That is what I don't get, they complain that the LE or XLE is not sporty enough, but then the SE is not smooth enough

 

What TRDFantasy said. It's obvious they chose the Accord that would win cause nobody except people like us would think about it and would just read the article and go "ahh I see. Let's go to the Honda dealership". They won't question (would I really compare an EX to an LE?).

Because it's called Accord Monthly. You watch, the M3 will beat the IS-F even though the BMW scores less and the M3 has glitches.

 

2009 Sonata 4 cyl. has an nicely improved interior, power numbers, mpg.

We have a 2008 Camry V6 (which we're very happy with, except the crappy 6 speed auto), but if we were in the market for a 4 cylinder family car, I would get a Sonata 4 cylinder over a Camry 4 cylinder easily, even if they were the same price. The fact that the Sonata will be $3000 less in street price is just icing on the cake.

 

It's all opinion, but I would still get a Camry over a Sonata on styling alone. The Sonata has been made more competitive yes. Let's see how good the Sonata and the rest of the pack will compare to the refreshed 2010 Camry. The Camry MCE is rumoured to have an updated interior and possibly some power and fuel economy upgrades as well. We shall see.

 

I think Accord is the nicest of the pack, but it's also the ugliest of the pack, by far. Based on that alone, I wouldn't want it.

That being said, isn't Fusion due for redesign soon? It's been out for a while.

 

Thats b/c Lexus has amazingly ascended to a level where value is less important as people WANT the car, even if it costs as much or more than a German is some cases.

 

True that, I think the same could be said about some Audi models.

 

I like the new Honda Accord so much. I saw a black one yesterday, very nice looking sedan. And I like its interior the most among this group. If this car is a few inches shorter I say it would be more appropriate though.

 

You know what is surprising. Audi is the lowest priced of the Germans and lower than Lexus in many cases. I was shocked to find that out!

 

But BMW probably still offers better lease deals.

 

Much of that is from comparably low depreciation. Cars with low projected depreciation can generally offer lower lease rates,

 

I'm not sure if Lexus is quite there yet, though they've made strides where Acura and Infiniti could not.

My two favorite things about Lexus vs. BMW is reliability and value. If somebody committed to pay for a new car for me every 3 years, I can't think of a Lexus I'd prefer over the BMW equivalent, except maybe the LS vs. 7 series because that car is ugly as sin. Every other model, I'd take the BMW if I wasn't writing the checks.

Sorry for the OT.

 

That is fine, that is you and I am sure tons of other people share your opinion. There are those that do however buy an equally expensive or more expensive Lexus and have no mind doing it. Especially when you consider its probably more EXPENSIVE to buy or lease a Lexus compared to a BMW with a higher MSRP b/c
1. BMW lease rate tons better
2. Free 4 year 50k maintenance.

 

Well, like 1SICK said, money aside Lexus has pretty much reached the point where people want it for what it is, regardless whether its more or less costly than competition. For instance, I want LS600h and A8, and I really don't care how much they cost compared to S class or 7 series, if I had the money I'd just buy them. I just love them, period. I loved pretty much the entire Lexus line-up prior to the L-finesse, but unfortunately I can't say the same about the current line-up.

 

The M3 has lost comparison tests in Car and Driver a couple of times.