2005 Toyota Camry Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Antilock brakes are standard on all models of this popular midsize sedan for 2005, and 4-cyl versions get a new transmission. The Camry line consists of Standard, LE, SE, and XLE models. The Standard model has a 160-hp 4-cyl engine. The others offer the 4-cyl or a V6 with 210 hp in LE and XLE versions, 225 in the SE. Four-cylinder Camrys come with manual transmission. V6s come with a 5-speed automatic, which for '05 replaces a 4-speed automatic as optional for 4-cyl models. All Camrys include ABS. It had been optional on Standard models and on the 4-cyl LE and SE, though the 4-cyl LE retains rear drum brakes, while other Camrys have 4-wheel discs. Standards and LEs use 15-inch wheels, XLEs and 4-cyl SEs get 16s. V6 SEs have 17-inch alloys. Front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags are optional on all. An antiskid system is available for SEs and XLEs. The '05 Camrys get minor changes inside and out, including standard steering-wheel audio controls and a rear center headrest. SEs come with a specific new grille and a firmer suspension. Satellite radio joins an options list that also includes a navigation system and, for automatic-transmission models except the Standard, power-adjustable pedals. Leather upholstery is optional for SEs and 4-cyl XLEs, and newly standard for V6 XLEs. Camry's basic design is shared by the ES 330 at Toyota's luxury Lexus division.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

News

We hear the redesigned Camry expected for 2007 may get a very early sendoff, with one resource reporting a possible showroom debut as soon as January 2006. That makes sense in today's super-competitive market, but we'll have to wait until Toyota confirms a timetable.

As for the car itself, recent spy photos suggest somewhat larger dimensions and a rounder, "heavier" look with trademark Camry cues. What the photos don't reveal is whether the '07 is a clean-sheet affair or just the current car with a new skin.

Toyota says a first-ever hybrid-power Camry will roll out from its Kentucky plant for '07. It's almost sure to use the same basic gas/electric powertrain as the Camry-based Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h SUVs. Mainstream Camrys should get more 4-cyl and V6 power to offset a likely weight increase.

2005 Toyota Camry Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Navigation-system controls

Ride

Quietness

Build quality

Interior storage space

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	6	4	7	5.3

Most Camrys sold are 4-cyl models. Test LE with 4-speed automatic transmission ran a class-competitive 9.2 sec 0-60--adequate for most situations. Expect similar from 4-cyl with new 5-speed automatic. Also no chance yet to time 3.0 V6, but expect around 8 sec 0-60. Test 3.3 V6 SE clocked a lively 7.0 sec.

Fuel Economy

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	6	5	5.2

Test 4-cyl LE with 4-speed automatic averaged 23.3 mpg vs. 20.5 mpg for test 3.3 V6 SE. Test 3.0 automatic XLE averaged 19.4 mpg. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for the 4-cyl, premium for V6s.

Ride Quality

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.1

Comfortably supple and absorbent in all models. Standard suspension suffers minor unwanted float over dips and swells; firmer SE provides better body control with no comfort penalty.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

Predictable, pleasant. Body lean apparent but not excessive in tight, fast turns. SE has a bit less lean, better stability, but not true sports-sedan moves. Steering quick, precise, but could use better road feel. Strong, easily modulated brakes--and cheers to Toyota for standard ABS on all models.

Quietness

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	8	7	8	6

Top-of-class refinement. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but 4-cyl engine almost as smooth and quiet as silky, hushed V6s.

Controls

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
10	10	10	8	6.6

Simple and intuitive. Dashboard puts most everything up high and close. Optional navigation system easier to use than some, but still takes learning. Its screen tilts for better legibility in certain light conditions, but must be powered open to access CD slot, a nuisance. Fine workmanship, materials.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.3

Comfortable bucket seats offer good range of adjustments, especially in XLE, plus ample space. Driver sits relatively high, but styling impedes aft visibility somewhat.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	4.7

More than class competitive. Ample head and knee space outboard. Enough width for a middle adult on short trips. Easy entry/exit.

Cargo Room

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

There's more trunk volume than in many class rivals, but narrow aperture won't swallow really bulky items. Ample, handy interior storage, particularly in front.

