2008 Accord EX vs. 2008 Camry SE

[lexani]

I'm looking into purchasing a full-size sedan in the upcoming months. Have narrowed it down to either the '08 Accord EX and '08 Camry SE. I was looking at the '07 Accords but since the '08 it out already, looks like it be wiser to compare that with the '08 Camry.

The Camry SE (4 cylinder option) vs. the Accord (also 4 cylinder) is what i'm looking at right now.

Just wanted to know what you guys think of these two vehicles overall?
I would like a car with 4 cylinders as I do alot of driving throughout the week. Leather, sunroof etc. don't really matter but they would be nice. Also, are there any options I could look at (ex. altima, mazda 6?) something that would be reasonable with insurance/maintenance/gas.

Thanks in advance.

[Samir]

Both cars are excellent family vehicles.

The 2008 Accord may have first year issues though.

The Camry is a softer, more isolated ride that is tuned a bit more for people who don't really need to feel the road, but it may have the edge in reliability.

The Accord is a bit more of a driver's car.

In terms of engines, both models have 4-cyl. and 6-cyl. engines that have very similar numbers - though if fuel economy is important, I'd go with the 4-cyl. Camry. The new Accord is much bigger than the last and the 4-cyl. seems to have a bit of trouble motivating the car.

But really, you should consider the V6 in both cases - these are engines that give much quieter, smoother rides and both companies make excellent V6's.

[PrinceMS]

Go test drive, that will give you a much better opinion than any of us on the forum. Both of your choices are good cars. Go test drive, if you still can't make up your mind - then come ask this Q :)

[DJ_Peanuts22]

I prefer the Camry's styling to the Accord's.... especially the SE version.

If your budget allows, try to spring for the V6, a lot of owners seem to say it changes the entire character of the car.

However, the only downside to the Camry is the transmission flare recall on V6 models (can't remember if this affected 4-cylinder models as well). But if you read up on some Toyota forums, I'm sure you'll come across some useful information to dealing with it.

[evolution921]

Check out the comparison on Motor Trend, they had a pretty lengthy comparison between the two. They seem to like the Accord more. Personally though, I prefer the styling of Camry SE. The regular Camry and new Accord both look ugly IMO.

[hagbard]

I'd hold off buying for a while in any case, if you can. Prices have got to come down, one way or another in light of the weaker US dollar.

[Maxspeed]

The V6 auto 6 speed has flare issues on the camry.... as a daily driven the 4 cylinder camry is pretty good.... its the same engine in the camry since 2002....

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

For that amount of money? E39 M5.

[hagbard]

What is "flare"?

[V A N Q U I S H]

For that amount of money? E39 M5.


Hell yeah, I'd do that too. Personally, I'd save up a little extra on top for maintenance, but that's what I'd do over the Accord or Camry (both nice cars, but come on, the e39 M5 look better than the two IMO).


http://www.chrisabraham.com/bmw_e39_m5-thumb.jpg

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Hell yeah, I'd do that too. Personally, I'd save up a little extra on top for maintenance,

Meh, just think of it as the amount you lose in depreciation as soon as you drive that Camcord off the lot ( No joke, I think those foglights in the bumper are like $700 each. Every time a stone hits it will be like a kick in the crotch. :lol:). You pay the same amount, but now you have the best 4 door car the world has ever seen.

[saskwheatfield]

i think you can't go wrong with either car really as far as reliability and resale value go. I agree that the Honda may have a slight edge for being a 'driver's car'. The styling is certainly more appealing, with the Camry being a bit on the bland side for me at least. They both keep getting bigger and bigger, that's for sure

The accord is in its 1st year of production with the new model, so you might not be able to negotiate as good a deal. Also, there could be some early production bugs that need to be worked out, but that applies to any car in 1st yr of production.

Since you're going for a 4cyl, are you going to get a manual transmission? You'd save abit more fuel that way..but i think its more common for Accords to have one vs Camry. Never seen a manual Camry before..

The mazda6 is due for a new release, I think it would be a nice vehicle when it comes out, but i have no idea when that will be...late 2008 ??

[Jon Lai]

I'd hold off buying for a while in any case, if you can. Prices have got to come down, one way or another in light of the weaker US dollar.

