The car handles extremely well, and while not terribly fast in a straight line (Car & Driver got 0-60 in 8.2 secs.), throttle response is excellent, and it sounds great! Add to that the Toyota bullet-proof reliability and 32 mpg on the highway (with an 18 gallon long-range fuel tank), and I have a car that plan on keeping for a long, long time.

My family has owned 3 of the 4 previous generation Camries and no doubt the interiors have been downgraded with each passing generation. But that doesn’t really bother me.

Fair statement. Customer loyalty is something Toyota still has for several reasons, but they gotta stop this de-contenting trend because their competition has pretty much leveled the playing field for anyone who isn’t a Toyota loyalist.

For 2010, VSC becomes standard:

“Previously an option, all Camry gas models will now be equipped with Vehicle Stability Control with traction control.”

So, “gas models” must mean “other than TCH.” I’m not sure what’s up with the hybrid….

Finally, back to Sajeev’s response to me:

Go check out the padded vinyl on the dash and door panels (the whole door panel, not an armrest insert) on the 1993-ish Camry.

Yeah, that’s kind of what I figured. I suppose, especially in the bread-and-butter Camrys, it’s pretty much a “vast sea of light-gray plastic.” Still, I think that’s “style,” not “inferior” materials. It’s what I was referring to as “spare” quite a ways up above. Again, I rather appreciate the big, one-piece dash topper — I sure prefer its swoopish shape over the squarish stuff that some others are doing. Still, it’s not “plush,” and neither are the door panels. The plastiwood in the XLE dresses that up a bit, and the black color in the SE makes it all look quite a bit better than the too-gray LE, so that’s been my personal perspective.

In the end, I still see the materials as being high in quality, especially the leather. I think someone whined about that above, but I don’t see it, not at all. The leather that wore out and “broke apart” within 20,000 miles in my 2004 Honda Accord EX-L was “crappy leather” — I expect the Camry leather will be in fine shape with 100,000 miles more than that on the clock. Perhaps the comment above was about the door-panel “leather,” which I generally presume isn’t really “leather” at all.

Still, I see the overall point, but it’s not like I would consider, say, a Malibu with its high-zoot interior. A somewhat plain interior isn’t going to chase me away from the Toyota quality I’ve experienced over the past 35 years.

“I got a toyota because I got a good investment return, but my car won’t turn.”

I am surprised how much closer the Malibu is priced to the Camry for 2009. I priced the 2008 model first and the difference went from over $1000 to less than $100 in 2009.

Malibu 1LT:
$23,175

Camry LE w/16″ alloy wheels:
$22,835

keep in mind the Malibu only has a 4spd auto and the 2010 Camry gets a 6spd. The Camry LE also comes with a driver’s side power seat and knee airbag.

However GM wants $1,795 to upgrade to the V6 while Toyota wants $2,565. I’d say Toyota’s engine and transmission are a bit nicer (more peak power, better powerband, better fuel economy, better NVH) but i dunno about that pricing.

Have you ever seen the mystical Camry that’s cheaper than a Malibu?

reclusive_in_nature : Not seeing anyone clamor for an unbiased Buick review. Guess it’s only ok to be unbiased if it’s for a Toyota, huh? No, I’m not flaming the authors. I just read 100+ posts stereotyping what Buick’s new tagline should be.

You got a point.

Now that I think about it, many positive reviews on TTAC are praised for being unbiased. As opposed to our angry reviews which are fly-off-the-handle flamejobs?

What a crock. Humans are by nature biased and when they speak their mind, they are far from objective. (points to the Consumer Reports Robot) I wonder what everyone thinks of my Camry LE review. I think its just as unbiased as this one. But I seriously doubt I’d get so many “thank yous” if Farago re-published it.

The Malibu starts higher.

For comparison’s sake, my uncle traded in a 2003 Toyota Camry SE V6 for the 2007, and he is bitterly disappointed. The quality of the interior is noticeably worse in the 2007, especially the leather. He is always telling me that he regrets trading in the 2003. The 2007’s reliability also cannot compare to the 2003’s, as his has had more problems in 42,000 km than his 2003 did in 182,000 km.

I’ve really never “floored” mine. 100%, absolutely no need to. Even when passing on the open road — I’ve put my foot in it, but never really “floored” it.

It still torque steers pretty bad at throttle inputs less than WOT. And if you have no need to floor it, we are in total agreement. I floorboard (at least once) most every vehicle I test because I want to…and can. And I seriously doubt I am the only person here to do just that.

