This is the second of four behind-the-scenes looks at our 2012 10Best Cars competition; you can read the rest of the posts here. Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday, December 6, to see the full list of this year’s winners.
The coffee is early today, even though some of us aren’t. No one, however, wastes any time getting behind a steering wheel upon their arrival. The first day was an orientation, to get a feel for what’s here and to hatch a personal plan for working through the fleet. There’s no prescribed procedure. Some of us drive each car within a given class, others choose their next car according to make, and some simply proceed at random. By today, each of us has settled into a routine.
With the new Toyota Camry in the mix, we wonder about the possibility of Honda’s Accord being edged out of its perennial spot on the 10Best list. Despite selling in staggering numbers, we’ve found the past few Camry generations dynamically disappointing and uninspired; the model has been too much of an appliance, sort of a flat-screen TV on wheels, to merit serious consideration. By comparison, the Honda Accord—particularly the four-cylinder version—has been more focused, more cohesive, and more enjoyable to drive.
This year, Toyota provided three versions of the Camry—a four-cylinder, a V-6, and a hybrid. Nearly all editors are in agreement that the trio represents a substantial improvement. The redesign addressed some of our largest complaints, interior and ride quality in particular. The 2012 Camry seems to better stoke the enthusiast fire, and the cabins have improved materials, a previously abandoned attention to detail, and upscale ambiance. But is that enough to get the car on the list?
The Honda Accord once again acquits itself well, with fine steering, a balanced chassis (as mentioned, particularly with the four-banger), and the availability of a manual transmission. It will be tough to beat, and there are other new entries—notably the comparo-winning Volkswagen Passat—that might not only be better than the Camry, but the Honda as well.
Later in the day, talk turns to the traditional Big Three. GM’s entries this year demonstrate that it spent much of its money wisely before, during, and after bankruptcy. Witness the impressive Chevrolet Sonic, the competence of the Buick Regal GS, and the new cylinder-head tech of the 3.6-liter V-6 (installed here in the Camaro convertible and refreshed CTS sedan). The major redesign of Chrysler’s 300 is lauded—we like the switch to an eight-speed auto for the V-6 this year—especially given that company’s own run into Chapter 11. And Ford continues to perfect the Mustang; the fine-driving GT still delivers an incredible amount of performance per dollar, and the throaty Boss 302 is simply the best Mustang ever built (and no slouch in the value department itself).
Day 2 Standouts: BMW 1-series M coupe, Honda Accord I-4/manual, Ford Mustang Boss 302, Volkswagen Passat
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