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Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry vs. Volkswagen Passat

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Comments

  • janetlacrossejanetlacrosse Posts: 20
    The link the reader above gave lists the 2002 Passat as the #1 re-sale mid size car. I never buy new. 2 years old is perfect - can do a little research on the car - and pay much less. I absolutely love the way the Passat feels on the road - plan to keep this car for awhile. ;)
  • krzysskrzyss Posts: 848
    I think that buying hybrid for city driving is good idea.
    Buying hybrid for suburban commuting is not.

    And W8 Passat. It is 4 liter and AWD, what did you expect?

    Krzys
  • cometolivercometoliver Posts: 3
    I like the passat over the camry and accord but want to get a nav system and I've read mixed reviews. Anyone have an opinion on the passat nav system? Thanks
  • canaanmancanaanman Posts: 21
    I appreciate the comparisons of Honda to VW, but I am also considering the Acura TSX - any comments or opinoins?
  • patpat Posts: 10,421
    It would be best to start a new discussion that specifically addresses the vehicles you are considering. Just go here and use the Add Discussion link to fire it up. :)
  • thegraduatethegraduate Posts: 9,731
    One way to do this is to check out the "Accord vs. TSX" board...there are many opinions on that comparison. I don't believe they include VW in on it, just Accord versus TSX only...
  • patpat Posts: 10,421
    Which is why starting a new discussion including the specific vehicles canaanman is interested in would be the best thing ...

    OTOH, if you are recommending using the existing discussions that include any of the vehicles canaanman mentions for research, I wholeheartedly agree. It's just that we don't need to "untrack" any of the existing ones. :)
  • thegraduatethegraduate Posts: 9,731
    Right-o.
  • jthewoodjthewood Posts: 6
    Lawguy,

    Was the mileage really that bad? I have been looking at a 2004 W8 with the sport package and I really like it for a larger car. I currently drive a WRX wagon and I need the extra space for a growing family (wife's due in a few weeks). You said you had a 330 which is another model I've considered. Was it's mileage much better?

    Thanks,

    Jason
  • rahmibubrahmibub Posts: 39
    I wasn in the market looking for a replacement for my trusty Honda and went with the Passat.

    At this point, everyone knows that the Accord and Camry will always be more reliable than the Passat, so I won't expand on that any further. As long as it is above average in reliability, it's good for me.

    I went with the Passat because it had a lot of safety and creature comfort features you couldn't find in the Accord or Camry - like
    * Power seats with Memory
    * Directional bi-xenon headlamps
    * MFD integrated NAV system
    * Excellent Interior layout (personal preferrence)
    * Excellent handling and acceleration

    I wasn't able to check out the Accord's NAV (they didn't have one to test drive) and I am sure it is faster than the one on the Passat, but the MFG integration was well executed.

    IMHO, it all boiled down to is this:
    * Accords are great cars. More stylish than the Camry's and more fun to drive for those who want something more than just going from A to B. The Accord has tons of great features, and has a better bang for the buck because of it - but Honda's insistance on leaving out Power Memory seats really killed the deal for me (since we use our cars interchangeably in my family).
    * The Camry's are a nice car - but really pedestrian. Nobody can argue their reliability, but their designs aren't going to excite anyone. Admittedly, the last time I test drove the Camry was when my wife was looking for a new car, and we were thoroughly under-impressed. The negative interior and drive irked us so much, that the Camry never made it into the short list.

    I got the Passat because I am still young (ROFL on that 50+ driver for Camrys comment), and I will be willing to put up with a few more repairs for a car that will ellicit a huge grin on my face when I sit in it.

    Just avoid the Nissan Altima - this was the first time I ever saw an automotive manufacturer using printed Wood Grain stickers for an interior. I guess Nissan's reputation for cheap interiors was very well earned.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Posts: 9,731
    I went with the Passat because it had a lot of safety and creature comfort features you couldn't find in the Accord or Camry - like
    * Power seats with Memory
    * Directional bi-xenon headlamps
    * MFD integrated NAV system
    * Excellent Interior layout (personal preferrence)
    * Excellent handling and acceleration

    Well, I'd argue that the Accord V6 and Camry SE V6 handle quite well, as well as accelerate well. Also, a Passat with all of these features will cost equal to an Acura TL, not an Accord. I'm not knocking your preferences, but indeed a loaded Passat competes with entry-lux cars like TL and G35 based on price.
  • rahmibubrahmibub Posts: 39
    LOL! I agree with you on that point!