Well he could always get the car from the states...

[Sohjonn]

the accord v6 has VCM [variable cylinder management] it deativates up to 3 cylinders depending on driving conditions. so it can have v6 power, but sip as much gas as a I4. go with the v6.

[SkeptiKal12]

I think they did this exact comparison in one of the recent car magazines, I forget which one but do a quick google search and you should find it.

GL with your purchase.

[mau108]

Honestly test drove the camry and was not too pleased (I drove the Hybrid which was ok , and the v6 SE not good at all)

I couldn't believe the amount of noise from that v6 and the stiff suspensions didn't help either.

I read a review on the 08 Accord and the guy stated the 08 Accord is way ahead of the camry in all aspects.

Gotta test drive the Accord :)

[radeonboy]

I just went to see the Accord. Damn inside is nice, interior literally kills the Camry. Fit and finish is superb. They have plastic, but its not used extensively like the Camry or for that matter the X5 by BMW. They have soft padded vinyl, etc. The interior is so nice, you don't want to get out of the car! Feels like a cockpit.

Camry looks old now, I used to like it, but that was erased once I got up and checked out the Accord in person, beautiful!

People are saying how the Accord sucks this and that. Honestly get up and go see the new Accord, sit inside, check everything out. Afterwards there is no way you can say the Accord is garbage. Exterior looked so so in the pictures, but when you go actually see it, its very nice and elegant.

[VivienM]

I just went to see the Accord. Damn inside is nice, interior literally kills the Camry. Fit and finish is superb. They have plastic, but its not used extensively like the Camry or for that matter the X5 by BMW. They have soft padded vinyl, etc. The interior is so nice, you don't want to get out of the car! Feels like a cockpit.

Camry looks old now, I used to like it, but that was erased once I got up and checked out the Accord in person, beautiful!

People are saying how the Accord sucks this and that. Honestly get up and go see the new Accord, sit inside, check everything out. Afterwards there is no way you can say the Accord is garbage. Exterior looked so so in the pictures, but when you go actually see it, its very nice and elegant.

Have you actually driven it?

The 2003 looked nice too, but it felt horrible on the road. Way too firm/jarring suspension...

[mau108]

Have you actually driven it?

The 2003 looked nice too, but it felt horrible on the road. Way too firm/jarring suspension...

All honda's are like that, my 50,000 dollar RDX has stiff suspensions. It's done that way for handling. Driving a Infinity FX? The suspension on that is stiff like a rock.

[VivienM]

All honda's are like that, my 50,000 dollar RDX has stiff suspensions. It's done that way for handling. Driving a Infinity FX? The suspension on that is stiff like a rock.

I'm still not sure I buy the "done that way for handling" theory, given I've found cars like BMW 323s, which should be MORE tuned for handling than an Accord, do not have the same behaviour...

But that might explain why some people would prefer the Camry...

[radeonboy]

Have you actually driven it?

The 2003 looked nice too, but it felt horrible on the road. Way too firm/jarring suspension...

No I haven't driven it. Didnt take a test drive yet. Although people on various forums have stated it seems softer than before. But probably not as soft as the Camry. Higher models have the active noise control or something, it cancels out noises via speakers i think...dunno.

Accord is a drivers car, gets you to connect to the road. If you want a quiet soft car, then the Camry is your car.

[ES_Revenge]

Just wanted to know what you guys think of these two vehicles overall?
Nah I don't think you want to know what I think, LOL.

C'mon ones a Toyota the other's a Honda... The current Camry is surprisingly unboring for a Toyota but it still isn't all that great. The Camrys with all the skirts/ground effects (whatever model or packages come with that) are alright, otherwise I'd stay away.

The Accord looks like they copied the styling from the Toyota. LOL. And it's a Honda. Do you really want a Honda?

I would like a car with 4 cylinders as I do alot of driving throughout the week. Leather, sunroof etc. don't really matter but they would be nice.
Buy a TSX and be happier for it. Okay yeah it's a Honda too, which kind of has me contradicting myself in the last statement, but honestly the TSX is a better bet for what you're looking for IMO.

