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2006 Toyota Camry Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Toyota Camry Review:
2006 Toyota Camry Review
Camry sees little change for a 2006 season that Toyota says will end next spring with the early release of redesigned '07 models. This popular midsize sedan continues in four price levels. Standard, top-selling LE, and luxury XLE offer a 154-hp 4-cyl and an optional 190-hp 3.0-liter V6. The sporty SE substitutes a 210-hp 3.3 V6 option. All V6s come with automatic transmission, optional on 4-cyl Camrys. ABS is standard linewide. Standards and LEs have 15-inch wheels vs. 17s for V6 SEs and 16s on other models. SEs include firmer suspension and special trim. An antiskid system is available for SEs and XLEs. Optional for all models are front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Power-adjustable pedals can be ordered with automatic transmission except on the Standard. V6 SLEs come with leather upholstery, an option for SEs and 4-cyl XLEs. The Lexus ES at Toyota's luxury division shares Camry's basic design and is also remodeled for 2007.
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 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.
News
Redesigned 2007 Camrys start sale in spring of '06, about six months ahead of schedule. All V6 models apparently use the 3.3-liter engine currently reserved for SE versions. Spy photos suggest slightly larger dimensions and styling not unlike that of the Mazda 626, punctuated by trademark Camry cues. Still to be determined is whether the '07 is a clean-sheet affair or just a reskin of the current car. There's no doubt that a first-ever hybrid-power Camry will roll out of Toyota's Kentucky plant along with other models. It's almost sure to use the same basic gas/electric powertrain as the Camry-based Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h SUVs. We hope to replace all the speculative talk with some hard facts soon, so keep checking back with us.
2006 Toyota Camry Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Instruments/controls | Navigation-system controls |
| Ride | |
| Quietness | |
| Build quality | |
| Interior storage space | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Most Camrys sold are 4-cyl models. Test LE with previous 4-speed automatic transmission ran a class-competitive 9.2 sec 0-60--adequate for most situations; expect similar with 5-speed automatic. Also unable yet to time 3.0 V6, but expect around 8 sec 0-60. Test 3.3 V6 SE clocked a lively 7.0 sec.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 5.6 |
Most Camrys sold are 4-cyl models. Test LE with previous 4-speed automatic transmission ran a class-competitive 9.2 sec 0-60--adequate for most situations; expect similar with 5-speed automatic. Also unable 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
In tests of automatic-transmission Camrys, a 4-cyl LE averaged 23.3 mpg, a 3.3 V6 SE 20.5 mpg, a 3.0 V6 XLE 19.4 mpg. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for 4-cyl models, premium for V6s.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.2 |
In tests of automatic-transmission Camrys, a 4-cyl LE averaged 23.3 mpg, a 3.3 V6 SE 20.5 mpg, a 3.0 V6 XLE 19.4 mpg. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for 4-cyl models, premium for V6s.
Ride Quality
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.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | 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
Predictable, pleasant. Body lean apparent but not excessive in tight, fast turns. SE has a bit less lean, better stability, but lacks true sports-sedan moves. Steering quick, precise, but could use better road feel. Strong, easily modulated brakes--and cheers to Toyota for standard ABS.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | 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 lacks true sports-sedan moves. Steering quick, precise, but could use better road feel. Strong, easily modulated brakes--and cheers to Toyota for standard ABS.
Quietness
Top-of-class refinement. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but 4-cyl engine almost as smooth and quiet as silky, hushed V6s. Low wind noise, too.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
Top-of-class refinement. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but 4-cyl engine almost as smooth and quiet as silky, hushed V6s. Low wind noise, too.
Controls
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.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6.8 |
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)
Comfortable bucket seats offer good range of adjustments and ample space. Driver sits relatively high, but styling impedes aft visibility somewhat.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Comfortable bucket seats offer good range of adjustments and ample space. Driver sits relatively high, but styling impedes aft visibility somewhat.
