Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry

doppler · February 2005

I'm trying to decide between a used 2001/2002 Accord or Camry. However, I'm very worried about both the Honda's transmission problems and the Camry's oil sludging during those years. I'm a Consumer Reports nut and like to really know what I'm in for. Honda did put in a recall for their transmissions, but Toyota put stipulations on their recall saying that the oil needed to be strictly replaced every 3000 miles and by a dealer. This makes me think that at least Honda is being a little more proactive at getting their problem fixed, instead of trying to pin blame on the consumer. Given that I'm buying a used car from a 1st or 2nd owner (private party seller), it could be questionable if a Camry was treated as it should per Toyota's specs. Although I dislike a dealer's higher price (w/tax, reconditioning fees, etc) as well as their mind game tactics, I wonder if a certified used car is the route to go in either case. The inspections, reconditioning, and 12 month warranty usually offered with certified cars is starting to appeal because of the above worries.

I'm also trying to decide between a Japan or U.S. country of manufacturer/assembly. I've always heard that Japan plants put tighter tolerances and higher QA on their cars. Has that work ethic caught up with U.S. union auto workers who are assembling those cars here in the U.S.?

hmurphy · February 2005

Another option is to just bring the car(s) you're looking at to a mechanic you trust, or to mechanics that specialize in Hondas or Toyotas. A mechanic that sees a lot of these cars would probably be able to tell whether a transmission has been replaced or whether there's sludge buildup. And if you find a Honda that has a replacement transmission, it might run just fine for a long time.

I don't think it's worth paying a higher certified price for a 12-month warranty (if you can find one that old that has a warranty). Even if you do choose to buy a certified car, you should take it to a reputable mechanic and/or Toyota/Honda specialist before buying it. That will be your best guarantee.

03accordman · February 2005

Doppler, I do know that Honda extended transmission warranty on 200-2002 Accords, to 100k miles. I am not sure if this transferable to the new owner, so if you are looking for a used Accord, make sure it has the extended warranty and that it would be valid for you too, as a buyer.

library1 · February 2005

Just FYI- No interest in starting another discussion!

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl.htm

PDF FILE:

IIHS 2001-2003 Most recent model year

Vehicle Name Injury Collision Theft

(Lower is better)

Toyota Camry 92 83 87

Honda Accord 103 85 73

Lexus ES 300 71 97 98

Volkswagen Passat 4WD 66 120 103

Volkswagen Passat 79 104 73

Nissan Maxima 89 102 283

Mazda6 129 112 ---

210delray · February 2005

"Collisions that result in serious and fatal occupant injuries are relatively rare, so they have only a small influence on the insurance injury results reported in this publication. The results shown here are dominated by the relatively frequent low to moderate severity collisions and associated injuries."

doppler · February 2005

Thanks all for the info.

Basically, I want to see if my worries about those model years are warranted. Some people say, it's a problem, but then others say that it was only affected about 1.6% of the Accords out there for those years.

I love Honda and want to stay that way.

peterpan · February 2005

Statistics on injuries and death from the insurance industry are the most reliable measures of car safety IMO.

The tests from NHTSA and IIHS are useful when historical data is not available, i.e. for new designs etc...

It is clear from the data that the Camry is slightly better than the Accord in injuries and accident rates. The Lexus ES300 is identical to the Camry V6, but had 20% better injury rate. How can that happen?

It did not say what year the data was taken. Between 94-97, IIHS stats showed driver death rate in Accord was 170% Camry.

Vehicle Name Injury Collision Theft

Toyota Camry 92 83 87

Honda Accord 103 85 73

Lexus ES 300 71 97 98

pat · February 2005

Well, we've been around this block before. You believe those statistics are important and others here see no value in them. That's fine, you are entitled to your opinion as are the rest of the folks here.

