Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Comments
You may feel alloy wheels are silly, but they are a hell of a lot more durable in my experience than hubcaps, look better in most circumstances, and increase the resale value of the vehicle. The Avalon is available with hubcaps, if thats your preference.
~alpha
Can someone please tell me what the difference is between 4 cylinders and 6 cylinders...other than there are two more on a 6 cyl?
And do you feel that it is worth it to pay an extra $3-4k more for the 6 cylinders?
TIA
Inline 4 means that all 4 cylinders line up one next to the other in a straight line. Due to the physics of such a design, I4 engines have a natural tendency towards roughness (shaking) during operation. However, most manufacturers (including Toyota and Honda) incorporate balance shafts in the engines that eliminate this roughness to a large degree.
The V6 engines in both cars have 60 degree bank angles, which means that the 2 banks of 3 cylinders that form the "V" do so at an angle of 60 degrees. The physics of this design result in inherently smooth operation, with little of the roughness that naturally occurs with the I4.
Here's generally how they compare in actual use:
Smoothness: In both the Camry and Accord, the V6 engine is going to be somewhat smoother. However, both cars' I4 engines are advanced designs that achieve a high degree of smoothness by virtue of their balance shafts. So many people find the difference in smoothness between these I4 and V6 engines to be pretty slight. Determine your take on this during test rides to see if the I4 engines feel smooth enough to you in comparison to the V6 engines.
Power: The Accord V6 has 50% more horsepower than the Accord I4, and around 30% higher torque. The Camry V6 has around 35% more horsepower and higher torque than the Camry I4. You'll feel the difference, definitely. Do you need the extra power? Only you can answer that. Most people report that they're satisfied with the power provided by the I4 engines.
Economy: In both cars, the I4 is rated at 3-4 MPG higher than the V6. Both Accord engines call for regular fuel, as does the Camry I4, but Toyota recommends premium fuel for the V6. So you'd find additional ongoing expense with the V6 engines with the fuel costs.
Other: Honda provides a 5-speed automatic on both I4 and V6 Accords. The Camry I4 has a 4-speed automatic, while the V6 has a 5-speed automatic (that's if you get the updated V6 that Toyota phased in early this year. If you find a V6 Camry with a 4-speed automatic, the V6 is an older, but still good design with lower output than I described above.) A 5-speed automatic allows for better matching of the gears to the engine than does a 4-speed. This helps gives the I4 Accord a greater performance advantage over the I4 Camry than the small differences between the engine outputs suggest. Toyota's automatic transmission are known for their smoothness. The Accord's automatic in previous years was a notch behind the Toyota's in smoothness, but the new 5-speed auto in the 2003 Accord puts it on a par with the Camry.
Is the V6 worth the extra $$$? Well, it's hard to say precisely, since neither company offers identically equipped cars that differ only by having either the I4 or the V6. Both companies treat the V6 versions as separate models, and therefore the V6 models include a number of additional items as standard equipment that the corresponding I4 models don't offer as standard (or perhaps don't offer at all, depending on the equipment). This varies a lot between the 2 cars, so you'd be best off checking out the manufacturers' web sites or brochures to research this.
Basically, you have to decide this for yourself... check out the smoothness and power of both engine types and see how they suit you. Again, the V6 models will be somewhat smoother and more powerful, but the I4 models are still quite smooth and powerful in their own right.
Then you have to decide about the financial aspect. The V6 models are more expensive, with additional standard equipment, so you have to decide for yourself if the V6 + extra equipment is worth the $$$ over the I4 setup. Then there's also the fuel consideration.
Personally, I have a 2003 V6 Accord. Prior to changes in my personal situation that resulted in a family sedan making sense, I was driving high-performance sports coupes, so I am somewhat of a "power junkie". I'm sure I could make do with an I4, but I really like having the extra power. Plus I do like the additional equipment on the EX V6. But that's just me... I'm not recommending a V6 to anyone else just because I like it. It's more "fun" than practical.
HTH...
PS: Holy smoke, Batman!!! I didn't realize until I pressed "Post" that this post was so long! I do go on... sorry about that.
max: The Accord sedan does have a power passenger seat in sedans with leather.
Check www.Honda.com for specs....
Now, Toyota makes power front seats standard on ALL XLE models, I4 or V6.
The dual-zone climate control in the EX-L and EXV6 is a wonderful feature, and is by far one of the best systems I have yet to try in any sedan.
