When it comes to family sedans, there are a plethora of models available, from the uber-luxurious to the plain and simple. Nestled in amongst all the regulars are two international stars just begging for your attention: the 2007 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Each boasts rather high horsepower and all the electronic gadgetry we’ve come to expect in the modern vehicle. Here are two great sedans that are really head-to-head in the consumer market, and for all the right reasons.
Each of these companies has strived to bring the average consumer an extraordinary ride at an affordable price. Both Honda and Toyota have proven themselves reliable companies with long-lasting vehicles that have great style. Recently it’s become a battle of horsepower and technology amongst most car manufacturers, and the battle between Honda and Toyota is definitely raging.
2007 saw the release of these two sedans into a market that was more than ready and willing to welcome them. Following is a breakdown of each model from looks to what lurks beneath the hood.
Toyota Camry LE V6
MSRP: $23,540Engine: 3.5 liter DOHC 16-valve Dual VVT-I V6
Horsepower: 268hp
Torque: 248lb-ft.
MPG: City: 22; Highway: 31
Performance - 18/20
Over the years, the Camry has been branded as North America’s safe-choice family sedan. Everyone knows a Camry is the “smart” choice, that it will perform adequately and do its job over the years. The new 2007 model has a multitude of improvements and adjustments. Perhaps the most noticeable is the Camry’s performance. Coupled with an improved structural rigidity thanks to high-strength steel used for the B-pillar construction, the 3.5-liter, V6 engine feels right at home pushing out a pleasant 268bhp. This sedan is sure to shock at the light, but only if the driver requests it. The 6-speed automatic transmission is refreshingly smooth and gear transitions are nearly imperceptible. For those who like to be in control but don’t like all the fancy footwork, the Camry comes equipped with a manual mode for hands-on driving and much more power control.
Exterior design - 19/20
Someone should send Toyota a plaque -- or at least a gold star. They definitely outdid themselves with their newly redesigned Camry. Toyota took a demure, simple-looking family car and turned it into a beefy, aggressive street demon. With futuristic styling that stretches from nose to tail, Toyota definitely raised the bar on design and stepped up to the plate with some serious curb appeal. The Camry has an air of corporate sophistication to it while still being casual enough to bring the dog to the vet on the weekend. While not a complete stunner, the new Camry is a head-turner and makes a real statement on the road, as it is bigger and faster.
Interior design - 8/10
Once again, Toyota has managed to bring the Camry up to speed with the latest in interior design. Futuristic without being dysfunctional, the 2007 Camry is stylish both outside and in. A well-designed middle console and pleasant blue-lit dash are both pleasing the eyes and touch. Everything is well within reach of the driver, making for a much more comfortable drive. Toyota also offers a neat little interior bonus, complete with bragging rights, with a Smart Key System push button start which is standard on all Hybrid and XLE V6 models. The two-tone dash offers a touch of contemporary design and adds a nice, modern touch.
Sound system/goodies - 5/10
The Camry was really designed to come “as is.” Of course, there are the standard, modern upgrades such as a DVD navigational package and a hands-free Bluetooth wireless setup, but besides these options, the Camry comes so well-equipped and ready to go, there really is nothing extra to add. Toyota offers a JBL sound system which adds a subwoofer and extra speakers to enhance your listening experience. However, even with the “upgraded” sound system, the Camry still only boasts six speakers, which seems average for an upgrade that claims to “satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiast, wherever sound matters.’”
Driving experience - 16/20
In the past, the downside to driving an automatic has always been the lack of control, such as the engine’s tendency to downshift for no reason and then not respond when you need it to the most. Well, Toyota’s six-speed, automatic transmission successfully changed my opinion of automatic cars. The response from the Camry was phenomenal and the optional manual shift with the automatic is a great feature and is very smooth compared to other sport shift models. While the Camry is a little heavy at times, the structure of the vehicle is sound and it holds the road nicely when pushed. And while comfort is an obvious factor, Toyota still managed to keep the suspension tight enough to feel sporty when needed. Thanks to the V6, the Camry has a good pull and can be surprising when leaving a stop. Its responsiveness also makes highway maneuvering a breeze. While not wildly exciting, the Camry does what it’s meant to do; drive like a well-made family sedan… with 268bhp.
Bang for buck - 18/20
With some manufacturers, you’re paying for design, while with others, you're paying for horsepower and some engine technology. But with Toyota, you are paying for an entire package. While not perfect yet, the Camry is very close. This is a car that offers what everyone wants: style, comfort, durability, stability, and affordability. And it’s worth the extra money for the V6 model in my opinion -- why not add a little more fun to your functionality?