    The v6 Passat pricing is indeed in the entry-lux segment - which is surprising on how wide the price range is for this car.

    Since this was the Accord / Camry / Passat forum, I omitted the fact that also test drove the Acura TL. Didn't drive the G35 though - I was too put off after the Nissan Maxima test drive to even consider a Nissan Brand - I know, not very objective. :D
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Posts: 1,724
    Okay, I had a VW email me and mention that I can lease a

    2008 VW Passat Komfort MSRP $29,000

    Payment: $324mth, 36mth, 12k

    Now this is with $0 DOWN!!! meaning that I could save my $2k I was going
    to put down on a car.

    BUT, I really have my heart set on the Accord, but compared to this deal, it seems
    so expensive, to be at the same range, I would need to put down $2k, but that is the EX-L 4cyl navi, and one amazing car. I want to lease, not buy, but I am not sure
    what I should do, after all it is only a lease. VW is a great company. The Passat
    is one nice car as well, and probably has even more options. I thought if I
    get the passat, have the for 3 years, and the Accord will have better deals then...
    But I am not sure what to think or do, but the offer really has me thinking hard!

    Please let me know what you guys think on what I should do.
    Dealer told me that this is for this month only, and some how,
    I believe him, because they keep extending the specials on VW.com

    Let me know!
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Posts: 1,724
    If anyone is out there, please let me know what you guys think...
    They are offering nearly $4500 in savings, my mother is a VW owner and I live in the same house, so I get the loyalty cash,, I am trading, so I will have lease loyalty, plus incentives, but I want your input if I am making a good choice, but I was really wanting the Accord.

    08 Komfort passat , Cobalt Blue, Very rich creamy blue, Black leather, sunroof, power seats, 6disc cd changer, heated seats. Rear window blinds, push start, aux input, HID head lights. Also it has Tiptronic transmission with minus and plus controls on the steering wheel to control the 6spd transmission. 2.0T engine, 200hp. Larger rims.

    Let me know, if I should just pull the trigger?
  • patpat Posts: 10,421
    I would suggest you also research the individual vehicle discussions, including the Prices Paid for each one. Better to make your own decision based on a whole body of information than to wait for one person to tell you what to do. ;)

    Good luck - let us know how it turns out!
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Posts: 1,724
    I have already past that step...lol just wanted feedback, thanks though! I've got it covered...

    It is looking more in the favor of the Passat, I am getting I am getting $3,700 worth of incentives. Plus I am getting the car at invoice. So when comparing both Accord and Passat leases together, it really makes sense financially, and this incentive on the Passat is amazing! I really don't think I should pass this up, considering the Accord will not ever have an incentive like this for a long time, and when they do, it is certainly not going to be this soon in its deput and I have little miles left on my current lease. So,honestly, as much as I love the new accord, there are other great cars out there, this lease deal is much better financially and realistically for a lease, with the least money involved, and that is what it is all about.

    Thank You!

    ;)
  • patpat Posts: 10,421
    Well, enjoy!! From what I understand, folks love their Passats. Keep in touch! :)
  • pioneerichpioneerich Posts: 3
    I caught a dealer-manager who was pissed at his s :shades: sales staff.
    He sold me a top of line Passat Wagon for $0.75 over invoice
    LESS the VW hold-back costs.

    My older Passat Wagon has had 3 Turbo pumps replaced by
    VW. Keep the oil change records....it is important.

    :shades:
  • thegraduatethegraduate Posts: 9,731
    My older Passat Wagon has had 3 Turbo pumps replaced by
    VW.

