Inside Line's Future Long-Termers

No chance of getting a Tesla?

How about a MiniE?

2009 Mazda 6

! It better be loaded to the gills though, I want to hear about the crappy Navi it has.

2009 Hyundai Genesis

! Fully loaded? V8? I know you guys are in favor of the V6 but I want to hear more about the V8.

2009 Infiniti FX50

OMG hideous

2009 Honda Fit

Why, you guys just had one in, the 09 is just a midlife cycle update.

2009 Kia Borrego

Not a fan of the styling but the build seems really nice, I'd like this one to be the V8 too.

2009 BMW M3 Sedan

Alright..

I like the:
Mazda6
Hyundai Genesis
Honda FIt

But, You should consider:

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Nissan Murano
Toyota Venza
Ford Fusion Hybrid (When Available)
Acura TL (Despite the Fugliness)
Ford F-150 (Best Rated New Truck)
Pontiac Vibe

Consider the Economy

Seems pretty awesome to me. I agree with adavis2493 that a Chevy Tahoe Hybrid or Ford Fusion hybrid would be good, and I like the idea of the Acura TL. Actually, I like all of the cars he mentioned. Maybe the new Mustang too?

I would ditch the Borrego (the Genesis will quickly get across the quality of where Hyundai/Kia is right now already) and the FX50, as it seems pretty pointless to me.

If you're going to get the Challenger R/T and the Camaro (hopefully SS), why not get a 2010 Mustang GT to have a year long head to head comparo?

How about something Swedish? Maybe the new Volvo XC60 or the new S80? The new AWD Saabs?

No thx on the TL, but I would want to see a Ford Festiva, F-150.. & Fusion Hybrid, The Murano is insanely hideous..

That list is OMFG!
Really looking forward to M3 sedan. Also, you guys should get a porsche 911, a 3 series diesel and maybe ford fiesta!

All look good especially the M3. I totally disagree with the Honda Fit though. Come on! You just had one and Honda doesn't make huge changes a year later. Do something different please!

Oh, a sport compact (more affordable than STI & Evo) would be nice. Maybe a Cobalt SS, or a WRX sedan, or even a Mazda Speed 3? Just a thought

I'm interested on how you'll find the new Fit in comparison to the old one.

The M3 sedan will be nice but why don't you try getting a 335d?

The Genesis is of particular interest to me as I anticipate getting one.

I know you guys will get a Cube if available. You guys fell in love with it at first sight.

I feel I must say, while a used 911 would be awesome, an NSX would be just as great.

i think you guys should throw in a toyota corolla or mazda3.

I'm especially interested in seeing what you say about the Camaro and the new Z, as I'll probably end up with one of them. As for the M3 sedan, I'm just jealous there!

1) 2009 Mazda 6 - Should be interesting.

2) 2009 Infiniti FX50 - Hideous and overpriced.

3) 2009 BMW M3 Sedan - Should be interesting to see how it stacks up against the oldie.

4) 2009 Hyundai Genesis - We know you like it and its pretty safe to say it'll be reliable. Not needed.

5) 2009 Kia Borrego - Again, not needed. Reliability is not in question. Not gonna be an exciting car either.

6) 2009 Honda Fit - You just had one. While this is an all new version, it'll be a similar experience. How about a Suzuki instead?

A new Z should be interesting, as I'm sure it'll be jam packed with problems. The Camaro as well to see how reliable it is. Also, its weird that you have never had a Corvette...

As for a used gem... a 911 would be interesting. i'd also like to see a Maserati. NSX is a good idea, as well. Or how about an E55 AMG w/ the Supercharged V8. Potential problems lie within all those fine examples of automotive joy.

I would love to see some sort of older 911. Perhaps something that cost similar to what the Ferrari cost. It would be interesting to see what the repair bills are, if they are all similar in performance, etc. I would love to have 911 someday, perhaps in the 20-25k range, and it'd be interesting to see if such a car is livable on a daily basis.

Good overall choices. I am particularly looking forward to the Nissan Cube.

I think the M3 and Fit are a bit of a waste, because we are already/just finished hearing about them. I KNOW they're different models....even so I can't help but think that we're going to get a lot of repetition.

