Accord or Passat?

[MDXor]

I'm trying to decide between an Accord or Passat.

I like the reliability of the Accord (not to crazy about the new styling).

I like the Passat for the german solid feel and the style.

Any thoughts? :)

[Wardsweb]

I think you will find pretty much everyone on this forum is going to be somewhat prejudice on this subject. :D As to styling even some of us have had to get use to the new styling. Change is always difficult at first, but it grows on you. So, my vote is for the Accord. :up:

[MDXor]

I know... I'm posting the question in VW forums as well...

I just wanted to get different points of view...

;)

[Mike (CR) V]

I have yet to read any comparisson test (including those that review/compare the Passat) where the 2003 Accord didn't earn the top spot.

The Feb issue of Road and Track compared V6 family sedans and the Honda came in first while the Passat came in last (fifth). Keep in mind that all domestic sedans were conveniently missing from this comparo. In fact the Passat was the only non-Japanese model.

In the Feb. issue of Car and Driver 10 sedans (a mix of 4 bangers and V6s were compared). The 4cyl. Accord came in first and the Passat came in third.

It should be noted that most of the testers loved the Passat as well (especially styling and personality). The results were close.

Today I just picked of the Wheels (Canadian Auto publication) overview of all 2003 models and the top pick for family sedan was... you guessed it.. the Accord.

There is no doubt that the Passat is a damn fine car. For me it is a question of reliability and resale value. Any data you read makes it clear that Honda and Toyota are more reliable than anything Europe has to offer (and are light years ahead of the domestic competition).

However, even Consumer Reports states that the Passat is the one German car that comes the closest to Japanese reliability, despite the dismal reports coming in on othe VWs and Audis.

Just my 2cents.

Good luck with your decision.

Mike

[MDXor]

Mike,

Thanks for your feedback... I read the same reviews and is very hard to argue which car offers the most "overall".

Reliability and resale is hard to argue...

The only thing is that I have friends with Passats and they swear by them... I drove one and is very nice, very solid feeling.

I guess since I have owned many Honda cars (3 civics, 2 accords) that the passat feels better, more luxurios, nice design, etc.

My logic tells me Accord and my emotional side tells Passat.

:confused:

[Mike (CR) V]

I don't have the literature handy at the moment but one more thing I forgot to consider is price-point comparison. I'm not sure about the numbers but I have a hunch that one of those choices may be a tad pricier than the other. I'm sure the difference depends on the trim-level/emgine choice in both models. You are right that the Honda offers more "overall" but, if my hunch is correct, this is more obvious when you consider price.

None of that matters if money is no object and you are choosing from the heart. Go with what makes you happy (try to consider the long run as well though). For me my current financial situation (and baby daughter's needs being of top priority) force me to choose with my brain. When we replace my wife's Accord it will be with a new Accord or CR-V (though we would sure like the babymobile to be a new Pilot).

If money were no object and I was choosing from the heart we would have an Acura MDX for her (and family outings) and a BMW M3 for me. :cool:

Take care

[MDXor]

Mike,

Thanks again... I think you may be right... I will run the numbers and see...

We just got an MDX (wife's) a few weeks a go and I can tell you that it is great. It has the NAVI and The DVD player the kids love it (two daughter's 8 & 10).

If money is tight go for the basic Pilot (you can always add the DVD after market when you get opportunity).

The frame, engine and room are worth the upgrade from the CRV.

If you plan to keep your cars for a while try to make as big of a jump as you can...

If money was no object I would get the BMW M5 (altough I would wait until the 05' model with a V10 - 500HP). :cool:

See you...

[Mike (CR) V]

MDXor,

I just reread my last post. I hope it didn't sound like purchasing the Passat would be a "brainless" decision! On the contrary, either the Passat or the Accord would be very intelligent choices. And voting from the heart in the end may be what brings you the most pleasure when driving.

I have desired the MDX since before its initial release a couple of years ago. I initially wanted the X5 but the MDX outperforms all luxury SUVs in ice and snow, which is exactly what I want it for. Also the X5 has serious quality control issues and very limited "Utility". It would be perfect for my needs (even though there are only three of us:rolleyes: )

Now with more horses and the same fuel economy I want it even more! It's just so frustrating that you can't get the NAV in Canada when it's made right here in Ontario! I also think Xenon lights should at leat be an option on any Acura of this price.

Later,

Mike

[MDXor]

Mike,

No worries...

I agree with you that the Acura should offer the NAV in Canada as well. We are planning in driving to Toronto in the spring. It is going to be stuff to use a map again.

Take care... :)

[ColdFlameGTi]

Since you were looking for non-biased opinion here is one. I own a 2000 VW GTI VR6 and a 2003 Accord LX I4 5AT. I was considering myself a pro-VW person and I just got my Accord 3 days ago.

I was shopping for an decent family sedan being on the budget. I was considering an Accord, a Passat, and Mazda 6. I do not know what your preferences are but mine were great reliability (VW is everything but reliable) and an ability to haul 4 big people (I'm 6'7").

At the end it came to Accord vs Passat and Accord easily won because:
1. Accord's lease was $199/mo vs $299/mo for Passat (same downpayment)
2. Accord is a '03 design when Passat is a '98 design
3. Accord is going to be a lot more reliable than Passat
4. Accord got better handling than Passat (Passat corners like a boat)

If you want a pro-VW opinion - go to forums.vwvortex.com and ask there.

[MDXor]

Thanks for the feedback....

I'm still evaluating...

[NDMP]

We just bought an Accord over the Passat (even though we really liked driving the Passat) based on a number of premature failure conditions that Passat/Jetta models seem to be suffering from.

Ignition coils and suspension seem to be the biggest issues. I am told that failures occur between 15-20K on the odo and that parts are always on a 1-2 week backorder.

The Accord utilizes a timing chain vice Passat's timing belt; you have to change the timing belt at 50k or risk trashing the engine.

The Passat has a turbo. While turbo reliability has gone up over the years, they still have a low MTBF relative to other engine components.

[gordy]

As of 10 min ago I just traded my Passat for an Accord. See clubb5.com and vwvortex.com for passat info. I loved my Passat. But I needed something sporty with more pep. I just bought a 2DR EX-V6 MAN with NAV Satin Silver. With the passat you can not go wrong if you are looking for a great sedan that is fun to drive with lots of room,

This is my second Accord coupe and I can not wait to drive it home.

Regards gordy

[Wardsweb]

welcome aboard Gordy. glad you saw the light "ACCORD"ing to us. :D Ok , I know that was weak. Post a pic of your new ride or email me a copy.

[gordy]

Will do and thanks. I was active in clubb5.com and have lots of pics and instructions posted. I am going to do foglights, MP3 player and the XM radio piece as well. I will be ordering them next week.

regards gordy

[BenjiBoy650]

I was deciding Accord or Passat just last week. On 8/12/03, however, I bought a 1999 Accord. Reasons: Passat is more expensive, has a history of catching on fire, tends to need more replacement items (turbo, etc, by clubb5 member's own admission) and the Accord wasn't half a bad deal. Also, need to take off the whole front clip to do the belts and water pump on the Passat $$$. In addition, hard to find a nice Passat in SF. Many are dirty and neglected, not to mention overpriced (saw a 1999 Passat for $13,500...are they kidding my Accord was $7,200 and is in the same condition).