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Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry

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Comments

  • number17number17 Member Posts: 69
    I didn't want to point out the obvious, so I suggested keeping the discussion to cars available today, and verified news. But since you've asked ...

    You don't have to work at a particular dealreship, or for a particular company, or even talk to the GM to realize some crystal clear business strategies. I mean, last time I showed a Toyota sales how to open the trunk from the inside of a Celica .... I guess I didn't talk to the GM neither and still knew more than the sales. Anyways - why isn't Maxima in the same class as an Avalon - I can give you the 3 big reasons:

    1/ Different classes. Mid- vs Full size. Maxima is a big mid-sized sedan, but still a mid-sized only. Avalon is a full size. In case you forgot, Toyota has a mid-sized called Camry that is in the same class as the Maxima.

    2/ Completely different market focus - in case you've missed all the Maxima commercials, it features a car sliding across the watery surface, and emphasizes on the car's sportiness, bragging rights, 222hp, 5sp MT .... it is going for the sporty sedan market. Its targeted customers belong to the working family men with preference on sportiness.

    Avalon, OTOH, is marketed as a refined, luxury, safe, comfortable BOAT! Its predominant customers are retired folks looking for a safe, reliable car that they'll never take beyond 100.

    Hint- you see car mags comparing Maxima to Accord and Camry and Passat only, never the Avalon ...

    3/ Do I still need a #3? oh well, what the hell. Price. Maxima's MSRP range from Cdm$30k - $35k. Avalon's MSRP starts from Cdn$37k and goes well into $40k. They are in completely different price brackets.

    I hope that is clear as to why Maxima and Avalon belong to different classes ..... if you feel that I made you look like you have no idea what you're talking about, my apologies .... but I think you're the one who actually did that, but comparing 3-series with the Avalon .... I only responded to what you said.

    btw, Nissan didn't change the class of the Pathfinder in 2001 model.... I wouldn't even call it a complete model-revision. The 2001 is still very much based on the old Pathfinder platform. To get the Maxima from a mid-sized to a full size platform, you are talking about a new platform from scratch.....

    #17
  • 1salesman11salesman1 Member Posts: 12
    but the fact is that most of my maxima customers so shop the avalon. and you may want to check your pricing on the maxima also because a loaded gle wont even top 30,000, which makes it a more attracted vehicle than the avalon. of course it still competes with the camry and the accord but the avalon is also thrown in there. and not a model revision for the pathfinder, are you crazy, new lines, new options, new engine, may i say more. i dont mean to get into a heated dispute on this topic because i deal in this everyday, you just jot down posts based on your beliefs, not information that i come across on a day-to-day basis.
  • number17number17 Member Posts: 69
    "because a loaded glewont even top 30,000"

    If you've even read my post, I said Maxima's range from *CDN*$30-35k. There's more than 1 currency in this world.

    "and not a model revision for the pathfinder, are you crazy, new lines, new options, new engine, may i say more"

    Before you start verbally attacking others, maybe you should at least take the time to read their posts.

    And new options and new engines defines a '*complete* model revision' (Again, read my post)?! A few more options, even engine options, would define a 'minor model revision', as a '*COMPLETE* model revision' includes revised body shape, revised interior, and most of the times strengthened chassis, suspension improvement ....

    Geez I can't believe I am explaining what a 'COMPLETE model revision' is to a car salesman .... but then maybe I shouldn't be surprised = )

    All the points I've listed are FACTS, not BELIEFS. If anyone is basing the discussion on unfounded information, that is the one who started the rumor of "Maxima moving to the bigger Avalon AND smaller 3-series class", and "Altima is going up-class". The fact you've repeated failed to respond to any of my major points raised is a pretty good indication who is basing the discussion on facts, who is just full of crap.

    I am not trying to get into a heated discussion, but either start to base your discussion on some substantial facts, or be ready to relax and not be so thin-skinned about it when others point out the flaws in your information presented.


    #17
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Wenyue:
    Taurus and aggressive driving. I could never do that. Good luck. FYI, the new Taurus is softer riding than it used to be!

    Adg44:
    So, 2002 Altima will compete with 2000/2001 Accord and Camry. Is this what you want to say? Remember, 2002 is a redesign year for Camry (five year cycle), and Accord will get some minor tweaks and facelift for 2001 (fourth year of current design) and redesign in 2003 (five year cycle).

