Best Family Car, VOTE! (Mazda3: Best Compact)

  • Thread starter Thread starter YSSMAN
  • 56 comments
  • 2,550 views

VOTE for Best Family Car!

  • Total voters
    40
  • Poll closed .
Scaff, (new) magazines in Israel state than the Accord is among the top sedans in Israel, with only a bit of feedback missing.


The Mondeo was always a decent handler. In a comparison back in 2001 (I keep going back to that time because it's the only one where I have magazines from) between a Mondeo, Passat, Opel Astra and Citroen C5, the Mondeo was the best handler. The C5 won, for this reason: "If Israel had smooth european roads, the Mondeo, with it's superb handling-dynamics, would've won this comparison easilly. However, this is Israel, and the roads are bumpy, and the C5s hydraulic suspension offers much more comfort while still keeping above-average driving-dynamics - which were still better than those of the Astra or Passat".

Though I found the first-gen Focus Sedan better-looking than the matching generation of Mondeos, I find the newer Mondeos better than the Focuses.

Newest Focus sold here:
ford_focus_tdci_front.jpg


Newest Mondeo we get:
mondeo.jpg


Can't wait to get that beauty YSSMAN shows...
 
I would have said that the S-Class was distinct luxury, the E-Class is more favoured by families.
 
It's still an Executive car, Danny... The C-Class is closer to family-based.
 
I'll bow to peer pressure and change my vote.


^^^
 
G.T
I show you this to guide you on what IS a family car... :D
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If anyone tries to tell me that for whatever reason, the 300C doesn't fit into the catagory, it will rain blood.

By the by, thanks for the link +Rep.
 
I've found most of GTP is biased towards Honda and/or Japanese cars... I went for the Mondeo because it's just better. Great handling, excellent usage of space, not too expensive, very durable and a great all-around car... even if you get the crummy 1.8 litre version
 
Scaff
The last truly descent Accord we got in Europe was the Type-R, since they dropped that the range has simply been one of competence, but without standing out in any single way. Cars like the Alfa stand out in terms of the sheer dribble factor, the Mondeo handles like nothing else in this class, the Vectra is outstanding by virtue of being rubbish (but keep trying Vauxhall at least its better than the last one - just still far worse than all its competitors), etc.
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I think our TSX is based on the Type-R, as it does come standard with the 200 BHP K-series I4, as well with the summer-only tire options, sport suspensions, etc. Its a pretty nice car, and I know if I had the money (and VW didn't build the GLI), I would consider one.

...Although the Vectra is good at being a normal car. I'd take it over a Camry any day, as our Saturn not only looks better and performs better (in XR trim), but is also cheaper as well. The Morocco leather option and the LY7 V6 (252 BHP) are perfect on a $27K family sedan. Otherwise, I'm waiting to see what they do with the XE now that the I4 will be an option. With 160-170 BHP (they haven't said for certain) and the six-speed automatic, it should be an even better option to the current XE V6 (224 BHP) with the 4-speed automatic.
 
God those wagons are so ugly, there are a bunch running around here with M plates on them. I don't think they are sold in the US though.
 
ExigeExcel
Nope, by YSSMAN's rules you made a blanket nomination for the 300C, including all engines, trim levels and body styles! That includes the hearse!
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Oh you're just being awkward.
The 300C saloon (sedan ;)) is a perfect full size car.

The S80 looks like your grandad, the 300C looks like it would mug your grandad.
 
Scaff
The Euro Accord is an exercise in competent blandness, you officially have to paint your whole family grey before you can drive it.

Scaff
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Uh, Accord? Are you sure we are talking about the same car? In America, the American Accord is talked about as a fun, sporting car. And it is a complete boat compared to the TSX. What is the Mondeo, an Elise? I've driven a Contour, and it was fun, but still. You talk about it like it is a Camry.
 
Perhaps they changed the chassis tuning over there to lower the bottom line, Toronado.
 
I think grouping the EU and US Honda Accord is actually not correct. It is clear that the Euro Accord and North American Accord are two different animals-with Europe winning. The only Accord in NA that is worth anything are the V6 6spd ones--and those are brilliantly fun to drive even for an FF--every single other model is boring and overpriced. The TSX however is brilliant in my opinion, and the fact that Europe has it as the Accord makes me a bit jealous. The Accord (NA) is also slightly larger than the Accord (EU) incase anyone doesn't know.
 
Toronado
Uh, Accord? Are you sure we are talking about the same car? In America, the American Accord is talked about as a fun, sporting car. And it is a complete boat compared to the TSX. What is the Mondeo, an Elise? I've driven a Contour, and it was fun, but still. You talk about it like it is a Camry.
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Well I am talking directly about the Euro Accord, and having a good deal of experience driving them and more with the Mondeo (driven every version yet produced and had one as a company car) I feel in a position to compare the two. So I base my comments squarely on that, as I say the Accord does not do anything wrong and is a competent, but dull car (with some nice alloys). The Mondeo is not exactly the best looking car in the world (ST trim aside), but it does excel in almost every other department, and fine handling as the Accord is (particularly in the current generation) its certainly no match for the Mondeo.

Is it Elise like, no of course not (but I take that comment in the manner intended), but for a FWD car of its size the Mondeo is easily the pick of the class.


Regards

Scaff
 
JCE3000GT
I think grouping the EU and US Honda Accord is actually not correct. It is clear that the Euro Accord and North American Accord are two different animals-with Europe winning. The only Accord in NA that is worth anything are the V6 6spd ones--and those are brilliantly fun to drive even for an FF--every single other model is boring and overpriced. The TSX however is brilliant in my opinion, and the fact that Europe has it as the Accord makes me a bit jealous. The Accord (NA) is also slightly larger than the Accord (EU) incase anyone doesn't know.
Click to expand...

I kinda felt that it would be too odd having the Accord US and Accord EU separate, despite the fact that we in America have both cars... And indeed, the cars are semi-related, but obviously are distant cousins at best.

I dunno. It just would have been odd having the two different from another. But it if is a problem with a lot of people, I can split that for the final vote round while we nominate the larger cars...
 
Y'know, I voted the Accord without really looking, because the Mazda6 isn't in here... should've thought more about the Mondeo... whoops... :lol:

But I do feel the current Accord, though rather boring in spec, is a very competent car... gorgeous steering (for a Honda)... great pace (in V6)... and acceptable dynamics (obviously not as good as Ford/Mazda, being a generation behind, but surprisingly good).
 
Mondeo of course.

The only good Vectra is those being thrashed by Giovanardi and Chilton on Sundays, Accord's are so boring you wonder if it really is from the same company that gave us the ITR (no, fake carbon fibre in the interior does not make it interesting....), 159's are gorgeous but Scaff already pointed out what you have to pay for those looks (I have an 70's Alfa, there's no way I'm going for a modern one anytime soon), S60 is sharp but not as good as the Mondeo and I don't know about the rest....

:)
 

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