So let's agree to disagree and leave that can of worms where we buried it a while back. There's no need to have that argument all over again.

bizi · February 2005

I've noticed (and considered it interesting) that many purchasers don't know whether the cars they buy have full-size spare or not. Many of them don't even know after years of driving:-) Not that all these buyers/owners don't care, just that they don't know, or forgot to ask (even during the new car delivery check). That leads to interesting manufacturers' approach on the spare tire: From what I can recall in last a few generations, Accord sedans (excluding wagons) always had donut spares, and Camry always had full-size spares. It seems that full-size spare has not been a design goal for Accords. I guess if more consumers start to care, things may change (vice versa, if more consumers start not to care, things may change too). When met by true engineering limitations, both Honda and Toyota have shown creativity, evidenced by recent Toyota Sienna 4WD and Accord Hybrid.

In future, hope we can all use practical flat-free tires. Is this the one? http://www.detnews.com/2005/autoshow/0502/12/B01-62263.htm

curious7 · February 2005

Hey Doppler...I am just starting the same search as you are (used 2002 Accord vs Camry). Please keep us posted on what you find out. Thanx

accordion · February 2005

The American built accord would be my choice. I have had an American 1996 Accord lx, a Japanese built, 2003 Accord ex, and now an American built 2005 Accord ex. My 96 had no rattles after many years, and 145000 miles. My 03 had several, plus a constant problem regarding my hvac and stereo lighting not working. I replaced it with my 05 when my 03 was wrecked.It has been flawless as my 96...Go with the one from Ohio.

oscar5740 · February 2005

What's up everyone? I'm considering leasing a 2005 Accord EX or Camry SE (4 cyl, 5-speed manual) to replace my '02 Hyundai Elantra GT. Drove the Camry today and was very impressed. It was possibly the quietest vehicle I've driven. Also seemed to have alot features for the money. The Manual was much smoother than I expected. I plan on driving the Accord soon. Any input, thoughts, etc would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance for any help.

Happy Motoring!

O

pat · February 2005

Welcome!

I hope you are taking some time to read through the postings here - they'll give you a ton of input on your question!!

Good luck.

mastro · February 2005

Okay, so I just read the last 6 months worth of messages...and I'm still undecided. Hang with me, I am going to buy a V6 Accord or Camry (I think). But, after all the helpful info on this site, I'm still undecided. Here's the deal - I currently drive a Volvo S60 Turbo and a C5 Corvette. The family (all 6 of us) travel in a Suburban. I'm selling the Vette and the S60's lease is up.

I'd like to replace the Vette and the S60 with a solid second family car. I would like to keep my budget to less than $30K all in. Both the Honda and Toyota represent excellent values.

Personally, I give the exterior appearance to the Camry and the interior to Honda. Space wise, the Camry has a slight advantage. I like both rides - I'd let my wife choose between the SE or LXE ride of the Camry (I'm neutral).

Now, here's the question: What are the one or two things I should consider most in my decision?

Thanks for your help!

Regards,
Tony

richards38 · February 2005

Consider how the cars feel after you drive them--they're very different.

The Camry is softer riding, but the Accord is a bit more sporty. Either way you'll have a good car, so it really doesn't matter if you have trouble deciding.

One thing to consider is that Accords don't have any factory options because each model among DX, LX, and EX levels is sold separately with its included features. This makes the buying process easier and you can compare prices among Honda dealers precisely. Don't buy any dealer-installed options until you get the price on the car you're buying.

I think Toyotas have a list of factory options and option packages that can be confusing and annoying unless you want to special order your car.

I think it's easier to buy a Honda Accord that meets your requirements and any features you didn't want but get anyway because they're included will be features you'll appreciate later.

I really didn't want XM radio nor a sunroof but had to get them with the Accord EX-L because only that model with the 4 cyl. engine had curtain airbags in 2004. Now, I enjoy the extra features that came with that upscale model......Richard

anonymousposts · February 2005

Why not spring for the Accord Hybrid. 255HP, 30/37 MPG, roomy, and it still has most of the EX's features. It's also a bit different.

richards38 · February 2005

The Hybrid is great technology, but the economic benefit doesn't exist at the price. You'd have to drive about 75,000 miles or more at current gas prices to get back the extra cost of the car over a V6 Accord without the hybrid feature.

Resale will be poor as the car approaches the time when costly battery replacement is required.

