Consumer reports rates both sedans quite highly, though the Accord narrowly beats the Camry (79-77). Here's what they say about both, along with the highs and lows of each.
Highs: Handling, transmission, ride, rear-seat room, driving position, visibility, controls, crash-test results.
Lows: Road noise, no trip computer.
The Accord is one of the best family sedans on the market. It has a roomy cabin, agile handling, and a steady, compliant ride. Most controls are logically arranged. The driving position is excellent, the seats are supportive, and visibility is impressive. The automatic shifts very smoothly and responsively. The four-cylinder engine is smoother than some V6 engines and gets 23 mpg. The V6 model is very quick and polished, but fuel economy of 21 mpg overall isn't as good as in the previous generation. Road noise is still a bit noticeable. All models have standard stability control.
Highs: Ride, quietness, fuel economy, interior storage.
Lows: Thigh support for some drivers, no folding rear seat on some trims
The Toyota Camry is roomy and quiet, has a comfortable ride, and is refined. Power comes from a strong 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It returns 23 mpg overall, just one less than the four-cylinder. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder is also responsive and relatively refined. A four-cylinder hybrid version returned an impressive 34 mpg overall. Handling is responsive and secure but not sporty. The interior is spacious. Curtain air bags are standard. Reliability of the four-cylinder non-hybrid and the V6 versions is average while the hybrid is well above average. The 2010 model is now on sale with a new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and standard stability control.
Both will have exceptional reliability and resale value. I'd advise test driving both and choose the one you like best. You can't go wrong with either, though. Good luck.
