The problem with the sport sedans is that they have tighter cockpits. The seats are narrower and they have side support to satisfy the automotive journalists that test them on the track.
I want a flat seat. The Impala seat was flat and boring. I could adjust my position from side to side. I wasn't forced to sit in the same position for hours and hours.
I've done the same trip with the V6 Honda Accord and its not nearly as comfortable as the Impala. I am pretty sure the CTS would be the same way.
I recall GM Vice-Chairman & Product Development honcho Bob Lutz commenting on the current Toyota Camry (CNBC interview). His words were quite complimentary, bordering (I thought) on envy and jealousy that GM had not designed the Camry. Definitely worth checking out.
GM need more people like you to test drive there cars and then they will realize GM's cars and trucks are as good or better then the competition.
Quote:
Originally Posted by altenguy
I had to do a road trip on the weekend. I am tired of driving the Matrix and my truck would have taken $250 for fuel and the rental car place had a great deal on weekend cars, so I rented one.
I thought I was going to get a Nissan Altima, but when I went to pick it up, the only thing they had left was the Impala. I wasn't thrilled about that, but I took it anyway. I haven't driven a GM product in a long time, maybe 8 years or so.
I was really impressed with the Impala ! The ride was great. It was very quiet. I liked the interior. The stereo was great for a rental car and the seating was excellent. It was the best road car I have driven in a long time. Too bad the exterior is so ugly and uninspired.
The Impala had a console shifter. I was concerned with the knee area on the CTS. I am going to measure the Impala and see how it compares to the CTS.
I was wavering at buying a CTS but after the great experience I had with the Impala, I am going to give it more consideration.
My grandfather has an '06 Impala SS and I like that car alot. Lots of room, comfortable, ergonomic interior, and with the SS model plenty of power. However, the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS are on a whole different level when it comes to comfort.
I work around both cars on a daily basis, and to be honest I prefer the Lucerne CXS. A fully loaded example costs around $40k, but you get a fully loaded car for $5k less than a similar DTS. It's just as comfortable, very good looking, and has all the goodies a person could want. Would I buy it over a DTS? Most likely not, because the DTS has a better ride and the interior is much nicer. DTS reminds me of my Seville: large, comfortable seats, FWD platform, similar performance, and very comfortable ride. The Northstar is great in the Performance Sedan, as is the Magnetic suspension. While the CTS is a better looking car, I prefer the ride and interior room of the DTS. Plus, there are many great deals to find on DTS right now.
I hope that helps a little bit, and good luck finding your new car!
Good luck with the car search! To be honest Buick has some fantastic cars that seem like they might fit you being a tad nicer inside than an Impala but having the same size etc. A DTS is a land yacht, absolutly wonderful car in every way. They are good looking, powerful, comfortable even somewhat economical but they are huge cars.
An E350 is a great car! not much bad one could say about it. Wonderful car!
Dont waste your time with the Camry, the only reason to buy one would be reliability and Toyota quality isnt what it use to be!
A Chrysler 300 is a great, good sized car. Not to mention the fact they are such a fine looking car and drive like the old E class due to sharing components.
My wife's car is an 07 Toyota Avalon "limited"... This car might just fit the bill for you!... 268 hp, runs on regular, delivers 30 mpg cruising at 72 mph, filled with gagets (Including heated/ventilated seats!)
