2011 Car Comparison: Compare Camry, Accord, Malibu And Fusion

Over the years, the largest car makers have competed to have the best new car models. Many years ago, Ford, GM, and Chrysler came out with huge family cars with flashy names and shiny paint to entice the American family to buy their product. Times have changed, but today there are still new car models that compete very seriously for the American buyership and although a few years ago the primary question was Camry versus Accord, today each of the main builders have a good product.

Below I will break down the different aspects of the new family carsfor 2011 and compare Camry, Accord, Malibu and Fusion strengths and weaknesses. Take the information and watch the videos of family cars reviews and use them to purchase the best car for your needs. In a car comparison side by side, these cars are very similar, but in each area there are subtle differences.

Compare 2011 Cars: Power

When comparing new family cars, many people still want a power under the pedal. Even though new fuel mileage standards have dictated decreased horsepower, most buyers still want a family car that feels like a sports car. For these drivers, a car comparison side by side should differentiate between power and efficient power.

In all of the 2011 family cars reviews, the new Taurus has definitely been shown to have the most power. Their upgraded V-6 model packs 365 horsepower. However, Ford does not offer a 4 cylinder option, so fuel mileage obviously suffers.

Out of the other three makes, the best family car power in a 4 cylinder comes from Honda. Honda offers a 190 Hp engine that still has fuel efficiency over 30 miles per gallon on the highway. The Malibu and the Camry come in with 169 and 179 hp I-4's respectively.

Compare 2011 Family Cars: Fuel Mileage

In this area it is easiest to find the loser rather than a clear winner among the new family cars. The Ford Taurus, one of the best sedans for emphasis on horsepower, can only muster a top efficiency rating of 28 mile per gallon on the highway. This falls far behind the other best new car models that all range from 33-34 mpg. Each of the other three makes average above 20 mpg in the city and above 30 mpg on the highway.

I am sure there are those who would rather trade off the extra mpg for an added 100-200 hp depending on which V-6 you choose. However, Ford will have to add an I-4 option with better fuel mileage if they wish to be taken seriously by today's frugal auto shoppers. Although people compare family car horsepower, the most common desire by today's buyers, just behind comfort, is good fuel economy.

Compare Camry, Accord, Malibu, and Fusion: Comfort

Five or six years ago there were huge differences between new family cars in both quality and comfort. No more is it just Camry or Accord. Ford and Chevy have caught up with Toyota and Honda, and in some areas have left them behind. Gone are the days when the "American" cars had seams that didn't match up and odd shaped cars.

Each of the best sedans have very similar space and all have made the most out of what they have. The Accord has a decent amount more front hip and shoulder room, but the Malibu is tops on head room. Leg room on all four is almost identical.

As far as amenities, the leader is Ford. Its "Sync" system is tops in the industry for innovation and design. All of the family cars reviews praise the Sync system. In all four, you can answer your phone via bluetooth on the steering wheel, and navigation is available on all but the Malibu. The other makes have caught up a little, but the "Sync" voice recognition is still amazing.

Overall, the four makes have very comfortable models in 2011. Leather, heated seats, lumbar support and excellent room are all available on each make.

Compare Accord, Camry, Fusion and Malibu: Durability

To compare 2011 family cars in durability, you must look at resale value, a makes history, and warranty. How much a car maker is willing to stand behind its product speaks a good deal about the quality of work they put into it.

For many years Honda and Toyota have been synonymous with long lasting vehicles. Finding owners who drove their Accord or Camry well over 200k miles had become almost commonplace. Today, however, Ford and Chevy seem to be closing the gap and for one to simply compare Camry and Accord without looking at the American products is ignorant at best. American makes are staying on the road longer and bringing more money at retail than before.

Lastly, one of the manufacturers stands out in the area of warranty. Chevy's 6 year 100,000 mile power-train warranty creates a gap between their product and the others who still have a 6 year 60,000 mile warranty. For those of you who need a calculator, Ford, Honda, and Toyota expect you to only drive around 10,000 miles a year. For those who make that possible, congratulations, you are a select group.

Compare Fusion, Camry, Accord, and Malibu: Price

When buying a new car, advertised prices can often be confusing. The price point for the 2011 family cars is much different from the prices of years ago. Each of these vehicles can cost a good deal, especially if you get one loaded to the hilt. The bare minimum models run from $19,800 to $21,900 with Ford and Toyota coming in the lowest.

The loaded versions are a good bit more, of course. The Toyota and Honda load their models out for over $29,000, the Ford sells their top model for over $28,000, and the Chevy Malibu comes in at $27,000. Of course packages can be bought anywhere between the starting price and the loaded model, and with each make, ammenities or engine types will cost you differently. One of the first things a car buyer should know is which auto accessories and ammenities they must have so they can have a baseline of which models to research.

Hopefully this side by side comparison of 2011 family cars will help you decide which make and model is best for you!