Is the Accord destined to be America's next number 1?

by good old country boys you meant red necks?

the accord is better looking, better handling and has more personality overall than the benign camry.

and now that the camry's cherished reliability (the main reason people buy it is reliablity NOT looks or performance) is in question given all the transmission issues...

i think the accord has a great shot.

well it wasnt to long ago that accord faced this same issue. previous accord models had tremendous problems with the tranny's giving way at very little mileage.

honda rectified the issue, and toyota seems to be doing the same. toyota sales may take a dive being that the accord is a brand new model and the camry is on a year or two dated model.

these two models are still the front runners...one surpasses each other at debut, then they all flatten out until the next revision.

kudos to Honda on another great vehicle.

"The accord is a better handling car" says who, the camry SE sport suspension is way better than the accords. I have an 07 camry se and it handles really great. I read about the suspension issue in motortrend comparison test in which, btw the accord wins the comparison based on style. but i have to admit that the build quality of the accord's interior is better than the camry.

M3owns, have you driven the new Accord? It has always been the sportier vehicle.

And I'm sorry... it's hard not to chuckle when somebody is bragging about the handling in their Camry.

Yeah, sorry, I gotta agree with S4 - a great handling Camry would be like running in thong sandals!

I could really careless! I will not drive neither one!

It is I COULDN'T care less.

The new Accord is not that nice lookin' and I would buy the Chevy Malibu if I was in need of a 4 door car.

Not sure why you were de-boosted? The Malibu is a nice car. Fanboys I guess.

bcoz Malibu will not be #1

Honda should make a 'long wheelbase' version. It wouldn't cost any more and the really huge rear seat room would allow them to add incremental sales.

Heck, they could be taxi's in NYC.

What ever happened to the Chrysler 300 LWB shown at the auto shows a few years ago? I sat in one there and thought it was a great idea.

If toyotas reputation keeps going the way its been, I wouldn't doubt the demise of the Camry. Besides, the midsize segement is rough. Everyone has a competiive product now, even GM. People can choose from the Accord, Camry, Malibu, Aura, Altima, Fusion, 6 and Milan. With all these choices, there really is a chance for the consumer to get out and really choose the right fit for their needs. Whether it be perfomence, styling, efficiency or even technology.

2008 will be a buyers market.

At first glance, I was disappointed at the Accord's exterior style direction. But when you see it on the street, the car has "I look more expensive than..." air to it. Of course, the interior is very elegant.
I do not think that the Accord will take the title from Camry. The reason being that although it has been reviewed as superior than the Camry, it does not have a Hybrid version and fleet sales are much lower than the Toyota. These two factors would account for about 70K on sales.

The Accord was #1 in the early 90s, so it's not a stretch that it could conceivably regain that title. I am in the minority though, because I think the Camry is better looking. I see the new accord as several vehicles in one: the rear three-quarters from the 5-series, the rear light treatment from the C-class and the front seems detached from the rear for some reason. Like both front and rear were designed by two different teams.

I also disagree that the interior is elegant. It is not. I checked it out with leather. First of all, it is too roomy. Yeah, it is possible for a car to have too much interior room. If you want it big enough for a Police cruiser or a cab, be my guest. That would effectively kill the car.

Secondly, it doesn't cuddle you the way the Camry does. I guess that is what I mean by too much room.

As for driving dynamics, oh well, it must be superior to the Camry. The Accord is usually superior in that category.

The Accord is a lot better than the Camry. The only thing the Camry has that the Accord doesn't is SmartKey. If Honda puts that on the Accord, then there's no stopping them.

Smart Key is cool and everything, but without a remote starter, whats the point?

I agree. BMW puts it in standard on many models, and it's just a button. You put the key in and press the button. How is that any better than twisting it? The only useful one is where you press the door handle to unlock it and press the button to start it, with no use of the key.

no1listensanyway-

Honda does offer a remote starter:

http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/accessory-detail.aspx?Accessory=ACCOR08202

Sorry, I should of said "Factory Installed"

Is the Camry made in the US?

most are.

