Good value stylish large sedan.

I actually bought the 2.0L version in Taiwan.  Everything else being the same.  I did test drive the 2.3L version and you can only tell the difference when you floor the gas pedal. 

I guess the most attractive thing to me about the car was its exterior shape.  You either love it or hate it but to me, it seems stylish like a BMW.  Some people don't like the large behind of the car, I think it is because most cars don't have behinds so large.  Next thing is the price.  It costed about $150,000 NT ($5,000US) less than a basic Toyota Camry here in Taiwan.  I test drove the 2008 Camry, while its exterior seems more refined and contemporary than Teana, that alone is not worth the $5,000 US inflated price.  In fact, Teana can hold its own from the outside.  But to me, the Teana 2.0 drives smoother and feels more stable than the Camry 2.0.  I've heard people who bought the Camry often get car-sick when they drive hours on the winding twists of the mountain road.  I've been driving Teana for almost 3 weeks now and it feels so smooth and stable.  It also feels like it is moving steady and slow, like a large ship moving, but in fact it is because of its large size and great suspensions that gives you that illusion.  My mom who usually scolds me for going too fast on my old Corolla, but she doesn't scold me anymore on Teana even though I'm driving faster on Teana than on the Corolla.  When you go 120 km/h on the highway, it feels like you are moving at 60 km/h.  Camry is a little wider than Teana but Teana is a little longer, weighs about 30-50 kg more.  But inside I think Teana feels bigger.  As I was saying earlier, Camry steering to me feels a little loose and awkard.  Carmy 2.0 is feels also sluggish to me, more so than my Teana 2.0.  It may due to Teana few extra horsepower. 

I think the interior is just OK.  Some people think it is luxurious, while others think it is overly simple and bland.  I had a TV installed, I really have little complaint about the inside.   

Overall, I have been getting about 10.5 km/l in gas mileage for my first 2500 km.  This isn't so good or too bad either.  I would guess 2.3L would get slightly worse gas mileage. 

I'm quite happy with my Teana, I hoped the gas mileage would be a little better, but for a big car, it isn't so bad.  I like the styling, I like the smooth ride, while the accelaration is really nothing to write home about, it is a great car for a great price.  I would've bought the Carmy if it wasn't so expensive, but I think I'm very happy with Teana.  It is for somebody who wants a luxurious big sedan without paying too much for it.  Oh yeah, the keyless ignition comes in very handy.  Next thing I would buy for my car is to replace the rims to something that'll make it stand out more. 

Good style; smooth ride; good value; looks like it cost moremediocre fuel economy. very simple interior. Feels a little lethargic.