09 Camry v.s 09 Accord??

[CJJ25]

why is that 09 camry is about $2-3 k cheaper on avg than the accord??? i mean, what are some of the differences between these two anyway?

[belgiangenius]

why is that 09 camry is about $2-3 k cheaper on avg than the accord??? i mean, what are some of the differences between these two anyway?

Funny, a few years ago it was the other way around.

Test drive a Ford Fusion. It's jsut as good a vehicle, and right now, costs thousands less.

[2k4accord]

i think the two cars are about the same in price.

09 Camry XLE V6 with Navi is $36,620
09 Accord EX-L V6 with Navi is $36,990

Looking at both car Specifications, they are very similar.

[Debonair]

Funny, a few years ago it was the other way around.

Test drive a Ford Fusion. It's jsut as good a vehicle, and right now, costs thousands less.

Thats because it is made in Mexico...

[panda1314]

-driving dynamics accord wins (camry's power steering is over boosted)
-looks wise (which is subjective) camry 4 dr better than accord 4 dr.
-resale value is about the same
-interior room about the same
-mechanically about the same

test drive both and see which one you like more

[magical]

Funny, a few years ago it was the other way around.

Test drive a Ford Fusion. It's jsut as good a vehicle, and right now, costs thousands less.

Please stop comparing apples to oranges, no way a ford competes with a honda/toyota for quality ever.

[Dixon007]

Please stop comparing apples to oranges, no way a ford competes with a honda/toyota for quality ever.
actually ur right, fords quality right now is better than honda and toyota :)

[jjzzbb]

actually ur right, fords quality right now is better than honda and toyota :)

IMO, Fusion have better value considering the discount and quality they have.
Back to OP's question, I like Camry SE over Accord sedan.

[Drew_W]

i think the two cars are about the same in price.

09 Camry XLE V6 with Navi is $36,620
09 Accord EX-L V6 with Navi is $36,990

Looking at both car Specifications, they are very similar.

At this price, you buy a Lexus ES350 at $39,900. I laugh at the idiots that drive an overpriced Camry instead of ponying up a small amount of cash for a car that is quieter, and infinitely more comfortable.

[bst]

At this price, you buy a Lexus ES350 at $39,900. I laugh at the idiots that drive an overpriced Camry instead of ponying up a small amount of cash for a car that is quieter, and infinitely more comfortable.

Actually, you need to compare an ES with navi to match those trim level, which is about $44,400... about 8000 more... very significant

[Drew_W]

Actually, you need to compare an ES with navi to match those trim level, which is about $44,400... about 8000 more... very significant

So you're missing Navi or whatever. Who cares. Buy a Garmin for a few hundred bucks. When I got my ES350, the finance/lease rates were a few % better on the Lexus than the Camry. That in and of itself closes a few thousand dollars of the gap between the two.

[bst]

So you're missing Navi or whatever. Who cares. Buy a Garmin for a few hundred bucks. When I got my ES350, the finance/lease rates were a few % better on the Lexus than the Camry. That in and of itself closes a few thousand dollars of the gap between the two.

Okay, so an EX-L V6 w/o Navi is 34,990, which is still 5000 dollars in difference. No doubt the ES350 is a good car, but I don't think you can just say you add an X amount and get a better car.

I know I had this dilemma when I bought the Accord, should I buy a fully loaded Accord or a base model luxury car (I was looking at the IS)? I ended up with the fully loaded Accord due to cheaper ownership costs.

[Drew_W]

Okay, so an EX-L V6 w/o Navi is 34,990, which is still 5000 dollars in difference. No doubt the ES350 is a good car, but I don't think you can just say you add an X amount and get a better car.

I know I had this dilemma when I bought the Accord, should I buy a fully loaded Accord or a base model luxury car (I was looking at the IS)? I ended up with the fully loaded Accord due to cheaper ownership costs.

I won't argue with you since you're happy with your purchase and I am with mine, but at least for me sitting already at the $35k mark, another $5k to go from a Toyota to a Lexus was a no brainer. It also helped that Toyota lease rates were around 3.9% and Lexus was 2.1%. That alone closed the gap by about $2500 or so just in interest over the lease term.

[Drew_W]

Oh and I don't buy your maintenance cost thing, since I don't pay a dime more for maintenance than if I'd own a Toyota.

[bst]

As long as we are both happy with our purchases :D After all, that's why both cars exist in the market

[tsx11]

My view:

From what I've seen, the Accord is more sporty and driver-oriented. The Camry is more cushy and wants to make your drive as smooth as possible. Both cars are regarded as the most reliable based on their reputation; there's no reason to believe the latest generation has changed that. If it were my money, I'd buy the Accord, but that's because (a) I'd rather have a more exciting car and (b) I just plain like Hondas.

