2004 Chevrolet Malibu

"I've owned the 2004 Chevy Malibu LT for 10 days now and I'm getting very good gas mileage. On the highway, I've hit a high of 33.8 and around town I'm getting 23 or so. Most of my driving is around town and the suburbs and I'm averaging about 25 mpg overall. I'm really quite pleased with this car and have been enjoying the remote start option on these last two snowy days in Pennsylvania." — tucquan, Town Hall, Dec. 7, 2003

"I've owned a 2004 Malibu LS (V6) for about 3 weeks now, and the info readout shows about 28 mpg, but that's mainly stop-and-go driving. I don't know how accurate that thing is either…. I know some critics are really bashing the electric steering, but I gotta say I wish all my vehicles had it! I've been driving the Malibu for a week straight. When I went to back our 2001 Sierra out of the garage, I thought, 'Am I out of PS fluid?' Nope. I had gotten so used to the electric steering, [that] it felt strenuous just trying to maneuver the pickup out of the driveway! I'm not sure of the correct terminology, but you can feel the electric steering 'stiffen' up when you increase speed, but the steering is really agile in the parking lot. So far, I haven't had any problems with the car." — triedntru, Town Hall, Dec. 4, 2003

2004 Chrysler Sebring

"The car is fun to drive, gets excellent gas mileage and rides very comfortably. It has plenty of power and handles well. The interior is very roomy and seats four comfortably. Trunk space is a bit limited, but fold-down rear seats reduce that problem. Favorite features: Cruise control maintains speed very accurately. Six-CD sound system has excellent sound quality and full features. Seating is roomy. Steering is very responsive. All controls are conveniently located and simple to use. Climate control heats and cools quickly. Suggested improvements: Slightly larger trunk would be nice. Two-tone horn would be nice. One-tone horn sounds 'cheap.'" — Mr. C, July 12, 2003

"At 10,000 mi., good mileage, handling and no rattles. Poor storage space and road noise could be less. Favorite features: handling. Suggested improvements: bigger center console." — KL9, March 2, 2003

"I am very pleased with my new purchase of this vehicle. Has the creature comforts of my Buick (if you get it loaded). Suspension is fairly tight, could be described as 'touring.' Engine acceleration/power is good off of the start and excellent in rolling acceleration… if you floor it at 20-50 you know it… and might be exceeding the highway speed limit before you look down. The 'enthusiast package' is a must… better steering response, and autostick is fun. My average gas mileage sits at about 25. Favorite features: Creature comforts. Price/value/performance…try finding another car with all the bells and whistles in the $18K range. And decent gas mileage to boot. Suggested improvements: A supercharged or turbocharged version of the 2.7 V6 would put it off the map for performance-value. Dodge has an R/T version of the Stratus in 4DR… but it doesn't have the comfort feel of the Chrysler LXi and the engine is the same." — KMO, May 28, 2003

2004 Honda Accord

"I do believe this car to be an excellent buy. Good all-around grocery getter. It can sure get up and go! Zero to 80 in nothing flat. Just hope there are no corners! Car does not handle well if you push it in corners, very unpredictable. The front end likes to dive hard when braking and cornering, then it seems to not know where to go when you back out of the gas. This is where this car NEEDS SOMETHING. I know this is just a family sedan but it has the potential to be up there with the BMWs and other heavyweights. Maybe a wider tire and wheel? I do like the car and would recommend it. Favorite features: Will damn sure get you out on the freeway. Get up and go! Suggested improvements: Do something about the handling, cornering. Wider wheel and tire? Weight distribution?" — Jimbo986, Sept. 21, 2003

"When I test-drove my car, my only thought was 'this is so much fun' I haven't enjoyed driving a car this much in almost 20 years. This was my first 'foreign' car. My service rep assured me that more parts for this car were made in the USA than my Ford. I love everything about this car. I smile when I see it in the parking lot after work. My husband said, 'No one needs this much power in a car this size.' I disagree. Favorite features: POWER for its size, comfortable interior…especially for someone short or tall, dual temp controls, steering wheel audio controls, and I'm sure I will love the heated seats when it gets cold. Suggested improvements: When you put the windows down a little, it is noisy and water or rain comes in…I am a fresh air person." — Elaine, Sept. 4, 2003

