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Family values: family sedans: we test variations on a common automotive theme.(Buyers Guide)
An infusion of new and redesigned vehicles has helped make the family sedan segment a wide-ranging one. Consumers have many options in terms of price, size, fuel economy, and power. As a result, this month's group comprises affordable sedans, larger sedans, and premium, more expensive sedans.
The affordable sedans, those in the low $20,000 price range, include the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, and the redesigned Hyundai Sonata with four- or six-cylinder engines. Larger sedans such as the new Dodge Charger, Volkswagen Passat, and the freshened Chevrolet Impala are endowed with more powerful engines.
For this test we gathered four- and six-cylinder versions of the Fusion/Milan, Sonata, and Passat. We purchased both six- and eight-cylinder versions of the Charger. We tested the V6 Impala. The Impala also comes with a V8, which was tested in the closely related Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS coupe. (The Monte Carlo report is available free of cost at www.ConsumerReports.org.)
The 2006 Passat is tasked with regaining the top rank in our family sedans category. The new Passat is roomier with more powerful engines and improved fuel economy. At around $27,000, the turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0T Passat is quick and fuel efficient, but hesitates during initial acceleration. The $33,000, 3.6-liter V6 Passat is very powerful and has a luxurious interior. The V6's transmission isn't ideally tuned, as it sometimes hesitates and bangs into gear.
Both versions are fairly agile, and have excellent fit and finish and very good ride comfort. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash-test results are impressive. Reliability remains to be seen.
Ford has replaced its Taurus/Mercury Sable twins with four vehicles: the larger Ford Five Hundred/Mercury Montego twins and the smaller Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan, which are based on the Mazda6. The Fusion and Milan are agile and sporty, with a taut suspension that delivers a pleasurable driving experience. Interior room is generous in both cars.
The V6 in our $26,000 Fusion was quicker and more refined than the four-cylinder, $20,000 Milan. Despite a wide turning circle, both cars are very well-rounded sedans. IIHS crash-test results and reliability are not yet known.
- Power is a pleasure in Monte Carlo SS
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Sun-Times Dan Jedlicka May 5, 1986 700+ words
...things such as good fuel economy. The Monte Carlo SS stickers at...the other hand, Monte Carlo SS owners probably...where estimated fuel economy is a more respectable 25 m.p.g. The Monte Carlo SS is quiet and free...
- Monte Carlo honors muscle cars of yore.(E)(Auto Weekend)
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...said that, the Monte Carlo SS represents an...corporate-average-fuel-economy regulations, runaway...Redesigned for 2000, Monte Carlo's strongest suit...performance, its fuel economy is still quite acceptable. To Monte Carlo's credit, its...
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- Press release article from: PR Newswire February 9, 2000 700+ words
...Car Replica. "The Monte Carlo name means great performance...by its SS insignias, Monte Carlo High Sport has the power...impressive EPA- estimated fuel economy, with ratings of 20...composite of 26). Monte Carlo High Sport features...
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- Press release article from: PR Newswire April 12, 1999 700+ words
...design of the new 2000 Monte Carlo production car. One...similar to the Chevy Monte Carlo production car. For...as these help improve fuel economy and road stability of...stock car' racing. "Monte Carlo has always been an important...
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- Newspaper article from: The Washington Times Heaps, Russ June 12, 1998 700+ words
...arguments that the current Monte Carlo is more sophisticated...this coupe. The '98 Monte Carlo Chevrolet delivered...about 10 percent in fuel economy over the 3.4L. The...standard on the uplevel Monte Carlo. It's roomy up front...
- Monster in Monte Carlo: 2005 Ducati S2R.(RIDDEN & RATED)
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...wouldn't venture to Monte Carlo for such an expensive...the Mediterranean, Monte Carlo is a privileged, prestigious...intimidating power, better fuel economy, simplified maintenance...arrived at the posh Monte Carlo Beach Hotel, headquarters...
