What's the most underrated car?

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon) 10/28/2015 at 12:04 • Filed to: None

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Since starting my search for the perfect used car, I’ve noticed something. There are lots of really good cars that no one seems to acknowledge even exist. For example, the previous generation Fusion, either the SEL with the V6 or especially the Sport with the big 3.5L, are far better driving cars than they have any right to be. This is sort of compounded by the fact they cars we hail as awesome and perfect when they’re new are rolling, or in some cases non-rolling, money pits. Almost any late model BMW or Audi for example.

So categorically, what else flies under the radar but should be considered by the well-educated Jalop?

Try to break down your choices by body style or function. Sedans, sports cars, trucks, hatchbacks, etc.

Party-vi > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:08

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That Fusion is fantastic looking, and they’re quick with the V6 under the hood. Too bad the interiors are the terrible 2000s Ford interiors. Blech.

EL_ULY > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:11

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Sooo many, where do I begin? But wait, the younger peeps here will just shoot down all my choices with the typical labels and say things like “only ___ people drive those” In that case...

jjhats > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:12

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.

HammerheadFistpunch > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:12

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the fusion is NOT underrated. I would struggle to call it rated.

EDIT: I guess I should provide more context. We have them as fleet cars here at work and sometimes I choose to take the train instead. The seats are miserable, the transmission is manic and the throttle calibrations are wacky. Also, the visibility is hilarious, it torque steers like mad and its not particularly quiet, or economical. A fusion is under rated as a shade tree.

duurtlang > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:15

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Reliable, dirt cheap, comfortable, spacious, good to drive, good looking for what it is (family car introduced in the mid 90s).

Twism > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:15

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It’s not fast by any mean, but it has 400 pound-feet of torque... It can easily pass traffic at a light, and I have it on good authority it can do a mean burnout.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:16

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Previous gen Colorado with a 5.3 v8.

My citroen won't start > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:17

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It may have been overpriced, smaller and less practical than it’s competitors, but I’m yet to drive a middle sized SUV thing that drives like this thing drives.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:18

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Hyundai Elantra Wagon. Damn near unkillable, cheap, the rear seats fold completely flat, and there’s so much more space in it than that footprint should have.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:18

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If you like the Fusion, also be sure to check out the Mazda 6 of the same year. At that point they still shared a lot of mechanicals, but in my opinion, the Mazda has a nicer interior.

[FULL DISCLOSURE]: a 2011 Mazda 6 is my other car, so I may have a bit of bias.

JR1 > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:19

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I love the look of the Lincoln MKZ and their pano sunroof is so freaking cool.

Looking more at the used market I think there is something to be said about the Cadillac STS N* V8. Raider guided cruise, heads up display, 320hp, tuned at the Ring, and you can get for for 10k or less all day long.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:23

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something-clever-here got the V8 Colorado, that’s a good one a lot of people forget about. Little truck with a big V8.

If you don’t mind torque steer, the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and GXP. The GTP had the darling 3800 supercharged V6 and the GXP the more potent LS4 5.3L V8 (LS4 was a special FWD LS motor).

Acura TL with a 6 speed - it’s a hard to find combo but they are good drivers. Sadly I don’t think you could get the TL-S with a stick.

Cobalt SS and HHR SS - if you can get past the shitty build quality they haul lots of ass for cheap and respond well to mods.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:23

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Sticking with relatively recent examples-

Sedan: Legacy 3.6R.

Sports Car: No clue. Pre-traction control Viper maybe? In that not many people “get” it?

Truck: Last-gen Colorado/Canyon.

SUV: Trailblazer. Especially in SS trim.

Hatchback: Mirage. For no other reason than it’s cheap and all you really need. Also, sleeper build? It’s cheap enough.

Wagon: 2006 Malibu Maxx SS. Come to think of it, the regular SS is pretty strong contender in the sedan class imo.

Crossover: AIDS.

Rico > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:24

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This is used as a cop here.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Twism 10/28/2015 at 12:25

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400!!!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How much power, then? Probably a low centre of gravity, too, with the batteries. New respect from this guy.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/28/2015 at 12:27

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The way most of these things are driven, I get the feeling that the reason they are unkillable is because they're already dead.

DanimalHouse > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:27

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Because Zoom-Zoom.

But really, the 2nd-gen Mazda5 is a sweet vehicle. First, look how happy it is! Cute widdle Mazda! Second, it’s essentially a more practical version of the Mazda3 hatch. Still gets close to 30mpg, can fit 6 people, is pretty decent to drive even on twisty roads, double sliding doors for families with kids or DINK roadtrips.

I’m going to buy one this week. Slight bias.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/28/2015 at 12:28

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Oh, trust me. I tried to kill mine. Couldn’t be done. I scrapped it because it wasn’t worth trying to find a buyer. It’s still on the road.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:29

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The above car with a Mercury label.

You get the SEL options on the base level Mercury with the V6. Comes in price wise less than the SEL Fusion V6 because no one remembers about the Milan.

