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Comments
What you need to do is simple. Go see them, feel them, drive them. Then pick the one you like best, knowing you've made a wise and satisfying choice. Now go have fun, and drive those cars!
Well, the 07 Camry has transmission and other issues. Look in the Edmunds.com Camry forums. The good news is that Toyota seems to be doing everything to make the customer happy including buying the vehicles back.
I had issues with every Nissan/Infiniti that I ever bought. Nissan/infiniti never offered to do anything unless legally pressed. kudos to Toyota for being loyal to their customers.
Never had major issues with a Honda or Lexus.
For now, I would stick with the '06 Accord.
My opinion ot Toyota is that it is a GM type Company, but with one difference, it has customers. Honda seems content to sell cars, but not go for numbers like Toyota. Both have good vehicles, but I give the edge to Honda.
You obvioiusly did not drive an SE which is the only model meant for sportier driving.
As for the rest of your criticisms, you are entitled to your opinions...but your GM comparison leads me to believe you are a Honda bigot.
With that said, I think the cloth interior of the Accord is better, as is the quality of the materials used for the interior, such as dash, buttons used, and seat. Others who post here agree, and some others who post here don't concur. The Accord's seats are really comfy compared to the previous version. The powertrain used in the 4 of the Accord is very good. No occassional hesitation/occassional hard shift like the 2000 Accord. Its the best auto tranny I ever owned so far. As far as handling, Edmunds in the 4 car test and the Altima preview indicate that the Accord's handling (at least in 6 cylinder version) is the best.
Finally, I tend to shy away from first year models since fit and finish issues are generally higher.
"It's too bad there's no way of disabling the stability control because the Camry feels like it could go quicker than the safety-minded engineers will allow. It feels at least as athletic as the Accord, but we'll never know."
Again, it comes back to intrusive VSC. But apparently, the vehicle lends a very confident feeling, if it feels "at least as athletic" as the Accord...
~alpha
Additionally, here's is what they said when reviewing the 2007 Altima:
"The improved front suspension tuning, along with the new speed-sensitive, power rack and pinion steering system, provides a precise and linear steering response that rivals the class leader in this area — Honda's Accord."
Always buy a second year model over the first year model. Even the great and mighty Toyota is having transmission issues much like the Acura Transmission Loser (TL) a few years ago.
When the new Accord arrives in '08, wait for the '09!
The quality of the materials used is not up to Toyota standards. All of the little things like the sunglass holder, the dash materials, seat fabrics, the sound of the door closing, all lacked the traditional toyota polish. The key looks like one of those crappy chrysler keys, as well. The car drove ok but wasn't anything special.
It appears Toyota is learning how to make more profit on its volume models and it shows.
The accord just seemed more "special". I purchased mine last weekend....an 06 LX SE. I think the interior on the Accord is better than the Camry. It seems to be on a higher quality "plateau" than the camry. Sorry camry fans. And sorry for the long post.
Any reviews of these navigation systems that you know of? Thanks for any information you can provide.
http://www.lexus.com/models/glossary.html?entry=voice
I chose the 4cyl, first for the better gas mileage, and 2ndly, I've had a 4cylinder the past, and it was enuf get-up-and-go for me. I had a 4cyl 02 camry in the past, and this accord has more horsepower -166, compared to the camry's 158hp (don't quote me on that).
Have you purchased your car yet??
~alpha
I was actually refering to a late 1980s Acura and the previous generation Accord. But my neighbor had some tranny problems with his early 1990s Accord, the same as your grandparents.
If you are considering the current gen. Accord 4, those problems have gone away. The 4 has sufficient power and the shifts are quite smooth. By far, its the best 4cylinder/tranny I have owned to date. That includes a 1988 Acura Integra, 2000 Accord, 2000 Camry, and 2002 Tacoma.
