Ok so I've come full circle back around to the Accord.. But in the process, I've learned a great deal and gotten to drive a few:
Driven sofar: 07 Altima S 2.4L CVT 07 Accord EX-L 2.4 auto 07 Impreza Wagon.. just to get the feel for the 2.5 boxer and subies manual 07 Outback 2.5i Limited 07 Forester 2.5x LL Bean
Quite an array of cars, I'd say. The outback and the forester are very close in price, which is surprising after driving.. The outback rides and fit and finish and cabin noise are far superior along with cargo space, ground clearance and the seq. shift tranny.. a 4 speed, no less, but seems to fit nicely with that 2.5 (non-turbo) engine. Pricey cars when loaded though.. Pushing the high 20's for leather automatics. The outback is almost "plush", the forester is noisy, plastic and due for a refresh/redesign, but peppy and handles well on the Impreza chassis, trading off the ride quality. Easier in tight spots with the shorter wheelbase too. Both I believe to be very safe cars. Issues with 02 and prior with head gaskets. Outbacks made in Indiana, Foresters made in Japan.. Engines in both from Indiana. That's about it. Excellent local subie salesman by the way.. Quite knowledgeable and working hard for the sale.
The altima was infact a great driver.. Great handling, ride, engine, and the CVT was the first auto-tranny I've actually "liked". Given the engine as a new car, I'd say it has doggone near Honda performance.. BUT, the track record, the bad reviews, the recalls, the horror stories of engines blowing up from manifold screws etc.. No can do.. No peace of mind with this car. No clue where they're made, maybe mississippi or somewhere. Emailed two sales people at the dealer about the engine issues and NO, NADA, ZILCH replies, positive or negative. I guess the less said the better about it.
The Accord was the second car I've driven and I have to admit, I haven't found it's equal in pretty much everything overall.. The engine was the best part, the suspension next, then the fit and finish. Seats might err on the side of a bit narrow for a 250 pounder like myself, but I imagine they'd break in a bit. The sales monsters at the dealer scare me on a scale not unlike my local Harley dealer though.. I guess when you have THE product, you can afford a bit of hard sell and slick moves the other guys would only lose customers for. Cutting the deal together would definitely be played hardball with multi-dealer and online-dealer quotes.
What's left to drive?? A Camry SE? Haven't done it yet. We have a Sienna van AWD that we do love and has been a fabulous car and at the time, impressed us far more than the Odyssey, though you have to watch the oil changes in their V-6's (sludging, I'm reading here and there). But I do think I need to drive a camry to see just how much car the #1 is in performance, cabin noise, finish, build, engine, tranny, etc.
Anyway, so I'm dragging it out waaaaay too much, but given I don't have to buy anything now, and I'm one of those that buys the car for the long long haul until it just plain has to be replaced, I'm taking my time for the best decision. Just an update.. Opinions, recommendations, suggestions, etc all welcome.