Also, are there any options I could look at (ex. altima, mazda 6?) something that would be reasonable with insurance/maintenance/gas.
Okay all these cars are like the same class/type none are really going to be any worse on insurance. And YES please look at those other options. The Altima sedan (not the damn ugly coupe!) as well as the Mazda6 are great alternatives to look into. Personally I prefer the Mazda6 in this group quite easily but test drive all of them, and see what you think.

Really I'd pick the Mazda6, even the 4cyl model. I would pick the trim level that has the dual exhaust and nicer appearance though. ;)

Accord and Camry are passe, IMO. The Altima is pretty nice but one thing I really don't like about it is how easily they get stuck in the snow on their stock (usually Continental IIRC) all-seasons. Nissan really seems to have a hard time making cars that drive well in winter. I'm not sure why, but it's true.

And again don't forget the TSX. I have a feeling you might like the TSX quite a bit given your requirements/needs. :)

Accord is a drivers car, gets you to connect to the road. If you want a quiet soft car, then the Camry is your car.
I disagree. My sentence would be "Accord is a useless car." :lol:

[boyoflondon]

Nah I don't think you want to know what I think, LOL.

C'mon ones a Toyota the other's a Honda... The current Camry is surprisingly unboring for a Toyota but it still isn't all that great. The Camrys with all the skirts/ground effects (whatever model or packages come with that) are alright, otherwise I'd stay away.

The Accord looks like they copied the styling from the Toyota. LOL. And it's a Honda. Do you really want a Honda?


Buy a TSX and be happier for it. Okay yeah it's a Honda too, which kind of has me contradicting myself in the last statement, but honestly the TSX is a better bet for what you're looking for IMO.


Okay all these cars are like the same class/type none are really going to be any worse on insurance. And YES please look at those other options. The Altima sedan (not the damn ugly coupe!) as well as the Mazda6 are great alternatives to look into. Personally I prefer the Mazda6 in this group quite easily but test drive all of them, and see what you think.

Really I'd pick the Mazda6, even the 4cyl model. I would pick the trim level that has the dual exhaust and nicer appearance though. ;)

Accord and Camry are passe, IMO. The Altima is pretty nice but one thing I really don't like about it is how easily they get stuck in the snow on their stock (usually Continental IIRC) all-seasons. Nissan really seems to have a hard time making cars that drive well in winter. I'm not sure why, but it's true.

And again don't forget the TSX. I have a feeling you might like the TSX quite a bit given your requirements/needs. :)


I disagree. My sentence would be "Accord is a useless car." :lol:

Whatever you do, don't listen to this guy! :D

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

I don't think the TSX counts as "Full Size", seeing as how it's barely as big as a Civic sedan.

[bluestreetlight]

I haven’t seen an Accord as a taxi in Toronto. :rolleyes:

[ES_Revenge]

I don't think the TSX counts as "Full Size", seeing as how it's barely as big as a Civic sedan.

There's a point there but how much smaller is the TSX than the Accord really? It's smaller yeah, but it can't be that much smaller can it? I wouldn't really call the Accord "full-size" either, it's not that big a car itself IMO.

[smartcdn]

There's a point there but how much smaller is the TSX than the Accord really? It's smaller yeah, but it can't be that much smaller can it? I wouldn't really call the Accord "full-size" either, it's not that big a car itself IMO.

ES Revenge - you're wrong...

The 2008 All-New Accord is now considered a full-size (large) sedan.

It is no longer a mid-size car. (Camry is still a mid-size sedan.)

[smartcdn]

to answer accord vs camry

i would go for the 2008 accord ex.

since you've narrowed it down to 4-cylinder models,
the EX version of the Accord gets the 190HP i-Vtec engine.

the LX base model only has 177 HP similar to all V-4 camry's.

Other things going for the Accord EX auto transmission model
include
Active Noise Cancellation & other features (see other post)

[VivienM]

Honda still can't put proper STRUTS that don't crush your stuff in the trunk.

This is something domestic automakers have been doing for 10 years.

[gordholio]

My ex-boss at Staples bought a new Camry and I think the exterior looks horrible. The Accord is a little more sensibly styled on the outside IMO. I don't know who is designing the exteriors for Toyota's these days, but they all look very similar.

[Madrid2k]

The October 2007 issue of Motor Trend had a head-to-head comparison between the 2008 Accord and Camry. The Accord won.