That being said, Honda doesn't seem to have much new on the horizon so maybe getting a Fit was a necessary evil to keep some Honda in the mix.

All good choices, and plenty of middle-class cars for regular people.

I wouldn't mind seeing a few more econoboxes to compare against the Focus you have now. Maybe a Hyundai Accent. Base model, radio and A/C only. it would be amusing to have the cheapest Hyundai in the fleet at the same time as the most luxurious Genesis. A study in contrast.

Or how about a new Mazda3? I know it's not an all new platform and you had a Mazda3 wagon a couple years ago (right?), but an update to the consistent winner of "best compact car" deserves a test as much as yet another 3-series, don't you think?

Also would love to see a new Jaguar XF. That's definitely a significant new model as the entire brand hangs in the balance with it.

Finally, I suggest a Hummer H3T Alpha. It is the most "practical" Hummer yet. And I'd love to see it in some of the places you took your Wrangler and FJ Cruiser. And, come on, what better vehicle to replace the Smart? You definitely deserve a reward for putting up with that POS for so long! ;)

As for the "used classic", I agree an older 911 would be interesting, but how about going even cheaper and getting a C4 Corvette? Instead of $30K as the target price, shoot for $15K.

Borrego and FX50 are "whatever" - waste of time and money IMO; the rest are fine.
I would like to see new, relevant products being reviewd. Few I would put on the list:
1. Mazda3 (new)
2. Forester 2.5X
3. Kia Soul
4. Nissan Cube
6. Audi Q5
7. Volvo XC60

I'm really looking forward to seeing more reports about the North American Ford Fiesta 5-door hatch. BTW, Ford has a Fiesta mini-site with few details. It will come to North America with the 1.6L I4 engine and PowerShift transmission (6-speed dual clutch) and lots of nice features. I hope you guys keep an eye on this car as it seems to be a great one if it makes it here intact.

1) 2009 Mazda 6- good choice, especially with the Accord on the way out.

2) 2009 Infiniti FX50- totally pointless. even the FX35 would be better, but even that is a stretch. pick another SUV with a little more use in today's economy, like the VW Tiguan or Nissan Murano.

3) 2009 BMW M3 Sedan- pointless again...you guys already have the 135i, the 2002 M3, the GT-R, the STi, the R8, two Evo's, and the G8 GT. enough with the sporty, fast, gas-guzzling cars. pick something else.

4) 2009 Hyundai Genesis- goo choice, especially with the whole value equation.

5) 2009 Kia Borrego- this one is iffy since it is a truck based SUV and gets bad gas milage as it is.

6) 2009 Honda Fit- good choice, i guess. would rather see something like an Elantra or an 09 Corola, maybe even a Vibe.

I am voicing yet another complaint about the FX50. Overpriced and pointless.

However I am pleasantly surprised that you guys will probably be getting a Borrego in. I think this may have been brilliant timing for them; a capable BOF SUV for people who actually need it. Also, go for the V8; nearly identical fuel economy and much more power.

They all sound great sans the FX50. We look forward to hearing about them now that our interest is heightened. When the new Mazda3 S comes out it should be added as well.
Thanks

so from 6 new cars none is made from the big 3 US automakers???? So not patriotic... :)

The Mechanic of InsideLine is going to give someone a good spank!

Pretty good list, but my suggestion is delete the Honda Fit (you just had one, and the new one isn't much different), and replace it with an '09 Cobalt SS, and see if the improvements really are as good as everyone says. From what I've heard, it went from a so-so car to one of the best handling and quickest FWD econocars out there.

I too would like to see a Subie Forester to be included in the mix. It's selling like crazy (and keeping Subaru on the plus side of the sales ledger for the year!), and has won several awards.

"so from 6 new cars none is made from the big 3 US automakers???? So not patriotic... :)
"

Good point, I didn't even notice that.

Perhaps the reason the big 3 are doing poorly has less to do unions and management and more to do with Americans just not buying their own products.

Honda Fit again?

Kia? I wonder what's the size of the market for the Kia.

Another Fit when you just had one, a third small fast BMW, a Japanese X5, a Korean Explorer just in time for that segment to die, who cares?

I know you guys would rather drive around in a nil volume toy like the M3 or FX50 or GT-R than something people actually buy, hell we would too, but you've already got enough of those.