Although I haven't driven the 2006 Accord LX Special Edition, the interior felt tighter, and the seats were more comfortable. The "premium" cloth still didn't meet my standards, so I may end up going with leather. The layout of the dash was better than the Camry, but I still think the stereo and climate controls are too large for the space. Again, an aftermarket stereo would take up far less room, and probably provide more power and features than the stock one offered by Honda. I'm not excited with the exterior of the 2006 Accord. In fact, I haven't liked the rear of the car ever since it debuted. However, as I see the 2003-2005 Accords, which I think have a more attractive rear, they are already beginning to look dated. Coupled with the fact that Hyundai copied the 2003-2005 Accord rear end, I'm glad Honda redesigned it (although it could definitely be more attractive). The hood of the 2006 Accord seems the same as prior years, which I always thought looked a little too "bubble-like". I prefer a straighter hood, such as was on the 1994-1996 Accord.
In the interests of full disclosure, I've been driving a 1994 Honda Accord LX for the past 10 years (thus, as you can see, it's time for a new(er) car). Eventually I see handing the car over to my fiance for transporting the kids we'll eventually be having, probably sometime in the next 1.5-2 years). When that happens, I'll probably buy a Lexus ES 350. In the meantime, the 2006 looks like it will fit the bill better than the 2007 Camry.
People here may argue with me, but the foregoing is my personal opinion, nothing more.
Buying a car has many objective factors, but ultimately it comes down to subjective opinion. At this point, a car like the Accord is enough for my needs.
Here's what I posted in the dedicated Camry forum:
Test drove the 07 Camry and was duly impressed!
Briefly, my observations over the 10 mile test drive.
The vehicle, an LE 4, exhibited excellent fit and finish, both inside and out. Although I was concerned at first by the vehicle's weight gain and the incremental gain in power, this 4 feels at least as strong as the 4 in my parents' 02 Camry LE, though really, I think it may test slightly quicker. It also has a more refined sound, and seemed to rev more easily to redline. If fuel economy lives up to expectations, I'm not nearly as disappointed as I was upon first learning there wasnt a significant power upgrade. The standard ULEV-II rating is also a boon for those concerned about the enviornment.
The biggest improvement, by and large? Brake pedal feel. I couldn't believe I was driving a bread and butter Camry 4; for years, the pedal has been mush. Not so anymore. (I'd also be shocked if didnt stop shorter owing to more tire contact patch and 4 wheel discs with greater swept area).
Steering feel has also improved, and one doesnt get the Buick impression that the wheel could be turned by a single pinky; its firmer but not artificially firm (as in some Nissans). It's not an Accord, but its probably a very agreeable compromise for the folks who own a previous generation Camry and others lookign for more feel. I did not have the opportunity to take any hard corners, but upon first impressions, I'd chose this vehicle easily over its predecessor. (No SEs were available that hadnt already been sold).
The front seats seem to offer more lateral and lumbar support, and in my brief occupancy time, I liked them better than the '02-'06, and the telescoping wheel is a notable improvement. Note, though, it did seem like the seat cushion bottom was any longer, for those concerned about that... I do not know the official specs.
I liked the interior styling and materials, especially the seat cloth.
However, I felt the control panel dimmer switch, now in the dash, to be flimsy. And the cabin does not feel as 'airy' as in the previous generation, though it is certainly still large. The stereo display is oversized (why?) and the font is very 1980s. Finally, along my list of demerits, while I love the Optitron instrumentation, in direct sunlight, it felt as though it it didnt have the contrast of the previous generation.
The storage areas are many and useful; I loved the trick door on the passenger side for concealing my iPod wires.
Overall, a very enjoyable drive, and a great family car. For me, I'll take the SE and the V6, thank you very much.
~alpha
Camry XLE has the following features I like (some optional), which the Honda does not
Smart key.
Manual shift gate for the AT - a great feature, especially for downshifting in hilly driving.
Rear seats that recline (a little).
Fancy sound system with blue tooth capability.