Its fun. Even in a frickin’ Camry.

Don’t know about the weight distribution, but the V6 is “only” 132 pounds more than the I4.

Trust me, I started out as a four-cylinder zealot, but the V6 utterly won me over — in the end, it’s a smoother, quieter, more satisfying car, with the smoother ride taking out a lot of the harshness from the firmed-up handling.

That’s good to hear about the weight and ride, though hearing the latter is quite shocking.

Finally, I’m kind of mystified by these “interior materials” statements.

Go check out the padded vinyl on the dash and door panels (the whole door panel, not an armrest insert) on the 1993-ish Camry. I just did in a taxicab in Punta Cana. Toyota has been slipping for a while now, and considering the price premium of the Camry over a Fusion/Malibu its more than a little disappointing.

Hmmmm…..

Me no likey torque steer and the V6 even pulls the wheel above 80mph when it does a (6-3?) downshift at WOT!

Oh, now I see: “WOT.” Wide open throttle. Let me provide some perspective for folks who might not want to be racing their SE V6’s:

I’ve really never “floored” mine. 100%, absolutely no need to. Even when passing on the open road — I’ve put my foot in it, but never really “floored” it.

So much hand-wringing over torque steer, but I’ve never really experienced it in my 2008 SE V6. Oh, I know it well — I had a second-generation CRX Si with rip-the-wheel-right-out-of-your-hand torque steer. I’d say that the folks who haven’t been flooring it all the time have probably been scratching their heads, wondering “Torque steer??”

I’d be surprised if the V6 powertrain rides much better, mostly because Toyota (probably) has stronger (lb/inch) springs to carry the extra weight. If they didn’t the V6 models would look like hot rods compared to the four bangers.

I wonder what the weight distributions are between V6 and I-4 models, because there’s something to be said about making the Camry less nose heavy.

Don’t know about the weight distribution, but the V6 is “only” 132 pounds more than the I4. I moved from a 2007 XLE I4 to a 2008 SE V6, and right off the bat I noticed two things:

1. Better handling, obviously.
2. Substantially smoother ride.

The V6 just felt — in spades — like it soaked up the bumps better than the I4 did. Perhaps, indeed, the V6 might take a chunk off of how the I4 handles, but it makes for a great combination of better handling plus the smooth Camry ride. Trust me, I started out as a four-cylinder zealot, but the V6 utterly won me over — in the end, it’s a smoother, quieter, more satisfying car, with the smoother ride taking out a lot of the harshness from the firmed-up handling.

Moving on, I dug up the CR mileage loop numbers. It goes something like this:

Altima I4: 25
Camry I4: 24
Accord I4: 23
Malibu I4: 23
Fusion I4: 23
Mazda 6 I4: 23

Altima V6: 23
Camry V6: 23
Accord V6: 21
Malibu V6: 20
Fusion V6: 20
Mazda 6 V6: 20

That’s the lower-HP Accord I4, and the variable cylinder management Accord V6, by the way. Bottom line: Not much MPG penalty for the Camry V6 (and, of course, same goes for Altima).

Finally, I’m kind of mystified by these “interior materials” statements. Maybe it’s because I’ve had only the high-end leather interiors, but I’ve got no complaints. Sure, it’s kind of “spare” in design, and I think it’s correct to say “there’s a lot” of plastic, but the materials are of good and durable quality. Sure, stuff like the high-zoot Malibu two-tone job is pretty, but I don’t really see anything else in the segment as having materials that are higher in quality and durability. After an absolutely, utterly miserable experience in a previous-generation Accord with a rattling clipfest of dozens of interior panels all clipped together, I appreciate how Camry has far fewer panels, and how most of them are actually screwed and/or bolted to the car, rather than clipped to each other. And where it really matters to me — stuff like door and window seals, seat material durability, and body sound deadening materials — I sure think Camry leads the segment, easily.

And there is nothing at least in the sedan segment that can touch the Camry SE’s sport seat, especially in leather. It’s well worth getting the SE just to get that seat.

I’m thinking about buying a 2009 SE V6 Camry once the 2010 goes on sale (rebate)

While the Camry’s interior is a bit substandard. I appreciate the Camry’s perfect IIHS rating, something none of its competition can match. As well as its low 0.28 drag Cd figure and excellent fuel economy.

Probably throw some TRD springs on as well. It should handle just fine. I’ve seen people complain the TRD springs are uneven but the stock springs are just as uneven.

