2007-2008 Toyota Camry: Full Review

Vehicle Highlights

America's best-selling car was redesigned for 2007 with new styling, more power and features. For the first time, a gas/electric hybrid model was offered. Still midsize with front-wheel drive, Camry's overall length was unchanged versus the 2002-2006 generation, but wheelbase grew by 2.2 inches and height decreased an inch. Curtain side airbags were now standard instead of optional. The Camry lineup included the price-leader CE model, volume LE, sporty SE, and luxury XLE. Each came with a 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine that used a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. LE, SE, and XLE sedans offered the alternative of a 268-hp V6, with a six-speed automatic transmission. Camry's previous V6 made 210 horsepower and used a five-speed automatic. The Hybrid teamed a four-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 horsepower. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it could run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving conditions, and required no plug-in charging. Hybrids used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Antilock braking was standard on all Camrys. So were front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and for the first time, a driver's knee airbag. The Hybrid added traction/antiskid control, which was available for other models. SEs had a firmer suspension and, like the Hybrid, specific interior and exterior trim. A split-folding rear seat was standard except in the SE, which had a center pass-through. Leather upholstery was standard in the XLE V6 and optional for SE and four-cylinder XLE models. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link was optional for SE, XLE, and Hybrid models; so were heated seats. A newly available keyless entry/starting system was included in the Hybrid, and optional for the XLE V6. Competitors included the archrival Honda Accord, as well as the Nissan Altima, and new-for-2007 Saturn Aura.

Year to Year Changes

Our road test for the 2007-2008 Toyota Camry includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Toyota Camry and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Toyota Camry is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

Item Name	Repair Cost
A/C Compressor	$780
Alternator	$540
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$3,000
Brakes	$430
Constant Velocity Joints	$1,700
Exhaust System	$740
Radiator	$790
Shocks and/or Struts	$1,400
Timing Chain or Belt	$1,100

Prices	Good	Average	Poor
2008
Camry 4-cyl.	$17,500-21,000	$16,100-19,300	$11,200-13,400
Camry Hybrid	$24,300-26,000	$22,600-24,200	$15,800-16,900
Camry V6	$20,000-23,500	$18,400-21,600	$13,000-15,300
2007
Camry 4-cyl.	$15,500-19,000	$14,100-17,300	$9,900-12,200
Camry Hybrid	$22,000-23,500	$20,200-21,600	$14,300-15,300
Camry V6	$17,800-21,000	$16,400-19,300	$11,400-13,400

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in.	109.3
Overall Length, in.	189.2
Overall Width, in.	71.7
Overall Height, in.	57.5
Curb Weight, lbs.	3285
Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.0
Standard Payload, lbs.	--
Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5
Seating Capacity	5
Front Head Room, in.	38.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6
Rear Head Room, in.	37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V61	3.5 / 211	268	248	6-speed automatic: 19/28	6-speed automatic: 22.5
dohc I41	2.4 / 144	158	161	5-speed manual: 21/31 5-speed automatic: 21/31	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --
dohc I4/electric1, 2	2.4 / 144	147	138	CVT automatic: 33/34	CVT automatic: 30
1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. 2. Hybrid Note: Gasoline engine and electric motor provide total output of 187 horsepower. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

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%. Sideimpact 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%.