I knew of the TSB regarding the transmission delay, I believe it was for software reflash of some sort. I hadn't heard about the rear shelf rattle until afterwards. I didn't have the car very long, there were other things that I came to dislike about it other than those two issues. It was an impulse buy in the first place and I'll never make that mistake again. It wasn't a bad car, it just wasn't me. As I said, in terms of suspension refinement, structural rigidity, road/wind and overal NVH levels, it seemed to be a better can than the Honda and that is what sealed the deal. BUT, It was just TOO numb, unresponsive, soft and just overall boring to drive. And it seemed to get uglier every time I looked at it. I don't quite know why I like the Hondas so much, there is just something about the way they feel that I like.
I've owned the 07 for a year in April, and I still love it... road noise, rattles and all! Actually, the 07 hasn't had any major rattles (knock on wood). Every so often I'll get a little rattling from the passenger side door panel if I go over rough road surfaces.

 

Your comments seem indicative of the "Toyota's for old people, Honda's for young people" cliche. My boss has an '02 Camry and I have a '99 Accord. We go out to lunch a few times a week and take turns driving. His car is very comfortable, more luxurious than mine and more quiet. But mine is faster, corners better and IMO, looks sportier. Maybe the old cliche is true. The other thing I've noticed is that Toyota seems to be targeting the younger audience in its ads while Honda seems to be targeting older audiences. Just look at the 8th gen Accord commercials.

 

My gripe with Honda is that they should at least make ONE vehicle that is quiet and has a soft suspension for those that don't appreciate hearing and feeling every expansion joint on the highway... especially if they want to target an older audience. If there were an Accord that was as quiet and smooth as a Camry, yet still retained the responsive handling and overall sportiness flavor of a Honda... I'd be the first to get into it. Seems as though this is what a lot of consumers have repeatedly asked for and Honda has yet to deliver. So, like the lack of a V8 option in the RL, V6 option in the TSX and CRV, no factory fog lamps on 4-cyl Accords, no HIDs on Accord sedans, etc. etc., we deal with it and enjoy our cars for the sake of an excellent powertrain, high resale value and trouble-free driving for many years down the road.

 

I agree completely. I've probably driven more Toyota's and Honda's than you can imagine. Those two cars are totally different breeds. Saying that the Camry is any more refined than the accord is a totally invalid statement. Honda can easily set up their suspension to the quality of Toyota and Toyota can make a more agressive, stiff chasis as well. Bottom line is; to each his own.