Toyota Camry Review

The Toyota Camry is consistently at the top of reviewers' list of best values for mid-sized cars. While the Camry doesn't inspire passionate devotion, like a 1964 Ford Mustang, there is almost universal acclaim for the reliability and value that the Camry presents.

See also the main fact sheets for the Toyota Camry.



High Points

 * Very roomy cabin and excellent trunk storage
 * Powerful V6 engine (available on LE, SE and XLE trims)
 * Smooth, quiet ride
 * Long history of quality and reliability
 * Reasonable price point and good value for the money

Low Points

 * Lowest common denominator styling
 * Handling is a little non-responsive and steering can feel "mushy" when the driver asks the Camry to react quickly
 * Seats can become uncomfortable over long drives
 * The 4-cylinder engine paired with automatic transmission feels under-powered
 * Armrest comfort problems
 * Larger legroom can be found in its competitors

Performance and Handling
Performance for the Camry varies greatly by trim and engine. The V6 engine available on the LE, SE and XLE trims generates enough horsepower to produce quick and smooth acceleration. Similarly, the manual, 4 cylinder engine on the CE and LE trims produces sufficient power to have some fun. Only the 4 cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission produces sluggish and disappointing results.

Special note should be given to the 268-horsepower V-6 available on the SE and XLE versions of the 2007 Camry. This engine provides great responsiveness and can pull the car from 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds.

Gas Mileage: 5th Place
The 2007 Toyota Camry comes in 5th place among all mid-size cars, however it should be noted that only 1 or 2 miles-per-gallon separate the Camry from the 1st place finisher.

EPA MPG estimates
 * 4 Cylinder: 24/33
 * 6 Cylinder: 22/31

Safety: 5 Stars (out of 5)
The 2007 Camry recieved the best possible score (5 out of 5 stars) for front-end collision saftey and for side-impact safety for both front and rear seats.

The model offers seven airbags (Front Impact, Passenger Side Impact, Front-Seat Side and Full-Length Side, and a Driver Knee airbag) standard on all 2007 Camry trims, as well as four-wheel anti-lock brakes. Toyota Camry NHSTA crash test results.

Reliability and Maintenance: 5 Stars
Reliability ratings for the 2007 Camry are not available, but for prior model years the Camry typically earns 5 stars (out of 5).

Interior and Comforts
The interior of the 2007 Camry has been redesigned, borrowing from its cousin the Camry Solara. The base of the windshield and dash have been pushed a little further away from the driver, giving a greater sense of space. There is a telescopic steering wheel to enable the driver to find the best position. While there is a roomy 101 cubic feet of passenger space, the Camry can feel small for taller drivers because of headroom that is almost two inches less than the Honda Accord.

Toyota has also gone back to the "cockpit" styling that was used during the 1992-1996 models, so there is a center console in the front for air and stereo.

The Camry seats are wide and comfortable, but the passenger front-seat does not have a height adjustment and there is no "memory" function.

The rear seats have excellent leg-room and a comfortable bench. There are also two air vents and a fold-down center console (with cup-holders).

While known for a quiet and smooth ride, there have been some complaints that the 2007 Camry has a fair amount of cabin noise coming from the engine and wind noise.

Every Camry offers a CD-player, 5-speaker sound system and an auxillary jack so you can plug-in your iPod.

Exterior
The '07 Camry has been "refreshed" with completely new styling, most noticeably a more aggressive front grill and slanted headlights and a raised, squared-off trunk with sloping tailights. Reaction is mixed as to whether this is an improvement, but it is "good enough styling" and most consumers are buying for the overall value of the package, not just what the wrapping paper looks like.

Styles and Options
The major decisions a buyer has to make with a Toyota Camry are:
 * 4-cylinder vs. 6-cylinder engine
 * Automatic vs. Manual transmission
 * What level of extra features

The 2007 Camry has five levels of vehicle to choose from, all distinguished by slight differences in styling and standard options:

CE– Basic
 * 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine
 * Five speed manual or automatic transmission
 * 16-inch wheels
 * Four-wheel disc brakes
 * Automatic headlamps
 * Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
 * Six-speaker stereo with CD play
 * Auxiliary audio jack (for your iPod)
 * Power door locks
 * Power mirrors
 * Cruise control
 * Side-impact and side-curtain airbags
 * Driver knee airbag
 * 60 / 40 split real seat

LE – Mid-Range
 * Everything in CE plus
 * Optional 3.5 liter V6 engine
 * Six-speed automatic transmission
 * Keyless entry
 * Eight-way adjustable driver’s seat
 * JBL premium sound system (optional)
 * Bluetooth capability (optional)
 * Power moonroof (optional)

SE - Sport Model
 * Everything in CE plus
 * Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
 * Sport fabric seat and door trim
 * Metallic style interior trim
 * Black sport grille
 * Re-tuned suspension
 * Fog lamps
 * Body kit
 * 17 inch alloy wheels
 * Fixed rear seat

XLE – Top of the line
 * Everything in LE plus
 * 16 inch alloy wheels
 * Heated outside mirrors
 * JBL premium sound system (standard)
 * Dual zone automatic climate control with pollen filter
 * Rear climate vents
 * Power moonroof (standard)
 * Eight-way power driver’s eat
 * Push-button start and entry with the V6 powertrain
 * Heated front seats

Main Competitors

 * Honda Accord: side-by-side comparison


 * Nissan Maxima: side-by-side comparison


 * Hyundai Sonata: side-by-side comparison


 * Volkswagen Passat: side-by-side comparison