Honda Accord vs. Nissan Maxima

There are just a handful of automobile manufacturers who have earned a trustworthy reputation. Not only because they make great looking cars, but because they make functional, reliable and intelligently engineered automobiles for everyday use. One of those companies is Honda, and in this review we take another look at their flagship brand – the Accord – side by side with one of its chief rivals in the midsize family sedan segment, the Nissan Maxima.

We start out with the basic model Honda Accord LX, which has a 2.4L inline-4 engine, that produces 177 horsepower at 6,500 RPM. This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, and has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for city and highway driving. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this model is $21,765.

Nissan, on the other hand, starts with a rather steep base price of $30,160, for its entry level Maxima S. For that amount you get a 3.5 liter V6 engine, which is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission gearbox. This hefty engine produces 290 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and is, quite naturally, a bit thirsty, with a 19 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

Both these cars offer 4-wheel anti-lock braking systems on all-disc brakes, and are front-wheel driven. The Honda Accord wears standard 16-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 215/60 All-Season tires, while the Maxima has sportier 18-inch rims, wrapped by 245/55 All-Season rubber. In terms of curb weight, the Accord LX is a slightly trim 3230 lbs. compared to the Maxima’s 3556 lbs.

One must remember though, that all these numbers are for the entry-level models only, for both car manufacturers. Things get a bit more upscale, more competitive and pricier as you go up the different trim levels.

The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely, the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.

Nissan Maxima buyers have just two model trims from which to make their choice, which are either the aforementioned 3.5S-CVT, or the upgraded 3.5SV-CVT.

Numbers and letters aside, what buyers really consider the most these days is getting more out of their hard-earned money, and this is where some key features are important. Climate control, cargo net, rear spoiler and even satellite radio can be found as standard or optional equipment on the Accord, while the Maxima can only offer an outside temperature gauge (which the Accord does not have). Those little things could just be the deciding factor when choosing between these two cars, and with that rather huge price difference, it’s a safe bet to stick with the Accord, as it really has the better performance.

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