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Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry

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  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    Where have you seen one, I had half a dozen dealers in different zones search their entire zone with no success. They did find a couple of SE's (all had sunroofs though) and a couple of CE's (no sunroofs, but the CE did not pass spouse approval). They were motivated too, because I was ready to buy and told them.

    Sure it was not a CE?
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    Positive, because I was thinking about it. They had a CE and an LE (both were manual transmission, no sunroof).

    When it came down to it, I got the CE manual, because it just was not worth the extra $$ to get the power seat and keyless entry on the LE, which are the ONLY differences between the CE and LE. In my opinion, the only thing that would be nice is the keyless, but you can add that a LOT cheaper than factory. I did not want the power seat. I just can never see an advantage to a power seat??

    Anyway, the CE manual is great, although we may get keyless added. I understand it would be $100-200. That is still $600-700 cheaper than the LE.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    So, were was this?

    I would have been OK with the CE, but my wife really preferred the power seats and keyless. Of course the keyless could have been added.
  • mcdawggmcdawgg Member Posts: 1,722
    Monroeville, PA
  • dolfan1dolfan1 Member Posts: 218
    The sunroof situation has been a sore spot for many Camry buyers, since getting a manual that is fairly well equipped and doesn't have a sunroof isn't easy, especially if you want an SE Camry. That's why the Accord SE looks so good to a lot of people.
  • djm2djm2 Member Posts: 712
    Hi All:
    Four months ago I purchased a 2007 V6 XLE Camry. I love this vehicle, and I DO NOT have any of the problems that I see posted on these boards.
    Now that I have owned the Camry for four months, I can see some areas that show a difference in "quality", between the Camry, and the 2003 Accord that I previously owned. The one thing that cheapens the look of the Camry is the POOR QUALITY of the CARPET, and my Camry is the XLE model. Thank God, I put the "all-weather" rubber mats on the floor!
    The Camry seats are much more comfortable than the Honda Accord, and the vehicle is much easier to drive, because there are no "Blind Spots" in the driver's outside mirror!
    Would I go back to Honda in the future? ----- I don't know at this point in time. It would depend on the configuration of the Accord's body style, the ride of the Honda, the comfort of the seats and the current technology being offered by both companies.
    I think Honda needs to pay more attention to "COMFORT" in terms of their front seats, the blind spots in their design and the quality of the overall ride. The ride of the Honda Accord is simply TOO HARD. Prior to purchasing the 2007 V6 Camry, I did go out on a test drive of a 2007 V6 Honda Accord. The "quality" of the ride sold me on the Camry!
    On the other side of the issue, I think Toyota needs to work on their "quality" in terms of the "transmission issue", and the past "engine sludge issue" that I see posted on these boards. Toyota has put a lot of work into the 2007 Camry, and it would be a "BIG ERROR" on the part of Toyota if they did not resolve the transmsiion issue in a timely / professional manner, and in the process, solve the operational issues for each owner that presently has a problem with their vehicle.
    As an owner of a Toyota Camry, I will continue to follow the "trans flare issue". If Toyota DOES NOT take the proper action, and in the process solve this "trans flare issue, I DO NOT think that I would take the chance and purchase another Toyota, even though I like my vehicle, and I DO NOT HAVE the problems at the present mileage. To do so, would open me up to the "luck of the draw" in terms of getting a "qulity vehicle"! I do not want to make a vehicle purchase on that basis!

    FUTURE PLANS FOR THIS VEHICLE:
    This vehicle will be paid at the end of three years. Since I do an extensive amount of driving, I will have about 66,000 to 70,000 miles at that point in time. If the vehicle has a good trade in value at that point in time, I will trade it for another vehicle. Once the vehicle passes 70,000 miles or more, and goes into the fouth year of ownership, the trade-in value drops. The "goal" is to get out of the vehicle while it still has a maximum value, or then drive it to the limit of the extended 100,000 mile warranty.
    Best regards: ------------Dwayne :shades: ;):)
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    This is where the differences in consumer needs and wants come into play. I wanted something that handled really well, while also offering a decent ride. The Accord matched that very well, with the Fusion close behind (it was even firmer, but cornered a little flatter). The Camry felt like it was just mushy. Very numb steering, lots of body roll, and a general "wallowy" feel to it. Great for bumpy, straight interstates. Really bad for any curves, and absolutely BORING to drive. Our Honda Odyssey handled more crisply than the Camry (it was 2006) did. Toyota has continued this tradition of softness in the 2007 Camry.