People who like to feel good about themselves will buy it and think they're doing the Earth a favor until they realize that if hybrids become popular, there will be dead batteries piled high like old tires are now. So much for environmental friendliness.....Richard

rutger3 · February 2005

Tough decision. I am in the same boat and have done alot ot research on this. Here are the major differences: between the Camry LE and Accord LX
Camry: softer, quieter ride, power driver seat, outside temp gauge, bigger trunk and if money is an issue has a $700+ rebate and low financing, plus a longer powertrain warranty, but head airbags are an option.
Accord: better handling,a bit more resale value,telescoping steering wheel,standard head airbags, low financing.
Both great cars, cant really make a bad decision, but if you are like me and keep cars a long time, even the little things add up.

anonymousposts · February 2005

I wasn't suggesting the Accord Hybrid simply based on it's MPG. It's a "different" car. The 255HP is nice. And 255HP along with 37MPG on the highway is a good trade-off for the additional $3000 over a base Accord EX V6. I personally wouldn't buy a Hybrid but that's only due to the lack of sunroof and manual transmission.

As for the reliability, get an extended warranty for 7 years/100,000 miles.

bizi · February 2005

Hybrid is a great technology. At this point, however, the street price difference between Hybrid and V6 EX is far greater than $3000. After Camry Hybrid is out, we will have more fun comparing them away, and hopefully the hybrids will be selling below invoice by then due to competition:-) BTW, Toyota has Prius for a while now, but do we think it's a direct competitor of Accord hybrid?

atlantabenny · February 2005

Seeing that you're on the sporty side of cars, long-term my guess is that you'll be happier with the Accord, which has more performance genes (forumla racing/motorcyle-derived engineering, 4-wheel double wishbone, etc.) than the Camry.

If you're into it, the Accord sedan won't look disingenuous with bigger rims and a lip spoiler, which can't be said of the Camry imo.

The kicker would be the Accord's higher resale and longer remaining life cycle (by 1 year; the Camry gets replaced by a new body as early as next year for the 07 model).

mastro · February 2005

Thanks. I was out and about yesterday and took a hard and critical look at both the cars. Surprisingly to me, I did feel the Accord's styling was more to my liking. Evaluating pictures on sites I thought I would lean towards the Camry.

A friend of mine works in the auto industry suppling Toyota with some raw materials. He told me Friday night the same thing about the upcoming design change for the Camry. His timeframe was the same - in about a year.

Thanks.

richards38 · February 2005

Next Camry will be introduced Fall, 2006 ('07 model year) and next Accord will be Fall, 2007 ('08 model year).

So, you'll have a newer style for a year longer if you buy the Accord.

I think that it's best to buy ANY newly redesigned car after a year when the car's early defects have been corrected--there might still be problems, but fewer of them.

BTW, don't be surprised if the next ('07) Camry looks like the Mark X recently introduced in Japan.

I tried to copy and paste URL's showing pix of the Mark X, but the links didn't work on this page. Just GOOGLE 2006 Toyota Mark X and you'll find photos of it.....Richard

maxamillion1 · February 2005

I have read about three different soruces that state the next Camry is coming out in Early 2006 as a 2007 model.

I have heard the same things about the next Altima as well.

richards38 · February 2005

Well, of course, I can't be sure; however, both the Camry and Accord are currently on 5 year cycles with the Camry one year ahead. Unless there's a change in cycle time, the next Camry should be a 2007 model.

Whether the '07 Camry appears early or late in 2006 is anyone's guess, but I'd bet on later next year.

The all-new Avalon is a 2005 model--a fairly late introduction for a 2005 car.....Richard

jdeib · February 2005

You might want to look at the redesigned Avalon. The XL (which is very nicely equipped) starts out at around $26,000.00. The size is great, the power is fantastic (280 hp) and it is a nice looking car. The downside is that the deals on Avalons aren't going to be as good in that it was just released.

Good luck.

scottimusprime · February 2005

I'm currently looking into both the Accord and the Camry. Looking to upgrade to something a little nicer from my 2001 Corolla LE. I'm partial to Toyota - that's all I've owned and I have always been satisfied - so I automatically favor the Camry slightly over the Accord.

