2008 Toyota Camry: Road Test
2008 Toyota Camry ▼
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- MSRP: $18,570 -$28,120
- Invoice: $16,989 -$25,026
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Our road test for the 2008 Toyota Camry includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Toyota Camry from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Toyota Camry, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Toyota Camry help you decide if a 2008 Toyota Camry is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5.6 |
Camrys with the 4-cylinder engine furnish adequate go with either transmission. In Consumer Guide testing, an LE automatic did 10.1 sec 0-60 mph. However, 4-cylinder models feel taxed with the automatic when attempting quick acceleration in the 35-55-mph range. V6 versions are impressively strong in all situations; in our tests a XLE V6 did 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. V6's 6-speed automatic transmission is sometimes hesitant to kick down for passing power. The Hybrid is sleepy on takeoff but builds speed quickly; in our tests a Hybrid did 0-60 in 8.3 seconds. Still, throttle response at low and midrange speeds lags as the CVT summons engine power.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 5.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4-cylinder models averaged 26.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, 19.0 in testing that also included acceleration runs. V6 models averaged 17.9 in mixed city/highway driving that included gas-eating acceleration tests and 22.0-22.5 mpg with a slight majority of highway driving. Test Hybrids averaged 28.6-31.2 mpg in city/highway driving, 35.0 with more highway use. All Camry models use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
All models are comfortably absorbent, even on severely cratered roads. All but the SE also suffer moderate float over large humps and dips at highway speed. The SE has better body control on its firmer suspension, but it thumps a bit more over sharp bumps on its 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
Confident and predictable at moderate speeds, but most models--SE excepted--are spoiled by marked cornering lean from their comfort-biased suspensions. SEs lean less and feel more composed at speed. Other models feel slightly clumsy in fast turns. Steering on all but the Hybrid is accurate and responsive, if a bit overboosted and numb in the opinion of some testers. Hybrid steering also lacks feel, has inconsistent boost, and delayed response. One test Hybrid suffered an alarming creaking noise from the steering column during cornering. Brakes provide smooth and ample stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
Wind rush is most noticed at highway speeds. Tire thrum annoys on coarse pavement. Four-cylinder engines, including the Hybrid's, suffer moderate high-rpm engine roar but are otherwise unobtrusive. The V6 is very quiet in all but full-throttle acceleration, except on one test model, which suffered from a rough idle.
CONTROLS
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
The gauges are large. Legibility is good during the day, but uneven backlighting at night makes the instruments tougher to decipher. The control layout is logical after brief acclimation. Hybrid replaces other models' tachometer with an unhelpful "power" gauge, and has a center dashboard screen for displaying power-flow and fuel-economy data. The climate display panel becomes difficult to read in bright light. The navigation system is easy to program, but it absorbs and complicates some audio functions.
DETAILS
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Cabin materials are generally solid and serviceable, with soft-touch surfaces and inoffensive faux metal or wood trim. Nearly every model we've tested has displayed some combination of unsightly seams, misaligned plastic panels, and assorted interior squeaks and rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Headroom is six-footer adequate, even beneath the sunroof housing. The well-shaped and comfortably padded seats afford fine legroom. The steering wheel tilts and is telescopic, helping to fine-tune the driving position along with ample seat settings. Styling slightly impedes visibility aft and to the right-rear, but there are clear sightlines elsewhere.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Legroom and knee space is ample, even for six-footers riding in tandem. Headroom is less generous, but it is OK, as is the cabin's width for three-abreast travel. The seat cushion is not long enough for best support, though. Slightly narrow thresholds aren't an impediment to entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.1 |
Note that the Hybrid has 10.6 cu ft of trunk volume vs. the other models' 15.0. Sickle-shaped lid hinges intrude on usable space, and the trunk opening is too small for really bulky items. All but SE and XLE have folding rear seatbacks. SE has a fixed seatback with a center pass-through. XLE's rear seat is split 40/20/40, has manually reclining seat backs, and a fold down center armrest with a pass-through. Cabin storage is ample in all models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Camry is no excitement machine--not even the sporty SE version--and test examples have suffered lapses in materials and workmanship. But every Camry is a class leader in powertrain refinement and passenger comfort, making it a clear Recommended pick.
Total Score
| LE 4-cylinder, automatic | SE V6 | XLE V6 w/navigation | Hybrid w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 69 | 67 | 65 | 63.1 |
Total Score: 67
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