The new Accord looks superb. It looks EXPENSIVE. Very classy. It's nice to drive and nice to be in, too.

"And the interior is currently my 2nd favorite interior of any car in production, first being the Cadillac CTS."

Wow, strong words. I definitely disagree with that.

But anyway, yes, the new Accord looks stunning.

They were number #1 for awhile until the Toyota Camry took that Title away in the 1980s, I believe. Even they do take that title away from Toyota, it still a Japanese brand.

If that does happen, I think it is good for the consumers. Because Toyota will be force to make their cars even better than they are now and give incentive.

Even the interior resembles a 5 series interior.

i agree with you on that, Honda interiors are pretty well layed out and with leather options, it does feel very luxurious inside.

watch out though, you may hit some fanboys button with that one :)

Pffttt! Yeah right. But coming from you it doesnt surprise me. Maybe Volkswagen or Opel but thats about it. Dream on, and as a reference YES I have sat inside both the sedan, and coupe.

06GS

Funny I was at an auto show as well last week. Theres no coming through to you. Audi, MB, and BMW have some of the finest interiors out there.

While at the show I had a chance to sit inside all of the makes and realize just why the Germans are so coveted. I didnt see people taking pictures sitting inside the Accords or flocking the stands and waiting in line for a chance to sit inside. People know, I dont think anyone buying an accord will consider it on par with a BMW, Audi, or MB, and if they do then good for them. Imagination means more to some than reality.

GS300, I assume you feel the same way about the new Malibu vs. the Lexus LS? Because that guy traded in his LS for one.

It should be

Honda is much better than toyota. Especially in the quality department. I know this because my friend is a service writer for a toyota dealer and he said he cant believe how far down the quality of toyotas have gone down. He said he is surprised people keep buying them. I would buy a honda over a toyota anyday.

The Front of the New Honda Accord reminds me of a hyundai. As long as the Accord is FWD, it will never be anything more than a really nice, cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill sedan.

Yea. Everyone needs a RWD sedan. So they can go all out in the twisties. Lets make every car RWD!!!

If you think that RWD is only good for the "twisties" then you need help.

We were tricked into believing that FWD is better than RWD. Its hard for some folks to let go when they've been brainwashed.

First of all. Not everyone needs RWD.. You sound like RWD is the be-all-end-all of all automobile engineering or fun factor. I'm all for RWD sports sedans, sports cars, etc.. But we're talking about a FAMILY sedan... If Honda were to make it RWD, they would need to design a new platform and to keep the same cabin size, they would probably have to make the accord bigger due to the drive shaft.. This is a freaking family car with better than average driving dynamics. Even though it's a front wheeler, it's still fun to drive. The Accord gives a family a a roomier interior and more safety in terms of bad weather conditions (novice drivers are better at driving FWD out of trouble when losing control). Owners of Accord sedans are not going to be autocrossing much, racing them around a track or drifting... I've driven RWD cars in the snow. It isn't pleasant.. Not when family members are in the car.

RWD cars are fun in the snow (with the proper tires and a balanced car).

AWD? even more fun.

FWD? The least fun in the Snow.

The Accord is a nice car for what it is. Next time I'll keep my mouth shut because Camry's and Honda Accords do nothing for me. Both cars (especially the Camry) are nothing more than driving appliances and offer no excitement what-so-ever for the Automotive enthusiast.

"The Front of the New Honda Accord reminds me of a hyundai."

No, the front of the Sonata reminds you of the Accord.

I believe that the Sonata had that design first.

I believe that the Sonata had that design first.

Hyundai admitted that they copied the front end from the Audi A6... and it's obvious that the rear is straight off the last-gen Accord.

There was a snap review on the New York Times just about when then Accord was being introduced. The reviewer actually compares it to an Mercedes E Class on its feel on the road. He comes to even say that the Accord is the new paradigm on cars for its segment.