Value within Class

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	10	10	8	5.7

Few rivals match Camry's blend of family sedan pace, space, and refinement, plus laudable safety features and Toyota's proven reliability and strong resale values. Competitive pricing and available incentives clinch the case for this perennial Best Buy.

Total Score

LE, 4-cyl man.	LE, V6 auto.	XLE, 4-cyl auto.	SE V6 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
68	71	69	68	56.5

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		56
High Score		71

2005 Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/02/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Standard 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual	$18,195	$16,645	$540

Standard 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$19,025	$17,406	$540

LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual	$19,295	$17,266	$540

LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$20,125	$18,011	$540

LE V6 4-door sedan, automatic	$22,530	$20,051	$540

SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual	$20,125	$17,910	$540

SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$20,955	$18,649	$540

SE V6 4-door sedan, automatic	$23,775	$21,158	$540

XLE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$22,545	$20,063	$540

XLE V6 4-door sedan, automatic	$25,555	$22,743	$540

Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Standard

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, outside-temperature indicator, tachometer, visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Wheel covers, 205/65R15 tires.

LE adds to Standard:

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power front seats, remote keyless entry.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: 4-wheel disc brakes (4-cylinder).

Theft-deterrent system (V6), full-size spare tire, alloy wheels (V6).

SE adds to LE:

Powertrain

2.4-liter 4-cylinder or 3.3-liter V6 engine.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, sport suspension, 215/60R16 tires (4-cylinder), 215/55R17 tires (V6), alloy wheels (V6).

XLE 4-cylinder adds to LE:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated power mirrors, automatic climate control, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear sunshade.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, 215/60R16 tires.

XLE V6 adds to XLE 4 cylinder:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, power sunroof.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Plus Pkg. B
LE	$1,480	$1,160
SE	$580	$440
Power sunroof (LE), JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear sunshade, cargo net.

VSC and Side Airbag Pkg.
LE, SE, XLE	$1,300	$1,079
Antiskid system, front side airbags, curtain side airbags. NA w/power-adjustable pedals.

Premium Pkg.
XLE 4-cylinder	$1,630	$1,304
Leather upholstery, alloy wheels.

Navigation Pkg.
XLE V6	$1,450	$1,243
Navigation system, JBL AM/FM/CD player.

Premium Plus Pkg.
XLE 4-cylinder	$2,530	$2,024
Premium Pkg. plus power sunroof.

Preferred Premium Accessory Pkg.
LE, SE, XLE	$332	$222
First-aid and emergency kits, cargo net and mat, floormats. NA w/Convenience Plus Pkg. B.

Safety
Front side airbags/curtain side airbags
LE, SE, Standard, XLE 4-cylinder, XLE V6	$650	$559


Antiskid system
SE, XLE	$650	$520


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
LE, XLE 4-cylinder	$900	$720


JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LE, SE	$290	$218


Satellite radio
LE, SE, XLE 4-cylinder, XLE V6	$449	$359
LE requires Convenience Plus Pkg. B. SE requires Convenience Plus Pkg. B or Premium Pkg. NA Standard.

Power-adjustable pedals
automatics	$120	$96
NA Standard.

Heated front seats
SE V6, XLE	$315	$252
SE V6, XLE 4-cylinder require Premium Pkg., Premium Plus Pkg., or Navigation Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE	$435	$348


Alloy wheels
SE/XLE 4-cylinder	$410	$328

2005 Toyota Camry Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Toyota Camry 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	107.1

Overall Length, in.	189.2

Overall Width, in.	70.7

Overall Height, in.	58.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3108

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	38.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /144	3.0 /183	3.3 /202

Horsepower @ rpm.	160 @ 5700	210 @ 5800	225 @ 5600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	163 @ 4000	220 @ 4400	240 @ 3600

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	24/33	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	24/34	20/28	21/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Toyota Camry 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	8/100,000 on Prius and Highlander hybrid-related components. In CA, hybrid components are covered by a 10/150,000 warranty.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	None/--	3/36,000 on Prius.

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Toyota Camry Photos

Also in the 2005 Toyota Camry Review:

Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry Road Test

Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment

Toyota Camry Specs & Safety

Toyota Camry Photos

Toyota Camry Full Review

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