You really don't need the 6 Honda proved that my Accord Ex is darn peppy. The Camry 4 gets good gas mileage but this Honda is Spectacular so far. My only minor complaint is I don't think the ride is as good but I knew that going in.
yanker- I'll admit flat out that I'm a Camry/Toyota fan. But I will also be honest and say that the Camry XLE 4 is a comparatively poor value. No moonroof, no leather, no alloys, no side airbags as standard- that is not competitive with Accord EX-L. Like anonymous posts says, load it up and youre at 26K. No thanks.
A better match, most likely, would be the Camry SE 4 cylinder (since it has a firmer ride and steering, I'd imagine Accord prospective purchasers would prefer this one anyway). With ABS/alloys/leather/heated seats/spoiler/side curtains/floormats, you're at $24,900. Compared to the XLE you give up auto climate control (who cares?) and a power passenger seat. Compared to Accord you gain foglights.
~alpha
A friend of mine is selling her 1991 Accord for $3000. It only has 61,000 miles and it has been very well maintained. She has all of the regular scheduled maintenance records, etc... The only down side is it doesn't have air conditioning. How much would it be to add it after market? Is it worth doing this at this price? Thanks for any help!
~alpha
Camry LE with ABS is about $20,800, Accord LX (w/ABS std.) is about $20,500.... so thats not much of a big difference.
~alpha
1. Car drifts either right or left at highway speeds. 2. Brake problems - rotors rust and warp. 3. Too many rattles in the car. 4. Seats are too firm and ride is too firm - this depends if you live on smooth or rough roads - I live on rough roads and you can feel every bump, 5. I think the Center area where the stereo is located has too many buttons, 6. Paint - chips very, very easily, 7. Car starts hard like the battery is low. Good Points - excellent 4 cycl. engine and 5 speed transmition, love the EX Wheels, quality of plastic materials for the interior are excellent.
As for the Camry - 1. A more luxury type of ride,
2. Car drives straight down the highway, 3. No rattles anywhere, 4. Seat is more comfortable,
5. Rotors on brakes do not rust and no warping as well. 6. No paint chips on the front end to date.
Overall - The Accord is a very good car - what keeps it from being an excellent car is all the minor problems that I had and other people are having 0 maybe in the 04 model they will get these corrected. As for the Camry - I just love the car - not quite as sporty as the Accord, but I will take the Luxury ride over the hard, bumpy
ride. Just put a rear spoiler on the car and it looks great!
and did you take a beating trading an 03 for an 03?
for the XLE Camry (which included all the additional air bags and Alum. Wheels)for my car and $ 1200. I was happy with that, no matter what your car is you will have to take some depreciation. Also, I had the Accord for about
7 months and the Camry XLE has more features than
the Accord EX.
That may be true in your case, but there are instances where that is not true, so a blanket pricing statement cannot be made. Here are just two examples:
03 Camry LE V6 MSRP: $22745
03 Accord LX V6 MSRP: $23,460
03 Camry SE 4 auto w/ABS/Pkg B/alloys: $22480
03 Accord EX 4 auto: $22860
~alpha
In the 4 cyl comparo, you would be at 23,339 because you would have to add in the SAB, and VIP security system. You would also have the 4spd tranny instead of the 5spd auto. If you want, you could delete the power seat for a 340 credit, for a 22,999 car and then they are pretty even.
Couldn't help myself, had to add fuel to the fire. =oP
So... the power drivers seat thing is a draw, I'll call the tire scenario even since the Accord doesnt give you alloys, add 500 to the sticker of the Camry for the airbags, then the Camry has head protection for both rows of seating and the Accord doesnt, but the Accord has 6 disc changer and TCS and the pricing looks like this:
Camry LE V6: 23,245
Accord LX V6: 23,460
I'll revisit the 4 cyl. scenario after the Bon Jovi concert.
~alpha
The Maxima had too much torque steer and not enough head room in the back seat. A fun car to drive, if you like breaking traffic laws and pretending to be in a Grand Prix race.
The Accord V6 with the leather and all the bells and whistles, was much, much nicer than my old 92 Accord DX, 4 cy. manual 5 speed. It felt like an expensive sports sedan. Great acceleration. The ride was not as comfortable as I would have hoped.
Another observation is that when I parked my old Accord next to the 2003 Accord, I could see that the new one is somewhat larger. However, when my old Honda was parked next to the Camry 03, the Camry appeared substantially larger than the Old and the new Accord. Based on the specs for both car's sizes I think I saw an optical illusion, because the new Honda and Camry are very close in size according to the stats. It seems to me that the Camry is larger.