    I'd have a hard time giving ANY money to a car brand who gave me that much trouble!
  • ashwinkumar96ashwinkumar96 Posts: 21
    I am planning to purchase a new car and I am sort of confused either to choose camry or accord. Both have got the same features , price etc. I am looking at Accord EX Vs Camry SE. I have heard that seats in Accord are very uncomfortable, how far is it true? Is it very very uncomfortable. Also comapring the HP, its 155 for camry Vs 192 for Accord. I am planning to add in the package which includes moonroof etc in camry and inspite of that the price comes almost the same. Kindly help me in arriving at a decision.
  • patpat Posts: 10,421
    Here's the best place to continue this conversation: ashwinkumar96, "Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry" #2784, 13 Oct 2008 9:01 pm.
  • ctozyctozy Posts: 5
    Hi ladies and gents,
    Thanks in advance for your inputs.

    I am in the market for either a '08 Passat Komfort or '08 Accord EX-L w/ nav. Here are offers from dealers excl doc fee & tax:
    * VW: $25,200
    * Honda: $25,250

    Passat rides great and the engine seems to effortlessly accelerate to 70 - 80mph on highway. Good brakes and comfortable interior design and space.

    Accord rides pretty ok but engine revs higher at similar speed. It seems to require more effort to reach 70 - 80mph. Brakes are good and interior is roomy and simple. Nav is a good tool but its locale is somewhat odd and tough to see in sunlight.

    What do you see as plus and minus for each car? I'm on the fence.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Posts: 9,731
    Assuming the Accord is the 4-cylinder, it has a history of much better reliability than Volkswagen models. The cost of maintenance will likely be lower on the Honda than on the VW also.
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Posts: 1,724
    Okay, my mother has an 08 Jetta SE, She loves it! I love it! It is torquey. Gets decent mileage. Most of all, it is a fun car! This is her second lease, and have had no problems at all with them. The maintenance will be a bit higher, but really not too comparable. Now, realize the Accord is geared for more economy, and the Honda engine is awesome, but the VW engine is sportier, with the manual shift mode, and more torquey in the lower range. Both Accord and VW are great engines. I certainly think you cannot go wrong with either. The VW seems to hold its value quite well too.

    Based on my review of the passat- i
    Classy exterior- I love it! the cobalt blue is amazing!
    Roomy interior- a little odd, but nice.
    Door panels are a little plain, and plasticky. Hard looking.
    weird seats, seemed too big, for me.
    Drove amazing-strong pull.

    I really liked the car, it was fun! The is what VW wants!

    Other than the average interior, it is a very nice car.

    The Accord:
    Nice exterior- more conservative.
    Sweet, classy interior fit and finish
    Strong engine-geared for more economy, but still sporty enough.
    Alot of dash buttons, some like it, some don't

    I love it!

    You simply cannot go wrong with either, drive what makes you happy! Ask yourself which gives you that! Then pick it. The new Passat CC is very sharp too. though only seats 4. I try to sneak in a drive in my moms 08 Jetta, and love it, I get wowed by the engine pull, I actually squealed the tires...lol I wasnt even trying to do it either. I was like WOW! It does have 5cyl. If I got a VW I would get the Jetta Wolfsburg with the 2.0T FUN FUN!!
  • patpat Posts: 10,421
    Here's the link: lagapis, "Honda Accord (2003-2007) Maintenance and Repair" #4540, 2 Mar 2009 1:42 pm.
  • guntherhopsguntherhops Posts: 21
    I love my '05 Accord, but a couple of things are making me think twice about another Accord:
    1) It's noisy on the highway - I drive mostly interstate between Pennsylvania and NYC. I-78 is rough, constantly being repaired, and it's hard to hear the fabulous tunes on satellite radio over the noise Accord lets in.
    2) Honda makes you get leather seats if you want Sat Radio. I'm tired of leather - hot in the summer, and cold in the winter.
    3) I've gotten used to a smooth V6 - does the VCM in the new Accord present potential maintenance problems? Sounds complicated.
    Questions about Camry:
    1) Is it as quiet as they say?
    2) Would a 4 cylinder be enough? I'm no speed demon, and if I heard some groaning on those rare occasions I had to floor it after going thru a toll booth or entering the highway, well, I could deal with that. But does the 4 strain like some rental cars I've had?
    3) Can you get satellite radio without leather?
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Posts: 1,680
    The '09 Camry 2.4 L 4 cylinder does not have the most horsepower, but it has a lot more useful torque than other cars. I have seen tests where it does very well in 0-60. My '07 2.4 L 5 speed manual is plenty quick for a 4. But the 2010 Camry that is being shipped to dealers right now has a new 2.5 L 4 cylinder with a 6 speed manual or automatic transmission. Quicker and more fuel efficient!
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Posts: 1,724
    I am not sure if you still you have to get the leather to get the satellite radio. I think you might be able to on the EX. I know this is a bit off subject, but the satellite seems to be dumped with ads now! Its horrible.