Slightly better EPA mileage, and more HP.
I might be leaving out some of the differences, but these are the ones that stuck out in my mind.
I am getting dealer quotes on the Honda of $3,000+ less than a comparably equipped 2007 Camry XLE V6. I think the Camry overall has more bells and whistles, but the price difference from the Accord is pretty substantial.
Both are excellent vehicles!
I think that BOTH the Camry "and" the Accord are nice cars. Both have unique styling.
In my area, several dealers have over 20+ Camrys in stock. However, only 1 or 2 of them are V-6s. Anyway best of luck with whatever you go with, and keep us informed.
In regard to scoring and point totals, Edmunds.com stated:
"With the anticipation of parents watching their child win a spelling bee with the final letter, we watched the Camry's point total edge out the Accord's by a 0.64 margin. Despite what this might indicate, there really was no dispute regarding which of these four cars should win the comparison."
And in regards to handling "It's too bad there's no way of disabling the stability control because the Camry feels like it could go quicker than the safety-minded engineers will allow. It feels at least as athletic as the Accord, but we'll never know."
And finally, 20 Camrys in stock means nothing without some kind of relative compartor. 20 Camrys at the dealership where my parents bought their last Toyota would be relative depleted stock.
I definitely prefer the stereo display of the Accord, but the Camry's interior overall. I'm one of the folks who really likes the bluish lighting of the stero surround in the Camry, as well as the climate control knobs....
~alpha
Nobody here can get their hands on a V-6 Camry, 4 cylinders are more available. So, in indicating the number of vehicles available in my area, my point to the other poster is that it may be difficult to get a hold of a Camry V-6, and easier to get an Accord V-6. I'm not sure what your parents buying a Camry have to do with this point. Your reply is not clear.
As far as the handling issue, when previewing the new Altima - 2007, Edmunds said that Honda Accord is still the class leader in handling/suspension area (I gave you that link previously - but you can look it up for yourself). You are just reciting an opinion from an editor, which is fine, but is incomplete. Specifically, in that same shoot out, Honda's scores in these areas were simply better. (As you know from my previous posts - I said that the Camry V-6 should have won by a larger margin and was suprised by how close it was). Other magazines indicated the same thing with respect to the handling/suspension issue, as do several posters, including yourself when you stated in your original post "...Its not an Accord." So, I am not making any specific comments as to which one is better as you did in your original post. Rather, the consensus (magazines and several posters, including yourself) appears to suggest that the Accord continues to dominate in this area, but the Camry is catching up. Maybe, you need to re-review your original post, and revise it, if your opinon on this issue has now changed or needs to be clarified.
I would suggest that you review the comments made by the posters not as an advocate for any one side, but as a person who wants to provide helpful information about both vehicles and wants to share that information to others.
Just the facts from both manufacturers.
I made no assertion as to the better handling of the Accord or Camry in my last post, I simply reiterated what the edmunds.com comparison test stated in their review of the Camry's handling characteristics.
Overall, the Accord is more of a driver's car, most definitely. However, from reading your postings, one would think that although the 'Camry is catching up', it is not in the same league. My intention, using the edmunds.com report as backup, was to show that it is.
Regarding inventory, your statement was
"In my area, several dealers have over 20+ Camrys in stock. However, only 1 or 2 of them are V-6s."
YOU DID NOT EVEN MENTION AVAILABILITY OF ACCORD V6s (anywhere in your post), so how would any reader guess that you were making a comparison between availability of V6 models? Most of us lack ESP, I'd guess.
Your point, since you clarified, is understood. Still, it is your supposition that A) the dealership near you is representative of all Toyota dealerships in their product mix, and
That's all.
"I would suggest that you review the comments made by the posters not as an advocate for any one side, but as a person who wants to provide helpful information about both vehicles and wants to share that information to others." Agreed, you do the same.