"We bought a 2003 V6 nav. to be our 'work horse.' We take one-way 600-mile trips. The car performs very well, even over the CA 'Grapevine.' We drive in the fast lane and still get 26.0-27.5 mpg. Only problem, the hook for the driver sun visor broke. We love the car. We added a wide angle rearview mirror that helps for blind spots and a full front mask to prevent stone chips. The leather seems to suck up conditioner and dulls quickly. Favorite features: Great power with the 240 horses under the hood. Also, good visibility. Seats a little uncomfortable for a 600-mile trip, but then any car might be! Solid braking. Love the nav system. Suggested improvements: Higher or adjustable height center armrest. Different design for the side mirror adjustment knob. Larger rearview mirror. Different setup for opening two-level center console…it never seems to work the way I want. Sound system seems tinny except on CD." — Bob Malcolm, Aug. 19, 2003

2003 Hyundai Sonata

"This is a great car for the price I paid. On the same day I purchased this Sonata GLS-V6 with ABS option, my buddy purchased an Accord EX 4 Cyl…for about $4,500 more. We had almost identical (if not more) features. I love the roomy interior and lots of extra features. Can't beat this car for the price. Favorite features: Roomy interior, lots of options for the price, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, 4-wheel independent suspension, auto cut-off lights (for forgetful guys like me)… and much more. Suggested improvements: I know Acuras and Hondas also use same tires (Michelin Energy Plus), but these tires can be replaced with Bridgestone Turanza or something else. Just by doing that, it could improve noise level and the cornering… and most importantly, wet and snow traction." — Charlie C., Aug. 29, 2003

"As a 17-year-old, I'm very happy that I was able to purchase a Sonata. I love the fact that people think the car is a Jaguar, and that I can beat all those Cavaliers racing between stoplights. And the best thing about the car is that I can still make my monthly payments and have a great car. Favorite features: I love the styling, which is reminiscent of an S-Type, X-Type and C-Class. The price/features ratio is excellent, as is the powertrain and stereo system. Suggested improvements: The only things I could think of are better cupholders and maybe some better interior materials. The cabin is a bit dark in the models equipped with the gray interior, so some brighter accents would be nice, too. Other than that, this is a great car." — Alvy, Aug. 1, 2003

"The V6 engine is great and has wonderful acceleration. It's smooth and quiet. The front and rear seats are very comfortable for long and short trips. This Hyundai is very beautiful. I always get comments and questions like: 'Is that a Mercedes?' or 'That car must have cost you an arm and a leg.' If you can find a car at this price with these features, buy it! Favorite features: V6 engine, wood grain trim, smooth ride, warranty, excellent stereo and speakers, great price! Suggested improvements: At least 200 ponies under the hood, retained accessory power." — KPlove, July 16, 2003

2003 Mazda 6

"Had the car for a month now, and love it! Handles beautifully, holds five adults and their luggage, gets up and goes when you need it to. Love the looks — this car turns heads! I wanted a sport sedan for less than the $35K I'd have had to spend for the BMW 3 Series, and Mazda provided one. As my husband and I are planning a family in the next year, we needed a safe car that can hold a stroller and all the other kid paraphernalia, but I refused to settle for a boring car. This car covers both the mommy aspect of my future and the 'heck, yes, I love driving' aspect! Favorite features: Handling is superb. Drives like a sports car. Squats in corners. Seats five adults very comfortably. Huge trunk. Looks really sporty. Going to get my first ever speeding ticket in this thing — you're driving 85 before you know it! Suggested improvements: Fuel efficiency is rough, but no worse than other V6s in its class. Could use a tad more off-the-line oomph. Turn the A/C on and off by pressing, rather than rotating, the dial." — JKP, Sept. 29, 2003

"I bought a Steel Gray Metallic beauty in June 2003. This car is very eye-catching and you don't see one at every single stoplight like Camry and Accord, so it's unique! My automatic 6 has a horrible throttle delay. I contacted my dealer and Mazda USA and both say that it's operating as designed. Fix the throttle lag and it will be perfect! Be sure to note the takeoffs from a dead stop when you test-drive an automatic! Favorite features: Steering wheel radio controls. No exterior antennae! Suggested improvements: Three problems — 1) Bad sulfur exhaust fumes, 2) Very bad front wheel brake dust, 3) Throttle lag with the automatic. I noticed a bad trend reading through other reviews. Everyone is complaining about meager low-end torque and throttle delays." — mazda6s_in_ky, Sept. 30, 2003

