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2009 Toyota Camry Quality Review

November 5, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Trunk volume has decreased
Cars.com

All models are comfortably absorbent
ConsumerGuide

Some disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish
Car and Driver

Added room where it'll be appreciated and deleted space where it won't be missed
Motor Trend

The 2009 Toyota Camry has always been known as a high-quality, comfortable car, but reviews researched by TheCarConnection.com find that Toyota hasn't upped the ante in terms of interior space or materials.

Automedia points out some of the measures taken to preserve interior room in the Toyota: 2009's Camry has slimmer front seatbacks and more travel for front seats. In addition, "larger footwells and a half-inch more legroom better accommodate back-seat occupants, and the rear seatbacks recline in XLE models." However, the reclining seatbacks come at the price of losing the ability to fold down the seatbacks in models so equipped, moving Cars.com to admonish Toyota for taking "a major step backward to replace folding backseats in the SE and XLE with small pass-thru openings."

While rear-seat occupants enjoy a little more space, there's less room overall in this Camry; Toyota trimmed a bit of the volume compared to past versions. Motor Trend points out that "inside, passenger volume is down 0.4 to 2.1 cubic feet, but rear legroom is up half an inch," and it feels "Toyota engineers have added room where it'll be appreciated and deleted space where it won't be missed." "By the numbers, cargo and towing are what took a hit," Cars.com says. "The trunk volume has decreased from 16.7 cubic feet to a maximum of 15 cubic feet in the CE and LE. The higher trim levels measure 14.5 cubic feet." Regarding the trunk, ConsumerGuide reports, "sickle-shaped lid hinges intrude and the trunk opening is too small for really bulky items." However, Edmunds commends the 2009 Toyota Camry's "nice selection of cubbies and compartments to collect whatever personal effects that may be accompanying you."

Granted, the 2009 Toyota Camry must maintain a high standard of quality in order to simply maintain the status quo for that model, but most reviewers mention a slip in build quality. ConsumerGuide says of the Camry, Toyota's "cabin materials are generally solid and serviceable, with soft-touch surfaces and inoffensive faux metal or wood trim," but adds, "Recent test examples have suffered uncharacteristic lapses in materials and workmanship." Car and Driver concurs: "Downsides to the latest Camry include some disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish."

Conclusion

Some grumbling about a drop in quality persists, but the 2009 Toyota Camry is still a better value than much of the competition.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Trunk volume has decreasedCars.comAll models are comfortably absorbentConsumerGuideSome disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finishCar and DriverAdded room where it'll be appreciated and deleted space where it won't be missedMotor Trend The 2009 Toyota Camry has always been known as a high-quality, comfortable car, but reviews researched by TheCarConnection.com find that Toyota hasn't upped the ante in terms of interior space or materials. Automedia points out some of the measures taken to preserve interior room in the Toyota: 2009's Camry has slimmer front seatbacks and more travel for front seats. In addition, "larger footwells and a half-inch more legroom better accommodate back-seat occupants, and the rear seatbacks recline in XLE models." However, the reclining seatbacks come at the price of losing the ability to fold down the seatbacks in models so equipped, moving Cars.com to admonish Toyota for taking "a major step backward to replace folding backseats in the SE and XLE with small pass-thru openings." While rear-seat occupants enjoy a little more space, there's less room overall in this Camry; Toyota trimmed a bit of the volume compared to past versions. Motor Trend points out that "inside, passenger volume is down 0.4 to 2.1 cubic feet, but rear legroom is up half an inch," and it feels "Toyota engineers have added room where it'll be appreciated and deleted space where it won't be missed." "By the numbers, cargo and towing are what took a hit," Cars.com says. "The trunk volume has decreased from 16.7 cubic feet to a maximum of 15 cubic feet in the CE and LE. The higher trim levels measure 14.5 cubic feet." Regarding the trunk, ConsumerGuide reports, "sickle-shaped lid hinges intrude and the trunk opening is too small for really bulky items." However, Edmunds commends the 2009 Toyota Camry's "nice selection of cubbies and compartments to collect whatever personal effects that may be accompanying you." Granted, the 2009 Toyota Camry must maintain a high standard of quality in order to simply maintain the status quo for that model, but most reviewers mention a slip in build quality. ConsumerGuide says of the Camry, Toyota's "cabin materials are generally solid and serviceable, with soft-touch surfaces and inoffensive faux metal or wood trim," but adds, "Recent test examples have suffered uncharacteristic lapses in materials and workmanship." Car and Driver concurs: "Downsides to the latest Camry include some disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish." ConclusionSome grumbling about a drop in quality persists, but the 2009 Toyota Camry is still a better value than much of the competition. 2009 TOYOTA CAMRY STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automedia: "More modern and stylish than before" Autoblog: "Well developed surface detailing plays light nicely" Cars.com: "The outside has been touched with a splash of pizzazz" Automobile Magazine: "Intelligently designed" interior Motor ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Except in sporty SE trim, the 2009 Toyota Camry has perhaps the softest, most comfort-oriented ride among mid-size sedans. The 2009 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-2009 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. The Volkswagen Passat is another 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

Comments (3 total)

  1. By Ralph #1, Posted: 7/23/2009

    Loving the 40+ mpg from the hybrid on my 45 mile RT daily commute. Smooth, comfortable on trips. Not fancy for sure but extremely functional and economical. Handles well.Other car is an Avalon. Toyota has it figured out. Why not Detroit?

  2. By Jay #2, Posted: 8/11/2009

    I am not impresses with my 09 Camry. It has poor quality construction of the interior. The dash rattles, there's metal poking up through the seat, the engine hesitates when I press the accelerator to pass someone on the interstate. Big time buyers remorse.

  3. By Ryan #3, Posted: 9/30/2009

    This car is too big for a 4 cylinder engine, it definately hesitates to accelerate and when you force it to do so your fuel economy goes out the window.

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