As you probably are aware, Motor Trend editors love the Camry, as demonstrated by naming it the "2007 Car of the Year".

However, the new Accord trumped the reigning champ and relegated it to second class status.

That in itself says a lot about the new Accord and what it brings to the table.

[ES_Revenge]

ES Revenge - you're wrong...

The 2008 All-New Accord is now considered a full-size (large) sedan.

It is no longer a mid-size car. (Camry is still a mid-size sedan.)
Ahh I see. So the new Accord is actually a larger car now eh? (Can't really tell that from two simple pics I saw of it.) Interesting that they would do that, given the Accord has never really been all that big as long as I've known the Accord, lol.

[woodstock827]

Get a Sonata.

I personally can't stand the exterior design of both the new Accord and Camry.

Sure the Sonata hasn't got any new awards since its debut.. but it's still a decent car.
It's also the most efficient vehicle in its class in 2007 (4 cylinders model) according the National Resources of Canada.
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/pdfs/most-efficient-vehicles-2007.pdf

p.s. didn't know the Sonata is also "full size" according to NRC

[Madrid2k]

Get a Sonata.

I personally can't stand the exterior design of both the new Accord and Camry.

Sure the Sonata hasn't got any new awards since its debut.. but it's still a decent car.
It's also the most efficient vehicle in its class in 2007 (4 cylinders model) according the National Resources of Canada.


Sonata is a very good vehicle, which holds its ground when compared to the Camry or Accord. But, never ever buy one brand new. You will get raped on depreciation.

Check out Autotrader.ca. You can find a used 2006 Sonata for just under$13,000. WTF?!!? That's insane. That's more than $10,000 in depreciation in just over a year!!

Toyotas and Hondas hold their values SIGNIFICANTLY better than Hyundai.

This will probably hold true for another 10 years until the public starts to accept that Hyundai builds quality and reliable cars.

[gilboman]

The October 2007 issue of Motor Trend had a head-to-head comparison between the 2008 Accord and Camry. The Accord won.

As you probably are aware, Motor Trend editors love the Camry, as demonstrated by naming it the "2007 Car of the Year".

However, the new Accord trumped the reigning champ and relegated it to second class status.

That in itself says a lot about the new Accord and what it brings to the table.

did you even read it? If you did, you would not post the misinformation that you have in your post regarding what they actually said

[VivienM]

Sonata is a very good vehicle, which holds its ground when compared to the Camry or Accord. But, never ever buy one brand new. You will get raped on depreciation.

Check out Autotrader.ca. You can find a used 2006 Sonata for just under$13,000. WTF?!!? That's insane. That's more than $10,000 in depreciation in just over a year!!

Toyotas and Hondas hold their values SIGNIFICANTLY better than Hyundai.

This will probably hold true for another 10 years until the public starts to accept that Hyundai builds quality and reliable cars.

Have you considered the financing rates and other offers?

Hyundai was doing 0% for a while. Honda/Toyota typically have among the industry's highest interest rates...

[gilboman]

Have you considered the financing rates and other offers?

Hyundai was doing 0% for a while. Honda/Toyota typically have among the industry's highest interest rates...

not for the camry, corolla or matrix.

e..g for 2007 camry, finance is 1.9% for 36mnths or 2.9 for 48mnths.

lease is 2.9 for upto 36mnths and 3.5 for 48

[googoo]

"Honda still can't put proper STRUTS that don't crush your stuff in the trunk."


When I was in checking the new Accord out last week it was the first thing I checked. Now when the 06 Civic came out I was hoping for struts, but I completely understood, now I completely expected it with the Accord, it's a little disappointing.

Brent

[VivienM]

not for the camry, corolla or matrix.

e..g for 2007 camry, finance is 1.9% for 36mnths or 2.9 for 48mnths.

lease is 2.9 for upto 36mnths and 3.5 for 48

You're looking at 2007 rates right now????

I doubt Toyota has a single 2007 left in ANY of its dealers' inventories.

Let's look at 2008s instead, shall we?