"What a great car! In 21 years I've only owned Nissans (my last, a '99 Altima GXE). I decided to try something new with the Mazda 6 (loaded V6 with sport package) after reading so many rave reviews about it. I travel 35 min. each way to work and actually look forward to getting in my car and driving. It's a nice-looking, zippy, nimble car. I only have 3,500 miles on it, but so far I would recommend the car to someone who is looking for a fun, quick vehicle that is roomy enough for a couple of kids (mine are 10 and 14 and no complaints about lack of space). I'm hoping I get the same reliability of my former Nissans. I'm also very curious to see how it handles in the snow. Favorite features: Very tight steering (I dealt with a lot of torque steer with my Nissans), Bose stereo, sleek exterior, dash setup, stereo controls on the steering column (very convenient), sunroof, quickness and agility! Suggested improvements: Improved climate control (front windows seem to fog a lot), softer leather (looks a little like vinyl), smoother gearshift (it makes these clicking sounds each time you shift), option for a smaller rear spoiler when you purchase the sport package." — Former Nissan Owner, Sept. 3, 2003

2004 Mitsubishi Galant

(None available)

2003 Nissan Altima

"I used to have to shut off the A/C on my 2001 Altima to accelerate onto I-4. Now I have to hold on tight, what smooth power! Doing 80 and getting 30 mpg is outrageous! What a car! Favorite features: The sound system is tight, the engine is tremendous!" — D. W., Oct. 1, 2003

"Beautiful vehicle. I purchased the Sheer Silver with every option except for the wood grain. The few things that I have added are a color-keyed grille and chroming of the original rims. In doing so, that made the vehicle for me! It rides semi smooth for the most part, but when the road gets bumpy, you'll know it. Fantastic handling and mileage! Interior quality is maybe just average. An annoying thump in the right front shock has been a problem though. Everything else has been great! Really will surprise you on how quick it is. Older MUSTANG 5.0s BEWARE! Favorite features: Overall performance is great for a family mobile. Fabulous Bose system! Surprising mileage. Lots of room and zoom! Just a darn good-looking car and for a good price. Suggested improvements: Vehicle seems to flex going up curbs on an angle suggesting that the car really isn't that solid. Add an auto opening moonroof, better interior materials, location for the heated seat switch, paint chips WAY too easily! 5-speed automatic! Turn signals in the side mirrors." — Batesville CSC 8078, May 18, 2003

"This is the first car that I have owned that I absolutely love!! My previous car was a Honda Civic and the Altima is a far superior car to the Civic. I commute in my car about one hour everyday. The seats are very comfortable and the controls on the steering wheel are a wonderful feature. It has a lot of headroom, my husband is 6'5" and he has more than enough room to sit comfortably in the car. I recommend the Altima to everyone I know. Favorite features: roominess of the cabin, steering wheel controls. Suggested improvements: None." — OURTOYS, July 2, 2003

2004 Suzuki Verona

"We have about 5,000 miles on the odo in town and highway, this car really comes into its own driving in town with the sunroof open and classic rock jamming on the CD player. Don't get me wrong, it is a good highway ride as well, but the smoothness and the ride give you a true big car feel in town. I have heard complaints about the horsepower and the softer ride of the Verona from some reviews that I have read. These are my thoughts after driving the car about the two issues: One, Suzuki has spread a small displacement engine over two more cyls in an I6, with the result of a wider torque curve. The wider torque curve and the I6 produce a smoother, less laboring feel to the powertrain. The ride is softer than Accord or Camry, but these cars are family cars not sport sedans, so if you want to rattle your families' teeth then by all means buy a stiff suspension. Anyway, this car feels solid and comfy, as close as you can get to the large American family car feel." — lil2032000, Nov. 22, 2003

"We have put 1,000 miles on this car city and highway. This car has a high-quality feel to it, the seating is comfortable and the ride is solid, soft but not too floaty. The interior is roomy and offers a classy look. My mother came over to visit us and drove the car for the first time last week. She and Dad bought a Town Car last year and found that the Verona had less suspension noise when driving over road bumps. The fit and finish on the interior is first rate and full of attention to detail. Favorite features: wood grain accents, driving lights, minor detail touches such as hooks on the floor to keep the floor mats from bunching under the brake and gas pedals, and overall quality feel. Suggested improvements: More aggresive advertising and ship more into the dealerships. Note: The reason for the lower reliability score is because there is no history on this car yet." — Chip D., Sept. 25, 2003

