Whether you call them bread-and-butter cars or mainstreamers, one thing's for certain: The four automobiles we've assembled here — the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry — truly represent America's top models. Forget hotcakes, because midsize sedans sell like iPods.
True, the volume sellers are entry-level variants equipped with four-cylinder engines and rudimentary appointments. But for those families with the means, a slice of luxury to go with a main dish of practicality makes the whole sedan meal a lot more appetizing. And what's more appealing than a smooth, powerful V6 and a host of amenities?
Each of the four entrants chosen for our comparison test represents the highest available trim level, and each is also packed with nearly every available option and an overachieving V6 power plant driving the front wheels. Heck, the least powerful engine in this test churns out 252 horsepower, a figure that was unheard of in the mainstream sedan world not long ago.
When we last rounded up V6-powered family sedans in March 2006, the 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6 came out on top, granting it an instant ticket to this year's face-off. But the competition is much different now, and its rivals this time around include the Nissan Altima, wholly redesigned in 2007, and all-new 2008 versions of the Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord.
We offered up two of our long-term test cars for this comparison test, a 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE and a 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 with Navigation. The Altima is equipped with a $6,400 technology package which requires a $900 stability control package, plus a $130 set of splash guards. Honda's option strategy is a bit tricky, as the company simply offers several trim levels with increasing levels of standard equipment. For example, our Accord EX-L with Navigation is equipped with no options yet carries XM satellite radio, leather, premium audio, dual-zone HVAC and navigation as "standard."
The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ in this comparison test, optioned only with a $250 Rear Power Package, is so new that it was driven to our office straight from the model's introduction to the media. All three sedans faced off against a 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6, this time optioned with a $1,200 navigation package, a $650 stability control option, a $450 smart key system, $440 worth of heated front seats and a $199 carpet/trunk mat set.
The as-tested prices of the vehicles range from a low of $27,245 for the Malibu to a high of $32,545 for the Altima. As comprehensively equipped as these midsizers are, they aren't luxury sedans, so value counts for a lot. Price alone accounts for 25 percent of each car's final score, with feature content responsible for another 20 percent.
4th Place: 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6
Kapow! The Camry, the clear winner of our last comparison test for V6 sedans, has been blown off by its newly refurbished rivals. Though it finishes in last place, the Camry remains well-equipped and powerful, but it's simply been leapfrogged by a new generation of competitors, largely because of driving dynamics.
And we're not just referring to driving on the ragged edge like some hooligan either. Even in routine driving, the Camry's soft ride and deliberate chassis responses make it feel poorly controlled, as if it's wallowing down the road. Similarly, the Camry's steering is reasonably precise, yet it feels almost completely numb. The result is a limp driving character that seems even more pronounced in contrast to the far more engaging personalities of its rivals. The Malibu in particular demonstrates that body control and a compliant ride are not mutually exclusive.
Then you floor the throttle and the Camry aims to erase these impressions, flinging itself to the quarter-mile mark in 14.9 seconds at 96.4 mph, quicker and faster than any other car in this test. Its 268-hp V6 and six-speed automatic combine to deliver a sweet powertrain, with plenty of power everywhere in the rev range and a willingness to flex its muscles even during routine driving. Several times we found ourselves remarking that the Camry's chassis is almost comically overshadowed by the refined performance of this V6.
Front headroom is tight for anyone taller than 6 feet, but the Camry XLE's backseat accommodations are pretty luxurious. There is plenty of space, plus contoured seats that recline, a feature not found in any of the other sedans. Unfortunately, this design forces the deletion of the 60/40-split-folding function, and there's just a small pass-through into the trunk. Lesser trim levels of the Camry offer a split-folding seat, so you can decide whether your priority is passenger accommodation or available cargo volume.
The build quality of our Camry test car trailed the others, and we noted more inconsistent interior panel gaps and interior squeaks and rattles than we'd expect from a car with fewer than 11,000 miles. The equipment level of this XLE model is fairly high, but it also results in the second highest as-tested price of $31,619, which proves to be yet another factor that weighs against it in the final analysis.
Time has marched on, and what was outstanding a year ago is merely good today.
