I am the happy owner of a 2002 Sedona EX. I need a new commuter vehicle to replace the 7 year-old Chevy Cavalier. (I can't take the cabin noise/rattles anymore.) My interest was piqued by the Acura TL commercials I had been seeing. I drove one, and then read about the tires and other finish problems it is having in its first year of redesign.
I would look at the Accord V6, but I don't care for the styling, which has been irrevocably marred by the Honda "faces" commercial in the US. I'm also not a big Honda fan after my dealer experience with the 2001/2002 Odyssey. Ultimately, I came out the better for it. It looks like it is going to happen again.
Today, the Washington Post ran a story on the Kia Amanti and gave it a buy rating. I had mostly dismissed Kia in the sedan market (thinking about the Spectra), but I went back and reviewed it. I think the fully loaded Optima V6 EX is more what I need. I qualify for the $1K loyalty cash, so right now I am looking at a fully-loaded car with a great warranty, and decent mileage for $18K (almost half the cost of the TL).
I also tested a 325ix after the TL and found it too small, too loud and too expensive as well. My test drive order was:
Acura TL-->Acura TSX--->BMW 325ix.
I am looking forward to the Optima test drive now and will report back. I also want to see what Kia plans to do for the 2005 MY. Any ideas?