TheCarConnection.com perused a wide range of published reviews on the new 2009 Toyota Camry to produce this comprehensive one. To help pick out the Toyota Camry's strengths and weaknesses versus the competition, TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven and reviewed the 2009 Toyota Camry firsthand.
Likes:
Smooth ride on a variety of surfaces
Quiet interior with very little engine or road noise
Extremely smooth, refined engines
Four-cylinder fuel efficiency
Reputation for reliability and good resale value
Dislikes:
Exterior styling is very conservative
Interior materials can look cheap and subpar
Unimpressive build quality
The top-selling 2009 Toyota Camry mid-size, front-wheel-drive sedan was thoroughly revised and updated for 2007, with exterior styling and interior changes. A 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 is available, but the standard engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which is good for 158 hp. The V-6 comes with a six-speed automatic transmission; the four can be ordered with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The 2009 Toyota Camry comes in several different models, ranging from a base CE to the sporty SE and luxurious XLE. The SE grade gets stiffer suspension settings and some other performance improvements, and because of an additional rear brace, the backseat doesn't fold down as it does in the other models. Even in the SE, the ride is comfortable and well controlled, though it's downright soft with base four-cylinder models--don't expect sporty handling. The 2009 Toyota Camry has a very roomy interior, with plenty of legroom in back for most adults and enough space for five.
With a design that's understated but upscale, the interior of the 2009 Toyota Camry looks good, and its controls are intuitive, but some of the materials seem a little cheap--especially at the top of the range, considering that prices can exceed $35,000 for a loaded XLE V-6--and several of our test cars have had unimpressive build quality. All trim levels come standard with A/C, power windows and door locks, and a CD stereo. A 440-watt JBL audio system (with Bluetooth technology) is available, as is a DVD-based navigation system, making the Camry--at least in features--feel like a luxury car when so equipped.
All Camrys come with a knee airbag for the driver as well as full-length curtain and front seat side-impact airbags, for seven airbags in total. Traction control is standard, but stability control remains optional, even on pricier, more powerful V-6 models. Other than that omission, the 2009 Toyota Camry does quite well in safety, including five-star results in the federal government's crash tests and "good" results from the insurance industry tests, except for a "marginal" result in the rear-impact test.
The Bottom Line:
The 2009 Toyota Camry remains one of the best choices for those looking for a reliable and roomy--albeit plainly dressed--family sedan.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2009 Toyota Camry, also consider:
-Chevrolet Malibu
-Ford Fusion
-Honda Accord
-Nissan Altima
-Volkswagen Passat
Reason why
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.
Buying Tip
Watch the bottom-line price. The CE and LE models represent good value, but prices on the V-6 SE and XLE models can well exceed the $30,000 mark. For about the same money, you might be able to get the larger Avalon, which has an even bigger backseat and plusher ride, or the Lexus ES350, which includes a warmer Lexus interior and Lexus dealership privileges.
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
© 2009 TheCarConnection.com