    Different strokes for different folks... for me, the Accord is a great blend. The Camry drove like a well-made Buick to me, and was as exciting to drive as turning on a washing machine. The Accord has a snarling exhaust at high-rpms, a chassis that likes to be tossed around, and much more responsive...well...everything.

    By the way, this was a Camry LE I4 (with options like sunroof, JBL stereo, etc), and a Honda Accord EX I4.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I think Honda needs to pay more attention to "COMFORT" in terms of their front seats,

    Seats are clearly a matter of personal preference. I like the firm seat in the Accord, and the side bolstering, combined with the 8-way adjustability, makes the seat as comfortable as I would want to be (while not sleeping). A too soft seat, makes me feel less connected to the car. For instance CR commented about how good the Accord driver seat was, and how the Camry seat needed more thigh support. Accord seats have always been firm and supportive, and that's the way I like them. Having gone through back surgery, I know a bad seat, when I sit in one.
  • dudleyrdudleyr Member Posts: 3,469
    The Accord seats vary by model. The non power seats are quite soft and don't have much lumbar support. The power seats are much better. CR's seat comments are about the power seats.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I would not know about the current Accord cloth seats. My old Accord had cloth seats and they were firm, so I assumed the current cloth seats were firm also. Are they that much different from the power seats, as far as shape and padding?
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The cloth seats in my EX 4-cylinder are firm, but I've heard that the leather seats are a little firmer more than once in these forums. Having an EX, I have adjustable lumbar support, so lack of lumbar that dudley was mentioning isn't a problem for me.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Those who are used to seats such as the Camry, or many GM seats, will find the Accord seats very firm. I guess I'm used to it by now. My Chevy truck seats lack support, and I feel like I could roll right out the door because the left side feels weaker than the other side. I guess that's from getting in and out of the truck (getting kind of worn out).
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    I've been shuttling my dad around in his old Buick lately and I am so happy to climb back into my Accord's leather seat. Absolutely personal preference and I'm finding I like firm best.
  • w9cww9cw Member Posts: 888
    Grad - the 2007 Camry is far different from the previous generation in handling, steering, etc. While maintaining a compliant ride, the new Camry handles well. We recently put over 1,700 miles on a 2007 Camry LE 4-cylinder automatic driving from Illinois to North Carolina, through the a number of mountain twistys. The Camry handled very well with positive steering input and no "wallowy" or floating feel at all. Perhaps not in the Accord LX, SE, or EX category, but still very good.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I wonder if it has any "fun" when handling though. Everything I've read has indicated that the LE and XLE's answer would be a definitive "no," while the SE Camry feels more like a Honda. I hope that's true, for Toyota owners who are loyal but would like more fun.

    Again, that's just what I've read. I haven't been in a Camry since the 2006 *yawn* Camry LE. It's a great car for really bumpy loud roads, but it was the second-most relentlessly boring car I've driven. The MOST boring? A Corolla LE Automatic.
  • wheels_r_superwheels_r_super Member Posts: 44
    I thought I was finally going to get my first Accord. I like that car but CR panned it on noise. I have hearing loss due to close encounters with artillery in the 60s war. So I was concerned about having to crank up the volume on the radio to compensate for road and wind noise. So I went for Camry instead of Accord.
    True, there are quieter cars out there but the price is out of sight. Guess my racing daze are over.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    wheels_r_super,

    You wrote of the Accord, "CR panned it on noise". Road noise is a factor with most vehicles on the road. If someone wants lower road noise from their OEM tires, they have the option of buying quieter ones (with the side benefit of even better handling).

    ACTUALLY, Consumer Reports said of the Accord "Our top-rated family sedan has a roomy cabin, agile handling, and a steady, compliant ride. Controls are logically arranged, and a telescoping steering column helps drivers find an ideal position. The automatic shifts very smoothly and responsively. The four-cylinder engine is smoother than many V6 engines. The V6 model is very quick and relatively fuel efficient... Road noise is noticeable."

