Malibu More Fuel-Efficient than Camry,Accord

[srishiva]

source
2009 Hyundai Sonata and 2008 Chevrolet Malibu More Fuel-Efficient than Toyota Camry and Honda Accord - Car News/Family Four Doors/Car Shopping/Hot Lists/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

[dhaval]

What exactly does the article wants to convey!!!?? It also has the mention of the Ford Fusion. The EPA, 2007 annual report says, Honda still reigns in the trio of Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai. I am really confused.

[GTO - Touring]

Great to see other manufacturers take top honours. The Sonata could use this kind of news. But I really would not go totally gaga over it. An additional 1 mpg is the equivalent of only .43 kpl.

Originally Posted by dhaval

The EPA, 2007 annual report says, Honda still reigns in the trio of Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai. I am really confused.

This news applies to the 2007 Accord which has now been replaced by the new (larger) 2008 Accord.

[sujaylahiri]

I think it's a step in the right direction for North American automakers especially with the new CAFE regulations kicking in sooner than expected.

And add to that, the Chevy Malibu is the best seller in its category by a huge margin over other competitors. Good job there General.

[vasudeva]

Originally Posted by sujaylahiri

I think it's a step in the right direction for North American automakers especially with the new CAFE regulations kicking in sooner than expected.

And add to that, the Chevy Malibu is the best seller in its category by a huge margin over other competitors. Good job there General.

Malibu a best seller according to which data? According to Ward's automotive data, For 4M2008 (Jan-Apr 2008), Camry was the best seller in US with 147018. Accord was 2nd with 122430. Civic was 3rd, Corolla 4th. Malibu was 10th with 59133. Sonata was not in the top 10. By how much Sonata and Malibu trail Camry and Accord can be seen from Automotive News' data for 3M2008 (latest available).

Camry 107002
Sonata 24431
Malibu 42083
Accord 87802
Altima 76407
Focus 49070
Fusion 40050

[vasudeva]

Originally Posted by dhaval

What exactly does the article wants to convey!!!?? It also has the mention of the Ford Fusion. The EPA, 2007 annual report says, Honda still reigns in the trio of Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai. I am really confused.

There are 2 sources of figures. The official figure put on the car is the EPA which has Accord at 21/31, Malibu at 22/30, Sonata at 24/33. Consumer Reports put Accord at 15/34, Malibu at 15/34, Sonata at 15/33.

[sujaylahiri]

Originally Posted by vasudeva

Malibu a best seller according to which data? According to Ward's automotive data, For 4M2008 (Jan-Apr 2008), Camry was the best seller in US with 147018. Accord was 2nd with 122430. Civic was 3rd, Corolla 4th. Malibu was 10th with 59133. Sonata was not in the top 10. By how much Sonata and Malibu trail Camry and Accord can be seen from Automotive News' data for 3M2008 (latest available).

Agreed the Camry still leads the sales charts in North America (or probably elsewhere). But I still think the Malibu is a great car by GM, much better than the boring Camry and at par with the Accord.

It is better looking (interior and exterior), has comparable gas mileage, drives and handles better and is cheaper than the Camry. And the warranty offered is at par with the Japanese counterparts (if not better).

[GTO]

It is better looking (interior and exterior), has comparable gas mileage, drives and handles better and is cheaper than the Camry. And the warranty offered is at par with the Japanese counterparts (if not better).

Yes, the Malibu has received better-than-expected reviews and seems to be a good car indeed.

However, it still has one crucial thing to prove....long-term reliability and upkeep costs. We will have to wait another 3 - 4 years before getting information on this.