http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...test_data.html

 

MT has been discredited on Clublexus.

 

That just might change now that the results are more towards everyones liking.

 

Motor Trend has given the IS high ratings, and other vehicles...not to mention they named the Camry its COTY for 2006. Whether that was deserved, is debatable. As solid as the Camry has been and still is in many ways, I sometimes wonder whether MT simply looked at the sales numbers and wanted to pick something popular...or maybe the car really stood on its merits. I haven't read that issue.

And no, not everyone suddenly praises a publication--or condemns it--because of unfavorable reviews. There is also the issue of who wrote the review, and under what circumstances.

 

LOL, but definitely not by all.

However, MT did chose the Camry as the car of the year. But it did lose to the new Accord a few months ago when it first came out (MT's explanation, the Camry was more sporty than the Accord...lol). Now it came back for the win again and this time it was up against the new Malibu.

Personally I dont care about anyone of these cars as I see far to many of them on the road. They are all successful in my book.

 

16.3 mpg observed fuel economy for the Malibu? OUCH. That's roughly what the IS-F has been getting in reviews so far.

As for the results, this is the 2nd time now that MT has spoken very favourably of the Camry SE V6.

This is roughly how I would have rated the sedans in my opinion, perhaps placing the Accord ahead of the Malibu.

Nice to see a review that's actually relevant for once, like focusing on back seat comfort. Buyers of family sedans care more about back seat comfort than how fast it can go through the slalom.

I also found this quote about the Accord very interesting. I bring this up because on several Honda models over the years I have found the exact same thing; that the chassis suffers from too much wallowing and gets nervous over undulating pavement. I've noticed this with the previous-gen Odyssey and previous-gen Accord, as well as the current gen Odyssey. Now it sounds like the new Accord behaves in the same way. That kind of chassis behaviour for me would almost be a deal-breaker.

Another personal observation I've made about Hondas over the years is that many Honda models have had mediocre brakes. This comparison supports my personal observations as the Accord had the worst braking distance in the test.

I don't really care for the results and who placed where, but I appreciate the fact that this was a thorough comparison (unlike other mags) and also a relevant comparison to buyers in this class.

 

1ST PLACE: TOYOTA CAMRY SE V-6
Finest all-around mix of power, handling, room, and bells and whistles-no wonder it was our 2007 Car of the Year.

2ND PLACE: CHEVROLET MALIBU LTZ
Great combination of sport and luxury bettered only by Camry. America's best and segment's best-looking.

3RD PLACE: HONDA ACCORD EX-L V-6
Vast room, attention to detail, and advanced technology can't overcome a few obvious faults.

4TH PLACE: NISSAN ALTIMA 3.5 SE
Winner on track and twisties comes up short for lack of polish and refinement.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...test_data.html

 

 

Stop the presses!!! The Camry won a comparison test against an Accord! haha.

I don't know why you guys get a light grey interior for the SE model. Up here, all our SE models come with a black interior.

 

Just looking at interiors.
1. The Nissan is still worst but better than last. THat steering wheel is awful and Hyundai laughs at it overall.
2. The Accord interior has 24 different colors but overall, the easiest for anyone to love, looks techy yet luxurious. Makes the RL seem even more redundant. Another nice Honda interior.
3. Malibu is actually my favorite!!! I love the mix of colors, so different to the usual beiges...Nice chrome accents. Door panels do seem flat and yucky.
4. Camry interior, not great, not bad. Acceptable for 20-25k, at nearly 30k, I notice the cheap parts....

 

Wait, did the Camry beat an Accord in a comparison test; wow

 

Wow, pigs are flying. The Camry, being it a year older than the new 08 Accord has set a new level. Even the 08 Malibu beat out the Accord (surprising) and the Altima (not surprising). WOW!

 

The Camry has the ugliest speedo, but cleanest interior design.

The Chevy has the best looking overall interior (the "feel" is undoubtedly horrible).

The Honda has the best wood grain and door panel design.

The Altima is just nasty all over.

 

Inspiration for the Altima steering wheel

 

The cluster for the malibu looks a lot nicer than the Camry's.