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2008 Toyota Camry Full Review
Date Published: 6/26/08
2008 Toyota Camry Review
The 2008 Toyota Camry is largely unchanged. The lineup includes CE, LE, SE, and top-line XLE models. Also available is a Hybrid model that offers a standard equipment level similar to the XLE. All but the Hybrid come standard with a 158-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on CE, LE and SE models. A 5-speed automatic is standard on XLE and optional on the others. LE, SE, and XLE also offer 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 versions, which use a 6-speed automatic. The Hybrid teams a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 hp. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and requires no plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. SEs have a firmer suspension and, like the Hybrid, specific interior and exterior trim. A split folding rear seat is standard except on SE, which has a center pass-through. Leather upholstery is standard on the XLE V6 and optional for automatic transmission equipped SE and 4-cylinder XLE models. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link is optional for SE, XLE, and Hybrid models, as are heated seats. A newly available keyless-entry/starting system is included on the Hybrid, available for V6 XLE.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.

News
Camry's 2007 design should see no major change for the next two years or so.
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2008 Toyota Camry Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6) Steering feel
Fuel economy (Hybrid)
Ride
Build quality
Passenger room/comfort
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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 5.6

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

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

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
Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score
48
Average Score
63
High Score
74
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2008 Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/17/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
CE 4-door sedan, manual $18,570 $16,989 $660
CE 4-door sedan, automatic $19,620 $17,951 $660
LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual $20,025 $17,921 $660
LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic $21,075 $18,860 $660
LE V6 4-door sedan, automatic $23,640 $21,038 $660
SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual $21,240 $18,902 $660
SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic $22,240 $19,792 $660
SE V6 4-door sedan, automatic $24,915 $22,174 $660
XLE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic $25,000 $22,250 $660
XLE V6 4-door sedan, automatic $28,120 $25,026 $660
Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT $25,200 $22,680 $660
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
CE
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, driver knee airbag, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.
LE adds to CE:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.5-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (V6).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power driver seat, remote keyless entry.
SE adds to LE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, trunk pass-through.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat.
Fog lights, sport suspension, 215/55R17 tires, alloy wheels.
XLE adds to LE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery (V6), power passenger seat, reclining rear seat w/trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels.
Hybrid adds to LE:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline/electric motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless access and start, trip computer, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: tachometer.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sport Convenience Pkg.
SE
$275
$220
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener. NA w/manual transmission.
Sport Leather Pkg.
SE
$1,770
$1,416
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, power passenger seat. NA w/manual transmission.
Upgrade Pkg.
Hybrid
$1,150
$989
JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, leather-wrapped shift knob, alloy wheels.
Upgrade Pkg. w/Navigation
Hybrid
$2,350
$2,009
Upgrade Pkg. plus navigation system, wireless cell phone link.
Convenience Pkg.
Hybrid
$470
$376
Heated front seats and outside mirrors. Requires leather upholstery.
Premium Preferred Accessory Pkg.
CE, LE, SE, Hybrid
$277
$181
XLE
$475
$325
First-aid kit, cargo mat and net, floormats, glass-breakage sensor (XLE).
Safety
Antiskid system
CE, LE, SE, XLE
$650
$520
Includes traction control. Std. Hybrid.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SE
$2,140
$1,755
XLE
$1,200
$1,020
Includes JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 4-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link (SE). NA w/manual transmission.
Power sunroof
LE, SE, Hybrid
$940
$752
Includes illuminated visor mirrors.
JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
LE, SE
$940
$705
Includes wireless cell phone link.
Satellite radio
Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE
$449
$359
LE, SE, require navigation system or JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Hybrid requires Upgrade Pkg. NA CE.
Leather upholstery
SE automatic, Hybrid
$1,300
$1,040
XLE 4-cylinder
$1,050
$840
Hybrid includes power passenger seat.
Heated front seats
XLE
$440
$352
XLE 4-cylinder requires leather upholstery.
Keyless access and start
XLE V6
$450
$360
Remote engine start
Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE
$529
$380
NA CE. NA w/manual transmission.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
LE automatic, SE manual
$150
$120
Includes compass.
Heated outside mirrors
SE, Hybrid
$30
$24
Hybrid requires Upgrade Pkg. NA w/manual transmission.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE
$200
$160
Alloy wheels
CE, LE
$804
$599
18-inch alloy wheels
SE
$2,100
$1,650
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2008 Toyota Camry Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Toyota Camry 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 109.3
Overall Length, in. 189.2
Overall Width, in. 71.7
Overall Height, in. 57.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 3263
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. 41.7
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc I4/electric dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /144 2.4 /144 3.5 /211
Horsepower @ rpm. 158 @ 6000 187 @ 6000 268 @ 6200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 161 @ 4000 @ 248 @ 4700
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 21/31 --/-- --/--
5-speed automatic 21/31 --/-- --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- --/-- 19/28
CVT automatic --/-- 33/34 --/--
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 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
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 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance None/-- --
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

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 Toyota Camry
Trim Level:  XLE
Arrival Date:  12/13/2007
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  No
Base Price:  $28,120
Price as Tested:  $31,719
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  823
Mileage at End of Test:  1077
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  11.529 gals.
 

Major Options:  Driver and Front Passenger Heated Seats, Navigation w/JBL Premium Audio System, Smart Key System w/Push Button Start, Vehicle Stability Control w/Traction Control, Carpet/Trunk Mat Set

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  22.03 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Jack Stewart Not exciting, but does everything well.

Sikora Don Camry is still a fine car, but it is no longer a clear standout in this class. A comfortable interior, and a silky V6 engine are high points, but some interior squeaks and relatively high levels of wind noise at expressway speeds manage to knock some polish off the finished product.

Tom Appel This car infuriates me. Our XLE V6 should represent the apex of midsize sedan design and refinement, but we only Recommend it. Why? Because of the inexcusable quality gaffes in every 2007/2008 Camry we've driven. A shame, as these cars are truly the best of the breed. Our test XLE boasted the best balance of ride and handling in this class, and the power is ample. Regrettably, our tester also suffered from the same console and dash squeaks that seemingly plague all Camrys. Here's hoping that Toyota's recent issues are temporary, because it's killing me that this car isn't a Best Buy.

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