    "Noticeable" is a comment. That's not panning in my book. Actually, CR rated both the Accord and the Camry with half-red circles for noise, Very good on their scale.
  • wheels_r_superwheels_r_super Member Posts: 44
    Sorry for the poor choice of words. I got negatives on the noise from several sources. I already have access to the wifes 06 Solar so knew it was very acceptable in the quiet category, knowing full well there is better out there but don't look at vehicles over 32,000 dollars.
    I take exception to remarks about tires and noise. I go by the ratings people give on TireRack and when I purchased the tires best rated for quiet and put them on the noisy Vibe, I saw little if any difference going from a cheap Conti to a good Yokahama.
    Thanks for the well deserved corrections.
  • dtownfbdtownfb Member Posts: 2,918
    Why didn't you just test drive an Accord to find out about the noise level yourself? "Noise" is such a subjective quality that it should be experienced first hand instead of relying on a 3rd party. I think CR is a great resource but nothing beats actually driving the car yourself.
  • blufz1blufz1 Member Posts: 2,045
    I reduced the road noise and ruff ride on my Accord by going to the Goodyear assurance comfort tread. Discovered them by reading tire rack reviews. Worked for me.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    And no comparison...

    I guess "Midsize Sedans 2.0" took all the glory.

    When the 2008 Accord comes out, I imagine this room might get more heated (a more competitive Accord V6 coupled with an already superior Accord 4-cyl powerplant).
  • sudheersudheer Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I am looking to buy a car and have been contemplating between Camry LE (Sedan) & Accord SE (Sedan).

    Have been reading through the Forums and frankly speaking, not able to decide which one is the best although when I weigh the features of the both the models, I am getting more out of Camry LE. Would appreciate your insights on the same.

    Also, is Alloy Wheels a must?
  • watercop1watercop1 Member Posts: 18
    My wife had a 2004 Accord EX 40cyl. I bought a 07 Camry LE 4cyl (sunroof, alloys, spoiler). I like both cars but they both have distinct personalities. Overall I feel the Accord is the best value for a 4-cyl. The Accord is more peppy and was built better (headliner, gaps, carpet, etc). The Camry feels bigger and drives smoother. Quality control is slipping for Toyota. The Toyota 6-cyl gets great gas mileage. I think the alloys make the car look so much better. Hubcaps are ugly! The Accord SE is a great package (far superior to the LX for a small price difference). I like the Camry for highway cruising and the Accord for daily driving. You can't go wrong with either one. Camry's may go cheaper when the 08 Accord is released. They are heavily discounting 07 Accords but LX/SE/EX 4-cyl inventories are way down. Mostly 6cyl left overs. They took over 2K off sticker on my Camry with no hassle.
  • grant2grant2 Member Posts: 30
    Please help. I am so tempted to purchase a new '07 accord ex sedan i4 at for $19k near Chicago. The value seems outrageously good compared to a new '07 Camry le at for $200 more. Neither has vsa (traction control) -- is it that important to have it? The accord's fabric is different from my '00 camry. Is it that durable? I thought I read a previous post experiencing faded fabric after months of ownership. Also, the ivory fabric in our test drive accord had black marks on it -- does it dirty up easily? I know I can't wait much longer to take advantage of a $19k accord ex, before they run out. I'd like to avoid remorse, thinking the camry may be a better choice?
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    I have an 06 accord SE, and it is wonderful. I have the silver with black interior. Camry or accord, you can't go wrong, really you can't just drive both, and ask yourself, which one gave you the best feeling. You got alot with the EX, Sunroof, power seat, cd changer, etc. Its great. Plus, there such good deals, you can get a fully loaded accord for about the normally priced EX, so do your research. Good Luck! I have tinted windows, so fading hasn't been possible, and black is great, although shows lint and hair, but looks better than the ivory. Seriously, drive both.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Beauty, of course, is in the eyes of the beholder. My 2004 Accord's Ivory colored leather seats still look beautiful. I've never cleaned them except for a rare vacuuming.

