2008 Toyota Camry LE (PZEV) Quick Test
Sensible Fun
You're looking at the best-selling automobile in the United States -- by a generous margin. In the first four months of 2008, Toyota sold 147,018 Camry sedans to ravenous stateside consumers. That's roughly 25,000 more than the second-place Honda Accord; more even than all Dodge cars combined. We Americans love us some Camry.
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For good reason. The Camry is one of those rare vehicles that handles nearly every driving mission without apparent effort. Have people to ferry? The Camry boasts a QEII-worthy cabin, including abundant rear-seat legroom and a cavernous 15-cu-ft trunk. A few of us criticized the interior dress-up as being bland (hint: don't order beige), but nobody could fault the way it's all put together. You can feel the quality in every button you press, every dial you twirl. "Great ergonomics," says senior editor Ron Kiino. "Comfy and easy to operate."
Looking for economical transport? Equipped with a DOHC, 2.4L four making 155 hp and mated to a five-speed auto, the Camry LE delivers a sound 21-mpg city/31-mpg highway -- and even returned an observed 23.8-mpg average during our flat-footed test driving. What's more, this particular Camry qualifies as a "partial zero-emissions vehicle" (PZEV); it's a sedan you'll be happy to bring home to Mother Nature.
That's not to say the Camry LE is strictly sensible. It knows how to have fun, too, revving with surprising zest ("engine power feels as underrated as a BMW's," says Kiino) and steering sweetly. It's also an exceptionally quiet ride, with subdued engine sounds, a transmission that shifts quickly and fluidly (though we wish Toyota had added a manual mode, as on the Camry SE), and a plush ride -- perhaps the best in the class. Braking performance (60 to 0 mph in 124 ft) is impressive, though with a mere 155 ponies the engine returns only average acceleration -- no matter how nice it sounds.
Given its myriad talents, roominess, conspicuous quality, and outstanding economy, the Camry LE may give some buyers sticker shock -- in reverse. Base price is a mere $20,685, and even our nicely equipped tester checked-in at only $22,293.
Twenty-two and change for a car this competent and likable? No wonder everybody's flocking to the Toyota store. Hey, you, get in line.