I like the options and features on the Camry like auto on/off headlights, outside temp gauge, full-size spare. I also like the exterior appearance of the Camry, particularly the SE model with the fog lamps, alloy wheels and rear spoiler. I'm not quite so sure on the interior of the Camry SE, particularly the dark charcoal interior with the orange gauges and speedometer (I'd really have to see it in person). Of course I don't have to get the SE model. I could get an XLE with even more features.... but for a young person, the XLE might make people think I'm driving my parents' car! I don't want a car that makes me look older than I am. I want something sophisticated but fun. And the XLE just doesn't look like a car for a a young 20-something guy. Which is why I favor the SE.

I really love the interior of the Accord. The exterior isn't bad - it's grown on me. I like a lot of the standard features that come on the EX model. I definitely want the side/curtain airbags. I just wish the Accord came with some of the fun features that the Camry had. Even my Corolla has an outside temp gauge - why does Honda make it an option, even on their high-end model?!

I've driven my mom's 04' Camry XLE. So smooth and quiet. I love the ride. I haven't driven a Camry SE to see the difference. Haven't driven an Accord yet either. I guess that would play a huge factor in which car I prefer. I really need to spend time behind the wheel of both cars.

Of course, the Camry is due to be re-designed in late 2006 as a 2007 model. And the Accord should get a mid-cycle facelift sometime later this year for 2006. So if I plan to buy a Camry I should do it soon. But if I want the Accord, I definitely want to wait to see what changes come for 2006 (new bumpers, lights, grille, features, etc.?).

So basically, I'm torn.

richards38 · February 2005

The Accord EX-L does have an outside temp gauge which shows in either of 2 trip odometers. The outside temp gauge does not show when total mileage appears in the odometer.

It took me a while to become accustomed to leaving the odometer in a trip position, but I like that now and the outside temp is always visible.

The Accord EX-L (leather) and EX V6 come with a standard XM radio which is great if you're willing to pay for a subscription to use it.

I still like my '04 Accord better than the Camry I tested in August, '03 when I was car shopping, but it sounds like you might be happier with the Camry because you're currently a happy Toyota owner.

The Accord's ride is much firmer.......Richard

coastdriver · February 2005

If deciding between the V6 Camry SE and the V6 Accord, be sure and read the Toyota Camry forum: "Problems and Solutions."

There is an ongoing discussion regarding a serious problem with the 2005 Camry SE transmission.

My new '05 Camry SE with the V6 engine is anything BUT quiet and smooth! The electronic transmission has a terrible jerk and hesitation at low speeds. The sport suspension and low-profile tires are very noisy... especially on grooved highway pavement. The seats are extremely hard.....

Needless to say, I am not pleased with my new Camry SE. Good luck.

jovialanus · February 2005

"Statistics on injuries and death from the insurance industry are the most reliable measures of car safety IMO."

Injury statistics are of little to no value. These numbers make no consideration for a wide array of influential factors. The type of person attracted to a particular car has a huge impact on that cars injury claim rate and accident rate. For example, a Mustang GT will no doubt have a much higher injury claim rate than a Windstar minivan. Which of these two vehicles would you expect to be involved in more serious crashes? The Mustang, driven by an inexperienced and reckless teenage male? Or the Windstar, driven by a more experienced, conservative mother? Driver demographics, location demographics, and a certain degree of randomness are all influential factors in these injury statistics.

In order to ascertain the safety of a vehicle, you have to isolate and remove these extraneous factors and concentrate only on each particular vehicles ability to protect its occupants in a crash. Hence we have the IIHS and NHTSA crash tests.

chidoro · February 2005

What's up everyone? I'm considering leasing a 2005 Accord EX or Camry SE (4 cyl, 5-speed manual) to replace my '02 Hyundai Elantra GT.

If you haven't already, try and test drive an Accord manual as well. While I don't drive manual because traffic is plain awful where I live, they have a reputation of being the best shifters out there at any price.

