MotorTrend Comparison Test: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu vs 2008 Honda Accord vs 2008 Nissan Altima vs 2007 Toyota Camry

Altima on 4th place why?
does size matter here???

— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 2:43:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Wow congrads Malibu, huge beating the Accord.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 3:05:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11   

I just can't see how this is. A better list in terms of good looking, fun to drive, quality would be:
Accord
Altima
Camery
Malibu

— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 3:10:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -15   

Congrats to Chevy for topping Honda!

— Lavic (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 3:14:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Though I usually like the car with the best performance, I'd likely opt for a 4 cyl Accord EXL with a 5 speed manual. 190hp seems pretty decent for ~32mpg highway. If I wanted the V6, I'd have a hard time justifying choosing one of the other.

— Shredmo (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 3:19:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

The last rental camry I drove is not as refined as the new accord the new accord is almost in Acura territory. And the engine in the Altima is the best and most refined of the lot.

— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 3:35:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

c'mon haters, the floodgates have been opened. The Camry continues to impress despite being put up against three newer vehicles. I actually am shocked, as I have had little faith in car mags lately. MT itself scored the Accord above the Camry just a coupe months ago (and explains the error of its ways in his new article). But a win is a win. The juggernaut rolls on.

— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 4:02:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I don't like the rear of the Malibu since it looks as though they didn't finish the design process on it, but I have to say the car overall was a huge improvement over the last model. Can't say how it drives, but the materials and fit and finish were very impressive, and I bet it drives a lot better too.

The Camry seems put together well, but I am noticing some cheap bits around. Competent but not too impressed. And I guess MT doesn't count the thing with the known transmission flaw from before.

The Accord is as competent and consistent as usual.

— A4ORCE (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 4:07:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I am being completely honest when I say this--the midsize class is completely up for grabs right now. Tomorrow, we might see C/D ace the Altima or Accord in first. They're all excellent cars; I would personally choose the Accord, but nice job GM.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 4:23:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

After taking an opportunity to drive all of the tested vehicles since my sister is in the market to replace her Audi A4 1.8t(her's was unreliable, too small and a maintenance nightmare) I (personally) concluded the following:

Accord - Solid drivetrain, extremely convoluted/overdone exterior, acceptable interior layout/design, far too big/ungainly for the mid-size segment (has become Honda's LeSabre?).

Altima - Great engine/drivetrain, perfect size, nice interior, handsome but with a horrible tail light design, sportiest of the lot.

Camry - Dull-as-dirt/generic looking/driving, cheap looking interior bits but with cool lighting effects, feels a bit lethargic/labored when pressed.

Malibu - Strikingly handsome inside and out (save the tail light lenses), nice ride/handling compromise, feels' more powerful than hp rating, solid value.

She decided the get the Malibu, and I think she made to right choice.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 4:59:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

Here's my opinion:

1. Honda Accord
2. Toyota Camry
3. Nissan Altima
4. Chevrolet Malibu

— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 6:22:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

The two most desirable sedans to me took the last two positions...Accord & Altima.

— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 6:27:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

All four of them are great cars. I don't prefer one over the other. Each one has something special about them. The Camry is a great all arounder. The Accord and Nissan have great performance. And the Malibu is great because GM finally got it right.

— bigTYME (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 6:27:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

The Altima for me.

— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 6:49:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Of course they have the pick the Camry as the winner. Pure logic... Camry was their car of the year las year. If the Accord was the winner on this comparo, then it would have been the COTY this year, which is not. Every other reputable auto reviewer has praised the Accord over the Camry

— QQauto (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 8:34:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

"Because of Honda's renown for resale and reliability, three of the four judges noted they'd still buy the Accord over the second-place finisher. But, unfortunately for Honda, we can't score based on intangibles."


Real

1, Camry and Accord
2, Altima

4, malibu

— SX123 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 9:39:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Motor Trend is a very inconsistent magazine. It rated the Accord above the Camry (same models, I believe) just two months ago. Makes no sense.

— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 10:10:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

I had the chance to experience several of these models while helping a friend go car shopping - (including new VW Jetta and Mazda 6).

