There has always been a cut-throat competition among car brands for buyers’ approval. The contest gets tougher everyday as automakers roll out their new products. It has always been difficult for buyers, but it is even more difficult to pick the best on the market. Take for example the highly competitive midsize sedan segment, where we have impressive cars like the new 2013 Toyota Corolla, 2013 Honda Civic, 2013 Nissan Sentra and some others. It will be so difficult for buyers to pick the best from this segment. Do you want to buy a midsize sedan car? Do not panic, below is a comprehensive 2013 Toyota Corolla vs 2013 Honda Civic vs 2013 Nissan Sentra review.
Powertrain and Performance Comparison- 2013 Toyota Corolla L vs 2013 Honda Civic LX vs 2013 Nissan Sentra SL
The 2013 Toyota Corolla model is powered by a 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque 1.8-liter inline-4 paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is optional in 2013 corolla L and S model. Its estimated fuel economy ratings are 26/34 mpg/29 mpg (automatic) and 27/34/30 (manual).
Although the Honda Civic 2013 LX has some modest suspension changes, its performance is largely unchanged. The base engine is a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 201-hp, 2.4-liter four/six-speed manual setup. The EPA ratings of the 1.8-liter with manual transmission are 28/36 mpg city/highway; automatic versions get 28/39 mpg and the 2.4-liter gets 22/31 mpg.
A new 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine powers the 2013 Nissan Sentra SL. An Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) comes on all models except the base model, which uses a six-speed manual transmission. CVT-equipped Sentra is the most fuel efficient car in its segment; it returns 30/39/34 mpg city/ highway/combined.
Safety
Safety-feature list of the Honda Civic 2013 has been expanded to include a new SmartVent airbag design and a backup camera. The Nissan Sentra 2013 comes standard with safety features like stability control, antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints and the Toyota Corolla 2013 features a stability control system, traction control and antilock brakes.
Price
Pricing for the Toyota Corolla starts at $17,025, that of the 2013 Honda Civic starts at $18,955, while the 2013 Nissan Sentra starts at $20,610.
The 2013 Civics’ improved interior with additional standard features and its above-average safety scores makes it a worthy competitor in the segment, but a low performance, mushy brakes and lack of cabin space are its major weaknesses. On the other hand, the redesigned 2013 Sentra emphasizes spaciousness, comfort and interior features but just like the Honda civic, its performance is inadequate.
In most cases, class leaders lose their allure as they rest on their laurels, and they are gradually pushed by the way as better designed brands arrive at the scene. While the 2013 Corolla breaks no new ground, Toyota cannot be accused of resting on its laurels. Although Corolla is no longer the class leader in its segment (2013 Civic and 2013 Sentra are also not class leaders), it is still a good fit for those who want a low-cost vehicle with comfortable ride, quiet and roomy interior, and good safety ratings. The 2013 Toyota Corolla vs 2013 Honda Civic vs 2013 Nissan Sentra contest is a close one, but the Corolla wins.
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