3rd Place: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ
The 2008 Malibu has literally entered the big time. Riding on a longer wheelbase and weighing more than any of its rivals, the 2008 Malibu has stepped up both its size and its game. As if to underscore its arrival, the big Chevy's presence is graced with distinctively elegant styling.
At the same time, there are practical compromises forced by the Malibu's style. The small greenhouse and thick C-pillars noticeably compromise outward visibility and impart a less spacious feel to the cabin. Meanwhile, the high-bustle tail has the highest trunk liftover height in our test. On the plus side, the Malibu's deck lid has scissor-type hinges that don't intrude on trunk space at all, unlike the gooseneck hinges on the other cars.
Though our opinions about the interior color scheme of this Malibu LTZ were sharply divided, we all agree that the interior itself simultaneously impresses and frustrates. The Malibu's dashboard is impeccably fitted, yet the black plastic pieces look cheap. And if you're looking for dual-zone HVAC, Bluetooth compatibility, and keyless ignition, you won't find them in the Malibu, as this car's cost-conscious character means they can't even be found on the options list. However, OnStar is standard on the Malibu, a feature no other car in this comparison offers.
Freeway cruises are a treat in the Malibu, as it's extremely quiet and quells wind noise better than any other car in our test. The front seats were universally lauded as the best in this bunch thanks to a first-rate combination of both comfort and support. By contrast, the rear seat offers the least amount of useful space and the fewest frills of all the cars here. Rear headroom is snug, the seat cushions are flat and there's no flip-down center armrest. (The Malibu is the only car here without one.)
On the dynamic front, the Malibu's steering lacks feel, yet the effort loads up nicely in a corner and matches the well-controlled body motions. In fact, the Malibu sports the best compromise between ride and handling in our test, admirably dispensing with road harshness while still maintaining composure on winding bits of pavement. Moreover, the Malibu's brakes have plenty of stopping power, and this car turns in the shortest stopping distance from 60 mph.
The Malibu ties the Camry in the sprint to 60 mph and posts the second-quickest quarter-mile time thanks to the solid traction available when it's launched hard. The Chevy's trap speed in the quarter-mile reflects a power deficit in this comparison, yet 252 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque from the 3.6-liter DOHC V6 ensure the Malibu never feels lacking for oomph when the throttle pedal meets the carpet.
The Malibu's six-speed automatic transmission garners some black marks from us due to its lazy part-throttle calibration, which dulls the engine's potency. Top gear is summoned at every opportunity, and the gearbox doggedly refuses to downshift in a timely fashion. This is clearly a measure to enhance fuel economy, yet it also gives the car a sluggish disposition around town despite the V6's respectably broad power band.
With a $27,245 as-tested price that undercuts its competition, the Malibu has a head start in our test scoring, but a relative lack of equipment and indifferent evaluation scores ultimately place it midpack. These shortcomings aside, the Malibu is a stylish, impressive car that commands attention and also deserves it.
2nd Place: 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE
Of all the sedans tested here, the Nissan Altima is the most sporting of the bunch. Not just because it blasts past the competition with a 67.3-mph pass through the slalom, but also because it feels just right through the controls. Thanks to the weight of the steering effort and character of the response, the action and feel of the brake pedal, and the suspension's firm control of body motion, the Altima speaks more clearly to enthusiasts than any other car here.
At the same time, you don't have to be a car nut to appreciate the benefits of a communicative driving experience. The more attuned a driver is to a vehicle, the more confidence he will have behind the wheel. And as far as we're concerned, safety begins with confidence.
Stiff tire sidewalls and firm damping contribute to the Nissan's precise character on the road, but they also produce a choppy ride, and this is the downside to the Altima's sporty bent. In addition, this is the only car in our test that recommends the use of premium fuel — the others drink regular, which can add up to real savings in the long run.
Nissan's 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 has received accolades for years, and it remains a terrific all-around performer. The big surprise this time is that the Altima's continuously variable transmission (CVT) reaps the highest scores of any gearbox in our test.
This CVT behaves as if it's been hard-wired into the mind of the driver, as its ability to know when to let 'er rip and when to dial things back is completely uncanny. The CVT also helps lend the Altima a far more eager disposition than the quicker-by-the-clock Malibu. And we love the CVT's refined yet super-quick manual-mode shift program.