    "the Maxima's multi-link rear beam suspension is an excellent design" Compared to what?

    Now you come to a point of comparing GTI and Accord/Camry. Do you really want to start that debate? Or should it belong to a different topic altogether?

    BTW, since you started on Nissan rumors, Altima goes mid-size (comparable to Accord, Camry, Passat), Maxima goes full size (comparable to Toyota Avalon, Buick LeSabre, Chrysler LH cars), what happens to I30? Also full size? Basically, I30 and Maxima are identical cars with minimal cosmetic changes, and I doubt that would change in 2002.

    1salesman1:
    I wouldn't say that they could not completely redo Maxima (and obviously, I30) in couple of years. Rapid redesigns seem to be the reason for Nissan's $37B in debt in just a few years. If Nissan really followed the same, I'd call the current design to be another short-sighted decision from them.

    I also remember and have quoted this incident before. Back in October '97, I was looking for a family sedan, and with the homework done, I was at a Nissan dealership to test drive Maxima ($5K cash back rebate was available). A sales person was sent to me. He asked me which other cars did I test drive. I mentioned Camry, Passat, Accord (all four bangers), and that I was here to check out the Maxima. He pulled out a sheet of paper and started reading,
    - '98 Altima has more power than Accord and Camry.
    - '98 Altima has better acceleration than Accord and Camry.
    - '98 Altima has more room than Accord.

    That was enough. I interrupted him, and asked for the printed comparisons. The small letters mentioned '98 Altima versus '97 Accord and Camry. Great idea, isn't it? I got up, and was glad to have a better sales person at another Nissan dealership.

    So it is not always what one is told.
  • amazonamazon Member Posts: 293
    Let's cool off a little, shall we?
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    robertsmx:

    haven't driven the 2000 Taurus yet. Don't really know what to expect, just looking at specs, on paper it looks pretty impressive. Hope it lives up to my expectation when I get to D.C.

    folks on the Maxima subject:

    Well, again you are get into the territory of personal perspective. Nissan Altima is bigger than a typical compact like Civic/Corolla, but smaller than a typical midsize Camry/Accord. So is the glass half full or half empty?

    Nissan Maxima, it's bigger than Camry/Accord, but smaller than the Avalon. In fact, it's almost exactly half way between these two catagory interm of size. Once again, is the cup half full or half empty?

    I think the EPA's offical stance is that Maxima is a midsize, they have to make the cut off somewhere. Probably because the Maxima carrys 5 people like the Camry/Accord, rather than 6 people in the Avalon.

    So what to think? Don't you just hate it when someone ask you a question that has no one right answer like that? ;)
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I own a 96 Camry and a 99 Accord and just wanted to chime in with this.

    After a year of ownership the Accord has a couple of serious door dings. I know they are a part of life, but it stinks to have such a large investment looking bad so quickly.

    The 4 yr old Camry has dings, but they are not as severe as the Accord's. When I tap on the metal on both cars, the Accord's is obviously thinner. I have also noticed other Accords on the road with some horrendous dents/dings. The Camrys don't seem to be as bad.

    I like both cars but I just wish Honda would use thicker sheet metal. Just something else to consider on top of their different personalities.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    ecarmack:
    I could never make out what causes dings. I could never make out why Accord and BMW 5/7 series seem to have more dings than their lesser cars (Civic and 3-series).

    I've had four so far, fixed for $20 each, and over three years, the dings have occured inconsistently, first in about six months, two within two days, and the last was about a year ago. None since then. Not one in my Prelude, about 8 months.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    I know kids in parking lots are a big culprit. I would hope the majority of adults out there are considerate enough to control their doors, but kids seem to just fling them open and are oblivious to what they hit. My young kids know not to open the doors. We will take care of it.

    Anyway, a couple of other observations to stay on topic. The interior materials on the Accord also seems to be cheaper than the Camry's. Both of my cars are 4cyl, but I enjoy the Accord with its extra power, better handling and 5 spd. It is actually half way fun to haul the kids in. My wife prefers the softer Camry. My kids probably do too. When they first rode in the Accord, my 3yr old said "This car is bumpy!"