You can't go wrong with the Camry either and I actually prefer the SE's exterior (especially in that dark grey color).

rutger3 · February 2005

I too cannot understand why Honda makes such a simple and inexpensive item like the outside temp guage only available on expensive models with leather, when it is available on much less expensive vehicles ,and standard on the Camry.To have to spend more than $2000 more to get it on an Accord is silly.
Now as for alloys, why are they so difficult to get unless you buy the EX Accord, or the XLE Camry for much more. Why not make it an easy to get option on the LX and LE? Heck, it is even an option on the Camry SE>

zitch · February 2005

Actually, the outside temp guage can be a dealer-installed (or even self-installed if you're handy enouth) option on the lower trims. Same with the auto-dimming rear view mirror and the MP3-CD player.

The temp guage for the 03-05 Accord is 91$ at handaaccessories.com for just the parts. Getting it installed at a dealer would probably be $200 to $300 parts and labor.

oscar5740 · February 2005

Amen to the Phantom Gray! I saw an SE V6 the other day in that color, with the 17" wheels. Mean looking car.....for a Camry.

You're right, I need to drive the Accord, hopefully this weekend. I have a friend with a Civic, and he raves about the manual. I imagine the Accord's would be just as smooth.

doppler · February 2005

I went ahead and got a an 02 4cyl LX with 37k miles for $11,700 private party. Made in Japan, immaculate condition, maint docs, 1st owner!

I love it. Although my 98 CR-V is getting jealous.

My top priorities (in order) were:
1. 2002 - Year with least amount of potential problems
2. No salvage title - You never know what really happened and if it's still structurally sound.
3. No dealer - Higher cost of vehicle, sales tax.
4. Cost
5. Decent low mileage 10-13K/year (14-15K is pushing it)
6. 1st owner
7. Condition - Good checklist here--> http://www.nadaguides.com/Res/content.aspx?LI=1-10-17-2050-0-0-0&- wSec=10&wPr=17&wPg=2051&ItemId=26921

Other pluses:
8. Car resided in dry climates (found in carfax/autocheck title registrations)
9. Maintenance docs
10. Made in Japan (signified by a J as the first char in the VIN, 1 is USA)
Most people would say that Japan manufacturing & assembly plants have tighter tolerances.
11. Side Airbags
12. ABS with 4 wheel disc brakes

I basically had to renegotiate those priorities with my what I was willing to spend. I looked for about two weeks and had less of a selection because I was limiting myself to around $13k. Out of the 12 priorities, I met numbers 1-10 with my Accord.

I checked the cars.com/autotrader listings out daily (in the morning, afternoon, evening) to see if a new one comes up and called for a visit/test drive as soon as I saw one that fit.

mastro · February 2005

Thanks for the post. I was very close to making a decision for the V6 Camry (SE or XLE) over the EX Accord. I was even contemplating trading up to an Avalon XLS or Limited. I read this post, did some research on this site and I am know reconsidering my decision.

I've got an appointment to test drive all three vehicles next week, but after reading the posts here, I'm very doubtful that I will roll the dice and hope I get a good one. I've got a couple of months before my purchase so I'll be checking into how Toyota responds to the numerious complaints and articles about this tranny / hesitation problem.

The discussion on the Problems and Solutions is a heated one. I am not certain, however, whether it is a widespread issue amongst Toyota V6 owners (and Lexus) or a very small issue amongst a few. Any comments? Is Toyota Corp. really that insensitive to the issue?

It would be incredibly arrogant if the #1 family sedan manufacturers would allow a systemic safety issue like this to jeopardize the the well-being of one's family. Regardless of how much I like the Toyota's look and feel, I could never make the purchase of a vehicle that could even remotely put my family in harm's way.

This forum has been tremendous in helping me make this buying decision. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Regards,
Tony

rutger3 · February 2005

The other problem with not providing factory installed alloys is cost. It is much more expensive to add them later and also complicates the transaction. First, it shouldn't be say $350 factory option, but an $800 add on later? Plus, how do you negotiate for them on an LE when you have already 'paid' for the steel wheels. Do you just swap them out, or should you get the steel wheels which come with the car since you are in effect paying for them, then turn around and sell them on ebay. Alloys should not be that difficult to add on and should not cost as much as the dealers want you to pay.

lmacmil · February 2005

We have a 2004 Highlander V6. Same engine/tranny as the Camry SE. On occasion, there is a slight hesitation when accelerating from a low speed, 20-35 mph. It's noticeable but to me, only a minor annoyance. I'll mention it next time I take it in for an oil change but I'm guessing I'll get a "could not duplicate" response.