NY times Auto Reviewer? LOL!

Ohh the hype. Why didnt they just compare it to te S-Class?

the REALITY is truer than german fanbois' rose colored glasses.

guy in my town had an MB. then later got an accord. the honda was not only SUPERIOR in build quality and reliability, but also in the tightness and design of the interior. us being in alaska may have emphasized the RELATIVE reliabilities.

he wrote to Automobile magazine about this, and his letter was published. i did not see any contradictory letters later; others likely concurred.

The Accord has always been a little better than the Camry all along. I don't know whether this will change the rankings, but it will be the Accord that beats the Camry in sales if it is to happen.

"PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE! DO ANYONE KNOWS WHY THE CAMRY IS THE BEST SELLING CAR IN AMERICA? NO OTHER CAR COME CLOSE TO IT IN QUAILITY!"

No, that might have been ten years ago, but now the Camry is selling on its reputation. If you haven't realized that, it's time to take a closer look.

I agree, the Camry is not as good as the Accord.

Houston although I am still trying to figure out your gender that is beside the point, but may explain why so much trash comes out of your mouth at times. First off although the TL interior is 5 yeras old it is still about 10x technologically advanced than the plain Camry with it's three tacky knobs on the dash. The Camry next to the Accord interior wise also is a joke the exterior race is a little closer. Toyota uses cheap dull looking materials in their interiors everything to the ignition screams cheap. (guess they are saving their money for Lexus)

"Why is Accord is better than Camry?"

• Looks better
• Drives better
• Better interior
• More reliable
• More spacious/versatile
• Great engines
• Competitive pricing, in addition to the above

Is that enough?

"More reliable - FALSE, LETS COMPARE THE LAST 10 YEARS OF JD POWER AND CONSUMER REPORTS AND TOYOTA BEAT HONDA HOW MANY TIMES? AND HONDA BEAT TOYOTA THIS YEAR DUE TO A ENGINE PROBLEM THAT WAS CORRECTED."

Wrong. LET'S COMPARE THE LATEST CAMRY AND LATEST ACCORD. The Accord doesn't HAVE any "engine problem" that needs to be corrected! That's because it's MORE RELIABLE than the Camry!

"More spacious/versatile - SPACIOUS - ABOUT THE SAME, VERSATILE - FALSE"

Check the specs. The Accord is rated as a "large car" by the EPA while the Camry is a "midsize." That's because the new Accord has over 100 cu. ft of interior space. What makes you think it's less versatile?

"Great engines - FALSE- HONDA WELL IS KNOW FOR HAVING TRANSMISSIONS FAILURE IN THE PAST ESPECIALLY THE BIG RECALL THEY HAD ON SERVERAL MODELS (OVER 100,000) 1999-2002 MODEL YEARS"

Well, how about the engine they have NOW? It's smoother, higher-revving and gets better mileage than Toyota's.

THOSE ARE ALL OPINIONS. SOME PEOPLE MIGHT DISAGREE WITH YOU.

By the way Houston Consumer Reports and J&D had Honda rated higher than Toyota on average the last ten years. It was Lexus that was #1 for a while but slipped. Honda usually ran in at #2

The Camry has never achieved a sub-6 sec 0-60 time.

Camrys are the biggest pieces of crap. Go dump of more units to rental car companys Toyota. They suck!

The Accord does have a sport package, and were offering them long before Toyota knew what sport was!

The new accord 4 door engine has VCM that enable it to run on 3,4,6 cyl that the reason it's a bit slower than the camry but the 2 door coupe is not equipe with
the vcm it'll smoke not only the camry but the whole
toyota fleet and some of the lexuses,the accord coupe is a beast

Sport edition Camry, YOU ARE SO FREAKIN FUNNY!

Some is sporty about a Camry, RENTAL CAR!

I hope theres a diesel in the works for 09. its not a sports car, but I can drive it up past 60 on the highway very well.

I'll take the Micheal Waltrip NASCAR edition Camry. Yah right Camry suck big time.