For Camrys:
Lease:
36 months - 4.9%
48 months - 5.9%

Financing:
48 months - 4.9%
60 months - 5.9%
72 months - 8.5%

Now, let's go to Hyundai and look at a Sonata (all models except the GL I4):
Lease:
36 months - 2%
48 months - 2%

Finance:
48 months - 0%
60 months - 0.9%
72 months - 2.%

So we're talking a 5% difference in financing interest rates here. If you actually keep the car 5 years or more then that's probably equivalent to about $6-7K in savings (too lazy to do the math...). That must cover most of the gap in depreciation, no?

[radeonboy]

Honda still can't put proper STRUTS that don't crush your stuff in the trunk.

This is something domestic automakers have been doing for 10 years.

Can you explain what you mean? I dont really know what you are referring to...thanks

[VivienM]

Can you explain what you mean? I dont really know what you are referring to...thanks

Go to ebaymotors.com or other place with proper pictures of cars. (i.e. not a manufacturer's site - usually manufacturers don't put pictures of trunks on their sites)

Look at the trunk on a Chevy Impala or Saturn Aura. You'll notice it uses strut-type thingies OUTSIDE of the cargo area. So when you close the trunk, your stuff doesn't get squished.

Now, compare that with a Honda product (Accord... or Civic), with its "class-leading attention to detail" (as the stupid magazines would claim). The Honda has old-fashioned hinges in the middle of the cargo area, so unless you plan carefully to make sure nothing is in their path, your stuff will get crushed.

The hinges have one advantage: when you unlock the trunk, it will pop up all the way, whereas with struts you have to lift it yourself. But I'd rather lift my trunk lid than get my stuff crushed.

[Sohjonn]

is the accord coupe ex-L v6 6MT a rear-wheel drive?

scroll to Drivetrain section

http://honda.ca/HondaCA2006/Models/AccordCoupe/2008/Specs?L=E

[Sohjonn]

if they made the accord look like the current gen TSX, taht would be cool too.

[evilherms]

I'd take the accord 08 without hesitation.

I've actually driven both the 08 accord and 08 camry....the honda's alot more smooth...and its much more luxurious and big as well.

my parents r actually gettin the 08 accord EX...gonna come in a day or two....yea, its nice.

[ES_Revenge]

if they made the accord look like the current gen TSX, taht would be cool too.

Nah that would change the fact that:

TSX FTW! Accord FTMFL!

[radeonboy]

ohh you are talking about gas filled dampers! I agree with ya. But its easy to pop one in...but ya it should come standard, its pretty cheap thing nowadays, but i guess they always save money first.

i dont think any accord had dampers for the hood or trunk yet.

Go to ebaymotors.com or other place with proper pictures of cars. (i.e. not a manufacturer's site - usually manufacturers don't put pictures of trunks on their sites)

Look at the trunk on a Chevy Impala or Saturn Aura. You'll notice it uses strut-type thingies OUTSIDE of the cargo area. So when you close the trunk, your stuff doesn't get squished.

Now, compare that with a Honda product (Accord... or Civic), with its "class-leading attention to detail" (as the stupid magazines would claim). The Honda has old-fashioned hinges in the middle of the cargo area, so unless you plan carefully to make sure nothing is in their path, your stuff will get crushed.

The hinges have one advantage: when you unlock the trunk, it will pop up all the way, whereas with struts you have to lift it yourself. But I'd rather lift my trunk lid than get my stuff crushed.

[VivienM]

ohh you are talking about gas filled dampers! I agree with ya. But its easy to pop one in...but ya it should come standard, its pretty cheap thing nowadays, but i guess they always save money first.

i dont think any accord had dampers for the hood or trunk yet.

For the HOOD?????

Surely you don't mean to tell me that the Accord's hood is held up using a manual rod thing?

I already noticed that ... shocking... omission on a friend's brand new Civic. This is a Honda: where is the class-leading attention to detail that all the reviews praise those things for?

[Madrid2k]

did you even read it? If you did, you would not post the misinformation that you have in your post regarding what they actually said

Yes, I read the article? Did you actually read my post !?!


In regards to Motor Trend's comparison...

What place did the Accord come in? First!

What place did the Camry come in? Second!


I never slammed the Camry. In fact, I gave the Camry its props - it is the reigning Motor Trend Car of the Year.

Nor, did I ever say that the Camry got killed in the comparison. It was a pretty good match-up.