I’m about to join the 100k club in my 07 Milan V6 and the only thing other brake pads and rotors/tires/wipers I’ve done to it is replaced 1 brake caliper. Solid car, incredibly ignored, and enough HP that I can push the “TCS OFF” button and rip my front tires for 1-200 feet.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Future next gen S2000 owner 10/28/2015 at 12:30

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5.3 isn’t underrated though (I should know)...

It's the Colorado as a whole that's underrated. It's a really solid truck underneath that was let down at the last minute (interior) by the accountants. As far as doing truck stuff, the frame is the toughest in the segment. The engines (after the change from 2.8/3.5 to 2.9/3.7) are solid. It handles nicely. Fuck you, accountants.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > HammerheadFistpunch 10/28/2015 at 12:30

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Gotta get the Milan or MKZ is the problem. Better seats. Better materials. Better quiet.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > EL_ULY 10/28/2015 at 12:32

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Camry LE V6 is a mighty fine automobile. My only grippe is steering feel(seems to be worst in Toyotas than other brands) But that would not stop me from buying one.

I hate that they gave up the V6 option in base trim now. The latest redesign I’m not crazy for but I would not be hesitate to drive a last gen V6 model.

I find it to be a rather decent looking midsizer that would be pretty much trouble free for ever. Reliable transportation at it’s finest right there.

The others may not see it now. But once you reach our age, you know married and perhaps a few kids. A quiet reliable comfortable commute is far more important in a daily driver than corner carving abilities.

HammerheadFistpunch > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 10/28/2015 at 12:33

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I suppose the base foundations of the car are there, but in the fusion they are certainly well hidden.

Twism > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/28/2015 at 12:34

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140 horsepower.

and it wants to tip over, thanks to its spongy suspension.

It could probably be modified to be more agile with a set of shocks though.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Twism 10/28/2015 at 12:35

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327lf/ft.

0-60 in 7.2 seconds. I'd call that pretty quick for the segment. Well, well, a Spark I might want to own.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Twism 10/28/2015 at 12:36

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That's close to double the gasser's power. A few suspension tweaks, I suddenly want one.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. 10/28/2015 at 12:37

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Is your mazda 6 a V6? When those came out that is literally the car I lusted after. I wanted reliable everyday sedan that would go unnoticed by the authorities. I did not have the funds at the time but I still remember it like yesterday dreaming of getting one of those.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/28/2015 at 12:39

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That is kinda my point. As a whole the Colorado/Canyon are under appreciated and the fact that you can get one with a V8 is a bit of a hidden gem. It will be the subject of a “Bet you didn’t know they made one of these” in the future.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/28/2015 at 12:41

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Since you commented on the sytling... Toyota CAR noses (and I include the RAV4 in car) are a huge turnoff to me. It’s like they never bothered, or they’re so overstyled Batman would be embarrassed. But then that makes sense, because you rarely get to see the front. You’re always stuck in the left lane, staring at the back.

As far as the car as a whole goes, yeah, ok. After all Toyota's always been good at making appliances...

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > HammerheadFistpunch 10/28/2015 at 12:41

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Hahaha.

My Milan has been pretty great. There are times where it could be quiter or more luxurious or shift smoother....and there are times where I remember the only actual repair I’ve done to the car in nearly 55,000 miles is 1 brake caliper and I only paid like 11k for it 3 years ago (was only a 5 year old car at the time)

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/28/2015 at 12:43

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On the HHRSS (hearse), look out for front end components randomly wearing out. Other than that, awesome. And with that different grille, also by FAR the best looking HHR.

EL_ULY > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/28/2015 at 12:44

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Oh I agree, my brother has a 13 XLE V6 in red. That thing is rad! I don’t mind the steering feel actually. Besides that, it well outperformed any car I’ve ever owned. Solid as a rock and he and his wife and 2 boys love it. Decent boot, seats are great, navigation is very easy to use. I did a 4500K Xenon conversion to it last weekend. He bought the car so there is no doubt it will be in his family for a long time.

Alfalfa > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:45

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I often feel like the Volvo 850 glt is overlooked in favor of the R. It is just shy of 200 hp and torque, but with a much lower power band that makes city driving a lot more fun than in the R.

yonse > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:52

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In 2008 when I bought my V6 Toyota Rav4 it had the best acceleration of any SUV in my price range (I couldn’t justify a Porsche Cayenne at the time). While not nearly as fast as any true sports car I have surprised more than a few drivers with how quickly I can get to highway speeds with it.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/28/2015 at 12:55

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Mine is the 4. Still plenty of get up and go for a small engine in a car that size though.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:56

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Duh, it's obviously a brown e30 diesel wagon Miata, but only if it's usually broken, because that adds character or something.

Twism > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/28/2015 at 12:58

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yes indeed, that’s Fiesta ST territory.

Range is an issue, but it would still be a pretty sweet daily

Sweet Trav > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:58

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I had a 2.5l 2014 Fusion and it was nice. the most comfortable seats i have ever been in, and was lots of fun to drive, the 2.5l liked to rev.