Accord is a million times better looking. Period.

Toyota keep dumping off units to the rental car companys, so people can suffer on their vacations driving a piece of crap.

rental car companies, in biz to MAKE MONEY, buy a lot of toyotas because they are among the LEAST COSTLY TO OPERATE. i know because my accountant brother had a friend in the rental biz. my bro switched from datsuns (early '70s) to toyota on this friend's recommendation. and has been a happy toyota owner ever since.

detroit iron on the other hand, gets bought by rental companies mainly because detroit practically GIVES 'EM AWAY just to get rid of bloated inventories. but THEY COST the rental companies more in REPAIRS.

THAT is why there's a lot of rental toyotas.

Am I the only one that thinks the Accord engineers were hired from Hyundai? The new Accord sedan and Hyundai Sonata sedan are identical...lol. The Honda will likely have better build quality than Camry and Malibu. But boils down to preference.

I know the Accord time is better than 6.5 so give me the real numbers because the previous version v6 did about that!

Camry is ugly.

When is the Micheal Waltrip NASCAR edition Camry coming out?

I think the clear winners here in this segment are not the camry or accord, as everyone seems to like either one or the other, the clear winners here are Chevy Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura. These cars are being cross-shopped by Accord and Camry buyers which didn't happen before. I don't even want to mention the Nissan Altima which seems to be just as good as Camry and Accord (hybrid, intelligent key, bluetooth, availability of 2 door coupe), but very few even mention it. Why is that?

I pick the Accord over both Camry . I saw the accord the other day in bethesda honda dealership, and i was completely taken back by the awesome design. The car has got a presence about it, and it looks way, way better in person.

And now comparison with malibu, the interior of the malibu is made of almost the same plasticky materials they put in the old malibu. But the design is very good and the power output is plenty. But Honda's are considered some of the most reliable cars in the world(honda made about 15 million V tech engines and none had any reported problem in it's lifetime). I am sorry, but i still can not believe the Malibu to be that reliable.

For me the Accord will be my choice, because of it's practicality, superb design, and phenomenal interior, and pretty good driving dynamics. I still have not driven the Malibu, so i can not rule out malibu completely.

ourisman honda?



my dad leased his accord there.

"The car has got a presence about it, and it looks way, way better in person."

I agree. There's a solidity to its design, and it wouldn't look silly badged as an Acura, Audi, Lexus or BMW. Super classy--well beyond the class and the price tag.

I'm curious why Honda decided to go w/the cylinder deactivation technology to achieve only 1 mpg better on the hwy than the same sized (3.5L) Toyota engine w/out it. Seems a bit overkill for minimal results.

I think honda is preparing for something bigger, they have something under their sleeve. I'm thinking they'll improve that technology then take it upscale to Acura.

Not when its more expensive, and some people view toyota as god himself.

Only the people on AutoSpies. Most people couldn't care less about whether they ended up with a Camry or an Accord... it just depends on who gives them a better deal.

Thats not the case here. We have big time Toyota badge wh*res. A simple example is the NEW toyota LC is selling well, even when its the cheapest car I have ever seen inside and out. You should see how bad the plastic was cracking just when I touched it. Not only that, it only comes with a 4.7l V8 270hp... thats like the worst V8 I have ever heard of or a V6 with a huge displacement and even lower hp. Pathetic. And gues what? Its as expensive as an Escalade... paying premium for a toyota.. now thats hilarious! Its disguisting. The new corolla is going to sell well, why? The civic is.... 100000000 times better than the corolla.

Accrd has always been a better vehicle than camry.99 to 01 accord v6 "only" had tranny problems.Honda did a great job by extending the tranny warranty to 7 years or 100000 miles,the solved their in 02.Toyota in the other hand have an oil sludge,cam shaft since 96 to present and now they have tranny problems,new toy Tendra bed shake violently when driven over 40 mph. The new accord is no longer in the same class with camry,i sell both of them,i must the curent camry is no match for the new accord.