Camry and Accord are at the top of their class. While it is true that cars like Fusion and Malibu are 100x better than your average American car even five years ago, they aren't at the level of Camry and Accord. Pick up any reputable car magazine and they'll tell you the very same.

The people who call Ford/GM more reliable than Honda/Toyota either (a) haven't been paying attention for the past 20 years, because you can't gauge quality from 1 year or (b) blindly support American cars no matter what. Recent history backs me up here.

The Fusion hybrid, on the other hand, is a completely different story. Excellent hybrid car from what I've heard.

[Drew_W]

Camry has a hybrid too.

Camry is a more comfort oriented ride unless you go with the SE which is a more sport tuned suspension and stabilizer bar.

[magical]

until the hybrid technology is a true hybrid as in you can plug it in at night and drive say 100km, unless you live in a traffic congested urban setting, they are useless, they are great for stop and go traffic, but if you don't live in vancouver, toronto, or spend any major time ideling in traffic then you are just throwing money away.

[canadiankorean]

until the hybrid technology is a true hybrid as in you can plug it in at night and drive say 100km, unless you live in a traffic congested urban setting, they are useless, they are great for stop and go traffic, but if you don't live in vancouver, toronto, or spend any major time ideling in traffic then you are just throwing money away.

True hybrid?
Or do you mean full electrical?

[johnsa]

True hybrid?
Or do you mean full electrical?

Or perhaps he means more like the Prius in that it can operate for a significant distance at low speeds with the batteries alone, no gas motor, as opposed to batteries/electric assisting the gas motor under most driving conditionss...I think a true hybrid such as the prius also charges more efficiently ..ie when braking, etc..i could be wrong:cheesygri

[SkiD]

Camry and Accord are at the top of their class. While it is true that cars like Fusion and Malibu are 100x better than your average American car even five years ago, they aren't at the level of Camry and Accord. Pick up any reputable car magazine and they'll tell you the very same.

Sorry, most reviews place the current generation Camry in the middle to bottom of most comparisons. Accord is usually at or near the top (despite its size and looks). Malibu, Fusion, Mazda 6, Sonata are generally rated as very competitive and the winner of most reviews comes down to subjective measurements like styling.

BTW, if by 'reputable' car magazine you mean Car and Driver, Honda and BMW automatically win comparisons before they even begin.


The people who call Ford/GM more reliable than Honda/Toyota either (a) haven't been paying attention for the past 20 years, because you can't gauge quality from 1 year or (b) blindly support American cars no matter what. Recent history backs me up here.

People who assume that the current generation of Camry/Accord are more reliable than their current competition either (a) don't realize the strides that have been made by others during the last 5 -10 years (Fusion has had a good record, Malibu is rated very high on quality, Hyundai has come a long way) and how much quality hasn't increased at Toyota/Honda (last gen Camry was a much better vehicle) or (b) blindly support Japanese cars no matter what.

[Karbaum]

Some of the advantages of the 2009 Toyota Camry 4dr Sedan LE (A5)
over the 2009 Honda Accord 4dr Sedan LX (M5) are:

Capacities

it has more legroom in the rear (974mm vs 944mm)
it has more rear shoulderroom (1 446mm versus 1 432mm)
there is more interior cargo volume (425L versus 397L)
it has a greater interior maximum cargo volume (425L versus 397L)

Convenience

it has a digital signal processor on the radio
it will show the exterior temp
there is a low washer fluid warning
there is a bulb failure warning
it has the PRND in the instrument panel

Driveability

it has a smaller turning radius (5.5m versus 5.8m)

Exterior

it uses projector beam headlamps
it has fully automatic headlamps

Interior

it has a cloth door trim insert
it has a metal-look console insert
it has chrome and metal-look interior accents
it has a rear cupholder

Powertrain

it has more cold cranking amps (582 CCA vs 550 CCA)
it includes a battery with run down protection
it has an automatic transmission
its transmission includes lock-up
its transmission includes electronic control

Safety

it includes a knee airbag

Wheels & Tires

it has a full-size spare tire

[canadiankorean]

Or perhaps he means more like the Prius in that it can operate for a significant distance at low speeds with the batteries alone, no gas motor, as opposed to batteries/electric assisting the gas motor under most driving conditionss...I think a true hybrid such as the prius also charges more efficiently ..ie when braking, etc..i could be wrong:cheesygri

I think the Camry Hybrid and Prius have the same technology under the hood.

[BananaGroove]

They're both great cars but personally that baby blue color on the console of the Camry isn't very nice looking.

[Jon Lai]

They're both great cars but personally that baby blue color on the console of the Camry isn't very nice looking.

http://www.toyota.com/img/vehicles/2009/camry/gallery/full/2009_camry_se_v6_3.jpg

Looks fine to me. It illuminates at night and I'm sure you can turn it down or off.

