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The Nissan Altima Overtakes The Accord To Be Consumer Reports Top Rated Mid Sized Sedan

Agent009 submitted on 01/08/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:32 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[32] user comments | category: Misc News

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The Nissan Altima Overtakes The Accord To Be Consumer Reports Top Rated Mid Sized Sedan

The newly-redesigned Honda Accord V6 lost its standing as Consumer Reports' top-rated midpriced sedan following testing of seven sedans for the February 2008 issue. The V6-powered Nissan Altima is now ranked first in CR's ratings of midpriced sedans, followed closely by the Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat in that order. A very narrow one-point difference in scores separates the Accord and Altima.

The Honda Accord, redesigned for 2008, has long been among Consumer Reports' top-rated family sedans. Consumer Reports has named the Accord a Top Pick in its closely-watched Annual April Auto Issue every year for the past five years. The new Top Picks for 2008 will be announced in the April 2008 issue.

For the February issue, Consumer Reports tested a mix of six family sedans from three categories- "Affordable Family Sedans," "Midpriced Family Sedans," and "Large Sedans." CR tested the Accord in EX-L V6 and four-cylinder LX-P trim levels. It also tested the new Ford Taurus (formerly known as the Five Hundred), Dodge Avenger, Kia Amanti, and Subaru Legacy. The magazine had rated the four-cylinder and V6-powered Altimas as part of an earlier test group; results from those tests were reported in the March 2007 issue.

The V6 Accord easily outperformed all the other vehicles in this test group-and achieved an "Excellent" overall road test score. But its score of 88 points was one point less than the previous generation Accord. That one-point difference allowed the previously-tested Altima 3.5 SE (V6) to slip past the Accord and take the top spot in the rankings of 15 Midpriced Sedans. The Camry XLE and Passat 2.0T rank third and fourth respectively in that category.

The four-cylinder Altima also claimed the top spot in CR's ranking of 15 Affordable Family sedans, with a much wider, six-point margin over the Accord. The Kia Optima EX and Toyota Camry LE are ranked third and fourth in that category.

"The 2008 Accord is longer, wider and more powerful than the old model it replaces-and it remains an excellent, well-rounded sedan," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. "But it's not as quick and doesn't get the fuel economy of either the previous generation Accord or the Altima in either the V6 or four-cylinder trim lines."

The 2008 V6 Accord delivered 21 mpg in Consumer Reports' own fuel economy tests, down two mpg from the previous generation's 23 mpg. The V6 Altima delivers 23 mpg in CR's tests.

Prices range from $22,795 for the Accord LX to $30,130 for the Amanti, though CR paid less than $25,000 after discounts for the Kia. Consumer Reports buys all of its test vehicles from dealers to ensure that it doesn't wind up with specially-prepared vehicles. Its staffers negotiate anonymously for the best possible price, just as consumers would do.

Four of the six vehicles in this month's test group are Recommended by Consumer Reports. Because of a sterling reliability history for past Accords and for Honda overall, CR predicts better than average reliability for the 2008 Accord and is recommending it. Above average reliability also allows CR to recommend the Legacy. CR is predicting average reliability for the Taurus based on the record of the Ford Five Hundred, which is virtually the same car. The Amanti's reliability has been worse than average, so it cannot be Recommended. Reliability for the Avenger is unknown and it scored too low in CR's tests for it to be Recommended.

Consumer Reports only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the February issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale January 8. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. The new Accord has a generously-sized backseat and both four- and six-cylinder versions are more powerful than before. Electronic stability control is now standard in all trim levels and crash-test results impressive. The Accord EX-L ($28,695 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 3.5-liter, 268-hp V6 engine that delivers smooth and lively performance. It's mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly and smoothly. Braking is very good overall.

The renamed and freshened Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a more powerful engine that makes the vehicle quicker and more responsive-though not as fuel efficient. The Taurus offers a comfortable ride, ample interior room, easy access, and a huge trunk. It remains a solid, if unexciting contender in the segment. The Taurus Limited ($28,985 MSRP as tested) is now equipped with a 3.5-liter, 263-hp, V6 that delivers good performance but isn't among the more refined powerplants in this class. The six-speed automatic is smooth and responsive. Braking is very good overall.

Kia's Amanti offers a well-appointed, spacious cabin and a quiet, comfortable ride. It was freshened for 2007 with a new engine and has a revised suspension to improve ride and handling. Fuel economy is not a strong suit. The Amanti ($30,130 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 3.8-liter, 264-hp, V6 engine that delivers strong performance. It's mated to a responsive five-speed automatic. Braking is good.

With impressive agility, decent fuel economy, standard all-wheel-drive and an affordable base, the Subaru Legacy has a lot going for it. But the interior is snug, which limits its appeal as a family car, and its handling was tricky in emergency avoidance maneuver tests. The 2.5i Special Edition Legacy tested by CR ($22,835 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 2.5-liter, 170-hp, four-cylinder engine that provides adequate acceleration but is not as responsive as most other four-cylinder engines in this class. The four-speed automatic shifts smoothly. Braking is very good.