    The Accord has 25k miles and the Camry has 80k. I also had a 93 Altima w/75k. I have not had one problem with any of them and would not hesitate in buying another Honda/Toyota/Nissan.
  • alingaling Member Posts: 598
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Golfs/Jettas all built in Mexico and not Germany?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Yes! most if not all VW Golfs/Jetta's are built in Brazil/Mexico for the North American market. As far as VW Quality, just take one look at JD powers, Consumer reports or just about any longterm review.. VW's just don't hold up like the Accords/Camry's. I recently purchased an Accord over a Jetta. I test drove both. The Jetta was a turbo version and was actually quite nice. Styling was excellent. Room, interior layout however did not please me. Interior room was very small.. Price is another factor. Jetta's are spendy when you add the turbo to meet or beat the HP ratings of 4cyl's from Accord/Camry. As far as Camry vs Accord, Accord.
  • silvercoupesilvercoupe Member Posts: 326
    J D Powers most recent initial quality survey shows the Accord at #24 and the VW GTI at #156.
    Nuff said.
  • adg44adg44 Member Posts: 385
    I didn't mean to start anything about Nissan and VW in this forum. The GTI is built in Germany still, not in Mexico like the Bug, Golf, and Jetta. I think the Passat is still built in Germany too. Say what you want about the GTI or the Accord. I just sold the junk Accord and got into the GTI. Sometimes figures don't mean anything. Anyways, keep arguing over which car you bought. It's a waste of time. This whole topic repeasts itself. Everyone says the same thing.
  • venus537venus537 Member Posts: 1,443
    Just keep reading post #66 over and over.
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    2 guys there constantly saying Daewoo is better than others. They claimed that Daewoo has better build quality than Toyota/Honda's. I didn't reply, since I'm find it very humorous.

    on a side note. Seems like both Toyota and Honda are having another great year in the U.S.

    Toyota sales up year to date >12%, unit sales up by more than 100,500 vehcles.

    Honda sales is up year to date >10%, unit sales up by more than 63,600 vehicles.

    People just love these 2 brands.
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    For those nissan fans here. Nissan's north American sales is recovering quite well.

    Nissan sale is up year to date >17.2, unit sales up by more than 65,500 vehicles.

    This should be pleasing to the Maxima fans here.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Ecarmack:
    Liking the interior or not is entirely subjective. If you ask me, the interior 'feel' and 'ergonomics' is better in Accord than Camry. The controls are laid out in symmetry (well thought) and placed such that I can close my eyes and be able to tell you what each button does. Can't do it in a Camry, or for that matter, even in another Honda/Acura.
    About a 3 year old finding the ride bumpy, I'd agree with him/her. Accord isn't a soft riding car, and that makes me want to drive it more than most other cars.

    BTW, I noticed an off-white Lexus RX300 this morning. The license plate told me that the vehicle hasn't been on road for more than three months. It had three noticeable dents on the driver side rear door at a height that could only be caused by another SUV. I feel bad for these owners (and myself) when they become victims of carelessness by others in parking lots.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    All models: lighted anti-trap trunk lid release, more advanced front airbags (they may be the same as those already made available in EX and V6 models). The 'smart' side airbags will now be optional on DX and LX trims, standard on EX with cloth interior and continue to be standard on EX (leather), LXV6, EXV6 models. Lighted power window switches.
    New fascia (body colored front grill and sharper nose), side sill, new tail lamps. Coupe get more aggressive front and rear bumpers as well. 20 refinements to improve ride quality (including road noise suppression!).
    LX: 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system standard. New wheel covers. ABS equipped models will have 'LX' alloy wheels as standard item.
    EX: 6-speaker AM/FM/Cassette audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD changer, floor mats, new alloy wheels and steering wheel mounted audio controls will be standard equipment in addition to whatever existed.
    V6: In addition to above (LX and EX respectively), traction control will be standard. EXV6 gets 4-way power seat for passenger to, in addition to the existing list of features.

    No word on price increase.
  • ecarmackecarmack Member Posts: 161
    Yes, robertsmx, I agree. I do like how the controls are laid out in the Accord compared to my 96 Camry and the 97-00 Camrys I've had as rentals.
  • smokingbear1smokingbear1 Member Posts: 3
    I happened to stop at some British auto review site and I am amazed at the reviews there.

    In the US, as a "family car", honda accord is praised for its:

    (1)low gas cost
    (2)less body roll at corners and handeling.