I was very impressed with the Malibu -looks good inside and out- great job GM!!

Mazda 6 was a nice package as well.

Camry-not so much -felt very generic and did not perform as well as others.Looks like all the other Toyota models too.

VW was a great ride and had great features for the price-very solid feel.

Honda - felt it was too small and did not like remodel-great reliability/fit finish- but doesn't this new version ape the BMW in the 3/4 view?

Altima did not make the list of must sees.

She bought the Jetta...

— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 10:23:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

You thought the Accord was too small campared to the Jetta and Mazda 6? I'm confused...good luck with the VW reliability....she'll need it.

— IhavearedS2000 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 10:42:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

My pick-- Base and experience, reliablity, and looks.

1. no doubt. the Camry (those who say the camry is dull or isn't fun to drive; i say they are either biases or smoking crack he/she should actually test the car for real and not lie about the test drive)

2. Altima (It looks great;nissan improved alot)

3. The Accord (this remodel is not bad; but it does lack refinement in my opinion; however reliablity its a plus)

4. Malibu (I was never a fan of domestic cars expect the Trucks and SUV from GM) I give chevy credit for making a good car but I like the camry and altima better.

BTW... Did people who say they test droved all the cars above actually driven them or not? (try to look cool?)... if you have not, please dont say anything. There are alot of pretenders in my opinion, and not sure if he/she is old enough to drive anyway?

So far my order is base on looks;reliablity;performance.

— Ahyin9 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 10:44:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ahyin9 -"BTW... Did people who say they test droved all the cars above actually driven them or not? (try to look cool?)... if you have not, please dont say anything. There are alot of pretenders in my opinion, and not sure if he/she is old enough to drive anyway?"

She had no bias -
"Malibu (I was never a fan of domestic cars ", but you have shown yours. She was very open minded and not a fanatic about any brand.

She is definitely old enough to drive them(spent my Thanksgiving helping her) and she also is old enough (and educated enough)to understand syntax and how to express a thought in writing. You,sadly I must admit, have not demonstrated the same.

— ICON (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 11:02:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I'm sure the Accord is a very nice vehicle.However from a styling point of view I liked the previous version better. Also it seems that this new Accord has been made softer then the previous one.The Camry to me has always had dull styling. It may have the best handling of the group by a small margin but I have to say the Malibu appeals to me most.(And I'm a foreign car guy through and through)No I would support a domestic car maker because I think the Malibu is finally a car that competes in this foursome.

— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/6/2007 11:42:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Exactly...they used the same quote used to describe the runner up in the sport sedan comparo:

"Great combination of sport and luxury bettered only by the (3-series, Camry)

— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 8:54:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

malibu (FOR A CHANGE AT LEAST)
camry (GOOD ENGINE, NOT GOOD LOOKS)
accord (AVERAGE LOOKS, PRICY)
altima (GOOD LOOKS, INTERIOR QUALITY ???)

— c36amg (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 4:40:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Wait until the new Mazda 6 comes out. This sement is already on fire! All good choices, but in the end it comes to your self preference. No loser here.

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 9:24:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

The Chevy Malibu is okay, but where is this year's North American Car of the Year the Saturn Aura?...Too bad GM has an identity problem. And what I mean is that all that is different between the Malibu and the Aura is the exterior styling, slight interior changes otherwise 99% of the parts are gerneric components, along with engine/powertrain and of coarse add a bit more sound damping material than the Aura to seprate itself to a minimal. And throw 18 inchers on the malibu and of coarse it will handle slightly better than 17 inch wheels. Funny to not see the Aura in this shoot out. Remember GM tried to dethrown the Camary with Aura...did not even put a dent into comparison and sales against the Camary, let alone the Honda Accord. Remember when Bobby boy "No Clue" Lutz ran a campaign by making Saturn dealerships either purchase or rent an Accord and Camary to be put in all show rooms for a upfront comparison. Well that idea made quite the quiet exit. Especially when 35%-40% of the Saturn dealerships across North America did not comitted to such an idea, simply b/c they did not think it would be the right direction to invest time and money. Mind you there were a handfull of quality issues with the Aura that was kept under the radar successfully just ot save face as being the N.A.C.O.T.Y. (Trust me I have seen the list of recall bulletins) So how the hell does the Malibu be any better? How do I know this? I worked for a Saturn & Chevrolet dealerhsip for the last 2 years, both under one roof(quite odd set-up) and before I departed from that hell hole to work for an import(uhh go figure..LMAO!!!) I have test drove both of them for a solid 2 weeks from suburbs, within city, on highways, long drives etc...really no different, mind you gas efficency is "TERRIBLE!"...really TERRIBLE!!!...after a 1000 kms, the fit and finish tends to creek a little and get loose. Very poor radio reception and so on. So here is my personal verdict:
1st place : Camary
2nd place : Accord
3rd Place : Malibu/Aura(same) (simply b/c I never test drove a Altima)
4th place : Altima
All the best to GM for another attempt in this segment, as they still have alot to prove, b/c the imports realy have not scratched the surface of success as of yet as the Japs get better and much thougher every year!!!