    I would never buy a vehicle with dreary dark black or gray seats if at all possible. Give me a light and bright interior any time.
  • accord07coupeaccord07coupe Member Posts: 14
    Just bought a 2007 Accord SE V6 and Love it. The handling is sportier than the 2007 camry its a little tigher. The camry is faster and accelerates more smoothly. My family also owns the camry. The camry can be a little boring to drive but the quality is undoubtedly superb, and the transmission is extremely smooth changing gears, but there is a slight hesitation for acceleration. The brakes on the accord are a little bit harder. The technology is a lot better on the 2007 camry but its still in the first generation with possible bugs while the 2007 accord is on its 5th year.

    The underinline is that you can't really compare the 2007 camry with the 2007 accord, The 2008 accord will come out to compete with the 2007 camry.....the 2008 accord is still has less hp than the camry....official release

    http://automobiles.honda.com/2008-accord/?modelname=accord+coupe

    http://automobiles.honda.com/2008-accord/?modelname=accord+sedan
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    They have the exact same power, buddy. 268 hp, 248 lb-ft.
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    thegraduate,

    I just saw a something on tv saying the new accord had 263 hp. It will be interesting to see how the two compare.

    Camry owners love Camrys and Accord owners love Accords. Its pretty hard to compare. How can you convince someone who's favorite color is blue to like the color Green. You probably can't do it.

    To be honest, I bet the new model will have "problems" and "issues" like the new Camry and people will complain too.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Honda's press release says the 3 engines have:

    268hp, 190hp, and 177hp, respectively.

    To see how the two compare, check out Motor Trend's comparison of the two vehicles. They ranked the powertrain race an effective tie.

    First year models tend to have more issues than the outgoing models that have had years to work out bugs. This is true for all car makes and models.
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    Okay,

    The news story I saw was incorrect than. Both cars are very nice. I really like the pictures I've seen of the Accord coupe. Toyota is ditching the solara, but in my opinion, should make a Camry coupe. Toyota needs a much sportier coupe than the scion. I understand the Supra is coming back, but it will be too expensive for the average Joe. I'd buy a suped-up Camry coupe.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Toyota and "sporty" don't exactly go hand-in-hand these days. The Solara was a boat compared to the Accord Sedan I ended up getting (I looked at an SLE V6 Solara - $28k for a cramped car that rode like a Lincoln (and drove like one too :()
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    To many people, the styling of the new Accord is UGLY. :cry:
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The same can be said of the Camry. Personally, the wart on its nose ruins an otherwise conservative-but-classy car.

    Thankfully, Honda didn't follow Toyota's lead with that one. It also solved a problem a lot of people had with the previous Accords; there is now a sizeable grill, something not seen in awhile!
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    EXCELLENT description of Camry front end. I don't like the side view styling of the new Accord as it reminds me of an ugly Saturn.

    BTW, I think Honda has had better styling than the comparable Toyota...but the Element is just as ugly as the FJ Cruiser. :blush:
  • accord07coupeaccord07coupe Member Posts: 14
    my bad i mustve read wrong. but the SE Camry kicks the 08 accords [non-permissible content removed] all around especially the looks.........just take a look at a black or red one in the lots its sexy...
  • gooddeal2gooddeal2 Member Posts: 750
    I posted this in another tread as well...the front of the new Accord sedan is almost the same as the Sonata. :P
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    my bad i mustve read wrong. but the SE Camry kicks the 08 accords [non-permissible content removed] all around especially the looks.........just take a look at a black or red one in the lots its sexy...