    But in the UK, honda accord is accused of:

    (1)being a gas-drinking camel
    (2)too much body roll and very bad handeling.

    kind of make me wonder how much people in different places differ in opinion concering the same product. Weird feeling.
  • lancerfixerlancerfixer Member Posts: 1,284
    They're not the same product. The European Accord and North American Accord are two COMPLETELY different cars. (Though I've never driven one, I think the Euro Accord is a better looking car.)
  • amazonamazon Member Posts: 293
    At a buck per liter, the fuel economy is crucial in most of western Europe. The Handeling characteristics could be explained by the American preference to soft rides. If they didn't like the way the EU Accord handled, the British magazine would probably have a fit if they tried the US Accord.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    European, American and Japanese Accord use the same basic platform, and different body styles. I like European body style the best, and American, last (unfortunately, if Honda brought the European bodystyle to the US now, some people will call it a copy of the Mitsubishi Galant, especially at the rear). The following engines are used on Accords (and its variations), worldwide,
    1.8 liter SOHC VTEC 140 HP (Japan/Europe)
    2.0 liter DOHC 150 HP (Japan/Europe, Accord ES)
    2.0 liter DOHC VTEC 180 HP (Japan, Accord Si-R)
    2.2 liter DOHC VTEC 210 HP (Europe, Accord Type-R)
    2.2 liter DOHC VTEC 220 HP (Japan, Accord Euro-R)
    2.3 liter SOHC 135 HP (America, Accord DX)
    2.3 liter SOHC VTEC 150 HP (America, Accord LX/EX; Japan, Accord wagon;
    Japan, Avancier)
    2.3 liter DOHC VTEC 200 HP (Japan, Accord wagon Si-R)
    3.0 liter SOHC VTEC 200 HP (America/Europe, Accord V6)
    3.0 liter SOHC VTEC 215 HP (Japan, Avancier)

    Going down by this list several things come up. First, look at what is offered in America versus that in Japan and Europe. This alone showcases the gap between the American and the other two). Secondly, most of Accord's competition in Europe offer smaller four bangers as well as turbo-diesels. Example… Passat is available with a 1.6 liter, 100 HP gasoline engine, as well as TDI engines. Part of this explains why some reviews will forget to compensate for those differences.
    It also depends on which magazines those reviews come from. A few British magazines, and German magazines that I have read speak highly of Accord. According to AutoCar, "Accord Type-R is the best family saloon available in UK"! Now explain that in context with America, where a car has air-conditioning as 'free option', and is not offered with automatic tranny, only low profile 17" wheels and a suspension set up that not even Prelude gets. I wouldn't call 32 mpg a bad mileage for Accord Type-R either, unless the statement smokingbear read were lopsided in favor of others.

    BTW, Accord LS and ES in Europe are the base models and do handle better than the American Accord (being smaller in dimensions and lighter as well), but not like their 'sports sedan' version, Type-R. To top it off, the rental Accord ES I had for a while in UK was equipped with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), a 6-speaker Bose audio system… what a difference.
  • smokingbear1smokingbear1 Member Posts: 3
    I believe the site is called gearone.com or something like that. Both suburu's cars got great comments.
  • bo_chungbo_chung Member Posts: 61
    #17: since we are all somewhat off topic, I'll contribute some info. 1) sports suspension comes standard for all VWs equipped with VR6. The difference in handling and is significant.
    2) Altima IS going upmarket. Altima and Maxima will share the same platform. Maxima will become more performance oriented. This is according to automotive press. But as you say, seeing is believing.

    silvercoupe: check the JD Power survey for "most appealing" category. You'll see that VWs now top Hondas and Toyotas.

    wenyue: 1) you will NOT like the Taurus, even if you like the comfy ride. Camry is a controlled comfort. Taurus is not. And the build quality is pathetic, IMO. 2) I think Honda's sales are up mostly helped by the new Odyssey.
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    Thanks for the fair warning. I will be sure to wear by seat belt (I always do), I just hope Taurus's seat belt is reliable. ;)

    Build quality is one thing I will definitly document. Many are saying that American car's quality has improved, I will see just how "improved" they have become.

