What I liked about the Toyota Camry:
- Feels like it's built to last an eon
- Surprisingly well equipped
- Reliable as the sunrise
What I didn't like about the Toyota Camry:
- Mind-bogglingly boring to drive
Who should buy the Toyota Camry:
Car buyers looking for a sure thing
Who should not buy the Toyota Camry:
Those who want a car with a little pizzazz... heck, with any pizzazz
Details and specs:
- Body style: 4-door sedan
- Seating capacity: 5
- Trim levels: Base, LE, SE, XLE
- Price range (including options): $19,865 - $34,069
- Test vehicle/price as tested: 2009 Toyota Camry base, $21,114
- Base engine: 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder, 158 hp @ 6,000 RPM, 161 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
- Optional engine: 2.4 liter PZEV-compliant inline four-cylinder, 155 hp @ 6,000 RPM, 158 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM; 3.5 liter V6, 268 hp @ 6,200 RPM, 248 lb-ft @ 4,700 RPM
- Premium fuel required? No
- Transmission: 5-speed manual (4-cyl), 5-speed automatic (4-cyl), 6-speed automatic (V6)
- Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 21 MPG city/31 MPG highway (4-cyl manual/automatic), 19/28 (V6)
- Powertrain tested/observed fuel economy: 2.4 4-cyl/5-speed automatic, 26.5 MPG
- Where built: United States, Japan
- Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes
- Optional safety equipment: Electronic stability control
- Major standard features: Power windows, mirrors and locks, CD stereo, air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights
- Major options: Remote keyless entry, heated leather seats, upgraded stereo, automatic climate control
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
- Roadside assistance/free maintenance: None
Best rivals:
The vehicle for this test drive was provided by Toyota.