— BigShow50 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 9:43:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I personaly think motor trend is paid off. In 1999 they chose the Merc ML for car of the year. # years later it was crowned the most unreliable car of all time. Then last year they chose the toyota camry......Now, dog shit looks better than it and the transmission has proven unreliable. Creating a huge recall. however i think the New cadillac will be a good car

— MBman320 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2007 9:16:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

TO BEGIN, THE CAMRY IS BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP IN THE U.S. MAYBE ONE DAY EVERYONE WILL UNDERSTAND THAT THE BOSSES ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE TOYOTA VEHICLES. THE RESALE ALONE ON THEIR VEHICLES HAVE AND ALWAYS WILL BE TWICE THE WORTH OF ANY CHEVY, HONDA, OR NISSAN..... SWALLOW YOUR PRIDE AND MAKE GOOD USE OF YOUR INVESTMENTS IN A VEHICLE...... BUY A TOYOTA...

— austin219 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 10:06:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I am surprised that the camry did well. I have driven quite a few different models and the car is so bland I want to puke! I would take the new accord and malibu over the camry.

— 2ndbimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 10:36:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I would pick the Malibu for #1

Then the Honda.

Then the Toyota.

The Altima would be last.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 11:37:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I still think this is unfair. Malibu, Camary and Accord are all leather trimmed vehicles. Altima is not. Seems that if they moved the Alti up one more notch, it would have a better chance of competing. I still think it is the best car of the bunch

— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 12:19:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Each of these vehicles represent (slightly) varying degrees of excellence...

No choice would be a bad choice as long as it suits your individual tastes/requirements.

It's that simple.

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 5:37:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

can someone tell me why gm lacks a manual when the rest are avail. with one? I know honda makes some very good ones. altima, accord, and malibu would be my choice. but i'll take the 6 over all of them.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/7/2007 8:02:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

The fact that some people here STILL don't know how to spell "Camry..."

WOW.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 12:33:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Okay, how much did GM pay MT for a leap of a couple of slots? And, Camry...talk about cheesy!!! Take a look at the center stack!!! Drive it pass an 18 wheeler on the highway and get blow into the next lane!

Come on MT, get with it!!!

— carmogul (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 6:31:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

"Because of Honda's renown for resale and reliability, three of the four judges noted they'd still buy the Accord over the second-place finisher. But, unfortunately for Honda, we can't score based on intangibles."

I love this quote, because when it comes to BMW, that's all these magazines make judgments off of (intangibles).

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 11:35:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

For all the people who are putting the Malibu automatically at 4th place: have you driven the new one?

In my opinion the new Malibu is a lot better than the old one, inside and out. I don't know where it should be, but I would not automatically put it at the back anymore.

— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 3:08:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Well well: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123842?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..3.*

— koya76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2007 12:15:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

The Camry's w/o navigation have boring interiors. But V6 SE Camry driving quality is like the Acura TL, which is what the Accord should've felt like, but doesn't. Out of all these cars, only the Camry SE has an actual sport suspension and flat undercarriage, how can it be so bland, u can't hold gears on the Accords and Altima has a sad sad CVT.

— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2007 1:40:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2