[new_vr]

At this price, you buy a Lexus ES350 at $39,900. I laugh at the idiots that drive an overpriced Camry instead of ponying up a small amount of cash for a car that is quieter, and infinitely more comfortable.

I wonder if anyone else finds this comment really ironic...

[ipfree]

I won't argue with you since you're happy with your purchase and I am with mine, but at least for me sitting already at the $35k mark, another $5k to go from a Toyota to a Lexus was a no brainer. It also helped that Toyota lease rates were around 3.9% and Lexus was 2.1%. That alone closed the gap by about $2500 or so just in interest over the lease term.

Should we be laughing at you because for another $5k you could have bought a Mercedes?

[Jon Lai]

Should we be laughing at you because for another $5k you could have bought a Mercedes?

Well no cuz then he'd argue Lexus > Mercedes in terms of reliability ;)

But really Drew, your argument is m00t. The price difference is over $5K if you compare like with like. You can't compare an upgraded trim Camry to a base model Lexus...

[motomondo]

Well no cuz then he'd argue Lexus > Mercedes in terms of reliability ;)

But really Drew, your argument is m00t. The price difference is over $5K if you compare like with like. You can't compare an upgraded trim Camry to a base model Lexus...

Not only that his argument is moot... on top, he's too fast to call other people idiots...

:confused:

[motomondo]

I have a 2005 Camry V6

PROS
The 3.0 lt V6 + 5 speed auto transmission has been the best combo I have ever own.
Disc brakes all around
It feels light for its size, it is plenty fast, very quiet, smooth
Toyota fixed some problems as a "good will" repair (the car was just outside the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty). It is good to know that the dealer was responsive to my complain, even when technically they didn't have to do it

CONS
Boring desing
Numb steering
The paint (and other finishes) chips easily.
Example 1- I barely hit the interior plastic with my (black) laptop, and it got a black scratch that won't go away
Example 2- The chrome finish on the inside door opener is "bubbling" (it may come off soon). That's dissapointing.
Example 3- My alloy wheels are in top shape, but I have seen the same wheels in a 2004 Camry with severe rust and bubbles all over, so mine may do the same soon

All in all, I would buy it again. I really like the design of the current model, and the V6 is even better. Recommended...

[evolution921]

Driven the current gen Camry, Sonata and Accord.

For driving experience IMO I would take Accord>Sonata>Camry.

I'm surprised the Sonata drive better than the Camry. The steering is really vague on the Camry and the suspension is too soft, whereas the Sonata got a bit more road feel to it. I driven the Camry XLE, so maybe SE would be a better drive. I've driven the V6 for all of them, IMO they are all pretty powerful, more than enough for day to day commuting.

[Mayoo]

Driven Accord and Camry ..

Accord > Camry ..

Steering wise Camry is way easy .. which i dont care ..

09 Accord got so many fixes from 08 ..

[Drew_W]

Well no cuz then he'd argue Lexus > Mercedes in terms of reliability ;)

But really Drew, your argument is m00t. The price difference is over $5K if you compare like with like. You can't compare an upgraded trim Camry to a base model Lexus...

The base model Lexus has every feature the topline Camry has, with the exception of Bluetooth and Navi. Like I said, the difference was halved just by the interest rates on leases...

And Lexus beats Mercedes in reliability any day. The only problem with the Benz C class though is consistently high interest rates and low availability. Makes negotiating and finding the car you want quite difficult.

[Drew_W]

Not only that his argument is moot... on top, he's too fast to call other people idiots...

:confused:

It's ok if you geniuses can't understand my argument, or don't want to take the time to understand it on more than a superficial level. It's ok, I've got nothing to prove. I'm just offering another opinion for the sake of comparison.

[Jon Lai]

The base model Lexus has every feature the topline Camry has, with the exception of Bluetooth and Navi. Like I said, the difference was halved just by the interest rates on leases...

And Lexus beats Mercedes in reliability any day. The only problem with the Benz C class though is consistently high interest rates and low availability. Makes negotiating and finding the car you want quite difficult.

Not everyone leases. Everyone in my family including myself have bought out our cars straight with cash unless the financing rates were lower than bank's interest rates at the time.

In the end, $5K is $5K, and Bluetooth and Navi is Bluetooth and Navi and probably worth a good $1000 even if you were to purchase 3rd party equipment of comparable quality.

[Drew_W]

And when I got my ES350, it was cheaper to lease with max MSD and buyout, rather than finance, or pay cash, even with the cash incentive at the time. Even with the crap interest rates now, I'm still paying less on my lease than the money I have sitting in the bank for 4 years earning interest, while I make monthly payments that are less than half what I'd have to pay for financing over the same term, which nets me more money to sit in the bank and work for me. It's like a balloon finance, but with extremely favourable rates.

