Lamar

My dad's old BMW 735i (RIP) had buttons in the center as well. It's not a bad thing.

So, aside from the transmissions and the increase in the Accord's size, the cars are virtually fraternal twins. Oh yeah, Frogger, that's a MT comparo, not C&D like you have in the topic title.

I wonder whatever happened to the 300 HP that was supposed to blow everyone else out of the water...

I predict that sooner or later, the mentality to "play it safe" design-wise is gonna catch up with Honda just like it did GM and Ford. I have almost* nothing against this Accord; it looks to be a decent enough car in and of itself. But there's nothing about it that makes me want to go get it instead of someone else's car. * The ION wants its tail end back.

Probably not, since the ES350 isn't bashed for being a Camry clone by anyone but... well, us...

Actually, the IS is not related to the Camry at all... and it's 9 inches shorter. Everything else you said is pretty much on point though. Toyota designs age especially quickly. I actually like the new IS design, but it will need a refresh in about 2 years time when all of the other luxury sport models outclass it.

I think I figured it out. It's all a scheme. Toyota comes out with this, but it's so boring that buyers instead opt for the much more expensive Lexus LX. Nice try, Toyota, but you can't put one over on me!

Story and pics can be found here. Though I wouldn't get one, I'm liking it. LOVE the gauges.

Source: Detroit Free Press Discuss.

So do I... but 40 occurrences of the same problem is somewhat alarming.

Agreed. One of the major gripes I heard about the Impala was that it wasn't RWD like the previous one (the big SS). Done right, this car could attract a HUGE fanbase of current, new, and previous Impala owners.

Although I like the G8, I have to agree with you.

They did the same thing with the LS sedan last year.

It's like an underachieving professional sports team with sucky players that fires the coach.

MT did a long-term test of the Camry Hybrid (Sep '07 issue). After 13 months and 20K miles, apparently the transition from engine-on to engine-off gets rougher and more noticeable. I wonder what happens if that switch (I assume that's what it is) gives out completely?

I actually like the woodgrain... by itself. I'm not feelin the gray-and-brown. Either shades of all gray or shades of all brown... both together doesn't work.

Like maybe the Solstice GXP/Sky Red Line engine? I'd have to agree.

Or Avalon, even.

The looks whisper sporty and fun. With that little engine, though, it screams Scion.

It's not on the website (some silver instead)... must be saving it for later. O/T, vt_hokie, what year did you graduate? Class of '05 here.

I don't think Fiddy would dare get caught driving a G5...

Oh, gosh... don't give them ideas.

... at a $30,000 premium.

No problems with this, but... Why do they all have to be the same color (or trim line, for that matter)? Was it just easier to order? It woulda been hot to see some SS models in there.

That's how the rich get richer.