Honda Accord 2011 vs Toyota Camry 2011

[Cats Cats Cats]

Drive them both and see which you like.  Then compare price...  Go on Ebay and check their New car prices. A lot of dealerships in surrounding states are happy to make $100 or $200 a car + $350 shipping.  That can at least give you some ammunition to deal.  Of course you won't have to pay the shipping, and it is a local dealership etc.

[nathanm]

The sudden acceleration problem in Toyotas has not been correctly fixed and they're still deathtraps.

A more appropriate response would be to learn how to deal with unintended acceleration (even though the chances of needing to know are vanishingly small) and buy the less expensive Toyota.

Hint: apply brakes hard, turn off engine once safely stopped. Better yet, drive a stick and when something wonky happens, just put it in neutral. Don't worry, there's a rev limiter.

[Conan71]

I'd buy the Honda.  They drive better than Toyotas and are better cars.  And there's no safety problems with the Honda.  The sudden acceleration problem in Toyotas has not been correctly fixed and they're still deathtraps.

Sudden acceleration isn't the issue, it's the sudden deceleration from hitting an object that's the problem. 

[HoneySuckle]

Honda dealer has not returned my call, but Toyota dealer called me three times in two days!!!

Going to look at the Sonata this evening.  I don't need a car for a few weeks so I have time to learn as much as I can.

[Townsend]

Check edmunds.com. You can get some good information on the cars.

[HoneySuckle]

I have NEVER paid attention to cars more than to drive them.  My husband always picks them and I go see it the final day.  This was my fault.  This time I decided I needed to know what I was driving, and I have to say that I am learning a lot, and feeling more confident about talking to salesmen.

Any ideas on the Sonata?

[Townsend]

I have NEVER paid attention to cars more than to drive them.  My husband always picks them and I go see it the final day.  This was my fault.  This time I decided I needed to know what I was driving, and I have to say that I am learning a lot, and feeling more confident about talking to salesmen.

Any ideas on the Sonata?

http://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/sonata/2010/index.html

Consumer ratings are good and my nephew likes his.

I don't believe the warranty is 100% transferrable if that matters to you.

[heironymouspasparagus]

First, don't listen to bugo.  Obviously a GM used car salesman!  And if that comment was serious, totally incompetent to comment on the topic.

Next first, go find the pertinent Consumer's Reports and read!
Second, I strongly recommend anyone buying a new car to RENT the same model of interest for a weekend or a week.  It is CHEAP way to get a feel for whatever you get before spending $20,000 or more!!  Take a trip at least a few days to see how it handles, how comfortable, what mileage you get (see if you can live with whatever it is).

Third, don't agonize over Honda versus Toyota.  They are both great and you will not go wrong with either IF you get the one that feels "right" to you.  As far as recalls, Honda has had about 3 since the Toyota thing, so they are not immune.  But each of those two has had 1 recall for each 35 or 40 recalls by GM, Ford and Chrysler.  (I have a large Mercury Gr Marquis that is under recall right now - and I still recommend them to anyone that wants a big comfortable mush-mobile that gets 25 mpg on the highway!  19 city.  (Kissee in Claremore if you want a Ford product.)  (And has lived for over 200,000 miles with major wreck that was rebuilt and still runs very well. Excellent car.)

Back to Honda/Toyota.  Kids have had total of 4 Camry's, 2 Civics, and one Sienna in last 9 years.  ALL superb.  (I don't drive them 'cause I am old and want the smooth mush-mobile ride, but have been tempted by Sienna.  I did have an OLD Civic and it was great for cost, but very uncomfortable to me.)

The most famous guy with Toy problem where the Highway Patrol had to "stop" him was a guy looking for a paycheck.  Didn't happen.  The car DID stop on its own, after he quit pressing accelerator and then the brake.  The cop car was NOT touched until after they had both stopped.
This topic was beat to death here in other areas, so won't go any further.

Get what YOU like, after some research and testing!!!  Enjoy the car!  (I recommend Dodge pickup truck with diesel engine.)

You will love either one!

[Red Arrow]

Next first, go find the pertinent Consumer's Reports and read!