"I believe my wife and I have bought the first Verona in Indiana, and maybe in the United States. This car is freakin' awesome. We did compare it to several models elsewhere. This car is a shoe-in for the Nissan Altima look-alike, and for us, it was $5,000 less than the Altima with the same options. The look has a lot of style and luxury and was very impressive. It handles very nice, and even with only 155 hp, we found it to be plenty. This car has class and I'm very surprised it's not selling for upwards of $25-30,000. Good job, Suzuki!! Favorite features: Tucked leather heated seats, wood grain interior trim, alloy rims, our color of car 'Sapphire Grey,' and the nose of this car reminds me of a Lexus. Suggested improvements: Maybe just a little more horsepower. And for advertising; use a rock and roll song (like Chevrolet does)." — dave steele, Sept. 9, 2003

2004 Toyota Camry

"This car is charming. Every feature it has is perfect for a family sedan. The price to own one, with the quietness and power it has, leans over all competitors. Favorite features: The new 3.3-liter V6 engine is the same as that in the Lexus RX 330 and ES 330. Great engine, so powerful that zapping between traffic is easier. 0-60 is under 8 seconds. Suggested improvements: Better stereo, climate controls, windows auto up (only down) in SE V6. HID. Better seating (even the leather in SE is not as good as in XLE)." — Ohno Yuji, Sept. 30, 2003

"This vehicle replaced a 1992 Olds Cutlass, which was like going from a Volkswagen Beetle (older type) to a Porsche 911. The performance of this vehicle has been surprising considering its size and weight. As for fun-to-drive, the car will get you into trouble with law enforcement very quickly, so pay attention to the speedometer, as 100-plus mph is no strain at all for this car. The ride quality is as good as your living room couch…functional, yet it's responsive when needed. Long trips are easily handled with little or no fatigue. Favorite features: The drivetrain has to be one of the most enjoyable things about this vehicle. The V6 and 5-speed automatic are very responsive to driver input, and make the car feel sportier than it is. Suggested improvements: The only major issue so far has been the transmission's tendency to 'hunt and peck' during gear changes under moderate cornering loads. This is only a minor issue, and since we only have 3,700 miles on the odometer, we are still learning the car's 'habits.'" — neonman12, Aug. 27, 2003

2004 Volkswagen Passat

"After doing a ton of research, I decided on the Passat, both for value and for style. This car is extremely fun to drive. The blue anthracite with black leather is a great color combo. This is my first new car and I couldn't be happier. I feel like I'm driving a much more expensive car. It's so quiet inside with all the windows shut and the climate control running. The Passat is simply an awesome car. I highly recommend it. Favorite features: blue and red lights at night, climate control, auto-dimming mirror, radio controls on steering wheel, smooth acceleration, trip computer. Suggested improvements: fuel economy could be better, especially considering it's eating premium gas; not enough storage space inside for CDs and other goodies." — gadgetgirl, Aug. 23, 2003

"I have had the GLX for 5 months now; it is the best car out there for the money. I look forward to getting into it each morning; the design and performance are what would be expected in a $50,000 German sedan. All of the 'extra' features that are uncovered in the first few weeks make this car truly special. Favorite features: The design and interior layout/quality. It is as good as a 5 Series. Suggested improvements: A little bigger would be better — and faster too. (You can probably say that about most cars.) In its current state it truly is a great car." — whcatto, Aug. 30, 2003

"I have driven Hondas, Toyotas and a slew of different U.S. cars over the last few years without really having a 'favorite' that stuck out from the rest. I first test-drove a Passat because my son was working for the local VW shop and I felt compelled to support who was supporting him. I have never been more impressed with a car. Don't buy a sedan without checking out the Passat, you'll be sorry you did! I recommend test-driving a Passat right after driving another vehicle you're interested in so you can have them both fresh in your mind. The handling and steering alone will have you sold! VW does it right. Favorite features: By far what sets this vehicle apart from the competition is that every feature is well thought out and executed. I never find myself wishing for features, and I've been really surprised at the thoughtful goodies that are designed into this car that I would never have noticed on a test-drive. Suggested improvements: Better ads! I didn't even know they existed…. One thing I would suggest would be more options to choose from. I had to move up a trim level just for power seating (glad I did though!)." — macaddiict, March 29, 2003