But that doesn't change the fact that the Accord knocked off the Camry from its class-leading perch - well at least according to Motor Trend.

[VivienM]

But that doesn't change the fact that the Accord knocked off the Camry from its class-leading perch - well at least according to Motor Trend.

If Motor Trend picked the Camry second, that's an improvement. They're not usually very fond of Camry - hell, a few years ago, they ranked the Chevy Malibu ahead of the Camry in a comparo (won by the disgusting Accord, of course, but at least they had the honesty of putting "Ride may be too firm for some." under cons, unlike all the OTHER Honda fans out there...)

[Madrid2k]

Have you considered the financing rates and other offers?

Hyundai was doing 0% for a while. Honda/Toyota typically have among the industry's highest interest rates...


For 2007, the Accord's financing rates were around 1.9% to 4.9% based on 24 - 60 months financing.

Let's use a $30,000 loan for example.

Based on 4.9% financing amortized over 60 months, the total interest would be approx. $3800.

You make a good point, but I don't think the interest savings totally offset Hyundai's depreciation values.

That's why used Hyundai's are great bargains. They're good cars. Unfortunately, they still haven't completely shaken their old reputation.

Hyundai's overall reputation amongst the media and the public is on the upswing, but it will take some more time before their cars hold their values like Honda and Toyota.

[googoo]

OH, the 2 import haters in 1 thread;)

"I already noticed that ... shocking... omission on a friend's brand new Civic. This is a Honda: where is the class-leading attention to detail that all the reviews praise those things for?"

Would that really be considered a detail? I'd say it's a choice. For the (less than) 1% of the time people have the trunk full it would be considered a good cost cutting measure by Honda AND is a lot more reliable that struts.

Same goes for the hood, rarely open, and the strut would need to deal with lots of heat.

Although I would still like them on my Civic:razz:

Brent

[gilboman]

Yes, I read the article? Did you actually read my post !?!


In regards to Motor Trend's comparison...

What place did the Accord come in? First!

What place did the Camry come in? Second!


I never slammed the Camry. In fact, I gave the Camry its props - it is the reigning Motor Trend Car of the Year.

Nor, did I ever say that the Camry got killed in the comparison. It was a pretty good match-up.

But that doesn't change the fact that the Accord knocked off the Camry from its class-leading perch - well at least according to Motor Trend.

you also said the camry was relegated to second class status;) I dont think when the camry handled better, had better acceleration times and other positives, its second class. the two cars are pretty much equal with each other depending on what you want.. you want want a giganitc full size car, get the accord, sportier, faster car....get teh camry and etc... nowhere in the article did they even imply the camry is second class to the accord. it comes down to preference between these two cars

[VivienM]

OH, the 2 import haters in 1 thread;)

"I already noticed that ... shocking... omission on a friend's brand new Civic. This is a Honda: where is the class-leading attention to detail that all the reviews praise those things for?"

Would that really be considered a detail? I'd say it's a choice. For the (less than) 1% of the time people have the trunk full it would be considered a good cost cutting measure by Honda AND is a lot more reliable that struts.

Same goes for the hood, rarely open, and the strut would need to deal with lots of heat.

Although I would still like them on my Civic:razz:

Well, if it's not a detail, then the omission is even more shocking, no?

I'm just bitter because these are two features that GM has been getting right (at least on my dear W bodies) for about TEN years. Yet GM gets lambasted for their lack of attention to detail in every review, and Honda gets praised for the same thing...

Obviously things aren't as one-sided as the import-biased reviews claim.

[new_vr]

Well, if it's not a detail, then the omission is even more shocking, no?

I'm just bitter because these are two features that GM has been getting right (at least on my dear W bodies) for about TEN years. Yet GM gets lambasted for their lack of attention to detail in every review, and Honda gets praised for the same thing...

Obviously things aren't as one-sided as the import-biased reviews claim.

There is definitely a difference in psychology on the reviews. If it's an import, it's a cost saving measure, but on a domestic, it's lack of attention to detail

[googoo]

"I'm just bitter because these are two features that GM has been getting right (at least on my dear W bodies) for about TEN years."

At least they are getting 2 things right Eh! Good for GM:razz:

Ever think that the "higher ups" in GM rode the short bus when they were children?:lol:

Brent

[radeonboy]

For the HOOD?????

