2009 Toyota Camry 2.4L I4 from North America

Summary:

Camry hitting nail on the head once again

Faults:

At the moment it's brand new and free of defects.

General Comments:

Coming from a 98 Corolla, I've upgraded big time.

Not only is the vehicle very spacious, but it's comfortable and QUIET. My friend is 6'10" and he actually rode in my old Corolla from time to time, squished. Even with him out of the car, and the seats adjusted for me, I wouldn't have leg room in the rear seats. But in this Camry, I have plenty, even behind the passenger seat when Mr. 6'10" is there. This car is very spacious, and the trunk is very large.

I like the performance of the 2.4L I4 engine very much, it's strong, responsive, and quiet. If you expected to do the same 0-60 a fast car would do, then you should have bought a fast car and not a family sedan. But even as a family sedan, this car has all the power it needs. I always compensated for lack of power in my 98 Corolla by flooring it; that's not necessary in the 09 Camry at all, and that's with the 2.4L, so I wonder how well the available 3.5L V6 would perform.

The fit and finish of the car is very tight, giving it an overall "attention to detail was paid" feel. I hate huge gaps and misaligned pieces, so I'm glad I don't have to worry about that.

The headlight assembly is very stylish and I like the projector beams. They emit a beautiful strong beam of light that generously shines on what's in front of you as well as to the sides, and that's great for back-road driving where deer may be present. And the high beams? Oh my goodness, maybe I'm just used to the Corolla but wow, the high-beams on this Camry are serious business. I like that the lights are automatic as well, detecting low light situations and cutting on by themselves, as well as having the Daytime Running Light feature.

I have a basic Camry without the JBL sound system, etc. but my system is more than enough. 6 speakers, AUX connectivity, steering wheel controls, and the ability to display CD song titles and artists. I like the way it illuminates at night. I keep it dim since it can be a bit bright.

The ride is comfortable, quiet, and I don't feel bumps unless the road has a spot needing a repair anyway. The handling is great especially for a car its size. The seats welcome you, and you have plenty leg room to play with for long drives. I'm very glad they didn't choose a stiff suspension typically found in compact cars, because I'm through with bumps... seriously. VERY low road noise, cabin is insulated very well, and nothing inside this car is loose nor rattles.

Overall it's a great car. I have the basic model which has more than enough standard like 6 speaker CD/MP3 system with AUX jack and steering wheel controls, 4 wheel disc ABS, front air bags, side air bags, front and rear side curtain air bags, driver's knee airbag, automatic lights, power everything, doors that lock themselves when you put the vehicle into gear, engine immobilizer, cruise control, tire pressure monitor, maintenance indicator, key-less entry and A/C for $20K.

Want more, you can get fog lights, powered leather seats, V6, navigation with blue-tooth phone capability, disc changer, interface for iPod, 16 to 18 inch alloys, wood grain, remote start, moon-roof, Traction control, vehicle stability control and more... for more. Well worth it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2008

21st Sep 2008, 12:42

I'm the original poster and I meant to add that the dealer has also included a lifetime, unlimited mile power-train warranty which caught me by surprise.

I'll keep updating as time passes.

22nd Sep 2008, 06:26

Although this review sounds like a sales brochure, it is refreshing to that there is a happy customer out there.