A couple issues I noticed on a test drive

[jeremyp969]

So I've been comparing the Camry(Loaded XLE) and Accord(EX-L) via several long test drives and am having the hardest time deciding. I did a 2 hour drive of both yesterday and wanted to ask some owners about a couple things I noticed.

1. Audio cutouts. I've seen a few posts on here where people say the audio cuts out and you need to restart the car, but what I noticed was the audio would cut out for less than a second and come back. On a previous test drive I heard this when connected to bluetooth, so I blamed it on that. On this latest test drive(different car) I heard it when listening to FM. Speaking of FM - really pisses me off that Honda couldn't put HD radio in this car...nice system on the Camry in my opinion.

2. CVT jolt when stopping - So I currently drive a 5-spd and my wife has an Ody, one thing that drives me nuts about Honda Auto Transmissions is the jolt you feel while coming to a stop as it downshifts. Figured this wouldn't be the case with the CVT, but I do feel something. Almost feels like it's the transmission disengaging at about 5mph. It's not sublte, wondering if anyone else notices this and if it gets better with age.

3. Another issue I noticed and, yeah if you knew me at all you'd see how anal I really am, is a speaker sizzling noise. I've seen complaints on here and those sound much more profound than what I saw. I did my test drives with the audio system turned off, cause I'm super anal about road/wind noise now since my Civic sounds like a school bus driving on the highway. When you hit around 70mph, there is a low sizzling sound coming from the front left speaker. Might be ANC, I dunno and with the radio on you can't hear it cause it is pretty quiet.


I may post my comparison review as I've now spent about 4 hours in each car, but I'll probably do that over in the comparison thread that already exists, don't think it belongs in a new thread.

Thanks all!

Really want to make this decision and get my new car, but there are definitely some things I love about each car and some things I hate about each car.

[II Kings 9:20]

Audio glitches do exist and a firmware update is coming at the end of Feb. I love the CVT transmission and 4cyl. The V6 6spd is great also.

I have had zero jolt when stopping although in econ mode at light throttle I occasionally get a bogged feling like having a manual trans in the wrong gear. I never feel this in regular mode or past light throttle.

I love nearly everything about the Accord and have never been an Accord fan or owner in the past. The one thing I do not like is the low poorly angled passenger seat bottom. The driver's seat is great. The poor passenger gets 30 year old technology a "4 way power seat" which is not height adjustable. The angle of the bottom is tipped too far down in the front and on a long trip is a real PITA. We are working on a solution to correct this defect. In truth, there are only a few of us who complain about this and it may be a nothing issue for you.

Honda should have HD radio, a light in the glove box, and Homelink on the 4cyl Ex-L (I added a factory Homelink as a DIY for $184-your garage opener on the visor is a fine choice too).

See the video below, this is potentially far more important and hopefully technology we'll never need in the superior structure built into the Accord.

This might help in your decision: Make sure wifey sees this video.

Camry Fail Note the design of the Accord window curtain airbag-it fully inflates over the window.

[Basque Red Ex]

Originally Posted by jeremyp969

So I've been comparing the Camry(Loaded XLE) and Accord(EX-L) via several long test drives and am having the hardest time deciding. I did a 2 hour drive of both yesterday and wanted to ask some owners about a couple things I noticed.

1. Audio cutouts. I've seen a few posts on here where people say the audio cuts out and you need to restart the car, but what I noticed was the audio would cut out for less than a second and come back. On a previous test drive I heard this when connected to bluetooth, so I blamed it on that. On this latest test drive(different car) I heard it when listening to FM. Speaking of FM - really pisses me off that Honda couldn't put HD radio in this car...nice system on the Camry in my opinion.

2. CVT jolt when stopping - So I currently drive a 5-spd and my wife has an Ody, one thing that drives me nuts about Honda Auto Transmissions is the jolt you feel while coming to a stop as it downshifts. Figured this wouldn't be the case with the CVT, but I do feel something. Almost feels like it's the transmission disengaging at about 5mph. It's not sublte, wondering if anyone else notices this and if it gets better with age.

I may post my comparison review as I've now spent about 4 hours in each car, but I'll probably do that over in the comparison thread that already exists, don't think it belongs in a new thread.

Thanks all!

Really want to make this decision and get my new car, but there are definitely some things I love about each car and some things I hate about each car.