    The VCM has been used in the Odyssey van for years, Some say they can feel the car switch gears in the Accord. Its a matter of opinion if its a bad thing or not. I have never driven one, my co-worker has not said anything about it on his 08 V6 Accord.

    The Accord is still somewhat noisy, but they Accord has always been a bit noisy.
    It is not as serene as the Toyota. I am not sure if they are doing this on purpose or just forgot to consider sound dampening.

    The 4cyl will be enough, Honda makes 1 of the best 4cyl engines out there. You had an Accord as a rental, I hope you didn't. I have an 08 4cyl GM car and its nothing like the 4cyl accord. I truly miss the Honda engine. Its no race car, but its more refined, more torque. Depending on what your used to, the 4cyl should be just fine for you.

    I took my 06 Accord 4cyl to Florida carrying 5 people, luggage, it certainly did better in mileage, torque, overall refinement and power.
    I took my 08 G6 4cyl, 5 people, luggage, to florida, and it did okay, but the transmission was quite glitchy, up and down all the time, lacked a bit in power when going through Tennessee, alabama. The torque wasn't really there. The mileage was worse, not by too much, but you can notice. I am sure the 4spd auto in the car plays a role in the mileage too. I preferred, I missed the refinement of the Accord on the trip.

    I know we are here to compare the Accord, Camry, Passat, but wanted to give a comparison of what I felt from the accord versus another 4cyl. The Accord, Passat, Camry are probably going to have more power, refinement than my G6. They have better technology and are more up to date.
    The Passat is going to have the most power in the 4cyl.

    My advice, is get something you truly love from the beginning. You'll be much happier. :)

    Good Luck!
  • es8360es8360 Posts: 1
    Hi I was reading your questions, and I felt like giving you my two cents. We have an 08 accord with 20000 miles and an 06 passat with 60000. I prefer the VW Passat by a long shot. It's solid, fast, stable, and fun in the twisties. The interior quality of the passat also feels better, and not barely a squeak. In comparison our accords engine is noisy, smooth, but noisy, rougher ride, imperfections in the road cause rattles in the interior, interior quality is nice but the VW's is better. Just feels tinny in comparion. Drives nice enough, but the VW's engine is smoother (2.0t) and stronger in all situations :)....I would go with the VW all the way. the driving experience is just that much more rewarding. and right now they have the carefree maintenance. I've been thinking of getting rid of my accord and getting another passat or a CC. The VW's feel like solid cars, while the accord feels like a souless appliance with less comfort than the passat. the accord does have a bit more room, in case that's a concern.
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Posts: 1,724
    The VW Passat is a very nice car. It performs very well. The fun factor is much higher than that of an Accord. VW has always aimed at more performance, rather Accord seems more on the practical side. I did almost lease an 08 Passat. It was a very cool blue color, however I just did not like the harsh black interior. The seats were weird looking. Just didn't seem as inviting. Almost didn't look like it went well with the very classy looking exterior.

    I love VW, I also have an 08 Jetta and it is so much fun!

    The VW CC interior is MUCH better than the regular passat's interior. But lacks a rear middle seat which is removed for overall appeal and concept. I need a middle seat occasionally.

    Soon, I will be looking at the Accord, TSX and perhaps the new CC.

    Honda really needs to add more fun to the Accord, because when compared to other cars now in its class, it is falling a bit behind. If Honda used the coupe concept for the sedan, then it would work out better. Look and appeal better.
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