    Yes, I agree that Honda's sales is mostly bolstered by Odyssey sales. Accord sale is actually down by 9,000 so far this year, but Civic is up by roughly the same number, so it cancles out. But the Odyssey sale is up by over 44,300 vans. And that accounts for 70% of Honda's 10.3% sales increase.
  • silvercoupesilvercoupe Member Posts: 326
    Yes, I would agree that many of the newer VW's are much more appealing. Of course, appeal is a subjective thing.

    Consumer Reports recently (July 2000) rated the
    VW Passat higher than the Accord, Camry and Maxima. Reliability ratings for the Passat were average and for the Accord outstanding. Draw your own conclusions.
  • liufeiliufei Member Posts: 201
    This has been a bussy topic...
    Regarding the Altima/Maxima, I think that will be a good move if Nissan move the Altima to be a direct competitor to Camry/Accord and moved Maxima to the Avalon class, as long they don't taken out from the Maxima its strength (handling,engine,etc) by enlarging it. Nissan seems out of sync with the rest of the industry when it comes to the target market of their 2 mid-size car (Altima & Maxima).
    Speaking of Taurus, its even bigger than the Avalon, yet priced cheaper than the Camry and comes with standard V6. Ford could've a real winner in it if they market it right and stop selling it to fleet to protect its resale value.
  • bo_chungbo_chung Member Posts: 61
    Yes. Even without the ratings, there's no doubt in my mind that Accord is more reliable. It's just that realiability alone does not a fine car make.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I agree with that last statement, that "reliabiltiy alone does not make a fine car". Honda has proven that their fit/finish and quality are top notch along with reliability. VW has excellent style, fit/finish. Reliability is their soft spot. VW has made one heck of a come back over the last 5 years. Their sales are up across the board. VW will eventually meet the same reliability record of Honda/Toyota, its only a matter of when. VW prices also need to come down a bit in my opinion.
    As far as Nissan sales being up 17%, they still have a long way to go from their sales numbers of the 80's. Nissan has the backing of Renault now and dollars to prop up their R&D.
    Korean automakers have also come a long, long way in quality. I had posted in a Hyundia room and article showing impressive numbers on, quality, customer satisfaction, reliability from an independent agency. Korean sales numbers are also up into the double digit percentage range. Both the Japanese and U.S. automakers better watch their backs, the Koreans are not messing around.. God, I love competition!! We live in the best country in the world for choosing an auto.
  • everydayeveryday Member Posts: 53
    I still don't know why people are buying this car...Price? Maybe. Sportiness? Nah. Styling? Definitely not!

    Maxima, ummm, maybe, but the styling will be tired in one year, if not already.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I think its price that is selling the Altima. These are inexpensive mid-size cars. Ranging in price from 15K - 18K.. Resale on the Altima is also terrible..
  • everydayeveryday Member Posts: 53
    Looks like we finally saw the end of this topic...or are you Honda guys out making deals on those clearance Accords???
  • kc_flynnkc_flynn Member Posts: 45
    I was noticing this morning how nice a ride my Accord 5 speed LX is. I lightly tap the gas, and I'm doing 80. The handling is fantastic. No 4 cylinder has better pickup than the Accord. Honda makes the best manual tranny in the business. They're flawless. I've got 30K on it and have had it for almost a year and a half, but it still seems new to me. I love this car. When the time comes for me to retire my reliable, but very rusty 11 year old Camry, I don't see myself buying anything else but another Accord.
  • everydayeveryday Member Posts: 53
    KC, I think they solved the rust problem in the 99 Camry too.
  • kc_flynnkc_flynn Member Posts: 45
    Milindc,

    Wow, the new Civic is really sharp looking.
  • xfactorxfactor Member Posts: 78
    I posted much earlier explaining my purchase of my 2000 Accord SE. I thought the Camry was a good car.

    VW Passant was ok kind of small. Comparing Accords/Camry’s to Ferrari’s? (I realize you really were not.)

    Just to stir the forum up with another choice.

    I stuck with the Accord/Camry 4 cylinders for cost and gas mileage. Basically, a commuter car driven 5,000-7,000 miles a year.

    Want controversy. There is absolutely no way I would spend $26,000 on a midsize car Accord/Camry/VW Passant/Maxima. I would purchase a second HO or Toyota Sienna.

    For what you get none of the midsize sedans come close to competing.

    Simply put from a strict value perspective I believe that these two vans provide the best value in the automotive industry today.