Read about CVT concerns here, I feel it just takes a little getting use to and is a fantastic tranny. It was heavily tested befor being put into production

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=78909

[jeremyp969]

Originally Posted by II Kings 9:20

Audio glitches do exist and a firmware update is coming at the end of Feb. I love the CVT transmission and 4cyl. The V6 6spd is great also.

I have had zero jolt when stopping although in econ mode at light throttle I occasionally get a bogged feling like having a manual trans in the wrong gear. i never feel this in regular mode or past ight throttle.

This might help in your decision:

Camry Fail

Thanks for the quick response - by the way I've been following yours and Glen's discussion on the headlights...want to get the V6 DRL without paying for the V6 if I go the Honda route, so I may ask for some help, although it sounds like you got lucky with buying the Touring headlight assembly at a reasonable price.

Yeah I've seen the crash tests and that definitely is part of my decision, by the way take a look at the toyota nation forums and how they try to downplay that.

One thing I found in Econ mode and it's similar to the way the Camry drives is you're underpowered. When you're accelerating especially on a slight incline you get the low hum throughout the car as it tries to not "downshift" I did my test drive mostly with the econ light off and it drove a lot better. Also, while the car was warmed up I drove 10 miles with econ on and the same exact 10 miles with it off and got the same gas mileage(within 1 mpg). Given that was a short part of my drive but it seems if you don't drive like a lead foot the Econ button doesn't really help.

[II Kings 9:20]

I posted that video on Toyotanation (I have been a member since 2007) and they can be dismissive til the cows come and the facts remain. The Prius had the wheel come through the floorpan.

Yeah I got lucky on the Touring lights, beat the price increase by 1 business day.

I stay in econ just to maximize MPG. It seems to make a 3-5 MPG difference on the freeway which is counterintuitive. With the cruise on a flat road at 65MPH and 1750 RPM econ should not be playing a role in a steady state throttle application. Over hundreds of miles with varying terrain, econ should make a difference. In the city, econ may be less impressive because that has more to do with the right foot. Econ will shine if you granny drive. I do a measured tank for MPGs and I should do the next full tank with econ off. Problem is that if I make 1 trip to Columbus vs 3 on any given tank, the avg MPG will be very different. Best test is on a road trip econ on/econ off on the same leg of a trip.

Gluck, I think you would love the EX-L.

Just to muddy the water, the most interesting offering in this segment is the Kia Optima-might be worth a look. It is feature laden, looks fantastic, has a great warranty, low price, not so great resale, and no idea about crash performance. My wife really encouraged me (no sex for a month LOL) not to get a Korean car and I am thrilled with the Accord. It also had plenty of room in the back for the 3 ninos unlike most in the segment. The avalon and passat (foot robbing high floor hump) are the only two roomier in the rear than the accord.

[bblueser]

For those who are concerned about CVT quirks, just say no to the compromised tranny and buy the 4-cylinder manual. I test drove both before making my decision, a d chose the superb made-in-Japan manual.

Great clutch and silky smooth tranny provides a very satisfying driving experience.

[mdreibelbis]

The primary issue with the audio system isn't that it cuts out - but rather everyone once in a while when you start it up it sounds like the speakers have blown - you get sort of an under water static-ey sound on all sources. Turn car off and restart and it's fixed!

I've had it happen three times over the 4 months I've owned mine - shouldn't be an issue in the purchase decision. The quality of the sound (I'm happy with the sound in my EX-L) may be another issue - many people posting here are unhappy with the overall sound they get from the audio system. YMMV.

[DRK92]

Originally Posted by II Kings 9:20

I posted that video on Toyotanation (I have been a member since 2007) and they can be dismissive til the cows come and the facts remain. The Prius had the wheel come through the floorpan.

Yeah I got lucky on the Touring lights, beat the price increase by 1 business day.

I stay in econ just to maximize MPG. It seems to make a 3-5 MPG difference on the freeway which is counterintuitive. With the cruise on a flat road at 65MPH and 1750 RPM econ should not be playing a role in a steady state throttle application. Over hundreds of miles with varying terrain, econ should make a difference. In the city, econ may be less impressive because that has more to do with the right foot. Econ will shine if you granny drive. I do a measured tank for MPGs and I should do the next full tank with econ off. Problem is that if I make 1 trip to Columbus vs 3 on any given tank, the avg MPG will be very different. Best test is on a road trip econ on/econ off on the same leg of a trip.

Gluck, I think you would love the EX-L.

