Hyundai Sonata vs Honda Accord

backy

Where did you find the NHTSA crash test scores for the 2008 Accord? They aren't posted on www.safercar.gov yet.

slamtaz

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/13641/honda-accord.html

backy

Hey, that's very interesting that C/D would report the NHTSA crash test scores before the NHTSA does! Personally, I put more store in the IIHS crash tests, since they are tougher and their side tests consider head injuries in the rankings, but thanks for the heads-up on the NHTSA tests.

slamtaz

only three cars got the PERFECT 5 STARS for both frontal and side crash safety tests and one of them is the Sonata :shades:

oooops... sorry, but according to the NHTSA, the Accord is NOT among the three ...

Now, i won't blame honda fanbois if they will claim that they don't recognize the NHTSA as being credible :confuse:

i tend to agree with you though, that the IIHS is tougher!!!

ykang

Have we finalized that Sonata doesn't stand a chance against Accord, so let us move on to Azera...

Accord doesn't stand a chance against Azera. You know why?
Because I have owened both. 2008 model maybe?? I kind of miss my rattlesnake(2005 Accord Ex V6).

pat

We need to calm down in here and get back to comparing the actual features and attributes of these two cars. The personal attacks are out of line and the silly chest-beating is getting us nowhere.

If anyone wants to create an Accord vs Azera discussion, please feel free. But this isn't the place.

kdshapiro

Generally people don't base their final buying decision on these crash scores. So it really doesn't matter if one car does better than the other. The Sonota-philes will focus on this, while the Accord-o-phobes will still claim the Accord is the overall better package and you get what you pay for. Based on sales numbers, I believe the buying public believes the latter.

macakava

Yes. I paid $19.6K plus 2% NC taxes for my 2007 Sonata Limited with standard V6, leather, etc and other incidentals like cargo net/mat, mud flaps, after rebates and spirited negotiations.

Because I keep my cars for at least 10 yrs, save and invest aggressively, I am able to enjoy the financial freedom that seems to elude many others. The continuing bull market for the past 5 yrs has been wonderful. Being a professional enineer and mechancially inclined from my teens and able to maintain my cars myself helps a great deal as well, considering the (rip-off)prices charged by garages. I have passed on the same to my sons, who are heading the same way.

isellhondas

OK, let me clarify...

Until I got into this forum, I hadn't HEARD of an Azera.

Now, I have.

And, so far in my life, I have set to SEE one.

I'm sure that will change.

macakava

"But the Sonata owner will have $4000-5000 extra cash in today's dollars, and $5840-7300 more cash in future dollars. Either way you look at it, the Sonata owner comes out ahead. Is that what you were trying to say?"

You have just illustrated one of the strategies I have used for decades that have allowed me to pay cash for my new cars and get me more financial freedom - like sensible aggressive, investments to eliminate my mortgage. Most of the guys who drive cool, impressive, brand name cars are saddled with monthly lease/loan payments for LIFE!

joe97

Have we finalized that Sonata doesn't stand a chance against Accord, so let us move on to Azera...

Please elaborate why the Sonata stands no chance when pitted against the Accord. When I drove both of them, I certainly didn't dismiss one or the other, and I felt both of them were compelling buys (and as are most others in the family sedan category).

kdshapiro

We all have our water marks for what we will spend on a car. Yours is $20K. Other people buy used 10 year old Accords for a pittance and are able to save and invest an amount you can only dream of.

So if you really believe that because you buy a Sonota for $20K instead of an Accord for $25K has led you to financial nirvana, I have a bridge to sell you.

goodegg

We all have our water marks for what we will spend on a car. Yours is $20K. Other people buy used 10 year old Accords for a pittance and are able to save and invest an amount you can only dream of.

So if you really believe that because you buy a Sonota for $20K instead of an Accord for $25K has led you to financial nirvana, I have a bridge to sell you.

Exactly. Acclimation.

There are a hundred other areas in life you can make these same financial, gymnastic analyses. I buy the cars I like and don't worry about how to invest the extra $50 a month I might save going with the lower priced model.

The Accord remains an outstanding value and a sales leader. The Sonata remains a good car that not many people buy.

backy

Actually, safety is my #1 criterion for my next car, since it will be handed down to my daughter. So the better the active and passive safety features of the car, the better. Sonata used to have an advantage over Accord, especially on the I4 models that I prefer, given the Sonata has standard ESC and traction control and active head restraints on all trims, and Accord just added those on all trims for 2008. Until the IIHS crash tests come out on the Accord, a final comparison will be hard to make, but I expect the new Accord will do well on the IIHS tests and will be at least even-up on the Sonata in terms of safety--and could better it in my book if it gets all Good's on the IIHS tests--which is very rare for mid-sized cars.

backy

$50 a month, even more, is no big deal if you can afford it and if it buys you a car that is significantly better than the less-costly alternative. The point at which financial considerations come into play is if two cars meet your requirements, and then it comes down to the money. Once I find cars that all cross the bar for me, then I look at price. Lowest price wins, if it's a big difference. In my pocketbook, $4000-5000 or more is a big difference. A car would need to have major benefits over another to justify to me that much more expense up front. For some people, the Accord is worth that much more than the Sonata. So far, I can't see enough extra value in the Accord to justify the price premium. I'll reserve final judgement until I drive the 2008 Accord.

targettuning

Wanna bet that safety considerations don't affect buying decisions? Of course safety sells these days and if the fact Hyundai trumps Honda in this regard becomes trivialized in your mind that doesn't make it so.

macakava

A lot of steps will eventually lead/add to the final giant one...

macakava

Paying cash for my new cars and mortgage free with a $400+K home speaks for itself...