    Ah, I must've read wrong too ;) . I forgot that styling isn't subjective or anything, and that we all must hold one universally measured view of styling.
  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    According to "Wheelbase Communications" the Accord 4 door sedan is now classified as a "LARGE SEDAN" because of the spacious interior volume. :shades:
  • des92056des92056 Member Posts: 7
    Help!! I need expert advice. Promised my wife a new car next week and it will definitely be a Camry. I can't decide between the 2007 XLE, the 2008 XLE or the Hybrid. Either XLE would have the V6 engine. My wife is not particular about which one and the $ difference doesn't matter a whole lot. Would appreciate hearing any opinions and advice. Thanks!!
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    You might have better luck in one of the threads that is just for the Camry. Here are some better choices: Camry
  • des92056des92056 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks. I am new here and don't know my way around yet.
  • tallman1tallman1 Member Posts: 1,874
    No Problem. Welcome to the boards. :)
  • agnostoagnosto Member Posts: 207
    I will make it very easy for you... If hard acceleration is not an issue I would not even 2nd think for you to go with a 2007 TCH (Camry Hybrid) as I own one for a year now and love it no issues at all. I also looked the new 2008 Accord and let me tell though it is a nice bigger that the 2007 Camry the body tightness is NOT there as I just pressed down the front and or left wing (next to the hood)where the headlights are and the metal went moving/squeaking up and down (some did more while others less)... also the design looks of the 2007 Camry are better more dynamic overall that the 2008 Accord... well you get my point... good luck...
  • edp6edp6 Member Posts: 21
    "my bad i mustve read wrong. but the SE Camry kicks the 08 accords [non-permissible content removed] all around especially the looks.........just take a look at a black or red one in the lots its sexy... "

    "Ah, I must've read wrong too . I forgot that styling isn't subjective or anything, and that we all must hold one universally measured view of styling."

    MotorTrend says that Accord beats Camry. .. especially in the design and looks department. But what does MotorTrend know about cars ? :P

    http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0710_2008_honda_accord_vs_2007_to- yota_camry
  • stlpike07stlpike07 Member Posts: 229
    Thats probably why some new Accord owners say they like the older model better.......I like how the coupe looks but am not a fan of the sedan. Car companies are trying to make their cars look like everyone elses. I think parts of it are ugly, but we're all entitled to our opinions.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    If there was one weakness in my 1998 Accord, it was its nose. 2003-2005 Accord's (sedan) nose looked unfinished. Honda did a better job with the MMC (especially on coupe, which I didn't think needed much).

    And now, after briefly trying the hexa-grill look on Pilot (when it was launched) Honda is finally trying to establish a family look. And they picked the right basic shape as it can be tied back to the very first Honda cars.

    I believe the new Odyssey gets similar treatment. Spy pictures of Fit also suggest the same (although they resemble more to Inspire and other Honda cars/light trucks in Japan than the Accord but basic shape is there). The same can be seen in European Civic (Picture).

    Honda actually had this shape going in 2003-2005 Accord, but the approach prevented people from seeing it. This is pretty much like 1998-2002 Accord's grill. Its basic shape is actually a penta-grill, but Honda made it so subtle (likely to avoid resemblance with Acuras, and only in America) that people would normally see it bearing a rectangular theme.

    Honda needs to do this. They have been consistent with quite a few design elements for years, yet few people associate those with Honda because they are generally too subtle. A good example is the side crease that extends to the trunk lid and goes to the other side. Honda has used it, at least, since 1996 (Civic, first generation TL, RL, both generation of Accords, second generation Acura CL and so on). This is the first time, however, that the crease doesn't go thru the license plate (or the middle of the trunk lid) but above it.

    Another good example is the rear window kink. It emulates a thicker chrome version of the kink that was present in 1996-2000 Civic (Picture), but people generally see the Accord getting it from BMW 5-series.

    Its about time for Honda to be more consistent with styling. And I like the direction they took with the new Accord (except that the rear bumper could be a little smaller, and could have shaved an inch or two off the length) and Civic (except for the grill, prefer the Japanese version).
  • master_ryumaster_ryu Member Posts: 47
    After having seen the new Accord sedan person last week, I gotta say that the the 08 Accord has a more time-withstanding design. From pictures, the lines just don't flow right. But up close, it all comes together nicely. Even the bulging headlights...the bulging part actually gives it a lot of character.

    I feel like the Camry is trying too hard to look young and got lost in doing so. It has too much makeup on.
  • eldainoeldaino Member Posts: 1,618
    But what does MotorTrend know about cars ?

    very little, if you take their horrible articles as real journalism.

    The best, most respected automotive website could call my favorite car ugly and i would still love it.

    at any rate, the camry still looks frumpy, especially when compared to the accord, and the clown nose doesn't help its case. You have every right to love the camry's looks, just as long as you admit that its the 'frumpiness' you love. ;)
  • eldainoeldaino Member Posts: 1,618
    totally agreed.
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