Just to muddy the water, the most interesting offering in this segment is the Kia Optima-might be worth a look. It is feature laden, looks fantastic, has a great warranty, low price, not so great resale, and no idea about crash performance. My wife really encouraged me (no sex for a month LOL) not to get a Korean car and I am thrilled with the Accord. It also had plenty of room in the back for the 3 ninos unlike most in the segment. The avalon and passat (foot robbing high floor hump) are the only two roomier in the rear than the accord.

the "no sex for a month" threat really does work

[II Kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by bblueser

For those who are concerned about CVT quirks, just say no to the compromised tranny and buy the 4-cylinder manual. I test drove both before making my decision, and chose the superb made-in-Japan manual.

Great clutch and silky smooth tranny provides a very satisfying driving experience.

Can't do that if you want the Ex-L trim-It's always something.

[II Kings 9:20]

Originally Posted by DRK92

the "no sex for a month" threat really does work

Just a j/k but it sounded like a good excuse-really the small back seat and wifey is indeed leery of the korean cars vis a vis resale. Had she pulled that card, it would have worked .

[03LXV6]

I might be wrong on the HD radio thing but the contract with XM might prohibit them from doing it.

[glen e]

Originally Posted by 03LXV6

I might be wrong on the HD radio thing but the contract with XM might prohibit them from doing it.

No it's avail .....it's a head unit thing......a lot of cars have both......

[jeremyp969]

Originally Posted by II Kings 9:20

I stay in econ just to maximize MPG. It seems to make a 3-5 MPG difference on the freeway which is counterintuitive. With the cruise on a flat road at 65MPH and 1750 RPM econ should not be playing a role in a steady state throttle application. Over hundreds of miles with varying terrain, econ should make a difference. In the city, econ may be less impressive because that has more to do with the right foot. Econ will shine if you granny drive. I do a measured tank for MPGs and I should do the next full tank with econ off. Problem is that if I make 1 trip to Columbus vs 3 on any given tank, the avg MPG will be very different. Best test is on a road trip econ on/econ off on the same leg of a trip.

Gluck, I think you would love the EX-L.

Just to muddy the water, the most interesting offering in this segment is the Kia Optima-might be worth a look. It is feature laden, looks fantastic, has a great warranty, low price, not so great resale, and no idea about crash performance. My wife really encouraged me (no sex for a month LOL) not to get a Korean car and I am thrilled with the Accord. It also had plenty of room in the back for the 3 ninos unlike most in the segment. The avalon and passat (foot robbing high floor hump) are the only two roomier in the rear than the accord.

I've considered the Korean cars, but have a few issues. I'm used to the reliability of Honda(I have an '04 Civic and have done nothing but timing belt and oil changes). Resale is part of it too. My buddy has a '12 Optima and maybe they made some drastic changes for the '13, but the technology seemed outdated and the visibility is HORRIBLE. Pillars are huge and the belt line is really high. Also, on the price, with the huge (1500 under invoice) discounts on the Honda I doubt the Kia comes out much cheaper. And you easily make up that difference on resale. Funny you should mention your wife's threat....mine basically told me you're not getting Kia or Hyundai or I'm not driving in it.

Another issue I noticed and, yeah if you knew me at all you'd see how anal I really am, is a speaker sizzling noise. I've seen complaints on here and those sound much more profound than what I saw. I did my test drives with the audio system turned off, cause I'm super anal about road/wind noise now since my Civic sounds like a school bus driving on the highway. When you hit around 70mph, there is a low sizzling sound coming from the front left speaker. Might be ANC, I dunno and with the radio on you can't hear it cause it is pretty quiet.

As far as all 40 pages of that lighting thread it seems that nobody has found a solution for using the EX-L assembly but having the LED DRL work, right? Seems like any solution is just too dim...unless I'm missing something.

[jeremyp969]

Originally Posted by Basque Red Ex

Read about CVT concenrs here, I feel it just takes a little getting use to and is a fantastic tranny. It was heavily tested befor being put into production

http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=78909

I saw that thread...thanks for the link. It seems like that is people talking about stuttering during acceleration. I was mentioned when slowing down, but overall I was impressed with the CVT. I haven't driven a Nissan, but I had low expectations because of all the critics of CVTs(especially Nissan) and was pleasantly surprisd.

[RyRy]

Interesting this audio issue came up...

Yesterday when I started up the audio was extremely garbled and crackly - not cut out, just distorted.

I ended up restarting the car in a mild panic, but wondering if powering down/up the audio system with the left knob would suffice.

First glitch I've noticed!