Do any new cars have decent steering feel?

[Thor 18]

Kind of a rant, but here goes.  Been driving a 2013 v6 altima for a year now, and the electric power steering still pisses me off.  I figured I'd get used to it, but then I drive my wife's 150k mile tahoe and it's so much more natural and predictable.  Test drove a new BMW 330i sport today, and jeez was it bad.  Tried all the modes and it just upped resistance, but was still lifeless.  Actually had about as much fun driving there in a friends '13 accord due to slightly better feel (but still not near as good as the
'11 accord I had).  I know the fd spoils me a bit, but is it too much to ask for a commuter car to have some feedback?

[Grommit]

My '16 WRX with EPS has pretty decent feedback. Nothing like an old manual steering Civic or Miata of course, but very good for what it is. Front tires are very communicative as well.

My buddy just dumped his Golf R (good steering feel as well) for a '17 Mazda 3 Hatch. I drove it last night after he picked it up. Again, very good feel and front tires always let you know.

I do feel that Mazda has always had good steering feel, and it seems to have carried over into their current EPS systems. My experiences are with NA, NB Miatas, a 2012 Speed 3, and then the '17 Mazda 3. They have all been really good.

Some manufactures can do it, others are having a hard time to pull it off, a'la Civics.

[wickedrx7]

Go drive a new Mazda. Any of them and report back.

[digitalsolo]

Mazda has good feedback.   My Focus ST doesn't suck too much for it.

[Thor 18]

I'll have to try out the new mazdas.  I had a protégé in high school and despite having as much power as a lawnmower, it was fun on the twisties.  I had a regular focus as a rental car, and the steering seemed ok too actually (the dct either had major issues or just sucked from the factory though).  Awd is definitely a nice to have, so wrx may be worth a look too (though sadly my commute makes a stick shift a huge pain).  I really wish mazda would make a new speed 6. 

[Dyesuperman]

I love the feel of my 2012 CTS-V. It's super tight and somewhat heavy. Doesn't feel overpowered or anything to me and still gives that "sporty" feel to it

[Grommit]

update - my "new-to-me" 2009 TL SH-AWD EPS system blows compared to the Golf, Mazda, and Subaru. lol.
But its a comfort cruiser so who cares right???....and it still does snownuts.

[Thor 18]

Figured I'd update.  I actually test drove a TL SH-awd, as well as a Mercedes c300 awd, and an ATS 2.0 AWD.  Also drove a 328xi just cause they had it there.  The acura was a nice car, but yeah, steering was lifeless for everything but the cadillac.  Mercedes had the nicest interior, and a pretty decent ride/handling balance suspension wise, but not really fun with no steering feel.  I drove the BMW last, and getting back into my altima felt so much more direct....guess I'm just picky  .

I hadn't really considered the ATS much cause it's fairly cramped and has that gimmicky infotainment system, but damn is it good to drive.  ride was a little harsh on rougher roads, but not terrible.  Even with awd the balance was great, and I didn't notice anything bad with the steering at all:  it just went exactly where I was thinking.  Still want to drive a wrx and a golf r (even though its out of my price range), just to see what they're like. 

[wickedrx7]

Drive a Mazda 6.

[freeskier7791]

drive an E90/E92

[SLACer]

Ive got an F30 BMW 335 and it has good steering feel. I love it so far. My Mazdaspeed3 was fun too until someone hit me

[Grommit]

Drive a Mazda 6.

What he said. I would have bought a '16 Mazda 6 over my '16 WRX if I had only fit. Sadly didn't fit in the 6 so the WRX it was.

The Mazda CVT isn't even all that bad, since you've mentioned that you are steering closer to an Auto. The Subaru CVT (WRX) is...yea...not good. IMHO.
If its a WRX vs a Golf R, both auto, Golf R DCT all the way, it was nuts. However, Golf R is STi price territory.

[Mik3ymomo]

As far as modern electric steering goes... no one seems to be beating Porsche at this.
I found the BMW M2 had razor sharp steering and brakes to match. I should bite my tongue off for saying it but the DCT on the M2 is the first time an auto of any kind had me rethinking a manual trans. 

I feel bad that the 325xi was your test of what BMW was offering. BMW has a lot of ala carte options when it comes to performance. The M Sport packages, dynamic handling package, the adjustable suspension packages that effect steering and throttle as well as the dampeners/exhaust note. Or the all out ///M division cars. The ultimate offering from the company when it comes to performance.