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2009 Honda Accord
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I like red cars as well. Notice, my daughter's red Fit next to mine. If I had gone with the new Mazda6, I probably would have ended up with red, although I would have wanted to see it in blue as well. With the last generation Accord (my other daughter's) to the right on the street, that makes us a three Honda family. My wife's Prius is in the garage.
As for the TSX, it is a good example of how seeing a car in person is such a different experience. I wasn't impressed with pictures of the new TSX, but when I saw one at the dealer, I thought it looked very sharp, inside and out. I was very tempted by that car.
The Pearl white is the color I want in the Accord. It is very classy, but it can only be had on the V6 model.
The finish of the Pearl white is just like any other paint finish, clear coated. The white will show more dirt, but so does black. It just requires normal up keep, wash, wax. Remember minimal contact with the finish of the paint is best to keep it looking best. I believe the white or the pearl white is less likely to show any swirl marks over time than most colors.
So choosing the pearl is a good choice, and does not require any extra care, just normal.
The only way to get an answer for that is to sit in them. Different body types will find different types of seats more comfortable.
Also comapring the HP, its 155 for camry Vs 192 for Accord.
Power numbers look like this, for Camry and Accord. More important than horsepower (which comes more into play at high-rpm highway passing) is the torque rating, which is what gets you moving from a stop light and up a hill without having to downshift too much.
Camry
Horsepower 158 @ 6000 RPM
Torque Lb-Ft 161 @ 4000 RPM
Accord
Horsepower 190 @ 7000 RPM
Torque Lb-Ft 162 @ 4400 RPM
What you should note is that while the Accord makes more peak horsepower, it does so at 7000 RPM (higher than you'll ever see in normal driving or even in moderate passing situations). The torque numbers are also essentially a tie, except I'd probably give the nod to the Camry in this regard, because it is available at a lower RPM.
If you're worried about power in one versus another, don't be. The Accord will feel quicker off the line simply because of how the throttle is tuned. When it comes down to actual acceleration, though, the differences between the two are very small.
As far as making a decision, I have the best advice for you: go drive them both and decide for yourself which is the best option for you. The Camry is softer riding, and the Accord is sportier handling. Which is for you?
Go to the dealer, grab some keys, and find out!
Hope this helps, and best of luck shopping.
TheGraduate :shades:
P.S.: I hope you'll check out the Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry Discussion Board by clicking here. Many of the questions you have about these two vehicles and how they compare may already have been asked and answered in this forum.
I don't know what it was, but I took it in for its 30,000 mile maintenance with an independent mechanic with a wonderful reputation who only works on Honda's and Acura's, I was amazed that the problem was gone when I got it back. I noticed at the first stop sign when I put the receipt in the glove compartment and it suddenly had a solid feel. I never asked him to fix it, but I'm thinking he did something.
Oh, and, to the OP, I don't find the Accord seats uncomfortable, although many do find them too hard and the lumbar support too intruding. When you test drive, see if your model has a lumbar support adjuster and see if you can get it to suit your liking. Seating is a very personal thing, so try and arrange for a long enough test drive to assess it as accurately as possible.
As for the Accord/Camry debate, I've owned and liked both. As Graduate said, they are different in their own ways, the Camry offering a more isolated ride and the Accord more road feel. The only thing I'd note is that I did like the interior quality of the Accord better, but others hate the myriad of buttons and controls for the stereo and air conditioning.
Both fine cars, just see which shoe fits you better.
Also, consider the many other fine options in the very competitive family sedan arena these days.
I'm not sure about the Accord coupe but I used to drive my friend '08 Accord and I think the Altima is a little smoother....but may be b/c of the road.
I guess it is all from where you had driven before. I personally like it. You will get used to it. It is just a new car, your overly sensitive to all its surroundings. I was the same way, reading into every noise, nook, cranny.
You did not screw up...lol don't worry. If you honestly cannot get past it, you can always sell it. But, I doubt you won't like the car. Other people have said the same thing, all cars have their own ride quality, it takes some getting used to. It really does, otherwise you think something is wrong with the car.
I thought the exact same thing when I test drove the Accord. The lumbar support hurt my back; it did not flatten out enough for me. The Mazda6 was much more comfortable for me.
Thanks in advance!!
Seat shape is subjective from person to person, but firmness is a quality I like for the support; the Europeans (BMW, M-B, Audi, VW) learned it a long time ago!
Let me know
Trying it for yourself is the only way to know if it suits you well.
The reason I am asking you is that this is the first time I drove an accord :-)
Okay, history buffs.... was there ever an Accord with a bench seat??? :shades:
But up front no.
I seriously would not consider the current Camry. If I hadn't bought the Accord, I would have gotten a TL or the new Mazda6 or the Hyundai Azera or the Altima Hybrid or several other cars, but I just don't like the Camry styling, inside or out.
I'm not putting down Camry buyers, but, to me, the Accord is the better car. I also feel that they have taken a step backwards on the interior quality, fit and finish. I was just being driven in one today and it is not a car for me, but I'm glad you enjoy yours. For the record, I've owned both a Camry and Accord prior to my new purchase.
The Accord sedan or a Camry were never in the picture, and I have leased 3 Accords in the past. I can't stand the rear end on the Accord sedan, and I hate the bulbous taillights on the Camry.
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I already knew what price I was going to pay before going on a test drive. I insisted that the test drive would have to be a long one, including a lot of driving at freeway speeds, so I could assess whether I could notice the problem as has been documented here at Edmunds. I get along really nicely with this particular salesman, as we've bought from him before, but was firm that any perceived VCM problems would be a deal breaker. He was nice and off we went. I personally still haven't perceived anything and I do try to keep on noticing.
I'd suggest you set it up so that you can take a long test drive to test it out as best as possible. That would also allow for your testing of whether the seats are to your liking, as many have found them to be uncomfortable, whether from being too stiff or having an irritating lumbar support. On my ride, I deflated the lumbar support to its lowest position. Unfortunately, later on, after the purchase, I found myself uncomfortable. I spent some time adjusting the seats and they're now just wonderful for me personally. In that position, I found it more comfortable still to inflate the lumbar support a tad, but recognize we all have different bodies and tastes in comfort.
I came real close to buying an 08 Accrod until the VCM issues came up on these forums. I bought another new car recently. I am still mystified as to why Honda pushes this technology since a higher rate of gas consumption happens from a dead start or up hills where I don't believe the VCM kicks in - oh well. Don't get me wrong I am a Honda fan since I have owned 5 Honda/Acuras since 1984 and was happy with every single one of them. Definitely a driver oriented car. Much more than a Toyota although the I am sure the new Mazda6 is an alternative.
If I was a product manager at Honda I would insist on a Hybrid I4 and offer the V6 as a VCM-less model.
Hope everyone enjoys their 09 Accords.
Check it out for yourself. The VCM is not a factor in 2009.
Thank you for letting us know, I had no idea they did this.
I am glad they perhaps fixed the problem on the VCM. Now, if they can fix the dimming lights on the 4cyl, I would say that got themselves a good deal.
2005 G35 Sedan2007 G35 Sedan
2008 G37 Sedan
2010 G37 Coupe
2012 G37 Sedan
2014 Q50 RWD
2017 Q60 3.0t RWD
2018 QX60 RWD