Broad, flat front seats are a glaring flaw in the Altima's driver-oriented mission, as they don't provide the support that's necessary. Backseat passengers fare better, though headroom is lacking. The surroundings in either situation are of high quality, if on the austere side.
If you want features, the Altima is the car for you. Armed with a back-up camera, dual-zone HVAC, a keyless ignition system, DVD-based navigation, sunroof and Bluetooth, our Altima is the most comprehensively equipped sedan here.
You pay for all this, though. At $32,545 as-tested, the Altima is the most expensive car of the bunch, a factor that takes a toll on the car's final placement in this comparison. And be aware that the Altima's options are clustered into expensive packages rather than being available à la carte.
1st Place: 2008 Honda Accord EX-L
The 2008 Accord isn't the cheapest, fastest or most feature-laden car in our comparison. But if you're familiar with the Goldilocks effect, you already know how the Accord came to finish in 1st place.
The Accord is a full 2.4 inches wider than the Malibu and devotes all of this to interior space, and the result is a notable impression of spaciousness combined with excellent visibility. Rear seat passengers are likewise treated very well, with ample thigh support and space easily sufficient for 6-footers during long road trips. There are also more useful storage bins and little nooks than in the other cars in this comparison.
The quality of the materials is best in class. And since there are few of the usual chrome-plated bits masquerading as style items, the number of distracting reflections is kept to an absolute minimum. One area of the interior that could use some more work is the busy collection of buttons on the Accord's center stack. They're large and clearly labeled, but there are just too many of them lined up like bathroom tiles. On the other hand, the interface for the Accord EX-L's navigation system is the most intuitive to use by far, and there's thankfully no touchscreen to accumulate smeared fingerprints.
Though it has a large cabin, the Accord doesn't drive like a large car. Its steering manages to be quick and communicative right around center, and this helps make the driving experience feel natural and intuitive. As it goes down the road, the Accord responds to surface imperfections with crisp suspension action that has just enough compliance to minimize complaints from the passengers, yet keep the driver in touch with reality. At the same time, we'll acknowledge that the Accord does feel a little too busy over some pocks and bumps, so the Honda engineers still have something to fuss over.
Acceleration from the Accord's mannerly 3.5-liter SOHC V6 trails the pack on paper, since midrange grunt is not this engine's strong suit. Nevertheless, the Accord manages to squirt through the urban jungle with respectable speed thanks in large part to its cooperative five-speed transmission. Though the competition has adopted six-speed transmissions, Honda's five-speed manages to overcome its disadvantage with smart calibration and quick shift action. You won't miss the extra gear while climbing hills, since the transmission's excellent grade logic makes for frustration-free ascents.
This V6 also incorporates cylinder deactivation, a system that promises to improve fuel economy, and it's easier to feel the transition between the system's modes than we'd hoped. Nevertheless, the Accord's EPA fuel economy estimates of 19 city/29 highway are the best in this group (once the 2007 models are adjusted to the 2008 EPA standards), and we're curious to see if the expected gains will materialize during our extended test of this long-term car. So far we've seen an average of 22.8 mpg over 2,200 miles, just slightly better than the 21.2 mpg over 18,575 miles recorded by our long-term Altima.
Chart-topping evaluation scores and strong feature content at the second-lowest price in our test give the Accord the edge. And this reflects the wave of progress in this class of family sedans. Though these cars are not Camry-like in detail, they share the Camry's overall spirit of well-equipped quality, a measure of luxury in the family sedan world. The Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry have now left behind any overtones of down-size cheapness and embraced a new spirit of full-size sophistication.
The manufacturers provided Edmunds these vehicles for the purposes of evaluation.
Top 8 Features
Equipment levels in midsize family sedans are soaring. The scoring of features is based upon whether a test vehicle has been equipped with a particular feature as standard, optional and included in our as-tested price, optional but not included, or not available at all on that particular model.
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| Bluetooth connectivity | N/A | S | O | S |
| Dual-zone HVAC | N/A | S | O | O |
| Keyless ignition/entry | N/A | N/A | O | O |
| Permanent navigation system | N/A | S | O | O |
| Power moonroof | O | S | O | S |
| Split-folding rear seat | S | S | S | N/A |
| Stability control | S | S | O | O |
| Transmission manual mode | S | N/A | S | S |
Key:
S: Standard
O: Optional
N/A: Not Available
Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth provides a way to connect and exchange information between a mobile phone and the car's audio system over a secure, globally unlicensed short-range radio frequency.