Like its near-twin the Chrysler Sebring, the Dodge Avenger ranks at the bottom of its class. The car feels cheap and underdeveloped. It has a stiff ride, suspension noise, lack of agility, tight quarters, uncomfortable seats, and substandard interior fit and finish. The Avenger R/T ($27,350 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 3.5-liter, V6 engine that delivers lively performance and is smoother than the 2.7-liter V6 that CR tested in the Sebring. But it is not as refined as many other V6 engines. It's mated to a very good six-speed automatic transmission. Braking on the Avenger is good overall.

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silver1 - 1/8/2008 3:46:55 PM

+4 Boost

The Altima does offer a faster engine, Push button start, siganl lights on the side mirrors, real-view back up camera, xenon headlights, when the Accord doesn't offer none of this

reply to this comment

r15mohd - 1/8/2008 3:59:09 PM

+2 Boost

the interior of the accord is more appealing than the altima, but kudos to a job well done by Nissan

reply to this comment

Whelan - 1/8/2008 4:28:44 PM

+5 Boost

I def. like the new Altima over the Camry and Accord. It's much sleeker now than it ever was. The flow from the headlamps to the tail is very crips and the 3.5 is a great engine.

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mini22 - 1/8/2008 5:10:24 PM

+2 Boost

I've never liked the styling of the Camry and do not like the styling of the new Accord. Also I think the Accord has grown too large.The Altima may suffer from more torque steer,however, and I think it's interior is 3rd behind the Accord and Camry.

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1995e34 - 1/8/2008 5:17:15 PM

-4 Boost

i want whatever consumer reports is smoking!

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DaHarder - 1/8/2008 5:27:32 PM

+4 Boost

As nicely engineered as the new Accord may be, the mistake that Honda made was making the exterior so unforgivingly unattractive... Especially the sedan.

I, personally, haven't seen such a mess of completely unrelated design ideas incorporated into a single vehicle in a very long time:

The Front - Over compensates for mediocre design with gargantuan/gaudy headlight assemblies, and by chroming/blinging out just about every visible surface in sight.

The Rear - The HUGE rear end is 'bookended' by tail lights so small/insignificant looking that they appear to have come from some Japanese Kei-series vehicle.

The Side - (Lack of) Character lines running everywhere (call it the Chrysler Sebring Syndrome), a thick/fat lower body topped off by a very unsuccessfully wrought Honda version of the BMW Hoffmeister kink.

In Summary: The 2008 Accord Looks-A-Mess, and most people don't care for/buy ugly cars.

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silver1 - 1/8/2008 6:54:05 PM

+2 Boost

Wow...u took all the words right otta my mouth

Previous Post:

Went to the Honda dealership the largest Honda Dealership in U.S. which is Gillman Honda in Houston, TX yesterday looking for a Honda Civic Hybrid since I heard about gas is going to average $4.00 a gallon the end of this year, the salesman stated well let me see what we have, his computer didn't show any, and he stated well I just saw 4 of them yesterday....look at it again, all sold, so I went to the dealership and there was at least 200 Honda Accords on the lot, and about 15 Honda Civic's and NO Hybrids!!!

He stated I will have to wait till the 1/14 is when they will only get 1 in, and if I want that one, I will have to put down a $250.00 deposit for it....

Why is no one buying the Accords?

Oh forgot to mention, Their was only about 2 Honda Accord 2-door coupe's on the lot, so those are selling...I think Honda might have made a boo boo on the styling on the 4-door accord, it's not catching everyone's attention....

but it's funny, The 4-door Altima is selling when the 2-door Altima is not and the 2-door Accord is selling when the four door is not....

It's going to be one interesting year....

0to60 - 1/8/2008 10:47:31 PM

+2 Boost

Well I think the new accord is a huge improvement over the previous version which did and always will do well sales wise. Im sure the dealer wont have a problem selling the ugly things. They will likely remain the #2 best selling car even though they are ugly. The altima is nice and comes standard with great features. I would likely choose the altima coupe over the camry and accord. As for the interior qulity, I do feel the altima comes up last. I for some reason still want to put it one level below the Accord an Camry and think the max should step back down and compete with them.

montyz81 - 1/9/2008 9:37:57 AM

+2 Boost

I don't think it is a question of selling. It is more that Honda puts allot on lots because they know they sell them. Nissan is much more reluctant to build without a buyer.

courtstone - 1/9/2008 1:15:16 PM

+1 Boost

Silver1 - Yes, the coupe Altima is horrible, but the sedan is NICE. Howver, the coupe Accord NICE, but the sedan is horrible, what gives?

S4cabriofoxone - 1/8/2008 7:33:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It deserves it. I would officially rather have a Nissan Altima than a Honda Accord... barely.