CR is a good general source but I question some of their automobile handling tests as unrealistic.  I remember a test of a early 80s small MoPar car where they turned the steering wheel from lock to lock trying to get the car to roll over.  Sure enough, they finally got to to roll but it is unlikely anyone except "your stupid teenager" would do that. 

If you want driving impressions, see if any of the car magazines have tested any of the cars you are interested in.  I have often seen comparisons among Accord, Camry, etc in Car & Driver, Road & Track etc.  You may not be interested in screaming around a test track but more general information is also usually included in the family sedan type of reviews.

[SDTULSA]

Well  since Im a manager there I do not get paid commision so thats why I can sell beloew invoice plus Id like to help a fellow Forum member.  On the size issue the Accord is actually a bigger car then the camry.  The Accord is a full size car and the Camry a Mid size.  The resale on the camry also has really taken a beating the past year due to all the bad press.  The Camry is a nice car but the accord is just so much more fun to drive.  Let me know and I will do what I can to help. 

[bugo]

First, don't listen to bugo.  Obviously a GM used car salesman!  And if that comment was serious, totally incompetent to comment on the topic.

What's incorrect about what I posted?  Toyotas have a narcotic, numb steering feel with little or no road feedback.  Hondas, by comparison, have sharp handling and better control.  And Toyotas are indeed dangerous cars.  They have a terrible design flaw.  This flaw can show up at any time.  I couldn't drive one without the thought in the back of my mind that the car might accelerate unexpectedly.  The OP should buy the Honda.

[Hoss]

What's incorrect about what I posted?  Toyotas have a narcotic, numb steering feel with little or no road feedback.  Hondas, by comparison, have sharp handling and better control.  And Toyotas are indeed dangerous cars.  They have a terrible design flaw.  This flaw can show up at any time.  I couldn't drive one without the thought in the back of my mind that the car might accelerate unexpectedly.  The OP should buy the Honda.

Oh, but I thought it was faulty driver side carpeting?

[HoneySuckle]

There are things about the Honda Accord that I didn't care for.  It really is not as spacious as the Camry or the Sonata in my opinion.

Now yesterday I test drove the Sonata limited.  OMG   It felt like butter on the highway.  The drive was as smooth as the Camry, and not as noisy as the Honda Accord.  Very comfy car, but my son is 6' 2" already, and when we take long trips, I wonder about his head hitting the top.  The Sonata has a sporty looking design, which isn't what I was looking for, but hey, if the price is right, the reports are right, I could actually get an upgraded car for less than what I would pay for an upgraded Accord or Camry!

May rent a car this weekend as some have mentioned and get to the know the car before I decide.  At any rate, price is a big factor as well. 

[SDTULSA]

At the price I can do on a new LX Accord $18,714 you cant go wrong. I have seen used ones sell for more.  The resale is just so good on the Accord that you will get so much of that back when you are ready for something new.  I can also do a LX-P which is a upgrade level for $19,617.   

[heironymouspasparagus]

What is wrong with the post is a total lack of understanding about cars in general and Toyota's specifically.  There is no "terrible design flaw".  Or if the trivial little problems they have ARE that, then every GM, Chrysler, and Ford are indeed the death traps mentioned and are criminally negligent for building any cars at all.

Have you ever actually driven a Toyota??  And if so, who messed with the driving mechanism to give you that feel??

My only gripe about Toyota or Honda or any of those other types of SMALL CARS (not full size at all) is the seating and cramped quarters.  Grand Marquis is a full size car.  Or as close as you can find these days.  (Oldsmobile Delta 88 was a true full size car.)

If Honey's 6'2" kid is going to be around a while, you should actually be looking at a Grand Marquis.  Same price, same reliability, same gas mileage.  Bigger car that anyone will be comfortable in.  Not a little tinker-toy car like the Honda/Toyota's.  (No, I am not a horse size - not as big as her kid, from the sound of it.)  Have an '88 that gets 18mpg.  A '97 that gets 22-23 mpg.  And a 2007 that gets 26mpg - all highway.  All get around 16-19mpg city.  SAME with a V-8 as Camry and Accord with V-6.  And very nice on highway.