I personally don't find it to be the big deal that others do and it certainly wouldn't keep me from buying a V6 SE if that's what I wanted.

mastro · February 2005

Here are links to two recent ('05) articles out of Pittsburgh, PA. Looks like the complaints are legitimate and a formal investigation is going on.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04343/423383.stm

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04345/424551.stm

I emailed the dealership I have been working with but have not received a response.

alpha01 · February 2005

I don't think our alloys were expensive because of the way we negotiated them. When we got our Camry in Dec 2001, the vehicle was still just 3 months on the market, and this is before the foreign makes jumped on the post Sept 11th incentives drive (may God rest all those lost).

The list for the Split 5 Spoke Alloy is $552 before installation. We paid $300 over invoice for our Camry, which I thought was a great deal given the newness and already strong sales of the redesign. We stated our preference for alloys the entire time, and got the dealer to offer us this price, plus a post delivery 'We Owe' contract for the alloys at no charge, and for the accompanying wheel locks as well!

Naturally, I accept that the alloys, Im sure were not given to us for 'no extra charge'. However, given the timing of the deal, $300 over invoice on the LE w/ wheel covers, BUT including alloys and the locks, I felt was very fair. The dealer ordered and they were installed 3 weeks later.

Now, of course, there is absolutely no reason to pay anything more than invoice less incentives on either the Accord or Camry, as neither is new and the competition has significantly stiffened. (Except for the awesome Accord Hybrid).

~alpha

garandman · February 2005

As far as the Accord, if you want alloys check eBay. A lot of Accord owners seem to upgrade the tire and wheel package and you can get excellent deals on them. Even absurd deals. I need a set of wheels for the Nokian snows we put on our 05 Accord V6 and most distributors were sold out. I bought four near-new "take-offs" for $242.50 plus shipping.

If you are just looking for economical (if, ah, sedate) transportation you have to give the nod currently to the Camry in the Boston area. They are being advertised with $1,500 rebates and 0.9% financing.

garandman · February 2005

Thanks for the post. I was very close to making a decision for the V6 Camry (SE or XLE) over the EX Accord. I was even contemplating trading up to an Avalon XLS or Limited. I read this post, did some research on this site and I am know reconsidering my decision

IMHO problems get amplified on these forums. People who have problems look for help and advice. The rest of us who don't have problems are out driving. These are both extremely reliable, durable cars.

As far as the Accord, here's what Car & Driver says, in one of their more lucid moments:

"... the Accord persists on the 10Best honor roll for traditional Accord virtues: rigid chassis, outstanding road manners, excellent powertrains, straightforward ergonomics, bulletproof construction, and a high fun-to-drive quotient by mid-size-sedan standardsall of which is a long way of saying value.

Accords come in two distinct flavors: the sportier coupe, which includes the option of a six-speed manual transmission with the V-6, and the more sedate sedans. Either way, Accords continue to dominate an intensely competitive segment, a tradition that dates to the beginning of these awards. This year marks the 23rd renewal of 10Best. In all but four of those 23 years, theres been a Honda Accord on the list. No other car has come close."

alpha01 · February 2005

That Camry offer may be specific to certain dealers given higher allowances from Toyota. According to the New England Toyota Dealers version of buyatoyota.com, the current Camry offer is $750 Cash back or 1.9/2.9/3.9 financing for 36/48/60 months.