How about a Lincoln MKS?

Looks pretty good to me...

M3 - Irrelevant, and I don't care. I can't wait :)

FX50 - Interesting.

Genesis - Very interesting.

Fit - Relevant to the downsizing culture in America, but I can't say that I'll be following it closely.

Mazda 6 - Can't wait to see how it stacks up against the others

Kia Borrego - Really? A BOF SUV? 1998 called, they want their Explorer back. Why does this warrant a long-term test?

370Z - Very interesting car. Great enthusiast choice.

Camaro - Again, great enthusiast choice. Really can't wait to read about it.

Challenger - Meh. It's too similar to the 300C/Charger for me to be terribly interested.

Ram / F-150 - Yeah, they're big players, but I'm a sports car enthusiast. I don't really care about trucks.

Overall some good choices. I won't be taking the LT Blog off of my favorites list any time soon.

i like the list a lot but the hyundai and kia, m3, and fit are kinda boring
we already hear so much about bmw and hyundai and kia are so simple.

i would like to see a new classic car and really like the c4 vette idea since you guys haven't had a vette

+1 on adding the Forester & Venza, and +1 on ditching the Borrego & Fit.

Seems to me that whatever hybrid you all add next has to be a domestic - and the Fusion hybird would probably be most appropriate.

I also think there'd be some value to adding at least one of the upcoming premium European miniutes (Q5, new X3, XC60). Therep's probably more value here than with the full-size pickups (the F-150 in particular).

Otherwise - that's a rockin' list!

And the GLK350 - forgot that one.

I find the comments on the Genesis where they say they already know it's reliable very interesting. Just think how far Hyundai has come based on that comment.

I really, really want to see the new Ram in your fleet as you just had the Tundra and Silverado.

I had doubts about Chrysler when they divorced Diamler (my car was one of the last made under that partnership... and you can tell) as they are so up on the fact that they have.. 10x? the amount of quality control on the production floor as in the past. I want to see if that shows through!

"Perhaps the reason the big 3 are doing poorly has less to do unions and management and more to do with Americans just not buying their own products."

At $70 an hour + GREAT benefits with a high school diploma to turn wrenches on an assembly line, perhaps NOT.

I don't know, another Subaru? The Forrester is nice looking but it doesn't sound interesting. It's really just an Impreza with more space.

The Kia seems kinda pointless...not a very compelling entrant into its segment. The Infiniti seems like too much of a niche vehicle. If you need a couple SUVs I could think of others that have more impact on the buying public (off the top of my head, how about a Nissan Rogue?)

The others look good. The 6 is DEFINITELY a mainstream vehicle of interest, the Genesis is a game changer and needs to be evaluated long-term, and the M3 is a slightly controversial take on an old favorite. The Fit is a segment-leading subcompact, though you have already had a Fit (what about a Versa Sedan? "Living with the cheapest car in america for a year" sounds like an interesting test). 370Z is a yes, Cube is a yes, Challenger, Camaro, F-150 are all yesses as is a used 911 (or Boxster, how's that sound?)

"Why, you guys just had one in, the 09 is just a midlife cycle update."

The Fit/Jazz debuted in other parts of the world back on 2001. The new Fit is just that, new! Its not a freshening as you called it. Id say skip the Fit and get a Cobalt SS.

Mazda6 seems fine but the Challenger shouldnt be included as another poster said its a 2 door version of the Charger and 300C. Everyone pretty much knows what to expect.

I would like to see the Genesis as when I sat in a nearly loaded V6 version I was pretty impressed with the build quality overall. Id really like to know how it would hold up over 20-30K. Id also like to see more domestic hybrids and more domestic small cars.

As much as I love the Porsche 911 from just about any generation Id much rather see a C4 Chevy Corvette or a ahem.....used 91-97 Acura NSX 5MT. There are a bunch of NSX's out there Edmunds could adopt!

C4 Vette, seriously?! We already know it's a peice of crap, unless it's a ZR-1.

I can't say I agree with getting duplicates of cars you have or recently had, like the Fit or M3, Jetta or Evo. While it might be interesting to compare cars only a couple years apart, if this was my publication I'd spend my money on a bit more variety.