    Ready to Race!!!!!! lol
  • lawrenlawren Member Posts: 15
    My $0.02 I believe most of us agree Hondas (excluding Isuzu's Rodeo/Passport thing) and Toyotas are the most reliable cars. Accords and Camry are very close. IMO Accord handles and looks a little better. Camry is little bit quieter and more comfortable. Of course these differences are not drastic like handling of BMW vs. Excursion or comfort of Cadillac vs. Wrangler. Yes it is the customer's preference.

    Another difference is the way the options are managed. Honda is DX, LX, or EX. Simple. Toyota, CE, LE XLE and then you can get so and so package with LE and CE and make it almost as full as XLE. To me, this makes the pricing advantageous to the dealer. I'm not saying it's impossible, but a buyer needs to additionally know the invoice price and msrp of all the options. Again, this falls into preference thing. Me personally, I like the pre-designated options for Hondas. But some may want to customize and only pick out the options they want. Now the Toytoa dealer may not have the color and the specific options requested at the dealer and have to special order it.

    V-6 manual can make a difference too, but in U.S., I think the percentage of people wanting a manual V-6 family sedans are low.

    Bottom line, they are #1, and close #2. In which order, it's a preference. To me, Accord by hair. And basically same for Civic (by hair) over Corolla.
  • nvbcjoenvbcjoe Member Posts: 1
    Any input on Edmunds assessment of uncomfortable seats in both 2000 Accords and 2000 Camrys?

    I'm 6'3 weight 230lbs. Looks like more leg room in the camry. Don't know of that's a factor.
  • milindcmilindc Member Posts: 123
    EX V6 Accord is one of the best cars in the category out there.

    There is OFCOURSE rrom to negotiate, U can get it close to invoice, (below if u don't take Honda Finanace).....

    There are many good deals going on at this time.
    Don't go directly to the dealership...go thru internet...Every delaer now a days has an Internet-Manager....

    ~Milind
  • lawrenlawren Member Posts: 15
    I'm sorry to hear about your experience at a Honda dealer. I don't think there's room for that crap actually at any dealer.

    There are 5 major Honda dealers at my neck of the woods. The two closest ones has a bad reputation. I experienced one of them myself (agreed on price but keep adding things on at the finance table, such as tax on top of tax, floor mats twice etc. I got them to take them off but I lost faith on this sleazy treatment. After all $20 grand is a lot of money).

    Don't give up on an Accord if you really like it. I ended up driving additional 20 miles to another Honda dealer and they are wonderful. Price I have to admit was couple hundred more but the courteous service made it right for me. I guess it turned out to be great because whenever I go there for an oil change (first visit was free), they give free car wash. Couple times they filled my gas tank too.

    See if you can find a good dealer. Lot of good deals on the '00 Accords to make room for the '01s. I hope that sleaze bucket you had to dealt with gets what he deserves. Good luck.
  • notoyotanotoyota Member Posts: 1
    Would have to strongly disagree with the claims about Toyota's reliability. Toyota in effect issued a silent recall (they called it a service adjustment) on their 3.0 liter V6 engines in the mid 90's for blowing head gaskets in their trucks and 4-runners. Despite meticulous servicing and never allowing the engine to overheat, the head gasket on my 92' toyota truck failed at 97,000 miles, and again at 166,000 miles necessitating a complete engine rebuild the first time and a partial head rebuild the second time. All experienced mechanics know about these Toyota V6 engine problems. I replaced the wife's car in 97' with a new Accord 4 cylinder LX that has 143,000 miles on it now with nothing other that routine maintenance and it still runs like the proverbial swiss watch. Am in the market to purchase another Accord for myself this weekend and based upon my experience with Toyota, will never purchase another Toyota again in this lifetime. What was most galling about my experience with Toyota was how Toyota handled the 'no publicity service adjustment' so as to not tarnish their public image for reliability and quality.
  • wenyuewenyue Member Posts: 558
    was a well known problem. And toyota acknowledge it, extending the warranty on those truck's V6 so that Toyota would repair or replace those engine even at 100,000 miles or more. Other than that bad V6, most of the Toyota's products are just about bulletproof.
  • ethmcdethmcd Member Posts: 6
    Isn't buying ANY car stressful? The 'net and Edmunds was so helpful in my recent purchase of 2000 Accord EX V-6. Get info such as invoice price, holdbacks, etc before writing out that check. The $21000 you offered was below the dealer's cost, even with Honda's $500 dealer incentive ending this month. Add in sales tax and destination charges, PLUS the high demand for these cars...Edmunds TMV value is a great indicator. I paid $22500 for mine, which included destination and mats, lifetime oil changes and detailing, but not the sales tax. Good luck, and don't give up on the car, only on that particular dealer!
  • palmer26palmer26 Member Posts: 1
    My 88 Honda Accord has seen better days. Currently I am looking for a good used car. I had my heart set on an EX Sedan. A local dealer located an LX that is pretty close to what I thought I wanted. When I saw it I was a little disappointed. It's been a long time since I have looked at newer cars and the Honda looked and felt so cheap compared to my old Accord and the Camry he had on the lot. I then made the mistake of test driving the Camry. The seats were more comfortable and the ride felt smoother than the Accord. Does anyone have any input on the subject. I live in a small town and our options are pretty limited.
  • newcar74newcar74 Member Posts: 19
    98+ Accord is better value than camry, better room, better interior layout design, handles better, has more power, has better resale than Camry (A LOT of Fleet Sales from 97)

