2009 Toyota Camry Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2009 Toyota Camry is unchanged. This midsize car 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, 4-cylinder XLE, and Hybrid models. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link is optional for SE, XLE, and Hybrid models, as are heated seats. A keyless-entry/starting system is included on the Hybrid and is available for the V6 XLE.

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2009 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
3	7	7	5	5.4

Camrys with the 4-cylinder engine furnish adequate go with either transmission. In Consumer Guide testing, an LE automatic did 10.1 seconds 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 an XLE V6 did 6.2 seconds 0-60. 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 8.3 seconds 0-60 mph. 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	8	5.8

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 22.5 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 engines 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	6.1

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
6	7	6	5	5.8

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
7	7	8	7	5.9

Wind rush is most noticed at highway speeds. Tire thrum annoys only on very coarse pavement. Four-cylinder engines, including the Hybrid's, suffer moderate high-rpm engine roar, but are otherwise unobtrusive. The silky V6 is very quiet in all but full-throttle acceleration.

Controls

LE 4-cylinder, automatic	SE V6	XLE V6 w/navigation	Hybrid w/navigation	Class Average
8	8	7	7	6.4

Gauges are large and legible. 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	5.6

Cabin materials are generally solid and serviceable, with soft-touch surfaces, and inoffensive faux metal or wood trim. Several test cars disappointed with 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	6.8

Headroom is six-footer adequate, even beneath the sunroof housing. Well-shaped and comfortably padded seats offer good 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 sightlines are clear elsewhere.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LE 4-cylinder, automatic	SE V6	XLE V6 w/navigation	Hybrid w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.2

Legroom and knee space are 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. Entry and exit is easy despite slightly narrow thresholds.

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. All have a useful shape, though the sickle-shaped lid hinges intrude 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	6.7

Camry is no excitement machine--not even the sporty SE version--and recent test examples have suffered uncharacteristic lapses in materials and workmanship. But every Camry is a class leader in powertrain refinement and passenger comfort, making it a must-see in this class.

Total Score

LE 4-cylinder, automatic	SE V6	XLE V6 w/navigation	Hybrid w/navigation	Class Average
67	71	69	66	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74

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2009 Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/17/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

CE 4-door sedan, manual	$18,920	$17,311	$660

CE 4-door sedan, automatic	$19,970	$18,271	$660

LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual	$20,375	$18,234	$660

LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$21,425	$19,174	$660

LE V6 4-door sedan, automatic	$23,990	$21,349	$660

SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual	$21,590	$19,213	$660

SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$22,590	$20,103	$660

SE V6 4-door sedan, automatic	$25,265	$22,484	$660

XLE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic	$25,350	$22,561	$660

XLE V6 4-door sedan, automatic	$28,470	$25,337	$660

Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT	$25,650	$23,084	$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

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 split folding 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, keyless access and starting, 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, compass, 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 4-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
SE includes JBL AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link. 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.

Floormats and cargo mat
CE, Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE	$199	$126


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
SE	$200	$160


Alloy wheels
CE, LE	$795	$595


18-inch alloy wheels
CE, Hybrid, LE, SE, XLE	$2,100	$1,650

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2009 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 V6	dohc I4/electric

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /144	3.5 /211	2.4 /144

Horsepower @ rpm.	158 @ 6000	268 @ 6200	187 @ 6000

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

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%.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

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Also in the 2009 Toyota Camry Review:

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Toyota Camry Road Test

Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment

Toyota Camry Specs & Safety

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