That's not to say if you get all the vehicles listed above I won't follow any of them. I'd be most interested in the Mazda 6 and Genesis, and also the sports cars. But why oh why are you not considering a Mustang? It's the only one among them that has been in continuous production since its debut. What does that tell you about the others' desirability?

For the used gem, it would be nice to see a CL55 AMG. There in the price range you all are looking at. At the prices they're going for, they appear to be a great value, not to mention the huge HP and torque numbers.

What are you doing with gas sucking trucks and SUV's in a long term test? Your sole focus in this new economy and new way of thinking about cars in this country should be all about fuel efficiency, low emissions, and affordability. Who cares about a BMW M3 that most of the population will never be able to afford, and that comes with a gas guzzling V8 (and the gas guzzler tax to go with it). Are you people in complete denial about the new reality we're living in?

M3: Waste of time
Fit: Waste of time
Borrego: Nice but BOF SUVs are dead
Challenger: Waste of time- same as the 300/Charger with a shorter wheelbase and the same performance

I like the other cars though and amen to the Cobalt SS recommendation. How about a Mazda3 too?

PLease tell the 6 is an I-4 model and not the V6. The fact that the pic above is a V6 suggests that IL decided to chose the thirtier model AGAIN even though most buyers get the I-4.

M3: Why? There is nothing to add about this car. The new one is better than the old one which you love. Stupid.

Fit: Why? Slightly refined version of the old car which you just had.

Borrego: Pointless.

FX50: This vehicle does not sell and is a gas guzzler. WHy? This SUV has always been a bit player in the luxury SUV class due to its impracticality.

Do not get a used Porshe- get a used CTS-V or C6 vette. Cobalt SS would be nice as well.

Nice to see such "balance" between imports and domestics in the upcoming fleet. And dont give us the old "we only buy interesting cars" when you are getting another Fit and a Borrego. How can you not be considering a 2010 Fusion Hybrid or Vue Two Mode hybrid?

"At $70 an hour + GREAT benefits with a high school diploma to turn wrenches on an assembly line, perhaps NOT."

They do not get paid $70 an hour. Stop listening to anti Big 3 media reports. They get paid about the same as workers in Toyota and HOnda plants. The difference is in pension obligations and benefits.

PS.

The Cube isnt interesting. Why have already seen the Scion and Element. Nothing new here. Do you intend to buy every single small Japanese vehicles that debuts in America? The Cube may be efficient but its not anything compelling to add to a long term fleet.

The Genesis should be a V6 since thats what people are going to buy.

My vote goes for the Ford Fusion Hybrid or even a Passat CC.

I too question the Fit and Cube. I think we all know what the Fit is capable of, and the Cube is a back to basics Scion xB.

Mazda 6 - Boring to me, but lots of people buy'em.
Infiniti FX50 - You're just treating yourselves.
BMW M3 - Again, just a treat. Sure it's a great car ... but is a long term test really relevent?
Hyundai Genesis - It'll be good to see how well it performs blah blah blah ... I won't read a single post.
Kia Borrego - Keep the receipt.
Honda Fit - Good little small car. It'll be good to read about.
Muscle cars - Irrelevent with where the Big 3 are right now.
Trucks - See above.

I think a XWD Saab would be a good choice likewise the 335d, Forester, and possibly the Cobalt SS.

Mazda6 is good.

Add another vote for the Cobalt SS and the Fusion
and another vote for dropping the M3 and Fit

maybe add the new Mazda3 that is coming out rather than the Fit.

"They get paid about the same as workers in Toyota and HOnda plants. The difference is in pension obligations and benefits."

In most peoples books that pretty much counts as Pay since it is money the company is giving to them, just through different channels.

I could hardly have picked a better list. Good call. A Kia Soul might be a good replacement for the xB. You should add a new Fusion or new Taurus if it is released some time next year. A new Buick Lacrosse would be a good follow up to the Enclave test. A new WRX would be good, since Subaru did make such a nice effort to improve it. Those are the only other suggestions I can think of. I anxiously await the day you get the Camaro.

Oh, and yes, an affordable sport compact, especially the Mazdaspeed3, would be great. And it would be nice to see a Volvo or a Saab. They seem to be a bit neglected around here.