Room/Comfort (rear)
More than class competitive. Ample head and knee space outboard. Enough width for a middle adult on short trips. Easy entry/exit.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
More than class competitive. Ample head and knee space outboard. Enough width for a middle adult on short trips. Easy entry/exit.
Cargo Room
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.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | 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
Few rivals match Camry's blend of family sedan pace, space, and refinement, plus laudable safety features and Toyota's strong record for reliability and resale value. Competitive pricing and available incentives clinch the case for this perennial Best Buy. Look for discounts once dealers start clearing space for the early arriving redesigned '07 models.
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6.1 |
Few rivals match Camry's blend of family sedan pace, space, and refinement, plus laudable safety features and Toyota's strong record for reliability and resale value. Competitive pricing and available incentives clinch the case for this perennial Best Buy. Look for discounts once dealers start clearing space for the early arriving redesigned '07 models.
Total Score
| LE, 4-cyl man. | LE, V6 auto. | XLE, 4-cyl auto. | SE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
| 68 | 70 | 69 | 68 | 58.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 44 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 70 |
2006 Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/13/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| Standard 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $18,445 | $16,875 | $580 |
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| Standard 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $19,275 | $17,634 | $580 |
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| LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $19,545 | $17,491 | $580 |
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| LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $20,375 | $18,234 | $580 |
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| LE V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $22,780 | $20,272 | $580 |
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| SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $20,375 | $18,132 | $580 |
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| SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $21,205 | $18,872 | $580 |
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| SE V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $24,025 | $21,381 | $580 |
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| XLE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $22,795 | $20,285 | $580 |
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| XLE V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $25,805 | $22,966 | $580 |
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 brakes, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid 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.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (V6).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power driver seat, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
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, power passenger seat, 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
|
$1,520
|
$1,190
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SE
|
$620
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$470
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Power sunroof (LE), JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear sunshade, cargo net.
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VSC and Side Airbag Pkg.
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LE, SE, XLE
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$1,300
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$1,079
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Antiskid system, front side airbags, curtain side airbags. NA w/power-adjustable pedals.
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Premium Pkg.
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XLE 4-cylinder
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$1,630
|
$1,304
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Leather upholstery, alloy wheels.
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Navigation Pkg.
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XLE V6
|
$1,450
|
$1,243
|
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Navigation system, JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
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Premium Plus Pkg.
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XLE 4-cylinder
|
$2,530
|
$2,024
|
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Premium Pkg. plus power sunroof.
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Safety |
||
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Front side airbags/curtain side airbags
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LE, SE, Standard, XLE 4-cylinder, XLE V6
|
$650
|
$559
|
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Antiskid system
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SE, XLE
|
$650
|
$520
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power sunroof
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LE, XLE 4-cylinder
|
$900
|
$720
|
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Navigation system
|
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SE V6
|
$1,980
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$1,651
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Includes JBL AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
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JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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LE, SE
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$330
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$248
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Satellite radio
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LE, SE, XLE 4-cylinder, XLE V6
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$449
|
$359
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Requires monthly fee. LE requires Convenience Plus Pkg. B. SE requires Convenience Plus Pkg. B or Premium Pkg. NA Standard.
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Power-adjustable pedals
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automatic
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$120
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$96
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NA w/antiskid system, VSC and Side Airbag Pkg. NA Standard.
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Heated front seats
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SE V6, XLE
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$315
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$252
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SE V6, XLE 4-cylinder require Premium Pkg., Premium Plus Pkg., or Navigation Pkg.
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Floormats
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LE, SE, Standard, XLE 4-cylinder, XLE V6
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$186
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$114
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Includes cargo net.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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LE, SE, XLE
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$435
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$349
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Alloy wheels
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SE/XLE 4-cylinder
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$410
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$328
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2006 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. | 154 @ 5700 | 190 @ 5800 | 210 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 160 @ 4000 | 197 @ 4400 | 220 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 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 | For Highlander Hybrid, Prius: 5/60,000 on powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance. |
| 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
Also in the 2006 Toyota Camry Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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