As We are almost empty nesters now, it seems prudent to downsize our home soon to give me at least another $100K to play/invest with. 3500 sq feet is way too much space for us...

macakava

"Once I find cars that all cross the bar for me, then I look at price"

You and I share a logical mind/way of thinking.

Infact, the local billionaire/owner of a SW company in my howntown, who is worth about $8B in the latest Forbes list, uses the same small tailor company to adjust his clothing(pants). A few months ago, he drove up in his Chevy SUV to the tailor shop instead of a fancy European model that seems to fancy so many others worth 1/10,000 of him. I guess that when one has it made, one is comfortable with himself/herself and does not have to create an appearance to the Jonses with monthly car payments that weighs heavily on many wannabees.

eldaino

HA HA HA. this 'post' was originally about a sonata owner being pissed off about how people have raved about the new accord. Go ahead, go back and read it. Something like: 'I think the elantra is so much better than the accord. My opinion."

yeah, that was pretty much it.

If a car offers driving excitment and costs less than a g35, i call that value. It may not be the same experience (obviously) but its still a value. If its a luxury, its one the sonata does without.

For the genius who wanted me to strip the accord of its supposed value: i never meant take away the features of the sonata, i meant make both cars the same with regards to price. Would you really still pick the sonata? it comes down to driver involvement and those who want a better warranty. Thats the end of the story!

kdshapiro

"Wanna bet that safety considerations don't affect buying decisions?"

Yes I would as a general rule of thumb based on a sample size of millions. Would I make the bet, naming one individual? Never. I would also like to bet the 2008 Accord is going to be a runaway success.

robertsmx

It would be a waste of my time to discuss Azera, a car that I have absolutely no interest in. Thats Avalon/Lucerne territory. But you seem to be quite enthusiastic about discussing it (and have been doing that). Start it, perhaps I will stop by to discuss TCO.

backy

And... a V6 vs. I4. And also maybe leather and/or alloys with bigger rims and/or moonroof and/or satellite radio and/or power seat and/or leather wheel and/or fog lamps etc.

At the same price, Sonata offers lots more content than the Accord. Does that matter to the buyer who has X dollars to spend on a car? That's the question.

kdshapiro

You are right. A lot of little steps lead to a big step. That is why I suggested buying 10 year old used cars. You could invest an additional $17,000 right off the bat. $20K for new sonota - $3K for used 10 year old Honda. But it seems you have wasted $17,000 in investable income over a lot of years by buying new.

backy

The Azera is a bigger car than I need (e.g. no I4 offered) so I'll let someone who is considering buying one start that discussion. I agree though, it's really Avalon/Lucerne territory--but at the price of an Accord.

Since you're here, does that mean you do have an interest in the Sonata? What do you think of the improvements on tap for next March?

thegraduate

I'll go create one...

thegraduate

I've forgotten how. Someone remind me? lol

backy

Yes I would as a general rule of thumb based on a sample size of millions.

Do you have a link to that survey? I'd find that interesting to look at. I always thought safety was an important consideration for many buyers of mid-sized family cars--which is why manufacturers tend to emphasize safety in their advertising. If people weren't interested in safety, why waste money on the ads? The manufacturers do surveys and have access to surveys on buyer preferences.

robertsmx

V6 versus I-4 is a mute point to many of us. There is a reason I got Accord EX-L ten years ago, and contemplating Accord EX-L again if it comes to it. Whats the point of V6 again? At least in case of Accord, I can expect it to deliver accelerative performance of a nice 3.5/V6 at high speed, 3.2/V6 in mid range and 1.7-2.2 liter engine fuel economy while cruising around. But, I think Honda's I-4s make V6 engines look pointless.

And then there is something about quality over quantity.

robertsmx

Crash test ratings are like EPA ratings. It doesn't take much to tailor cars to meet specific requirements. They look good on paper after all.

backy

I agree, an I4 is fine for me too, but from what I've seen here in Town Hall etc. lots of folks like the feel and power of a V6. They're the ones who would like the idea of a V6 for the price of an I4. Me, I'd go the other route--rather than V6 for the same price as an I4, take the I4 and the cash.

