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2008 Toyota Camry Performance Review

July 14, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

V6 versions are impressively strong in all situations
Consumer Guide

languid response time in quick maneuvers
Car and Driver

adequate power” with four-cylinder
Automedia

Reviewers hail the 2008 Toyota Camry sedan as a competent, quick sedan—and give kudos to its new sport model.

The 2008 Toyota Camry offers both a 158-hp four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V-6 model that has 268 hp. Edmunds notes that the V-6 “is available on all trims except the base model.”

Automedia feels the “upgraded 4-cylinder provides adequate power with good fuel economy” in the Toyota; 2008’s Camry has a V-6 engine that made reviewers across the Web sit up and notice. ConsumerGuide says, "in our tests a XLE V6 did 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds…the Camry does offer some zip in its V6 models.” Motor Trend calls the V-6 “burly,” and notes the 2008 Toyota Camry SE with the V-6 “should be capable of reaching 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, a feat that'll make many moms and dads after-school superheroes.”

Edmunds outlines the transmission choices in the Camry: with the four-cylinder Toyota, 2008’s Camry offers “a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, while the V6 sends its power through a standard six-speed automatic.” The automatic was a favorite at Motor Trend: “The new six-speed auto sets a fine example for shifting with speed and seamlessness,” they write.

Cars.com reports gas mileage is strong in the Toyota; 2008’s Camry has estimated fuel economy ratings of “21/31 mpg city/highway for the four-cylinder with manual or automatic, [and] 19/28 for the V-6."

Handling has never been a strong suit of the Toyota Camry; 2008’s version is somewhat striking in that it offers an SE version that “truly delivers on its sporty promise,” Motor Trend says. Other versions get lower marks. ConsumerGuide notes that "most models--SE excepted--are spoiled by marked cornering lean from their comfort-biased suspensions," and Car and Driver agrees: “The Camry’s chassis engineers prioritized creamy ride quality above all, and as a consequence it’s hard for us to perceive anything sporty about this car.” Cars.com thinks the “SE still rides more comfortably than the Honda Accord,” while other versions are even more “compliant.” Automobile observes that the 2008 Toyota Camry SE “doesn't have the sort of body control that begs you to throw it into the sweeping curves on the winding roads above Santa Barbara, but if you do so anyway, the chassis digs in and hangs on without too much protest, and the car loses grip predictably and controllably,” but feels that “all Camry models still suffer from numb and uncommunicative steering.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Toyota Camry finally has a curve-hugger in the SE edition–and V-6 versions have strong acceleration—but other trims are ordinary performers.

PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:V6 versions are impressively strong in all situationsConsumer Guidelanguid response time in quick maneuversCar and Driveradequate power” with four-cylinderAutomedia Reviewers hail the 2008 Toyota Camry sedan as a competent, quick sedan—and give kudos to its new sport model. The 2008 Toyota Camry offers both a 158-hp four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V-6 model that has 268 hp. Edmunds notes that the V-6 “is available on all trims except the base model.” Automedia feels the “upgraded 4-cylinder provides adequate power with good fuel economy” in the Toyota; 2008’s Camry has a V-6 engine that made reviewers across the Web sit up and notice. ConsumerGuide says, "in our tests a XLE V6 did 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds…the Camry does offer some zip in its V6 models.” Motor Trend calls the V-6 “burly,” and notes the 2008 Toyota Camry SE with the V-6 “should be capable of reaching 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, a feat that'll make many moms and dads after-school superheroes.” Edmunds outlines the transmission choices in the Camry: with the four-cylinder Toyota, 2008’s Camry offers “a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, while the V6 sends its power through a standard six-speed automatic.” The automatic was a favorite at Motor Trend: “The new six-speed auto sets a fine example for shifting with speed and seamlessness,” they write. Cars.com reports gas mileage is strong in the Toyota; 2008’s Camry has estimated fuel economy ratings of “21/31 mpg city/highway for the four-cylinder with manual or automatic, [and] 19/28 for the V-6." Handling has never been a strong suit of the Toyota Camry; 2008’s version is somewhat striking in that it offers an SE version that “truly delivers on its sporty promise,” Motor Trend says. Other versions get lower marks. ConsumerGuide notes that "most models--SE excepted--are spoiled by marked cornering lean from their comfort-biased suspensions," and Car and Driver agrees: “The Camry’s chassis engineers prioritized creamy ride quality above all, and as a consequence it’s hard for us to perceive anything sporty about this car.” Cars.com thinks the “SE still rides more comfortably than the Honda Accord,” while other versions are even more “compliant.” Automobile observes that the 2008 Toyota Camry SE “doesn't have the sort of body control that begs you to throw it into the sweeping curves on the winding roads above Santa Barbara, but if you do so anyway, the chassis digs in and hangs on without too much protest, and the car loses grip predictably and controllably,” but feels that “all Camry models still suffer from numb and uncommunicative steering.” ConclusionThe 2008 Toyota Camry finally has a curve-hugger in the SE edition–and V-6 versions have strong acceleration—but other trims are ordinary performers. 2008 TOYOTA CAMRY STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "The outside has been touched with a splash of pizzazz" Kelley Blue Book: " Toyota calls the Camry 'athletic and modern,' and we don't disagree" Motor Trend: “Sexier styling” Automobile: “intelligently designed” interior Last year ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Except in sporty SE trim, the 2008 Toyota Camry has perhaps the softest, most comfort-oriented ride among mid-size sedans. The 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, however, also emphasizes ride quality and comfort, and it has more distinctive styling, equivalent performance, and more impressive materials and quality. The Malibu also includes electronic stability control on all of its models except the base LT. The new-for-2008 Accord has--compared to the Camry--a stunning interior, especially in the more expensive V-6 models. The Fusion and Altima have a sportier driving feel but are a little smaller inside, while the Passat is a good alternative to the Camry--especially with the base 2.0T four-cylinder engine--but beware of spotty reliability.

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See the Toyota Camry in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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