Surely you don't mean to tell me that the Accord's hood is held up using a manual rod thing?

I already noticed that ... shocking... omission on a friend's brand new Civic. This is a Honda: where is the class-leading attention to detail that all the reviews praise those things for?

i dunno if the 08 has the dampers for the hood. anything 2003 downward doesnt have it.

I dunno thats not a big issue for me. I've used the manual rod thing for years....if you want one, just put one in, thats all you really can do.

[frogger]

All this talk about hood props vs gas struts on ancient tech W-bodies. Sure W-bodies ride well, but as far as GM, is there anyone in the last 10 years that has built more vehicles with:

-more exposed screws in the interior
-cheaper cloth (mouse fur as far as GM is concerned?) quality
-more plastic feeling leather seating
-anonymous, very poorly integrated center stack radio/hvac controls used in so many vehicles.

They have improved and show signs of catching up at times (2008 CTS), but still have a way to go.

As far as the Camry/Accord, exterior wise neither does much for me. The skirting on the Camry is especially tacky.

[VivienM]

-more exposed screws in the interior

Funny, but exposed screws don't crush stuff. They don't require extra work to keep the hood up.

It's interesting how the Honda lovers focus on cosmetic, rather than functional, issues.

So, maybe your Honda interior LOOKS great. It's the only thing that's great about the car, if so. Torqueless engine, harsh firm ride, cheaply-designed trunk/hood, etc. But hey, no visible screws inside! That's what matters, right?

[Evil Techie]

new accord's interior is gorgeous
ALMOST makes it not worth the extra $25~30k to move up to the RL

thats what camry lacks the most

[frogger]

Funny, but exposed screws don't crush stuff. They don't require extra work to keep the hood up.

It's interesting how the Honda lovers focus on cosmetic, rather than functional, issues.

So, maybe your Honda interior LOOKS great. It's the only thing that's great about the car, if so. Torqueless engine, harsh firm ride, cheaply-designed trunk/hood, etc. But hey, no visible screws inside! That's what matters, right?

If you think Honda or Toyota's 3.5L engines are torqueless, then you haven't driven one. The 3800 has been left behind. Especially with 5 and 6 speed transmissions the norm now. The 3.6L GM engine is also down on power and a guzzler in comparison according to the updated 2008 EPA standards compared to the Honda and Toyota engines.

If the Accord ride is harsh and firm, you must like a very isolated feeling car. I find it very comfortable. Based on sales #'s, I think thats a common opinion. Next time, maybe check the tire pressure when your opinion varies so much from the norm. Heck I recall one review are say it rides old man's car now.

If you think I'm a Honda lover then I guess you don't know I used to drive an Intrigue. I've owned cars with gas struts, prop rods etc and not crushed anything in my trunk thus far. I'm very much looking forward to the G8 and I'd love a new CTS. They don't have parts bin interiors or steering wheels and crap cloth seats from what I've seen so far. The Epsilon GM's have been very mediocre in execution and always seem one step behind (one example, the new G6 GXP front end and wing are horrid) and the W-body is makeup on an old vehicle at this point.

[VivienM]

If you think Honda or Toyota's 3.5L engines are torqueless, then you haven't driven one.

I was thinking more about Honda's 4 cyls...

Does Honda offer a 3.5L on the Accord now? I thought it was still the 3.0L...

As for Toyota, well, I've never accused Toyotas of anything except maybe being overpriced. But Toyota makes perfectly respectable cars...

If the Accord ride is harsh and firm, you must like a very isolated feeling car. I find it very comfortable. Based on sales #'s, I think thats a common opinion. Next time, maybe check the tire pressure when your opinion varies so much from the norm. Heck I recall one review are say it rides old man's car now.

I'm talking about the 2003. Haven't encountered a newer one. Haven't LOOKED for a newer one. Maybe the tires in that particular car (a dealership demo) were overly inflated. Or maybe not. A friend and my uncle both had Accord loaners, and they both observed the firm ride (bad from my uncle's POV, good from my friend's) too.

(For the record, just so you don't think I'm picking on Honda TOO much, the Chevy Cobalt has the same problem, or possibly worse. GM is always disappointing on anything below the W bodies... *sigh*)

[radeonboy]

Funny, but exposed screws don't crush stuff. They don't require extra work to keep the hood up.

