Accords: 4 or 6 Cyl.? Opinions?

Hello:

Never had either before, but it looks as if I'll probably be
purchasing a new Toyota Camry or Honda Accord sedan next month.

Very confused over the pros and cons of the 4 vs 6 cyl models.

a. what do "most" people buy ?

b. I understand that the 6, of course, will have more power and presumably
faster acceleration.

Realize that this is very subjective, but for "normal" usage, do I
really need, or want, a 6 cyl. ?

c. Other pros and cons, caveats, etc. ?

Opinions on this would be most appreciated.

Might as well also ask: general opinions on Camry vs Accords ?

Much thanks,
Bob

 

Speaking as the owner of a 2000 Accord SE (4 cyl. auto), I'm very happy with
the 4. It has plenty of power (150 hp, and apparently the '03s are rated at
160), it will cruise all day at 80 or 90 (not that I would do that), and
it's averaged a little better than 25 mpg over 45,000 miles (upwards of 30
on the highway). All that for several thousand dollars less than I would
have had to pay for a V6.

I have always heard that Camrys are excellent cars, but I think they tend to
cost a little more, comparably equipped, and are said to be a little less
sporty in their driving characteristics. For that matter, I have read that
the new Accord is a little less sporty than the previous generation.

My 2 cents -- hope it's useful.

Paul

 

I've had both--and came to the conclusion that for everyday "normal"
use, the 4 cylinder models are quite fine. Lower maintenance, lower
fuel costs, and just as good in "normal" use.

Even over the mountains on the freeway, with the A/C on, my 2000 Accord
4 cylinder (manual trans) got 35mpg. You won't ever see that on a 6
cylinder.

 

***Owner of a Honda 2000 Accord 4cyl, auto***
The 4 cyl has enough power, even with 4 people in car.
But I do wish I had gotten the 6 cyl, not for any practical reason.
Getting the 6 cyl is not a need , just a want.

 

I just traded the old Accord and got a 2003 Accord V6. The Toyotas and
Hondas are both good choices. I like Accord because it is cheaper and
sportier than the Camry. A 50 year old friend just got a Camry V6, she
said it makes her think "father's car" and drives more like a boat than
she expected. Otherwise, she likes it.

You need a 4 cylinder Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. After that we are
talking wants.

I wanted, more room, quieter ride, and faster acceleration. Dare I ask
for some fun despite the child seat in the rear?

I traded in a '94 4 cylinder Accord EX and had found it adequate. It
seemed speedy and nimble but noisy at highway speeds and didn't have
enough speed to easily out compete big V8 pickups/SUV's and other large
menacing highway vehicles driven by pushy self centered drivers on the
interstate.

I test drove both a 4 cylinder and a V6 Accord. The cost is around more
$2000 for the V6 vs 4 cylinder and I wanted to save money.

But, I was disappointed in the 4 cylinder. The EX seemed not much better
than my '94. That surprised me. Reviews said how it was supposed to be
faster, quieter, and better in so many ways. Maybe. But, not to me. It
was just transportation.

Then I drove the V6. The first thing that strikes you is the much
quieter engine. The second thing that strikes you is less road noise. It
is clearly a more refined driving experience. Then you hit the highway.
Whoosh! The engine doesn't growl, complain or otherwise disturb your
ears. You slowly hear the flow of air around the windows increase from a
low muffle. The other cars quickly get small in your rear view mirror.
You can hear that wonderful radio with improved mid-range in the EX.
Infatuation!!

I had two relatives in the back seat during the test drives. Before I
spoke, I asked them what they thought. Not close. They said the V6 was
far better from the back seat. Ditto to what I thought as driver. I
bought the V6 on the spot.

If you have the money, this is a no brainer. V6 is better. It's fun to
drive slow or fast. It comes with side curtain air bags, the 4 cylinder
'03'a do not. The V6 Camry costs more and is under powered compared to
the Accord. Can the Camry lower all 4 windows from the key fob while you
walk to your car after a hot day?

One more thing. If you put premium gas in the V6 it gets better. The
engine compensates timing for octane of gasoline and has a high 10::1
compression ratio. It gets spunkier. I just put my first tank in.
EYOOWWW! It's more fun than a guy with a child seat has the right to
expect for less than $25k.

You know those commercials where the guy with a new car looks for any
excuse to drive it? I thought them silly. After driving 30+ highway
miles to get home late from work one night, I drove past home to play
with my car and listen to the CD. Tired and hungry, I still wanted to
drive the car. I never did that with my 4 cylinder.

The V6 feels like a racehorse, if you can be discreet about your use of
it's speed and power than it's for you. On ramps are now a breeze.
Trucks/SUV's trying to pass and cut in front from the right lane
(instead of the the left as the law prescribes) now back off after a
touch of the accelerator. I find that I don't need to drive that fast.
At least some pushy drivers seem to respect the speed when you give them
a flash. It surprises them. The V6 is a stealth speedster.

On the other hand, I can see how in the wrong hands, this could mean
trouble.

Good luck! Tell us what you get.

 

Hi have to agree as a 2000 SE (4 cyl) owner.
Randy