I just wish someone compared a V6 SE Camry so I could compare its slalom to its competition like the Malibu Accord Altima

———————-
Sanman111 : I must say there is a certain shock to you being so enthusiastic about the driving dynamics of the Camry SE.

Can you imagine how shocked I am?

———————-
Sanman111 : Also, a slight shocker on the recommendation of the smaller engine…though I agree with you. But, do you really think the Camry handles better than the Mazda 6 or the Legacy?

Me no likey torque steer and the V6 even pulls the wheel above 80mph when it does a (6-3?) downshift at WOT! The V6 is very, very fast and will make a great sleeper, but it still won’t put the power down for the SE’s suspension. And the tranny’s grandma-friendly throttle response is way too easy to understeer off your race line. Yuck.

I haven’t driven the new 6 yet, but like mentioned above, a lot of Mazda’s credit goes to their great tires. There’s something appealing about the Camry’s value proposition (real or perception) when paired with a decent suspension.

———————-
Detroit-Iron : How are the brakes? On the last Camry I drove the platters were so tiny that I went sailing through a stop sign after a couple of minutes of spirited driving.

I never cooked the brakes long enough to tell…and the city of Houston is not the ideal place to perform multiple panic stops. Too flat, too straight and a fully respectable law enforcement comes with the package.

———————-
thoots : As for “thumping over pavement joints” and such, that’s another reason to recommend moving up to the V6 — the extra weight over the front wheels really helps to smooth out the ride over rough surfaces. With the accompanying 6-speed auto transmission, it doesn’t hardly even cost more in terms of fuel mileage — it’s a very minimal hit. And it’s a whole boatload of extra power, if you like that kind of thing.

I’d be surprised if the V6 powertrain rides much better, mostly because Toyota (probably) has stronger (lb/inch) springs to carry the extra weight. If they didn’t the V6 models would look like hot rods compared to the four bangers.

I wonder what the weight distributions are between V6 and I-4 models, because there’s something to be said about making the Camry less nose heavy.

———————-
ponchoman49 : Just don’t get into a race with a Corolla S, Cobalt 2.2 stick, mazda 6 2.5 or even a 2009 Sonota SE 2.4 automatic.

Only one of those is the same size as the Camry, ya know. I do agree with your Buick GS reference, but the difference is that the W-body never had a crazy powerful top-line motor for massive torque steer (until recently). I’d like to see a 220hp, 3.0L V6 in a Camry to split the difference.

———————-
psarhjinian: This seems bad until you realize that the Accord has a single-piece folding seat that’s equally useless. At least the Camry gives you the option in other trims, where the Accord is completely off the radar for any family with carseat’ed children.

Well at least you can shop at IKEA with your kids, then pick up the stuff later in the Accord. But since we went there, I gotta say the size/shape of the pass-thru on ALL Camry’s is pretty lousy.

Strangely enough, the folding rear seat on the Impala is probably the best of them all…totally flat and easy to operate. And its made by GM. Surprised?

———————-
Orangutan : I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say “Get the 2.4 instead of the 3.5″ on this generation of Camry. Two fewer miles per gallon with a less advanced transmission and over 100 fewer horsepower is somehow a good idea?

Have you driven one of these V6 Toyotas when it downshifts and hits the powerband? Drive one and you’ll hear the collective screams of the streets’ RH curbs begging you to get the four-banger.

———————-
Matthew Danda : Except that it’s $4 grand more than a Ford Fusion, which will get the job done just as nicely.

Question is, can you convince your wife/friends/family of that, or will they get a Camry LE after they (pretend) to care what you think about non-Toyotas?

———————-
SpacemanSpiff : I noticed while helping the mom-in-law shop for a Sonata, that the Sonata SE offers a “Sport-Turned Suspension”. Any chance of a review?

I only see sporty 17” rubber on their website, but I guess its worth a look. Thanks, I will add it to the TTAC queue.

———————-
Flake : In reality, give the SE a chance and it’s seriously competitive with other cars in this class, plus you get the bonus of Toyo reliability and resale.

I forgot the resale part. The cost of tires and that fact puts it ahead of the Mazda 6 for a lot of people, including Pistonheads.

———————-
carguy622 : Does the SE Camry really handle better than an Altima, does the SE have any “soul”, or is it just a fine handling appliance. While some cars handle well, sometimes they don’t connect with the driver on a higher level, so to speak.

