Originally Posted By: kam327
Originally Posted By: Mykl
I think they get away with it because the people interested in these cars just don't care. Lets be honest with ourselves, for the type of use these cars see ~130 hp is plenty adequate. I have zero interest in a car like this, but I get it.
With this car like I'd place durability, reliability, low operating costs, and comfort way above horsepower as considerations for purchase.
In other words, it's an appliance.
The '13 Sentra is getting hammered, not just because of its poor handling but also its poor power. I would not be at all surprised to see the Corolla come in 3rd, 4th, or later in the next compact comparo due primarily to its lackluster performance compared to the champs of the segment (Focus, Mazda3, '14 Forte...)
Now will that negatively affect sales? Of course not.
The corolla might be outdone powerwise by those 3, but Mazda's have far more problems as does the focus and forte..
I have driven each one. Yes the mazda is more fun to drive but it rusts and uses more gas. At end of the day the Corolla despite being outdated still has many strong points. While 105k miles isnt that much, i have yet to do anything but change the oil, tires and brake pads. Total cost of ownership is lower than anything ive driven. The sentra is terrible. I just dislike the CVT and the car feels boxy and all over the place on bumps. Again its a no frills car.