Dual-zone HVAC: Rarely do front seat occupants want to be the same temperature, so it's a boon for settling down finicky road trip companions.
Keyless ignition/entry: So-called "smart" or "intelligent" key systems by which the owner of the key fob can unlock and start the car without having to remove the fob from his or her pocket.
Permanent navigation system: No longer a luxury-only amenity, these systems go a long way toward enhancing any car's practicality. The Malibu's OnStar subscription service offers some of a navigation system's functionality via a monthly subscription but lacks a visual interface.
Power moonroof: One of the most popular options in cars is becoming commonplace. Slide back the shade to meter sunlight or retract it entirely for open air.
Split-folding rear seat: All offer 60/40-split-folding rear seats but the Camry XLE V6 replaces this with a reclining backseat — neat, but not as useful.
Stability control: In a few years, stability control will be required for all cars. Not yet, though, and only the Malibu and Accord have it as standard equipment.
Transmission manual mode: Great for engine braking or just keeping the engine speed from falling on a spirited drive. Only the Accord lacks it.
Data and Charts
Dimensions
Engine & Transmission Specifications
Warranty Information
Performance Information
| Exterior Dimensions & Capacities | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| Length, in. | 191.8 | 194.3 | 189.8 | 189.2 |
| Width, in. | 70.3 | 72.7 | 70.7 | 71.7 |
| Height, in. | 57.1 | 58.1 | 57.9 | 57.9 |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.3 | 110.2 | 109.3 | 109.3 |
| Manufacturer Curb Weight, lb. | 3,643 | 3,579 | 3,455 | 3,493 |
| Turning Circle, ft. | 40.4 | 37.7 | 37.4 | 36.1 |
| Interior Dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| Front headroom, in. | 39.4 | 39.0 | 40.6 | 37.9 |
| Rear headroom, in. | 37.2 | 37.2 | 36.8 | 37.4 |
| Front shoulder room, in. | 55.9 | 58.2 | 55.7 | 57.8 |
| Rear shoulder room, in. | 53.9 | 56.4 | 55.5 | 56.9 |
| Front legroom, in. | 42.2 | 42.5 | 42.2 | 41.7 |
| Rear legroom, in. | 37.6 | 37.2 | 34.5 | 38.3 |
| Trunk Dimensions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| Capacity (cubic feet) | 15.1 | 14.0 | 15.3 | 14.5 |
| Liftover height, in. (from ground to loading deck) | 30.3 | 28.3 | 25.5 | 28.0 |
| Depth, in. (from trunk floor to top of trunk) | 18.0 | 21.0 | 20.3 | 20.8 |
| Width, in. (across center of aperture) | 37.0 | 44.3 | 46.3 | 50.3 |
| Engine & Transmission | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| Displacement (cc / cu-in): |
3600 (220) | 3500 (214) | 3500 (214) | 3500 (214) |
| Engine Type | DOHC V6 | SOHC V6 | DOHC V6 | DOHC V6 |
| Horsepower (SAE) @ rpm | 252 @ 6,300 | 268 @ 6,200 | 270 @ 6,000 | 268 @ 6,200 |
| Max. Torque, lb-ft @ rpm | 251 @ 3,200 | 248 @ 5,000 | 258 @ 4,400 | 248 @ 4,700 |
| Transmission | 6A | 5A | CVT | 6A |
| 2008 EPA Fuel Economy City, mpg | 17 | 19 | 19* | 19* |
| 2008 EPA Fuel Economy Hwy, mpg | 26 | 29 | 26* | 28* |
| Edmunds Observed Fuel Economy combined, (best/worst) mpg | 22.5 (over 2,582 miles) | 22.8 (over 2,196 miles) | 21.2 (over 18,575 miles) | 19.8 (over 638 miles) |
| Warranty Information | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years/100,000 miles | N/A | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Corrosion Protection | 6 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/Unlimited miles | 5 years/Unlimited miles | 5 years/Unlimited miles |
| Performance Information | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| 0-60 mph acceleration, sec. | 6.6 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 6.6 |
| Quarter-mile acceleration, sec. | 15.1 | 15.3 | 15.2 | 14.9 |
| Quarter-mile speed, mph | 92.9 | 95.4 | 94.8 | 96.4 |
| 60-0-mph braking, feet | 123 | 127 | 129 | 128 |
| Lateral Acceleration, g | 0.80 | 0.80 | 0.78 | 0.75 |
| 600-ft slalom, mph | 64.5 | 65.6 | 67.3 | 62.9 |
Second Opinion
Associate Editor James Riswick says:
Rome wasn't built in a day. It also wasn't rebuilt in a day after the Goths sacked it into the Dark Ages. So if history tells me anything, it's that it was a tall order to have expected the Chevy Malibu to go from forgotten segment also-ran to all-conquering hero. It's a pretty good car — certainly the style leader — but Chevy still hasn't nailed it.