Its amazing how few people seem to be looking forward to ANOTHER Fit. Can't we take votes on this stuff? People do not want to see the same models over and over again. You guys wont do a long term test of ONE Vette but you are on your second Fit. Its going to be praised just like the first one so there is no suspense. Same with M3. I can't imagine the new M3 being criticized or unloved in any way. Test things we don't know about already. I'm surprised you arent adding a 128i and 335i coupe as well.

The list is ok. I'm with the people that don't care about the M3, Fit, and FX50. I liked someone's suggestion of getting an XF. Get that instead of the M3 and then contrast with the Genesis.

The one thing I do want is for you to stop buying everything loaded. Hardly anyone options cars like you guys do. You should be going for mid-level trims. Get the 4 cylinder Mazda 6!!!

I'm going to jump on the Cobalt SS bandwagon too. Just to see what the nation's High Schoolers are getting themselves into.

Instead of a Ford Fusion Hybrid, how about the oft neglected sister company, Mercury...wait...I forgot what it was called. All the more reason to bring it out into public consumption. Milan Hybrid...there we go. Old brain cells aren't what they once were.

I will also echo the nay vote to the BMW M3, and Honda Fit. The M3 is a sports car. You people have had enough sports cars, give it a rest for a little bit. The Fit is efficient and can hold a lot of stuff for cheap.

What is an FX50? Is that a special effects light show?

Genesis V8, Camaro (V6?), Cube all get my vote of approval.

Why everyone hates Fit? So far all-brand-new 09 model is one of the only few models that SOLD MORE THAN EVER in US during this economy. Not to mention that the minute the new one came out it won Car of the Year in Japan. I'm looking forward to reading comparisons between 07 and 09 models from the same editors, since the 09 model is supposed to be flawless in its class (eliminating all the kinks from past 08's).

I also wanna see 09 Prius and Insight!

Please replace FX50 with EX35 or something bit more considerate... That's like driving another H2.

Please consider the following for the long-term fleet:

1) A Passat 2.0 TFSI CC (Which has been besting competitors such as the Nissan Maxima and Mazda 6).

2) Audi TT-RS - turbo 2.5 5 cylinder making 340 bHp (or at least the 270 Bhp 4 cylinder TT-S.)

2) Ford's Hybrid Fusion and the 2010 Fiesta

3) A Volvo XC60 or if you can wait the upcoming S60 sedan.

4) The BMW 335d diesel

5) The Mercedes BlueHybrid S-Class gas/ electric hybrid with LiIon batteries claimed to achieve 40 mpg

6) The future of Automobiles: The Honda FCX Clarity.

Edmunds has to have at least as much influence with Honda NA as Jamie Lee Curtis.

I thought the point of contemporary automotive journalism was to introduce consumers to the future of the industry. To create enthusiasm for cutting edge design and technology. Not to merely wax nostalgiac over brute V-8 or large displacement V-6 power.

Keep the 6, M3, and Genesis. Borrego...eh, don't really care. Fit and FX50 aren't necessary, especially the FX50 (hideous, and a waste of money). F150 and Ram would be good at the same time, for comparison purposes.

Add the FORESTER AND VENZA. I also think you should add a Suzuki SX4. But especially the Forester.

Wow, you guys have some really great ideas. I hope Dan reads these and gets some of them into the fleet. (: This is a really great list "1) A Passat 2.0 TFSI CC (Which has been besting competitors such as the Nissan Maxima and Mazda 6).

2) Audi TT-RS - turbo 2.5 5 cylinder making 340 bHp (or at least the 270 Bhp 4 cylinder TT-S.)

2) Ford's Hybrid Fusion and the 2010 Fiesta

3) A Volvo XC60 or if you can wait the upcoming S60 sedan.

4) The BMW 335d diesel

5) The Mercedes BlueHybrid S-Class gas/ electric hybrid with LiIon batteries claimed to achieve 40 mpg

6) The future of Automobiles: The Honda FCX Clarity."

I hope you read each comment.

"The one thing I do want is for you to stop buying everything loaded. Hardly anyone options cars like you guys do. You should be going for mid-level trims. Get the 4 cylinder Mazda 6!!!"