~alpha
You made a review of the Camry -2007 disagreeing with another poster a few posts past, right? You indicated the following:
"Steering feel (2007 Camry) has also improved, and one doesnt get the Buick impression that the wheel could be turned by a single pinky; its firmer but not artificially firm (as in some Nissans). It's not an Accord, but its probably a very agreeable compromise for the folks who own a previous generation Camry and others lookign for more feel. I did not have the opportunity to take any hard corners, but upon first impressions, I'd chose this vehicle easily over its predecessor. (No SEs were available that hadnt already been sold)."
It appears to me that you are comparing the handling/suspension of the Camry to several other vehicles, especially when you state "It's not an Accord, but its probably a very agreeable compromise for the folks who own a previous generation Camry and others lookign for more feel." You may want to revise that portion/clarify this, if it is not correct.
In my post, I only said the consensus of the magazines and several posters suggest that the Accord's suspension and handling is better than the Camrys, but the Camrys are catching up. This is substantiated by the Edmunds preview of the 2007 Altima, the shoot-out scores, several posters (including yourself - possibly based on your review?), and several other magazines. In my comment, I do not even assert that the Camry's suspension is way behind. So, there you go again, assuming something that does not even exist.
My effort in citing the edmunds.com article was to rebuke your very minimal acknowledgement that the Camry's handling has improved. You stated "although the new Camry may be catching up a bit." Comments from consumers like me, and edmunds.com, show that the Camry has done MORE than "caught up a bit" and is actually in the same LEAGUE as the Accord. For the previous generation non-SE models, I dont know that could be said.
Indeed, in their March 06 review of the Camry, C/D claimed they would unequivocally sing praises for the Camry's improved handling was it not for the overly intrusive (it is!) VSC.
~alpha
Am I missing an incentive, or just not negotiating properly? Is there some trick to getting a Honda dealer down on price that isn't working on Toyota?
The MSRP of the Accord LX SE is slightly higher than the Camry LE with mats only - specifically about $900 (auto -CA PZEV). Have you checked the Accord pricing thread? There is a $750 factory to dealer incentive (not a rebate). The dealer can elect to pass these savings on to you, part of it, or none of it. In addition, the holdback on a Honda is 3% of the MSRP. I have seen Accord LX SEs go in the 18+k range, exclusive of TTL.
The cheapest prices on the Camry LE 4 per the thread is $18,950 to $19,200 plus TTL (only option is mats). Its too new of a vehicle for significant discounts at this time. There are no incentives on this vehicle.
2007 Camry LE 4 auto plus 16 inch alloys, JBL 440 Watt and Bluetooth capable stereo, and 5 pc mats- MSRP including destination: $22,689. According to carsdirect.com, selling price would be $21,391. (Note, using Central NJ zip code here).
2006 Accord LX SE 4 auto- MSRP including destination: $22,075. Selling price: $19,478.
So, at MSRP, the difference is $600 and for that, the Camry offers a more powerful, Bluetooh capable audio system and an 8 way power driver's seat (and a knee bolster airbag, for whatever thats worth). BUT at average selling price, the differential is $1800 and the Accord is a tremendous value.
~alpha
Regardless of your carsdirect prices or actual purchase prices - Bottom line, you pay more, you get more.
I'm going to test drive the Honda Accord LX Special Edition this weekend and let everyone know my thoughts. I'd prefer to keep my car purchase under the $20k threshold, which is a good reason to buy an Accord over the new Camry. You simply get more car for your money right now.
Although I could do a search, I'll ask the question here. Any suggestions on WHEN to buy an '06 Accord LX SE? Would it make sense to wait until June or July, just before the '07 models hit the showrooms? Since there's no difference between the '06 and the '07, why buy the '07?
Personally, since there is no difference between the '06 and '07, why not get one now! It's more enjoyment for you sooner. Prices will not drop significantly again until right around the time of Accord redesign, which is a good ways off.
~alpha