I also agree quality is important. What is there you've experienced or heard about the quality of the Sonata vs. Accord that is an issue for you?

backy

If you feel that way, fine. Me, I'll favor the car with "Good" vs. "Poor" crash test scores. I think of it as improving my odds, and those of my loved ones, in case of a crash. Kind of like having ABS, ESC, etc.--I may never use them, or I may only use them once--and be glad then that I had them.

robertsmx

What is there you've experienced or heard about the quality of the Sonata vs. Accord that is an issue for you?

We can argue about it for ages typing stuff over the internet. How about we arrange to meet, so I can show you why Accord is my choice (easily) over Sonata? I promise, I won't mention my ownership experience with Hondas in the household, much less the Accord that I have.

macakava

You seem to forget that everything has a life time - it is just a matter of time and usage. As we should all know, any car/product, irregardless of brand, will have breakdowns with age and usage. The probability of breakdowns increases with age irregardless of make, especially at over 10 years. That is why I keep my cars usually at least 10 years with great maintenance, and when I see/project increased frequency of repairs coming up, I change them.

Sure I can keep them longer, but amortizing the cost of a reasonably priced, good featured new car over 10+ yrs is very affordable than struggling with the upkeep/repairs and costs of a 10 yr old car that is demanding more attention than a new, virgin one. Hey - I must enjoy some of my investment gains money as well in a new car (smell). I don't want to be driving 10+ yr old cars for life. Even Donald Trump changes his wife ever so often for a younger one.

robertsmx

It is not about "feel", it is about reality. I certainly won't pick a car that has poor or marginal rating, much like I won't pick a car that is rated very poorly by EPA.

Perhaps I'm just wary of cars being "tailored" to meet certain criterias. Spec sheet alone doesn't cut it for me.

robertsmx

It depends on how much you're spending on the upkeep of old cars. Does that imply averaging $400-500/month on repairs? Then sure! But if you got a car that was built right and built to last, then that shouldn't be an issue at all.

And you're hearing this from a guy who has had no car payment on his Accord for 7.5 years (it was paid off in 2.5).

joe97

I don't own either of the two but I've had extensive time in both. I think many would agree with me there is not a clear cut winner here. Yes different strokes for different people but I can tell you as facts Hyundai wins in some areas and Honda wins in some areas.

Of course, this is without putting the loyalist hat

macakava

My trade-in 4 months ago was a 13 yr old Conti that looked like 3 yrs old to the annual inspection technician. Bought it at 2 yrs old with 11.5K miles for $18.5K cash from investments. New list price was over $40K.

I knew that the good times could not last forever as increased maintenance/repairs would be coming with all its toys. I travel a lot on business and don't want to waste any time with unscheduled repairs. Just came back from far east on the weekend; will be travelling other states next few weeks, and then back to HK and China in early November. So like Donald Trump, I got rid of it for a younger thing ( paid cash for a virgin 2007 Sonata Limited with only 4 miles on the ODO ).

robertsmx

I can't speak for others, but myself while taking up the challenge to prove my point in person.

eldaino

very well put, and while i, as a normal underpaid human being like the rest of us here, realize the importance of money and cost, i was trying to point out that that seems to be one of th crutches the sonata plays upon, otherwise, when price is no issue, there is very little reason to go with the sonata over the new accord.

but i have yet to see a sonata for 15k like an entry level civic. its sounds great, but makes me question why it is that hyundai is wanting to give you a car. :confuse:

backy

I haven't noticed you have any problem expressing yourself here. If you can't think of words to describe your opinion of the relative quality of these two cars, and discuss it in an open forum, no problem.

backy

When price is not an issue, there is no reason to go with the Sonata OR Accord, IMO.

eldaino

you started this thread, so you asked for the attempts to 'mind change' as you so eloquently put it. :P

robertsmx

That reminds me of a business discussion I had with Bill Gates a few days ago. He was looking for my input on a billion dollar investment.

eldaino

har har backster, but you know what i meant.

targettuning

When safety is the criteria then I believe cars are being "tailored" to allow more people than ever to survive crashes that surely would have killed or severely injured them not even ten years ago. Safety is a good area to tailor cars to meet "certain criteria" no?

eldaino

Open mind and wider vision are what people need.

you're right. This even applies to hyundai elitists!


Select reliable cars to last at least 10 years so that the savings and investment gains amount to paying cash for a new car. I have not had a car loan in decades.

And honda's stopped fitting this description when?

eldaino

i was on vacation, hence why i haven't posted, so i'm trying to catch up, but the posts just keep coming! take it easy!

pat

As I said just a little earlier, knock off the personal comments! :mad:

If you want to compare the features and attributes of these two cars, please do.

If you want to taunt or snipe at other posters, the door is over there. If you are not here to sincerely compare these cars, your presence is not requested.

This discussion is not progressing in a useful and helpful way. If we're going to continue that needs to change, pretty quick.

kdshapiro

Okay. We'll I was just pointing out that by spending less you can invest more. While you may set the limit at $20K to meet your obligations, I can set a different upper limit and be very comfortable with mine.

To me it's penny wise and pound foolish to make a major purchase one will not be totally happy with. We each have to live within our comfort zone.

Thanks for the conversation.