If you want a nice, smooth ride from home to work everyday, CAMRY. If you want a sporty ride, I don't know. Really, I test-drove the '03 Accord and it rode nasty. I then test-drove the Impala and I didn't like that it had no history (with the new model). I then picked the Camry after a smooth ride. Easy.
Damn, wasn't expecting so many responses... I've been looking at more luxury sedans for my dad...like BMW 5 series, Benz, Audi A6, etc...so trying to switch gears and research my car, I feel kind of burned out...just thought I'd tap the wisdom of the BBS. I have thought about all of the cars that y'all have listed at least once. I really have no preference in terms of domestic/import...and the amazing amount of choices out there is just making my head spin. At least once you start getting up there in the price range, the selection kind of thins out... One thing that I do know is that I don't want a car that everyone and their dog will be driving. I think that pretty much rules out the family sedans like the Camry (I loved my 96 camry, don't get me wrong, but nowadays you can't go anywhere without seeing 20 on the road driving in an entourage...). I would like a little uniqueness to the ride. I will probably start test-driving next week...and probably start researching again starting tomorrow. Thanks again.
My Mom just bought a Toyota Solara. It is pretty smooth and quiet and in your price range picture http://www.toyota.com/solara/index.html
An '07 Civic EX with navigation. Loaded, for about $21,250. 30mpg in town and 40mpg on the highway. Will go well over 100,000 mile without doing more than oil changes and replacing the tires... typical minor maintenance. Very forgiving. You really have to be brutal to these cars to screw them up. I've had several Hondas, and they just keep on going. What I like about this model is that they've finally got some style. Check them out, and good kuck with your search!
The new CR-V's look fantastic! Completely different from the old, clunky ones. My wife is looking for something new to commute to the Capitol and back from SW Austin, that can zip through the traffic and be easy to park, but with all the goodies (except leather, which I wish was an option) and wants the Civic EX w/nav. I showed her the new CR-V and she said, "Maybe we should consider trading in the Odyssey!" Very, very nice SUV, with good mileage for those things... 23/30.
Yeah, I first saw the commercial last week and decided then and there that it was going to be my next vehicle.
While I think Toyota's tax kickbacks may be over (e.g. Prius) the Civic Hybrid would still get a juicy one I would think. I would get a stick--especially for like a 4 cly Accord or Camry or anything even slightly underpowered, even if you don't have much experience with it. You will get it down in 2 weeks. Best bets for what you want -Civic Hybrid or EX -Prius -Acura TSX -Accord -Camry others you might want to consider -Altima -Mazda 3 -Ford Focus Sorry VW/Audi drive great, but since their merger their reliability history for most models range from average (at best) to aweful, parts and repairs are expensive/quirky, and the exchange rates have inflated their price. If I were going European I'd go with the 3 series, and I don't think you can get one under 30K. It may also be inflated, but resale will be excellent/inflated as well.
Just for the record, Toyota Prius gets on average 48mpg (www.greenhybrid.com), if you live in places with warm climate, it should be even better. I can actually beat EPA figure (60 local, 51 highway) while driving within limits. You can get a Prius for anywhere between $21K and $28K, the tax credit is still in effect although the amount has been decreased ($1500 credit). Finally it is a midsize car, not a compact as it looks.