~alpha

masroz · February 2005

I just traded my 03 Honda Accord EX for a new 05 Camry LE and I couldn't be more pleased. Even though I enjoyed the Accord, the ride from the Camry is so much more comfortable and smooth. I live in a hilly part of New England and the Camry soaks up the bumps in the road very nicely. The tight suspension on the Accord finally got to be to much. The Camry's interior is more roomy and feels very upscale. The level of standard equipment is quite impressive as well. I got the upgraded stereo and moonroof along with a couple of other minor items and the out the door price was fantastic. It is a pleasure driving this vehicle.

bizi · February 2005

Thanks for the links. The hesitation issue has been discussed in the forums long before these articles and was even reported on certain magazine road tests. So it has been around for a while and quite wide spread. I believe the same (or very similar) trans/engine combination is used in Lexus ES/RX 330, Toyota Highlander V6, Sienna and Camry V6 SE (not XLE). There was a service bulletin issued some time ago, which was a software change to at least certain models of these cars. The "fix" reduced the hesitation some what, but didn't totally solve the problem. Since this thread is about Accord and Camry, I can say that it was still easy for me to detect this hesitation during a test drive of 2005 Camry V6 SE(probably because I know how to make it happen).

I guess the important question here is how much this issue impacts the usability (or safety) of the vehicle. People's opinion seem to differ, and it probably has to do with personal driving style as well. From my experience and understanding, it happens most often when trying to do a hard acceleration from low street speed (around 30 mph?). In certain cases, it could generate unsafe conditions to unsuspecting drivers. It doesn't seem to be a problem when a person accelerates steadily, such as merging into highway traffic. For me (I drive one of the cars has this trans/engine combination, but not Camry SE), I try to build a habit not to rush into turns in surface traffic, so I don't have to accelerate hard after the turn. I can understand that this can be a big problem to some people, but a non-issue to others.

In comparison to Camry V6 (even SE), the Accord V6 (which has a 3.0L engine)actually feels a bit faster and has pretty good pedal response. Some people, however, still complain that Accord's downshift is not quick enough at highway speed, and for people used to sports cars, the accellaration from stand still is of course, not quick enough.

The original post of the topic also mentioned the quietness comparison (and there are other posts in this forum stated opposite opinions). I reported in another post that from my subject feel, current Camry and Accord (both V6) are actually very similar in this aspect, and I didn't feel that one is much quieter than the other. Other opinions?

bizi · February 2005

Just like to comment on the cost: it could well be true that a Carmy with $1500 rebate has a lower purchasing price than a similar Accord, but it may not always be true. I believe the only way to tell is shop and compare. Both Accord and Camry can be had for a price vastly different from MSRP and rebate offsets may not be a deciding factor (although it is probably true that if one is settled on one type of car, then negotiating during a period of time that the car carries a high rebate doesn't hurt).

midnightcowboy · March 2005

",i>Not sure about this, but the Camry SE might have in the included one of those silly wing things on the trunk lid and I will not own any car with such junk stuck onto it.

I guess you will never buy one of my used cars, nor will I buy one of yours.

A rear wing spoiler adds class to every car except maybe a SRT4

6-speed V6 black Accord Coupe all the way baby!

Cheers,

MidCow

P.S. - If I remember right Toyota wenied -out and dropped the manual trans in the Camry V6

midnightcowboy · March 2005

Toyota never has made cars for pure sports enthusiast and Honda atleast leans in that directions

What are you talking about? Remember the Supra last manufactured in 1998 and a new version in 2006/2007

And to a lesser extent the MR2 ( this is the last year) and the Celica GTS

I have had Toyotas in the past, but wil probably never buy another one primaruly because of the Houston Toyota Dealership's snotty attitude about the Prius.

MidCow
6-speed 2005 Accord Coupe

garandman · March 2005

A rear wing spoiler adds class to every car except maybe a SRT4 YMMV But one thing that doesn't vary: on almost all cars they increase drag and decrease top speed. It does increase aerodynamic downforce on the rear wheels at high speed, which would help decrease understeer at 80 or 90 mph.

Decals and a big chrome exhaust tip give more bang for the buck....;-)

zitch · March 2005

Funny how many people seem to confuse wings and spoilers on cars...

A wing produces downforce, at the expense of increasing drag

A spoiler reduces drag by "spoiling" the flow of air over the trunk and reduces turbulence behind the car.

A "wing-spoiler" does not exist, as far as I know...

What's funny about these terms is that on an aircraft, a wing produces "up-force" (lift), and a spoiler increases drag.

Honda Accord vs Toyota Camry

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