Regular Consumers Compare Accord, Camry And The New Malibu

Well, not a surprise to me, considering the options for the two Japanese cars were "none".

I could not care less. I hate FWD cars period but if I had to buy one, I'd support the domestic industry and pick Malibu. I looked at the new Honda Accord and was disturbed by the lack of power in the 4-cylinder and the lack of DOHC in the V6. Also, the spokes on Honda wheels stick out too far and are likely to get damaged on concrete curbs along with the rims. A bulging tire design should be the first line of defence against rim damage and everyone should look for potential spoke damage before selecting rims.

ANOTHER UNFAIR COMPARISION!!!

HOW ARE YOU GO COMPARE BOTH THE CHEVY AND HONDA WITH ALLOY WHEELS AND PUT CHEAP HUB CAPS ON THE CAMRY!!!! AND THEM COMPLAIN ABOUT HOW SOFT AND GRIPLESS THE RIDE IS! LOOK AT THE FREKIN WHEELS!!!!

AT LEAST SOMEBODY NOTICE!


Philip Jensen

"It should be noted that the Camry, as equipped, was about $1,000 less expensive than the Accord and Malibu. If that thousand dollars had purchased optional alloy wheels and stability control (total: $1,040), the comparisons might have been more interesting.

silver:

wheels don't change a soft, 'floaty' suspension, body role, or steering feedback. they might give the car a bit more grip but that's it.

"After selecting our team of six reviewers on the basis of 250-word essays, we invited them to Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond, California."

Sounds fair enough to me, and the individuals seem to represent a solid sampling of U.S. consumers (as a whole), and better yet, they weren't simply enthusiast asking things of these vehicles that the average driver would not.

The real question is: how much do they pay them in cash or kind? I hate testimonial advertising and attempts to sway opinion through survey results and similar meaningless means.

The education system should teach everyone at a young age how to spot marketing scams so they can get through life without getting screwed by marketing guys who weasel word everything so you can't sue them for misrepresentation.

I'm sure that there will be many crying 'FOUL' here, but...

The fact is, these testers represent a much more realistic (i.e. less biased) sampling of the automotive buying public than what is present in forums such as AutoSpies.

Enthusiast far too often place demands on vehicles that the average driver simply doesn't care about, this is a faction of society for which a 100,000 mile warranty is far more important than a .2 second 0-60 advantage, and for them, the MALIBU is much more than simply a 'player' now, it's a Solid Winner!

Great Job GM!

I guess that why the Camry is still the #1 saling family sedan in the U.S The sales numbers speak for itself NOT this lame review by Edmunds.

When was the last time Edmunds say something nice to Toyota?

No offense, but...

You're ONLY calling this article 'lame' because you're obviously some kind of Lexus/Toyota Fan Boy (the screen name speaks volumes), and the Camry was not well received in this comparison.

Having driven all three of these vehicles, in addition to several others in this class (Mazda 6, Saturn Aura, Subaru Legacy, Hyundai Sonata etc.), I'd place the Camry very near the bottom of the list as far as driver satisfaction, fit and finish and overall aesthetic appeal.

And yes, the Camry is the better SELLING of the group, but given Toyota's recent quality 'slips', that may not be the case in the near future.

Lexus

U tell them, sales and Motor Trend Car of the year speaks for itself. It's Camry with all the awards

unfortunately, the only person who liked the camry was the 65 year old. but all the 40somethings were turned off by it. that's a problem for the toyota's future. a BIG problem.

Better selling doesnt mean better car. How long was the taurus #1 and it was nowhere near as refined or well built as the camry and accord. What about the ford explorer, the most sloppy driving cheaply made SUV alog with the s10 Blazers, yet the explorer and blazer had the best sales. Personaly I like the camry if I want a good appliance that will stand the test of time. The accord seems more polished and sporty and involving to drive compared to the malibu and camry, ot to mention the resale on the malibu will suck. I bet next year you will be able to buy them for $16 or $17k, like you can the impala. Granted the Malibu is a giant leap foreward for GM and the american car industry, but it will take more than a good review of a new model to win people like me over. if it stands the test of time it will capture my attention, but we all know how bad GM's electronics are. I wouldmuch rather get a certified used 3 series for the price of a new midlevel malibu, or 1 year accord or Camry ad get the remaining free maintainence, and warranty not to mention a superbly better driving car. Hell, I would do better by getting a certified s60 volvo if it wasnt front wheel drive. Bottom lie I wouldnt buy any of these. I wouldnt buy a brand new car for that matter. especially with the initial depreciation, especially American cars. Youd be much less likely to have negative equity or be "upside down" on a used 3 series in 2-3 years than you would be on a new Malibu after 2-3 years. My Verdict I think the accord is the best of the 3 when similarly equiped

If you go down to your local Chevy dealer right now you will have to wait to get your Malibu.

SOLD OUT!!!

BULL! They can produce as many as they can sell. I never take a car from dealer inventory as you never know how many prospects have abused it during test drives when the engine was not broken in yet. I'd rather put up with the normal wait to get a my production order filled.

