Car and Driver Car of the Year Issue - E-class v. Honda Accord
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
As we age we can lose the gusto and mojo. Priorities change, it become more important to surry over to The Olive Garden in ones practical ride, a badge of honor, becoming one with 50th percentile. I dig it, groovy. Regards. Ned.
from Weeds haha
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From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
a couple years back, I was considering a 2014 accord EXLV6 which were a little over $30k at the time. I decided to shop used luxury in the low $30k's which led me to my 2011 E550 P2 4matic. More features and power (but the v6 was plenty for me) and less depreciation offset by higher maintenance and operating costs. Still think I made the right call.
When you can buy 2 accords new for one new e class the comparison is too much considering they both get the job done. But bring the price points closer and the comparison becomes more fair.
When you can buy 2 accords new for one new e class the comparison is too much considering they both get the job done. But bring the price points closer and the comparison becomes more fair.
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From: Bromley, UK
2017 C43 AMG Saloon
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From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
You do realize that what Joplin sang was not complimentary about material things, including an MB
BTW, S Class buyers think the E Class is a great car for budget minded folks. Bottom line is that an Accord is a rock solidly engineered car. Built to meet a price point.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 344
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From: Florida & New Jersey
2017 E300 4matic Sport
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 908
Likes: 19
From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
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From: Dallas TX
2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
I must respectfully disagree with this assessment. The Accord has always been praised for its ergonomics, ride, and build quality - By professional reviewers and consumers alike. They punch way above their price bracket and has been known for their driver oriented attitude. The Accord and the Odyssey have no problem remaining calm and composed at ~115MPH. Yes, I've driven them at that speed. My son's 2003 Accord has no squeak, rattle, or any problem when we gave it to a friend last summer. Sadly, it was totaled by a 17YO when he drag raced it.
Sure, Honda has no chance to reach the par sets by MB. But at half the price, the Accord is not cheaply built and goes toe-to-toe against the E300 for the values offered for each hard earned dollar you spend on them.
Sure, Honda has no chance to reach the par sets by MB. But at half the price, the Accord is not cheaply built and goes toe-to-toe against the E300 for the values offered for each hard earned dollar you spend on them.
M
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From: CA, USA
E300 P03
When all merits are accounted for, the Accord has been favorably assessed by Automobile Magazine, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, KBB, JD Powers, and has won the 10 Best award 30 times. How many other cars, regardless of price, can claim that record? I hope you'll find the description "punching above its weight" is apt in this case. You can also find other reviews where this accolade was given to the Accord as well.
Best,
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From: DFW
2022 E350 Diamond White Metallic, 2016 GLC300 Dakota Brown Metallic
I have own BMWs, Audi, VWs, Mercedes, as well as RR. In addition, I have owned many Honda products. My Hondas were some of the best built/ trouble free vehicles I have ever owned.
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
2012 E350
I've had BMW/Audi/MB and Hondas and I also agree that Hondas are some of the best built and trouble free cars I've owned.
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17 E43; 21 GLS580
With all due respect, it's an opinion formed when the dealer gave me a CLA250 loaner car. The CLA is MB's foray into the $30K territory normally dominated by Camry and Accord. They are often mentioned together by the press. The CLA has pizzaz, style, and prestige. The harsh ride and lack of amenities left me cold. The Accord is a mundane, practical, and a better car for the same price. Don't take my word for it, check the mercedescla.org forum for yourself.
When all merits are accounted for, the Accord has been favorably assessed by Automobile Magazine, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, KBB, JD Powers, and has won the 10 Best award 30 times. How many other cars, regardless of price, can claim that record? I hope you'll find the description "punching above its weight" is apt in this case. You can also find other reviews where this accolade was given to the Accord as well.
Best,
When all merits are accounted for, the Accord has been favorably assessed by Automobile Magazine, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, KBB, JD Powers, and has won the 10 Best award 30 times. How many other cars, regardless of price, can claim that record? I hope you'll find the description "punching above its weight" is apt in this case. You can also find other reviews where this accolade was given to the Accord as well.
Best,
The CLA 45, on the other hand, is a different story.
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From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Two of the best vehicles I have ever owned - one a Honda and one a MB. My current is the CLS550 which incontestably is the best and most fun for me in over 50 years of driving.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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2012 CLS550, 1994 Chevy K1500
My three favorite vehicles I have owned: '95 BMW M3, 2012 CLS550 (current daily driver)...and 1986 Honda Civic Si. I will say my current favorite is the CLS. But I've got fond memories of the M3 and the Si. Not so much for the '76 Chevy Vega, orange with the worst fake wood siding this side of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster (National Lampoon Vacation reference).
My parents have had a series of Accords. They routinely trade when they hit 200-225K miles; that's reliabilty in 3 straight Accords to well over 200K miles for them. No question what their next car will be.
My parents have had a series of Accords. They routinely trade when they hit 200-225K miles; that's reliabilty in 3 straight Accords to well over 200K miles for them. No question what their next car will be.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
With all due respect, it's an opinion formed when the dealer gave me a CLA250 loaner car. The CLA is MB's foray into the $30K territory normally dominated by Camry and Accord. They are often mentioned together by the press. The CLA has pizzaz, style, and prestige. The harsh ride and lack of amenities left me cold. The Accord is a mundane, practical, and a better car for the same price. Don't take my word for it, check the mercedescla.org forum for yourself.
When all merits are accounted for, the Accord has been favorably assessed by Automobile Magazine, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, KBB, JD Powers, and has won the 10 Best award 30 times. How many other cars, regardless of price, can claim that record? I hope you'll find the description "punching above its weight" is apt in this case. You can also find other reviews where this accolade was given to the Accord as well.
Best,
When all merits are accounted for, the Accord has been favorably assessed by Automobile Magazine, Motor Trend, Car and Driver, KBB, JD Powers, and has won the 10 Best award 30 times. How many other cars, regardless of price, can claim that record? I hope you'll find the description "punching above its weight" is apt in this case. You can also find other reviews where this accolade was given to the Accord as well.
Best,
Completely agree.
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
In actuality, I admire the Accord as my son survived a head on collision when an oncoming pickup lost control and crashed into the Accord he was driving. He escaped with a broken collarbone (after they used "jaws of life" to pry the car open) and his passenger had two broken tibias. The interior, however, did look rather poorly after the crash.
Whichever floats your boat; both Accords and E-Class have their pros and cons. So long as *you're* happy with your choice. Happy motoring.