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Porschinator - 1/8/2008 7:57:03 PM

+1 Boost

NO surprise that CR snubbed the Malibu...lol. Altima and Camry are good cars. Boils down to preferences and tastes.

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/8/2008 9:38:56 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Because the Malibu is good--but it's not THAT good. It's not a class leader.

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StickShiftCamry - 1/8/2008 9:53:27 PM

+1 Boost

Altima is nice and all, but if u get auto, u get a too smooth and lazy feeling CVT trans. Most here don' like the Camry but, drive the V6 versions of both and most will like the BMW like quick tranny jolt from the 6 speed auto when it shifts under hard driving.

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TauronB2G - 1/8/2008 10:55:37 PM

+3 Boost

I thought the new Accord was a certified large car. If it is why are they comparing it to a smaller Altima???
T

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montyz81 - 1/9/2008 9:39:43 AM

+1 Boost

What????, Alti,Cam, and Accord are the same size

EL34 - 1/8/2008 11:46:12 PM

-1 Boost

I wouldn't own an Altima or the Accord.

:-)

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_43LE - 1/9/2008 11:43:53 AM

+1 Boost

Surprise, surprise, since they're Asian brands. :-)

no1listensanyway - 1/8/2008 11:52:17 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I have two problems with the Altima, 1. the cheapness of the interior compared to the rest in class. 2.That damn CVT transmission, give me gears! Also the price escalates pretty quickly when adding options.

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dbrebel - 1/8/2008 11:53:50 PM

+3 Boost

"its funny that most other reviews test the malibu, accord, camery, and altima. yet CR decideds to not include the altima."

So how do you think they came up with the Altima as being the top rated family sedan? Obviously they tested it at some point.

Unlike the car magazines, CR tests cars over time using the same testing procedures. They had already tested the redesigns for the Camry and the Altima when they came out in 2007. Along with the Accord, Taurus, etc. test this month, they used those test results to come up with the overall ratings, including the Camry and the Altima. Those reviews are available on their website.

The Malibu wasn't available in time for this particular article. It's being tested now and the results will be published probably next month. And the Malibu will be ranked against these other cars as well.

So nobody got snubbed and CR wasn't saying that any other publication that tested Malibu, Accord, Camry and Altima was wrong.

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Celestion - 1/9/2008 12:03:45 AM

+3 Boost

I predict the new redesigned Mazda 6 will take them both!

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andraz - 1/9/2008 2:18:10 AM

+2 Boost

Mazda 6 will be a stiff competitor.

In europe, king of the hill here is Passat, then I guess Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Citroen c5... We are not getting this altima, but we are getting accord, a very nice car indeed.

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montyz81 - 1/9/2008 9:44:03 AM

+2 Boost

Your accord is different then ours. Your Accord is what we call the Acura TSX here. The US Accord and the TSX are very different animals

montyz81 - 1/9/2008 9:52:56 AM

+2 Boost

Ignorance is bliss. Just so you know mister Cptamazing, your Ford Fusion is just a Mazda 6 underneath. The Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan are all the same car, also based on the Mazda 6. The Mazda 6 was designed engineered and some are built in Hiroshima Japan

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courtstone - 1/9/2008 1:13:40 PM

+1 Boost

montyz81 - you are so right about the Fusion, Milan and MKZ being Mazda 6's underneath. To my surprise a lot of people don't even know that. I had a friend raving about how great his new Fusion was and how Ford was going to take over the world...I was happy to kill his joy by telling him that it was really a mazda. So who should get the accolades Ford or Mazda?

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 1/9/2008 5:11:18 PM

+1 Boost

ford would be in deep **** if they didn't get mazda that you would like to call "jap garbage".

reply to this comment

Whelan - 1/9/2008 10:17:49 AM

+2 Boost

Da Harder put it best when he described the Accords fugliness. I was somewhat impressed by the front end in spy shots, but the car is a mish mash of so many things. Big grille with large lamps up front, smooth lines on the side, and a tail that seems cutoff. Yes it is large in the back, but the taillight really make it look that much bigger. And what happened to the LEDs??? They were on the last refresh Accord, now they went to the Altezza look? Not something I would put on a checklist for a Honda.

It's like they took the front end of a Ridgeline, the middle section from a Chrysler Sebring, and then dropped the rearend from a 1994 Accord with Altezza lamps. Very unimaginative.

The new coupe is not bad looking overall, but if I was in the segment for a coupe, I would choose the Altima Coupe with 270hp. Yes I know its from the Z and G coupe styling but the Altime has such nice lines like the G coupe but at a fraction of cost.

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huu76 - 1/13/2008 1:45:42 PM

+1 Boost

I'd still buy a Camry-hybrid over any of these. the Altima sedans look too tall and the Accords are meh.

The new Malibu definitely does look good, it's unfortunate they didn't test it.

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