BTW, as soon as the car arrives from the factory, I'll pick it up at the earliest opportunity to make sure nobody uses my vehicle as a demo. How cynical is that?

@Daharder,

No offense either bro, but stop being such an idiot, you think Toyota is going sit there let other past them by?

I know they recently have problem with their NEW Camry. So did the other automaker, they all have recall on their NEW models this year. Don't belief me, do a seach on this website.

Toyota has no way to stop GM's momentum now unless GM loses its way again by doing stupid things like screwing up the much anticipated 2008 Saturn VUE for example. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, go visit a Saturn showroom and see if you can adjust the front passenger seat height. I bang my head on the roof trying to get into that vehicle and the base model is done with awful el cheapo plastic. The Red Line VUE is much better but its front bumper hangs too low to avoid serious damage when parking nose first against a curb or parking lot divider.

Lexus,

Your propensity for 'name calling' is really getting quite tiring/irritating, and does nothing to add substance/validity to whatever point you may be trying to make - In fact it often makes you appear immature, petty and less credible.

You have your OPINIONS and others have theirs...

If said OPINIONS differ, leave it at that, and MOVE ON!

Happy Holidays!

" you think Toyota is going sit there let other past them by?"

that's exactly what toyota has done. and the masses are already figuring it out.

Toyota loyalist will probably continue to support their products, but those who were indifferent about from which manufacturer they bought their vehicle, Toyota's recent 'recall rally' might well serve as a reason for them to shop elsewhere.

It's far more difficult to reverse damage done by negative press (especially when it's accurate/true) than you seem to BELIEVE...

don't be too sure about that.

consumers are aware of stronger products from competitors and quality issues at toyota.

my parents and sister have bought ONLY toyota products for 15 years now. after recalls and transmission issues with my mom's latest camry (not too mention disappointment with ride/handling after driving other cars), they're going to replace at least one car with another brand.

likewise with my sister who's looking at european cars that are more fun to drive as she says.

For some strange reason I LOVE reviews by non-car people. It is so interesting to hear them sort of come alive during the review process. Like the woman who first says the Camry "drove well" and you could tell she wasn't really aware of anything...but later she says the steering felt "loosey goosey" and she "became tense."

Best part is she will probably be just a little bit more car-aware from this point on.

It seems all Toyota needs to do to get the Camry back on track is hire Lotus to recalibrate the suspension and upgrade the brakes slightly. I know what the 6 drivers were talking about. I got a Lexus ES350 as a loaner when my IS250 was in for service and I was very disappointed with that car. The ES drove fine as long as you didn't exceed 35 mph! The steering and handling was pure mush; brakes wern't much better. Again, this car should be completely revised to have a more sporty feel. Who buys the ES anyway, 78 yr old nursing home residents? It seems the Camry is afflicted with the same disease.

BMW995, you appear to be immature in wisdom as well as lacking experience as a car enthusiast. You do however, demonstrate a disparaging and insulting manner towards the aged. Grow up!

Any car enthusiast knows that builders of automobiles point to specific markets. BMW builds machines that are crafted to handle superbly. They dive into and out of curves admirably and to race the highways at high and controlled speeds with comfort to driver and passengers. These attributes place BMW on the top rung of driver’s cars.

Toyota and their Lexus division point to a totally different market. Buyers of these brands simply want a sedate and comfortable ride, leaving the tactile feel of the road to others, mainly the German makers.

Although the new IS may be an attempt to enter into the "Driver's" market, the majority of Lexus models continue to reach their original market.

By your name, it is apparent that you are a fan of BMW. Why would you, a fan of “a driving machine” even condescend to bad mouth a brand that does not cater to a young man’s taste (IS not withstanding)? Are you that insecure?

I have owned three BMW’s; a 750iL 12 cylinder behemoth, a 635CSI and a 3 series tiger. Each was a superior handler and appointed with excellent taste. Unfortunately, each experienced mechanical failures and were costly to maintain properly. Worst of all, the manner in which the three BMW dealerships acted towards customers (patronizing) is blot against the brand.

I have also owned the car you bad mouth, a 2007 ES350. Without doubt, it does not handle like a BMW. Nor has mine had ANY failures of ANY kind. It is a smooth driving car, tastefully appointed, equipped with a multitude of safety and hi-tech features and provides excellent gasoline mileage.

My ES will get me to the same destinations as you drive in about the same time and I dare say in more comfort. If you want to go around the track, or perhaps, fly away from a standing start on a freeway ramp, be my guest. My ES cannot compete. But, it was not made to do so.

The subject of the article is one that many find of great interest. To detract from it by bad mouthing a particular brand of car because you are an insecure fan boy is simply a demonstration of your ignorance.

First of all, I do not want to offend anyone. If I had, I appologize (No excuse, but I'm probably the only person on this site to ever appologize for what he wrote).
I am not particularly a fan of any mfg. I did own a BMW 3 series but sold it last year when I bought my Lexus IS (reports of premature auto trans failures at low mileage on my model made me part with it).
The Lexus IS is 95% of the BMW 3 at $9,000 less from the dealers in my area and of course I can keep it far longer than the BMW.
When I got the Lexus ES as a loaner I was initially very impressed with the appearance (IMO one of the best looking cars on the road at any price and the interior design was immaculate). I guess if I owned it, I would put stabilizer bars, Koni shocks, and 18" wheels with sport tires to make it handle better. I know the car is based on the Camry platform and Camry has a sports suspension model that many enthusiasts are pleased with, so if Lexus offered that option on the ES I would be pleased to buy that car as a replacement for my wife's 7 yr old Acura RL!
Peace to all.