But there is hope, and for proof, look no further than the Nissan Altima. Like the 2008 Malibu, the last-generation Altima came close to the mighty Accord, but ultimately lacked the polish necessary to seriously threaten a sedan that had honed its class-leading goodness for decades. This new Altima packs plenty of polish, both in terms of its well-crafted interior and sport-sedanlike driving dynamics. If not for the all-new Accord, this would have been a slam dunk for me.
But there is an all-new Accord and it's excellent. Where it loses to the Altima in all-out fun, it compensates by being the epitome of the term "well-rounded." Power, fuel economy, handling, build quality, electronics control, interior space — you name it, the Accord does it well or the best.
On the other hand, the Camry is just a mess. The engine is a marvel of power-to-fuel-economy ratio, but it's attached to a car completely unprepared for that much gusto. While the Altima's steering is light and communicative, the Camry's is light and clueless. The suspension clop-clops over bumpy roads, and the chassis feels just a hair more solid than linguini al dente. Plus, the interior isn't particularly impressive. Like Dancing with the Stars, I don't get why America loves the thing so much.
Yet America loves the Accord, too, (it's now the country's best-selling car) and with a little more polish, there's no reason they shouldn't love the Chevy Malibu as well.
Final Rankings and Scoring Explanation
| Final Rankings | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item Weight | 2008 Honda Accord EX-L | 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE | 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ | 2007 Toyota Camry XLE | |
| Personal Rating | 7.5% | 91.7 | 83.3 | 50.0 | 25.0 |
| Recommended Rating | 7.5% | 100.0 | 58.3 | 66.7 | 25.0 |
| Evaluation Score | 25% | 78.9 | 77.1 | 75.1 | 71.9 |
| Feature Content | 20% | 75.0 | 75.0 | 41.7 | 70.8 |
| Performance | 15% | 90.0 | 92.1 | 91.6 | 86.8 |
| Price | 25% | 86.6 | 80.5 | 100.0 | 83.9 |
| Total Score | 100.0% | 84.2 | 78.9 | 74.6 | 69.9 |
| Final Ranking | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
Personal Rating (7.5%): Purely subjective. After the test, each participating editor was asked to rank the vehicles in order of preference based on which he or she would buy if money were no object.
Recommended Rating (7.5%): After the test, each participating editor was asked to rank the vehicles in order of preference based on which he or she thought would be best for the average consumer shopping in this segment.
28-Point Evaluation (25%): Each participating editor ranked every vehicle based on a comprehensive 28-point evaluation. The evaluation covered everything from exterior design to cupholders. Scoring was calculated on a point system, and the scores listed are averages based on all test participants' evaluations.
Feature Content (20%): For this category, the editors picked the top eight features they thought would be most beneficial to the consumer shopping in this segment. For each vehicle, the score was based on the number of actual features it had versus the total possible. Standard and optional equipment were taken into consideration.
Performance Testing (15%): All four cars were put through a comprehensive battery of instrumented tests, including 0-60-mph acceleration, quarter-mile runs and panic stops from 60 mph. They were also run through a 600-foot slalom course to test transitional handling, and around a skid pad to determine ultimate grip. The vehicles were awarded points based on how close they came to the best performing vehicle's score in each category.
Price (25%): The numbers listed were the result of a simple percentage calculation based on the least expensive vehicle in the comparison test. Using the "as-tested" prices of the actual evaluation vehicles, the least expensive vehicle received a score of 100, with the remaining vehicles receiving lesser scores based on how much each one costs.