It's interesting how the Honda lovers focus on cosmetic, rather than functional, issues.

So, maybe your Honda interior LOOKS great. It's the only thing that's great about the car, if so. Torqueless engine, harsh firm ride, cheaply-designed trunk/hood, etc. But hey, no visible screws inside! That's what matters, right?

lol @ this post. torqueless engine...this is an old arguement. you can't really bring out this "card" anymore.

[googoo]

I guess as long the car has a "big, high torque engine, and keeps me isolated from the road " makes for a great car.

I remember having an 1985 Civis 1500S, 5-6 years after that I picked up a Pontiac 6000, the civic had 2 screw heads visible, and the Pontiac had 6 times that many, but don't forget that it had a "body by Fisher"

Some people like to sell bridges, I'd like to sell a town car to all those people like an isolated ride.

Blindly following one brand doesn't make you a car enthusiast, I love cars from all makers, but I love Honda because of the relationships I've had over the years.

Brent

Some people buy cars like they vote!

[NestleQuick]

We have an 2007 Camry and we love the car. The only issue we have had is going down a hill it would downshift on it's own. This was fixed with a computer update. We bought the car last April and have 71,000 kms on it now and it has been problem free. We get up to 730 km per tank depending on our driving habits.

[SleepyZippy]

[QUOTE=Look at the trunk on a Chevy Impala or Saturn Aura. You'll notice it uses strut-type thingies OUTSIDE of the cargo area. So when you close the trunk, your stuff doesn't get squished.[/QUOTE]

I think it's more a cost saving measure on Honda's part, since my 94 civic comes with strut instead of hinges, and the plastic and vinyl used in the cabin is of a higher quality than the subsequent models.

[googoo]

Actually it was around 1994 that Honda stopped triple stitching upholstery seams, and went with double stitching.

Supposedly saved them LOADS of cash.

Brent

[DJ Trance AZ]

We have an 2007 Camry and we love the car. The only issue we have had is going down a hill it would downshift on it's own. This was fixed with a computer update. We bought the car last April and have 71,000 kms on it now and it has been problem free. We get up to 730 km per tank depending on our driving habits.

Whoa, 730km on a whole tank...that's amazing and the Camry is just as efficient as my Matrix (or should I say the Matrix isn't too efficient at all).

I really like the Camry SE; quite stylish and sporty looking.

.ERiC

[new_vr]

lol @ this post. torqueless engine...this is an old arguement. you can't really bring out this "card" anymore.

Why not???

[ES_Revenge]

Whoa, 730km on a whole tank...that's amazing and the Camry is just as efficient as my Matrix (or should I say the Matrix isn't too efficient at all).

I really like the Camry SE; quite stylish and sporty looking.

.ERiC

What are the tank sizes on these cars though? It's possible they are the same but it would make sense that the larger Camry would also have a larger tank.

"kms on a tank" is useless information. If you had an SUV or Minivan that might be a 100L+ tank, compared to a 50-60L tank on a smaller car...

[DJ Trance AZ]

What are the tank sizes on these cars though? It's possible they are the same but it would make sense that the larger Camry would also have a larger tank.

"kms on a tank" is useless information. If you had an SUV or Minivan that might be a 100L+ tank, compared to a 50-60L tank on a smaller car...

I looked up the tank sizes before I did my calculation...Matrix with 50L and Camry with 72.5L. So about 10km/liter.

.Eric

[frogger]

I looked up the tank sizes before I did my calculation...Matrix with 50L and Camry with 72.5L.

.Eric

Thats not very good for a four cylinder at 10L per 100km average. For a 3.5L six cylinder with as much power as the Camry, thats very good.

[NestleQuick]

I know in the owner's manaul it says 70L. But i dont think it's correct with the fuel light light on. It takes about $54.00 to fill. I know the older camrys have a bigger tank.

[ES_Revenge]

I looked up the tank sizes before I did my calculation...Matrix with 50L and Camry with 72.5L.

.Eric

:confused: but your "calculation" was simply 730km "per tank" not km/L or L/100km :confused:

Also a 72L tank in the Camry? That's huge!