07 Camry vs. 07 Altima

[Captante]

Honestly I doubt I'd buy either one with the possible exception of the 3.5L SE version of the Altima with a 6 speed manual, but I'd still say the Camry is a more reliable car based on many different independant long-term tests combined with personal experience.

Theres no question that Toyota quality has slipped some in recent years especially compared to the older "built in Japan" models, but they still have the edge in reliability even over other Japanese brands.



Edit: Based on the strident tone of some responses here I urge the OP the go & drive both cars himself rather then rely on biased opinion ... I'd also suggest checking out a Subaru Legacy GT while your at it ... IMO its a better car then either of the others.

 

[ManBearPig]

Well, i already bought a camry (my parents actually bought a camry, i should say) and my friends parents got him an altima.

i was just curious about what you guys think. i think the altima is a bit more expensive though, no?

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: Heen05
Well, i already bought a camry (my parents actually bought a camry, i should say) and my friends parents got him an altima.

i was just curious about what you guys think. i think the altima is a bit more expensive though, no?

LOL, so you wanted us to validate both your parents' indulgence? Both cars are good choices, so don't sweat it. If you wish, you can view your Camry as more 'grown-up' and that'll impress some chicks.

 

[ManBearPig]

No really lol, it's not a big deal. trust me, i'm happy and like my camry, but i was just wondering what you guys thought haha.

 

[AudiPorsche]

you wont notice a difference in speed between the two... even if the numbers say otherwise. Remember they are 4 door econ midsize sedans... as long as it can decently merge on the highway, you are good to go.

 

[JohnCU]

I bought an 07 3.5SE Altima last friday and love it, getting from 0-60 in about 6.3~ secondsish.

 

[CrystalBay]

Better fit and finish for the Toyate FTW...

 

[redgtxdi]

If Nissan can ever get rid of them Fckin' TEZizzZZle tailights.........(for cryin' outloud)........then perhaps I'd even consider one.


But considering my personal history w/ both.........I'd give the nod to Toyota every day of the week and twice on Sunday.


That said................I'd be very leary of saying to wait for the '08 Accord. Every time in the last decade that we've thought the "NEXT BIG THING" was gonna be the shizznit.........it hasn't really been. (Dare I say that the Hyundai Sonata has been the biggest splash in mid-size sedan recent history?)

Basic makeover..........not much else. Honda's had the opportunity to reduce road & tire noise ever since Toyota first started lining their trunks w/ carpet & they haven't gotten the job done.

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: redgtxdi
If Nissan can ever get rid of them Fckin' TEZizzZZle tailights.........(for cryin' outloud)........then perhaps I'd even consider one.


But considering my personal history w/ both.........I'd give the nod to Toyota every day of the week and twice on Sunday.


That said................I'd be very leary of saying to wait for the '08 Accord. Every time in the last decade that we've thought the "NEXT BIG THING" was gonna be the shizznit.........it hasn't really been. (Dare I say that the Hyundai Sonata has been the biggest splash in mid-size sedan recent history?)

Basic makeover..........not much else. Honda's had the opportunity to reduce road & tire noise ever since Toyota first started lining their trunks w/ carpet & they haven't gotten the job done.

My Altima has the trunk carpeted and the inside of the wheel walls (?)

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: Captante

Depends on what you mean by "better" ... I've driven several new Camrys & I must have missed the cheap interior you mentioned & although I havn't driven a new Altima, I have driven a Maxima & while it is a much sportier/faster car then a Camry, its interior was the one that seemed cheap to me. As for the transmission problems, from what I've read they apply to 6-speed automatics manufactured in 2005 & early 2006 & the problem has since been corrected.

Also the Camry competes with mid-range luxury cars like Buicks ... what exactly do you expect them to handle like?

Bottom line is that wether you personally like Camrys is one thing, but theres a reason that they are top rated cars in build quality & its not because they suck ... people don't buy Camrys to go fast, they buy them to ride quietly & smoothly down the highway with 2 kids in the back seat & a trunk load of groceries... if you buy one with the intention of using it as a sports car you'll be in for a letdown.

Compare the 2007 Camry's with previous gen models. The interior quality took two steps backwards in fit and finish. It is seriously cheap looking and feeling. The back seats are horrible. I think of 80's IKEA furniture when sitting on it's low rent cushioning. I don't know what effect they were going for on the plastics on the dash. It doesn't work. Maybe they are trying something cost effective with the low gloss finish and softer colors. Problem is, it was done poorly. I'd rather have something in higher gloss. Cheaper looking but more durable.
Every time I get in my friends Camry, I think I am going to scratch something. On occasion , I do just by having my knee kick the door panel on getting out of the car. Or my backpack doing the same.