No!!! Keep getting the cars loaded!

"I also think you should add a Suzuki SX4."

Agreed, this would be interesting. Suzuki seems to be advertising a lot lately but really the general public knows very little about them.

"Please replace FX50 with EX35 or something bit more considerate... That's like driving another H2."

I almost agree (except for the whiny environmentalist part) that the EX would be a more modern and relevant choice. But the FX50 is a good choice because you've had an X5 V8 and this would make for an interesting comparison. The EX35 would maybe be a better choice in this market, but it's largely based on the G35 which has been done so recently. If you're going to do an Infiniti, I do think the FX is the way to go.

The EX and FX are poor sellers and have limited utility. I don't see a reason to add either one. Infiniti's most important (and best) vehicle is the G35/37 and they had one already.

If we are all about villifying SUVs and being "green" it makes no sense to get a 14mpg FX50 that has slightly more space than the average large sedan. THe FX is the wrong vehicle for the wrong time.

Another +1 on looking forward to seeing the all-new Fit. It's not a mid-run refresh but a redesign of the almost 10 year old original. It's also one of the few cars to see sales increase even in the current economic environment. It's made some 10 Best lists and has gotten pretty positive reviews so it will be good to see a long-term perspective.

I vote for Nissan Cube and Kia Soul.

Good choices. But might I suggest instead of the full size pickups, go for the light duty ones. The Tacoma has a nice 6 speed. I have not heard much about the I-5 on the Colorado. Is the Ranger at the end of it life yet? Or even a Dakota.

Didn't IL recently post an article about buying American. The closest you come is a Mazda. It's good to see that you don't practice what you preach.

I also like Altimadude's suggestion to purchase Mercury over Ford. If you're getting a decked out Ford, Mercury costs less and provides better fit & finish.

The Fit? Really? I'd rather see you keep the old one.

Love the idea of the new Honda Fit - people may not realize this but the old Fit was a 7 year old model by the time it was tested here. This is by far one of the best small cars out there and a screaming bargain no less. Why anyone buys a Smart is beyond me... saw one on the road today, I'd hate to be inside one of those.

The 370Z is one I'd definitely aim for. The Kia and FX50 aren't really significant and should you really be focusing that much on SUV type vehicles in this day and age?

TXmatt,

We already had long term perspective on the old one. What else is there to learn? most reviews have made it clear the 2009 is an evolution of the old car, its not a radical departure by any means. Most people would have trouble telling the difference between the 2008 and 2009 on the street. The Fit sold more in 2008 because of high gas prices and limited availability in the first year. Its not amongst the top sellers in the country. I think many people want to know how we could be getting two consecutive Fits when there are so many other nameplates that haven't even been included in the fleet once.

When you guys get a new mid priced car to test please get it equipped like the average person. For example the last Accord, Altima, and Camry you had were V6 models but they sell way more 4 cylinder versions. I think this would better assist the average consumer before purchasing the car. It's safe to say the V6 models will certainly have enough power but that might not be the case with the 4 so your blogs would really help in this case. This would also be helpful when choosing entry level luxury cars. An M3, c'mon. Get the most popularly equipped 3 series and test that. Even when you get the new Camaro it is safe to say the V8 is going to be powerful and fast but what about the V6. It's going to be the big seller and it will have at least 300 horses from the V6 engine just short of a Mustang GT V8. This is the version that will determine if it lives or dies not the V8. GM will have a V8 because it has to in this segment but all the money is on the V6 model. Think about it; the most advanced powertrain is not the 8 but the direct injected Caddy engine teamed with the six speed auto. And considering GM's financial trouble the V8 may soon be a relic of the past and the V6 will be the big engine of the future. Ford has done everything but officially claim the the twin turbo V6 will be the future of high performance at Ford not V8s. Safe to say that GM is looking at turbo or supercharging the 3.6 DI engine as well.

I would like to see the list changed a little...

1) Nissan 370Z (base w/sport package)

2) Chevy Camaro SS

3) Hyundai Genesis coupe

4) Dodge Challenger R/T

5) Subaru WRX (sedan)

6) 2010 Ford Mustang (V8 of course)

That's all I want to see. :D

Looking forward impressions of the M3 sedan.

NO HONDA FIT!