I opted for the Camry. It is a very smooth and luxurious car. The Maple wood dash design looks great. It has all the power I need with the V6. I live in an area with a lot of hills and Highway entrances from a dead stop. I've been driving it for 2 weeks and I really enjoy the comfort, the handling, the space, design (it's very well layed out) the trunk, with it's stay in position lid that won't guillotine you, the sound system (6 in dash cd and cassette, the Accord lacks a cassette)the sun roof, etc. It's a great car and I am happy that I bought it.
I also paid $200 over dealer invoice and I negotiated for the extended 7 year warranty at $150 over cost. $650 instead of $999. To get this type of a deal you have to do your homework and contact several dealers, via the internet. Edmunds is a great resource on how to buy an automobile! Thank you Edmunds. My regret is that I didn't negotiate a cheep price on the leather protection insurance, rust and paint, etc. So,I didn't purchase that.
I looked at the Maxima thinking that I could quell that mid-life quest for an adrenalin rush. I realized that I am a safe driver who values a comfortable ride together with a little luxury. So the fun to drive car that sacrifices comfort; lack of head room in the Maxima and rough handling and less room in the Accord, sent me to Toyota for the Camry. It has every feature that I wanted and of course the reputation for reliability. I also value not spending more for an emblem that offers nothing more than status. (Thus no Lexus)
I think the Camry is great if you are looking for a comfortable or soft ride. I found the Accord handled better, was a lot faster (with better MPG), and had better brakes. It also has better visibility. I did not care for the Camry's 90's vintage dash either.
If you just compare engines you can see Honda got more power and better economy from the same displacement and yet doesn't require premium like the Camry. Technologically, the Camry is years ahead of the Camry.
I recommend the Accord with no hesitation.
on the other hand, toyota has that TDA advertising fee they tack on...
as far as premium fuel, seems to me that's optional on the camry V6-- it's not mandatory correct?
toyota has much better color choices too... and no power seat available on the accord LX is goofy.
honda does have better center armrest i think-- more comfy-- better coinbox too (although toyota has improved in this area, i hear)
>Also, Camrys have also had a few issues when it >comes to interior rattles.
Seems accord has rattles TOO.
Check the discussion group
Honda Accord Problems Part 2
for talk about accord's noises
trans problems
steering pulling
brake rotors warping
etc.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
no one would have dared dream about such auto's in the mid 90's....
of course, i chose the Accord, for interior looks/functionality and power (V6 models).
however, someone was right when they said the Camry offers better color choices. Honda has always been very stingy in that area.
the verdict is in.... after observing both cars as they pass me by on the highways of toledo (or I pass them by), the honda accord has the better exterior looks....
(still debating the looks of new solara vs. accord coupe).
I can understand their disgust. ;o)
I had not owned a Camry or Accord before, but found only the quietness an advantage for the Camry. Looks are mediocre for both, but the interior for the Accord is head and shoulders above the Camry. The dash kept saying Buick Century when I looked at the Camry.
I think it would be HILARIOUS for the Accord and Camry to race.
Kinda sums up the whole debate, IMO.
Safety:
Camry SE, very good crash test scores.
Accord EX, excellent crash test scores and standard side impact airbags.
Outward appearance:
Camry SE, I loved the thing the moment I saw it. It's one handsome machine.
Accord EX, hated it at first, but soon grew to love the large rear end and mad-looking front end.
Interior:
Camry SE, Loved the silver instrument pannel (although offset speedometer seemed out of place) and power driver seat, but otherwise felt bare and void of funtionality. Sunroof controls seemed awkward.
Accord EX, Beautilfull! The instument pannel was stunning. The Controls were numerous and well thought out. Sunroof controls were much better with the addition of a reset button. The seats also felt much more comfortable. They seems longer and the hip support holds you in place on tight turns.
Power: (4-cylinder models)
Camry SE, tried to punch the gas on the test drive and didn't get much.
Accord EX, I don't know if it's the extra 3HP or the 5-speed AT, but that thing flies. I drive 100 miles a day to work and back, and if I don't watch myself carefully I'm topping 80 at only 2500rpm. I have to really watch for cops now.
Mileage:
Camry SE, slightly lower fuels efficiency, but 1.5gal larger tank.
Accord EX, very good fuel efficiency, and hopefully a large enough tank to get me to work and back all week.
Conveniece of Purchase:
Camry SE, I had to search 3 dealers just to find one and in order to get all the option I wanted I would have had to wait 6 months.
Accord EX, All the accessories I was looking for on the base model. All I had to do was pick a color.
Room:
Camry SE, large interior and trunk. Addition of split forldown read bench is a big plus.
Accord EX, slightly less room in interior and trunk, but still ample. Very large trunk opening makes up for it's smaller size. Add to that a single fold down rear bench and cargo storage is not a problem.
Overall the Accord EX just fit me better.