I think the V6 is more of a “fine handling appliance” while the four-banger has a responsive and lively powertrain that works very nicely with the suspension. Ratchet that feeling up a few notches with a stick (for sure). Again, can’t comment on the Altima because it’s been years since I’ve driven one. Both are nice Pistonhead family sedans…

———————-
iganpo: The steering feedback on my rental Camry had a strange, lifeless feel to it. Is it electrically assisted? What about in the SE?

It’s the same steering according to Toyota, but it feels better with the SE wheel/tire combo. The feel still isn’t near perfect, but it didn’t disappoint.

———————-
iganpo: I think it’s stupid to give up the functionality of a flip down rear seat just to get additional bracing from a rear strut tower. Who is really going to notice the improved stiffness? Camry SE is for spiriting around the town driving, not for tracking.

From my experience in chassis bracing on mundane sedans, you’d be surprised just how much is gained from a couple metal tubes bolted in the right places. I wouldn’t question it unless I (was allowed to) remove the rear bar myself and go for a spin.

———————-
ca36gtp : Sooo, it’s still ugly. What was the point of the opening paragraph, then?

To make you at least re-think the notion of changing your feelings on a Camry. For the record, I still wasn’t interested in the chica at my reunion…but she made me do a few doubletakes!

———————-
willbodine : The standard Camry has long been known as a better car to ride in than to drive. Having not driven an SE, I still don’t know if that’s changed.

It changed.

———————-
tedward : so I just find it hard to believe that this thing delivers as advertised here, and I certainly don’t believe it’s, “the best handling family sedan in the country.”

I said it could be, not it is! Go drive it for yourself, or get me the ears of the PR machines at these companies. (I’m just sayin!)

———————-
Qusus : Still… calling a Camry “terrifyingly fast” is so… strange, even if it is true.

Believe it. I fear the day when a “chipped” V6 Camry gets the jump on my Mark VIII and never looks back. The day when I get out-sleepered will come, and that’s when I make the call to Vortech Engineering.

———————-
EJ_San_Fran : So, how is it possible I could race an Audi TT on the mountain road to the ski resort the other day, flying by all those boring SUVs? The Audi only got away by passing over a double solid line, what a big no-no.

Holy moly, you’re the guy (or gal) I’m fearing!!!!!!

———————-
jmo : Cars like this are the enemy of genuine automotive enthusiasm. They are the mediocre product which drives out the good. They are the chaff which hides the wheat, the dross which obscures the gold.

Nope, it’s a sleeper…pure and simple.

———————-
chanman : I gotta wonder if the Camry SE’s move up in Sajeev’s books might have to do with the replacement of the previous generation Accord…

Haven’t driven the new Accord (yet) but poking around in one certainly helped the Camry’s case. If only Toyota didn’t cheap out on the interior materials…or if only they put these goodies in the mid-1990s models.

I can’t fit on a sportbike. I’ve tried. It’s actually funny to watch, though. The don’t build those things for people with thirty-six inch inseams and size fourteen feet.

Anyway, the point is that this Camry can do 0-60 in nearly six seconds, and isn’t terribly expensive to buy or maintain. Unlike obliquely sporty cars that happen to be cheap, this is mainstream sedan, and appeals to a lot of people who probably shouldn’t ride a bicycle, let alone go 0-60 in 6. Some drivers are going to get themselves in serious trouble in this car.

The Sienna and RAV/4 are even worse. I’m all for eight hundred horse luxury sedans, but a seven-seat cute-ute that can easily get under seven seconds? Why?

Otherwise, it’s official: the world is totally on its ear.

Cars like this are the enemy of genuine automotive enthusiasm. They are the mediocre product which drives out the good. They are the chaff which hides the wheat, the dross which obscures the gold.

I’d rather have a first-gen Chrysler LH.

You, sir, are a crazy person.

If you were to take the V6 model, with over 250hp and almost as much torque, and stiffen up the body and suspension a little bit, and throw on some grippy tires, would it actually be a fun car to drive? It’s always seemed to me like less than $1500 would be enough to transform this roomy, comfortable, powerful family hauler into a roomy, comfortable, powerful family hauler which could tackle corners as adequately and with as much excitement, perhaps moreso, than some FWD sporty sedans like the Altima or Mazda6. As boring as the Camry seems most of the time, it feels like there’s some potential to be wrung from it…

I’m one of those supposedly lame Camry owners.
So, how is it possible I could race an Audi TT on the mountain road to the ski resort the other day, flying by all those boring SUVs? The Audi only got away by passing over a double solid line, what a big no-no.

It’s all about mindset (and good tires).