I'd argue that the Taurus SHO is underrated. 5.1 seconds to 60, 13.7 in the quarter mile. Around a track its not bad either. Most people over look them because they are auto only, 4400lb boats.

911e46z06 > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 12:59

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Magnum

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 10/28/2015 at 13:01

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What’s wrong with the nose on this?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/28/2015 at 13:04

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It does literally nothing for me. It bores me. Personal opinion.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 13:05

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Scion XB!!! The first generation especially.

Comfortable, beyond room, good gas mileage, and reliable,

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > EL_ULY 10/28/2015 at 13:08

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I keep telling myself I should of got the camry instead of my Fusion. The Fusion has been flawless and handles beautifully but the 1.6L Turbo leaves something to be desired. A Camry V6 would be a little more exciting on my boring commute.

A midsized sedan is literally the perfect appliance.It does everything you expect from it with little to no fuss. All I know is my next appliance will have a V6.

Andrew > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 10/28/2015 at 13:12

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Best comment yet

EL_ULY > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/28/2015 at 13:46

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V6 appliance is the Best kind of appliance! All day sir. I had a rental Ford Edge Eco-Boost and loved that motor so much. It was an Eco-boost but I don’t think it was a 1.6L right?

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > EL_ULY 10/28/2015 at 13:51

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Edge ecoboost would be a 2.7L TT V6 which should be great. The 1.6 before the Turbo kicks in is ridiculously slow.

EL_ULY > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/28/2015 at 13:56

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Oh ok, that’s the 2.7 in the base F-150.

Nick > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 14:14

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this is my exact car, except its missing the hybrid badges. we bought it used and its a great car.

shop-teacher > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 10/28/2015 at 14:15

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The worst 500 miles I’ve ever driven were behind the wheel of a 2010 Camry rental. It was unbelievably uncomfortable. My back hurt after 40 miles. After 80 miles I stopped and bought a gel cushion for my butt and a pillow for my back, just to make it tolerable. We were on a 2000 mile road trip, but I stopped 1/4 of the way in to trade that car for ... anything else. You’ve never seen somebody so happy to climb behind the wheel of a W-body rental Impala.

shop-teacher > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 14:23

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Regular cab first gen Colorado’s are incredibly roomy. Unlike regular cab S-10’s, Rangers, and Tacomas, which are tiny little torture devices for anybody with a large stature. The regular cab Colorado I actually had to pull my seat UP a click so I could get the clutch in all the way. These were the perfect size for a small truck.

Manic Otti > Party-vi 10/28/2015 at 14:44

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Weird. I’ve always liked Ford but loathed anything GM interior-wise.

Manic Otti > JR1 10/28/2015 at 14:47

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I like those too. They look better in person.

Manic Otti > Nick 10/28/2015 at 14:50

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I actually like this gen and think they look great with the grille body-matched. But I see way more newer ones. I like the newer Fusion, but I don’t love the tail lights.

Nick > Manic Otti 10/28/2015 at 14:57

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yeah, the gillette razor grille isn’t a good thing. if i could find a paint matching one for not too much, i would replace it.

Garrett Davis > HammerheadFistpunch 10/28/2015 at 17:24

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Fleet model seats =/= consumer model seats. The new one especially is actually pretty damn nice to drive.

HammerheadFistpunch > Garrett Davis 10/28/2015 at 17:25

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They weren’t fleet model, they were bought off the lot.

Garrett Davis > HammerheadFistpunch 10/28/2015 at 17:28

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Oh interesting. I haven’t driven that generation, but have ridden in one. I didn’t notice anything bad about it at the time. I have driven the new one though, and it’s very comfortable — barring a bit of a tighter “driver tunnel” than I would like, but then again I’ve got some long legs.

Manic Otti > Nick 10/28/2015 at 17:34

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Maybe you could find one in a wrecking yard and have it painted.

Nick > Manic Otti 10/28/2015 at 17:36

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yeah, but mine is the “tuxedo black” which means it’s sparkly. that would be a pain to match.

Manic Otti > Nick 10/28/2015 at 18:09

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A good body shop could do it. Take the paint code to the shop you have it done at and they could probably get it close enough. I didn’t say it would be cheap, just doable.

Nick > Manic Otti 10/28/2015 at 18:09

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yeahhhhhh, that’s not gonna happen. the boss won’t let me throw that kind of money at the car for something purely cosmetic.

Manic Otti > Nick 10/28/2015 at 18:23

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Time to look for a new job! J.K. : )

Nick > Manic Otti 10/28/2015 at 18:27

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oh beleive me, i couldn’t find another job that pays $40k with benefits to browse Kinja for more than 50% of the day.

Manic Otti > Nick 10/28/2015 at 18:41

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I thought you were talking about your wife...

Nobi > Snuze: Needs another Swede 10/28/2015 at 20:50

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Rare as hen’s teeth, but the TL-S was available with a stick option.

Nobi > Chairman Kaga 10/28/2015 at 20:52

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Any car (current gen Odyssey included) with Hinda’s 3.5/3.7 V6. Even more so with that sweet 6-speed stick behind it.