This may not work for everyone, but that's what Excel is for.

[motomondo]

It's ok if you geniuses can't understand my argument, or don't want to take the time to understand it on more than a superficial level. It's ok, I've got nothing to prove. I'm just offering another opinion for the sake of comparison.

What would you think if someone posts the following?

"I laugh at the idiots that drive an overpriced ES350 instead of buying a Camry V6, because they are the same car mechanically, and the Camry is $13,000 less"

Your argument is the same as the above example: a bogus comparison

It's not that you've got nothing to prove...
The point is, you can't prove anything !!

[bst]

Driven Accord and Camry ..

Accord > Camry ..

Steering wise Camry is way easy .. which i dont care ..

09 Accord got so many fixes from 08 ..

What kind of fixes did the 09 get?

[Drew_W]

What would you think if someone posts the following?

"I laugh at the idiots that drive an overpriced ES350 instead of buying a Camry V6, because they are the same car mechanically, and the Camry is $13,000 less"

Your argument is the same as the above example: a bogus comparison

It's not that you've got nothing to prove...
The point is, you can't prove anything !!

Nothing wrong with the base Camry V6, mechanically it is exactly the same. But if you're trimming up a Camry, it's to make it more "luxurious" which makes my Lexus comment perfectly valid. Then again, not all of us can follow simple logic.

PS. People have made that comment you bolded before on this forum, so it isn't anything new. Drive the base Camry V6, then drive the ES350. Completely different vehicles, even between a trimmed up Camry V6 and the ES350. The fact they share the same mechanical platform is great - cheaper maintenance costs for me since Toyota parts are cheaper than Lexus ones. It comes down to whether you want to pay the price premium or not. But given the price of the Camry V6 XLE, if your intention is luxury, then not going to the ES350 is just stupid imo (and that means IN *MY* OPINION, fyi).

[umpark3]

camry is nice car but its steering...so electric feel to it..
but I would choose sonata if I buy one and want to keep long time because sonata is several grand cheaper and pretty reliable at the same time..

I don't like Fusion though... only thing is AWD availability.
I would go with Malibu over fusion...
But still I don't trust american cars' reliability although people are saying Fusion and Malibu are different...

[umpark3]

Nothing wrong with the base Camry V6, mechanically it is exactly the same.

I don't think they are mechanically identical...

[CaptSmethwick]

My view:
Camry and Accord are at the top of their class. While it is true that cars like Fusion and Malibu are 100x better than your average American car even five years ago, they aren't at the level of Camry and Accord. Pick up any reputable car magazine and they'll tell you the very same.


To each their own. I'd be interested in the magazines you cite as I have read many that rates the Malibu higher than the Camry. Some still rate the Altima higher than both. Here's one: Car And Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2008_honda_accord_vs_nissan_altima_chevy_malibu_hy undai_sonata_toyota_camry_ford_fusion_dodge_avenge r_comparison_test) (1-Accord, 2-Altima, 3-Malibu, 4-Sonata, 5-Camry, 6-Fusion). Here's another: Motor Trend (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0802_midsize_sedan_comparison/specs_and_road_test_data.html)(1-Camry, 2-Malibu, 3-Accord, 4-Altima). And another GlobeAuto (http://auto.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090122.whFamilySedansMain0122/GAStory/specialGlobeAuto/home) -okay, not really a reputable car mag ;) (1-Altima, 2-Malibu, 3-Mazda6, 4-Sonata, 5-Accord, 6-Camry).

Your mileage may vary, of course...


The people who call Ford/GM more reliable than Honda/Toyota either (a) haven't been paying attention for the past 20 years, because you can't gauge quality from 1 year or (b) blindly support American cars no matter what. Recent history backs me up here.

That's an unfortunately common point of view and smacks more than a little of "if you don't think like me you're either blind or stupid". Sorry, but you're the one who is not being open-minded here. I drove nothing but Japanese cars from the mid-70s (Celicas, Mazda 626s and 929, Camrys, and Nissan Quest) and had a similar mindset to the one you described. Unfortunately for us, when we looked for a full-sized car in 2000, we discovered that the Japanese didn't really make an affordable one. I took a big leap of faith and bought a GM in 2000 - shocked the pants off us when it turned out to be the singularly most reliable car I ever owned. I just sold it last month after 200k+ kms and it was in excellent shape, still on its original battery, shocks, exhaust, etc. and everything functioned as it did on day 1.

We're a multi-car family and our "fleet" has been entirely GM for years now and, after a lifetime in Japanese cars, I can safely say that there's no difference in the short or long term quality / reliability. If I had to - and strictly from my personal experience - I would give the edge to GM. That being said, none of our cars are sub-compacts or compacts and very few domestics are competitive (in my mind) in those fields.

Again, though, your mileage may vary.