    Accord has slightly 'tight' ride i.e road feel & tight streering than Camry. There is more wind noise than Camry which has better aerodynamic design than Accord. Other side to this is
    "Outward Visibility from Accord" It has simply the BEST visibility in the class...rather in any class....Blind spot virtualy non-extistant.
    2.3VTEC engine is much better than Camry's 2.2 NON: VVT-i.

    Accord has more road-noise than camry but other side is, accord tyres last for 50-60K. Camry tyres better for 30K.

    Get what you prefer: Silent, NoFeedbackwhatsoever ride of Camry or slightly better ride of Camry.

    IMHO: Toyota is doing a LOT of fleet sales which is driving resale downwards. Camry costs MORE than comparably equipped Accord but it's less worth after 3 years....
    Intellichoice has come up with some interesting figures from actual market. which cays Accord's residual is 63%(rediculous) after 5 years. Whereas Camry is 54%. Also Accord costs much less to maintain for 5 years which costs less to start with.

    Consumer are paying premium for Camry as Toyota is doing non-profit fleet sales. Toyota is a very BIG company than Honda with more resources. They can produce more Camrys than what actual demand is
    Honda on the other hand produce what actaul market demand is. 340K Accords is USA & rest are imported. (My Accord is built in Japan)

    It's impossible to go wrong with these two cars.
    Bulletproof relaibility, Build quality & resale.
    Get what YOU need.

    IMHO : Current Accord 4-cyl is much better than Camry, which will undergo major redesign for MY2002.

    That's All your honour. Defense rests now !!
  • newcar74newcar74 Member Posts: 19
    The Double-Wishbone suspension of the Accord which is MUCH BETTER than that of Camry's which is quite evidentof Highways.

    Also Accord is very good on highways even with 4-cyl engine. It has very good 60-80MPH time.
    Rides like on rail-tracks on the highway.

    Camry looses breath around 70MPH.....
    Drive both om HighWays & the diff will be evident
  • asaricasaric Member Posts: 3
    Hi. I am 6'3" tall and I am not sure if I would
    fit in Accord. As far as I can see from the stats
    Camry's leg room is at least 1.5" more than Accord.
    Any other tall Accord drivers out there with
    comments?
  • stupenalstupenal Member Posts: 2
    my mom bought a camry le 4 cyl in 89, and recently in october of 98 bought the NEW 99 camry model. with the new car, the old car was passed down to me, and i currently drive the 89 camry all over the place. my mom parked the camry in the garage for 10 years, and now it is parked outside. with 145,000 miles, the car still runs great. the only problems are a loud exhaust and a delayed shift from 1st to second gear. however, i do take the new 99 camry out for joyrides on the weekends, and i feel that that car is the best out on the market. Not only is there comfort, the engine revs nicely and and there is very minimal noise. these camrys are extremely reliable and maintenance is very low. the 89 camry has had only 1 problem in the past 11 years which was overheating. the new camry has been perfect. compared to the accord, the camry has a smoother ride and quieter engine. if you need a comparison between accords and camrys, just look at the sales numbers the past 3 years. thats your proof.
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