Revitalized Malibu Takes on Accord and Camry

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=124091

I agree that the Accord is still the gold standard, hard to beat in
the midsize group. The new GM Hydramatic 6T/6L series is a very good
transmission, but Malibu's ergonomics need a few iterations, like the
way of Cadillac CTS. I wouldn't get the old 4-speed and certainly
didn't care for the low slanting windshield. Sure, Camry sells more
because it's always been the cheapest in this group. It's adequate but
you also get what you paid for. I guess Toyota doesn't build them like
they used to.

1st Place: 2008 Honda Accord LX-P
2nd Place: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu 2LT
3rd Place: 2007 Toyota Camry LE

 

I test drove an Accord once, very nice ride. Didn't buy it as back then you
couldn't get leather without a sunroof, and I needed the headroom. A friend
owns a Camry, and will not part with it. Sister in-law owns a Malibu, can't
get anything for it.

 

Bullshit. Up here Honda is the car for ricers and other Asian gang members.
It ride too rough and is too noisy. HELL will freeze over before I buy one.
I will keep an eye on the Malibu, though.

 

Bullshit. Up here Honda is the car for ricers and other Asian gang members.[/QUOTE]

Bullshit. Accords aren't. Civics are.

 

Rides too rough? You'd hate a real sports car. Most cars seem to pitch
and wallow excessively to me.

nate

 

4 cyl. Camrys certainly suffered from that, at one time. However, my 6 cyl.
99 Japanese make Camry doesn't pitch and/or wallow.
If I WANTED a sports car I would NOT buy any Honda product.

 

Bullshit. Accords aren't. Civics are.[/QUOTE]

Same dif. A ricer is a ricer is a ricer.

 

Same dif. A ricer is a ricer is a ricer.[/QUOTE]

Just like a Corvette is a Chevette.

 

Just like a Corvette is a Chevette.[/QUOTE]

Both put together, resulting in junk.

 

Then what would you buy in the same price range as an equivalent Honda
product?

 

Ricers go for Civics and Integras/RSX's, not Accords.

I own what I am certain must be the world's very last unmodified and
unmolested '91 Integra hatch. Every other one I see has been slammed and
aftermarketed and and riced-out past any sort of logic or reason. Bleah.

Accords are one of those kinds of cars that are everywhere for 15 years,
then they turn into "I haven't seen one of those in ages!" cars. Kinda like
a Plymouth Volare, but better made.

 

Hmmm. My Camry is only ten years old so I won't be in the market for at
least another SEVEN years. Hypothetically, though, instead of the 99CE 6
cyl. I have, I might go for a new, closer to the top of the line Camry. To
me, Honda is overpriced.

 

What? No pimping it out? No darkened windows? No lo-rider? No blinding head
lights?

 

You haven't answered the question.

The question was: What "sports car" would you buy that is within the Honda
price range, but is not a Honda?

 

Who would want to driver around in an 17 year old car? 10 years is past old
enough.

 

Shee-it no. My ride is pretty much exactly as it came from the factory.

The local high-school kids do give it the stare as I go by, but I'll bet
they're thinking what an old fart I am that I haven't "kustomized" my ride
with numerous low-quality but flashy rice-boy symbols. Unlike the ricers, I
can actually drive over lost coins and bubble gum wrappers without risking
dislodgement of my dental fillings or sudden evacuation of the contents of
my oil pan.

 

Me, for instance. My car is 18 years old. Bought it new, too.

Just don't ask your question of anybody in the "collector" auto circle. To
them, anything under 50 years-old is "modern", and they will sneer at you
aggressively for your impertinence.

 

Simple. I'm long past the mid-life crazies so I would NOT buy a sports car.

 

Attitudes like THAT one are why so many people are only a payday or so away
from financial ruin. That TEN year old Camry only has 130,000 kilometres on
it and is in MINT condition. WHY should I get a newer vehicle? It has ALL
the features I want and rides and handles like a dream. My frugality and
values have allowed me to retire from full-time work at 42 (21 years ago)
and build up a net worth of close to a million. NEXT question? And, NO, I
do NOT waste my money on things like bottled water, huge screen TV's etc
etc..

 

I'd call it something else, like a complete lack of values...no wonder the
world is in a recession.