In the same spirit of your last post, I wish you a joyous holiday. In addition, I extend my appology to you for ranting and choosing to write harshly.

My passion for cars has been a source of great pleasure and at the same time sets me off when I consider unkind criticism leveled at seniors.

We all start off young and vigorous. But, time and experience tends to soften and retard our impulses as well as foster a bit more "smarts."

I hope that you and all those who read this find that car you most desire and have many years of pleasure in its ownership.

Comfortable,boring bland, lacks feel, sportiness blah blah....why don't u get the sporty version instead (badged as SE here in Middle East, It gets sporty bumpers,wheels, sporty suspension and other sporty tweaks and touches).

First of all camry was not made/designed for that and over that u r putting a basic/lowest camry on the track and expect it to handle. How stupid.

Plus the color, a boring grey versus sharper red on other cars.

and don't compare price to price, (but option to option) here in UAE, A fully loaded S350 is more expensive than the loaded LS460L. but i know many won't compare it because that's not the S350 normal competitor.

Same with Camry, it commands a premium (for some reasons) but doesn't mean it should be compared to comparably more loaded competetiors.

Anyway i'll choose the Accord and then Camry.

On other note, if this comparison was done here in Middle East and random people were asked to rank the cars.

90% would have given Camry the No.1 rank.

JUGNU

Most ppl w/Altima V6, Maxima & TL stay away from a Camry V6 Drag race, notice they lose bad. Camry SE is only standard mid. car w/ sport suspension & flat underbody.

LOL

Hey Stickshift...stop it, I drive a TL with the 6-speed and if i could get someone with a Camry V6 to race, I wouldn't be afraid of losing. That was a funny comment.

I Like the TL, The neighbor across the street from me has a 6 spd TL, and it makes a wierd pwr steering pump wine. but if urs isn't a Type S u'll lose.

isn't the TL a mere 4-banger?

(albeit a good 200 hp 4; but even with a 6-sp it still doesn't have the cojones of the toy v6).

Consumers really need to consider "resale value" when looking at the Malibu.

I'm willing to bet that the resale value of a '08 Malibu and a '06 Accord (adjusted for Mileage) will be about the same in 2012. (or the Accord will STILL have a higher resale value)

WISE UP PEOPLE !

wow...it appears the malibu is getting praised as much by 'real people' as the car magazines. great for GM and chevrolet!

it was remarkable how consistent those people were too! most ranked them 1 malibu 2 accord and 3 camry. the 65 year old was the only one you raved about the camry.

All new GM interiors are starting to look like my Tahoe. lol.

Why wasn't the Nissan Altima in that comparo? It was new for 07...

"it was remarkable how consistent those people were too! most ranked them 1 malibu 2 accord and 3 camry."

You may want to take a few minutes to read the article more closely, since you seem to have some confusion regarding the details. Actually, the Accord and the Malibu each got the same number of first place rankings (3 each). Additionally, the Accord was ranked in second place by all 3 testers who didn't rank it in first place. The Malibu, on the other hand, received 2 second place rankings and 1 third place ranking from the 3 testers that didn't rank it in first place.

So, if you tally up the rankings, the Accord received the best total rankings, followed closely by the Malibu and with the Camry trailing both significantly. The Malibu did very well, undeniably, but it didn't sweep the competition as you suggest.

Also, one of the testers who chose the Malibu over the Accord did so partly because of the Malibu's better powertrain warranty... he listed the Malibu's as 5/100,000 and the Accord's at 3/36,000. The latter is incorrect... the Accord's powertrain warranty is actually 5/60,000. I wonder if he would have still chosen the Malibu if his information regarding the warranties had been correct.

I'd get a subaru legacy If I were in the market for that class of car. Much better recall record, plus AWD and great reliability, and they arent all over the place at every intersection. But I'll stick with a pre-owned 3/5 series or c/e class or somethig along those lines that is rear or awd and priced at or below the price of a v6 reasonably loaded malibu/camry/accord

I'd get a subaru legacy If I were in the market for that class of car. Much better recall record, plus AWD and great reliability, and they arent all over the place at every intersection. But I'll stick with a pre-owned 3/5 series or c/e class or somethig along those lines that is rear or awd and priced at or below the price of a v6 reasonably loaded malibu/camry/accord

Regardless of what kind of loyalty we have to particular automotive companies, it is best to leave it to the consumers to decide what they want. Personally i will choose the Accord, no real reason, i just like the car the most, second Malibu, and Third is the Camry.

This is way off, for the simple fact that "regular consumers" are consistently making the Camry the best-selling family sedan in the world. As good as the new Malibu appears to be, GM will need to consistently deliver on their previously empty promises for the Malibu to reach Camry/Accord status/sales.