Final score - 84/100
There’s a reason the Toyota Camry has been the No. 1-selling family sedan in America for the past four years, and 2007 should be no exception. The Camry is an excellent choice for both families and the uncommitted. It’s a stylish car that is extremely functional and well-designed. Toyota clearly set out to create a car that would not only appeal to the younger, sportier generation of up-and-coming families, but also to the older, more laid-back generation looking for a reliable, stable automobile. And with an extensive lineup of models, there is a Camry for every taste and need. Toyota is a force to be reckoned with.
Honda Accord LX V6
MSRP: $25,200Engine: 3.0 liter SOHC 24-valve VTEC V6
Horsepower: 244bhp
Torque: 211 lb-ft.
MPG: City: 20; Highway: 29
Performance - 19/20
Honda has a knack for creating cars with great overall handling and steering. Despite being a family-sized sedan, the Accord handles like a hatchback; lithe and nimble, it responds wonderfully as long as it's not weighed down with groceries or family members. Heavier loads tend to reduce the Accord to an average humdrum sedan. For added sport quality, Honda offers a manual mode for their automatic: an upgraded six-speed available in the EX-L V6 model that lets the driver really milk the gears and push the Accord to its full power potential, which really is quite impressive.
Exterior design - 10/20
The Accord design definitely leaves something to be desired. It’s true, the target audience is not the young, hip X-Y generation, however that’s no reason to design a car devoid of any and all personality. When the beefier back-end design was released in 2006, it was a radical change to the Accord and was overall well-received. Honda should have taken the hint that change is good and continued the trend with the front end. Of all the front-end designs out there today, Honda’s Accord is perhaps one of the most mundane and bland. Futuristic styles are popping up everywhere, yet Honda remains true to the traditional with its simplistic headlights and basic chrome grille. The most attractive angle on the new Accord is most definitely its backside. This sedan’s got some serious “shake-shake-booty.” Wingless, Honda integrated the middle-rear light into the trunk, creating the illusion of a built-in wing, which gives it a subtle sexiness that adds to the rear-end appeal. But besides that, Honda should consider hiring a new design team.
Interior design - 8/10
Everything about the Accord is clean, simplistic and efficient. While it’s appealing to look at, there is nothing overly stylish or artful about the Accord dash or middle console. Both are user-friendly and promote the driver’s full attention on the road instead of on the myriad of buttons and gadgets on the dash. The standard CD player in the LX V6 model is perhaps one of the nicest stereo setups I’ve seen. The screen is large with a clear read out and the symmetrical layout of all the buttons is both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. Honda also did a great job integrating lots of storage space in their cabin and designing seats that are comfortable and roomy.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
Speaking to Honda drivers, it seems it’s often hard -- unless finances restrict -- to purchase a Honda without adding something in at the dealer’s. From spoilers to gold exhausts and emblems, Honda offers a myriad of extras for their cars. It’s possible to customize your Accord’s look according to your preferences and truly make it your own. However, when it comes to the sound system, Honda falls short. Their upgrades include an MP3 player, an iPod hookup and a six-disc CD changer. Unlike most manufacturers, Honda hasn’t jumped on the “blow your mind with too much bass and excessive speakers” bandwagon.
Driving experience - 18/20
Despite the Accord’s oh-so plain exterior, lurking beneath the hood is excitement just itching to be set free. This sedan, like the Camry, has a good amount of power, and the handling response makes up for its lack of sportiness. As a daily drive, the Accord is an excellent choice. Fuel-efficient and comfortable, it’s the ideal family- and city-driving sedan. Although the optional manual shifting automatic transmission isn’t available on all V6 models, the transmission is still smooth in a way that continues to bring Honda to the top-seller’s list annually.
Bang for buck - 10/20
Looking back over the points covered above it might be hard to digest this low score. But it’s also difficult to digest Honda’s high-priced vehicles in such a competitive market. While they do have a great deal to offer -- they’re well-built, they have longevity, market status, and quality -- it’s just not enough. Especially since, as Honda-owners tend to do, you’ll undoubtedly be adding on a few extras which will inevitably raise the price even more. Not to mention Honda’s dated look: It’s almost like purchasing a pre-2004 car if you were basing your judgment on looks alone.
Final score - 72/100
The Honda didn’t fair as well as I had anticipated. All the hype Honda has created about itself is almost enough to make you see past its flaws, and perhaps that’s the company’s intentions. While the Honda Accord is a great car as an overall package, when directly compared with other midsized sedans on the road, suddenly it has some stiff competition and I don’t think Honda is quite ready to stand up to the punches.
toyota takes the cake
Honda and Toyota are two major manufacturers constantly grappling for the pinnacle of automotive greatness. While Honda has strong brand-recognition and a habit of designing cars that seem to stick around forever, Toyota is quickly rising to the top as the new star for the family sedan. With radical new designs and engineering that pushes the limits, Toyota is stealing Honda’s popularity from under its nose. And while Honda maintains its steady pace in the market, Toyota is rapidly taking over.Resources:
http://aol.autos.com/
http://http://www.honda.com/
http://http://www.toyota.com/
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