2008 Toyota Camry

Sometimes a reputation, like a photo, is worth a thousand words. Take Toyota's long-running Camry mid-size, sedan. The front-wheel -drive favorite has been the best-selling passenger car in the United States for 10 out of the last 11 years. That's quite an accomplishment considering most automakers have at least one four-door sedan occupying the popular and profitable mid-size segment. And the Japanese Automaker is not resting on its laurels while the competition takes direct aim.

Camry, offering the choice of an inline four-cylinder engine or V-6 powerplant, received a major makeover in the 2007 model year, just prior to the unveiling of Chevrolet's well executed Malibu revival in the 2008 model year and Honda's pleasant retooling to its 2008 mid-size Accord. The 2007 redesign marks Camry's sixth-generation and boasts a high ranking in government safety ratings. Camry changes very little in 2008 from 2007 and, for that matter, from 2008 to 2009. Most Camrys sold in America are built at plants in Kentucky and Indiana.

If you've ever owned a Camry before, this new incarnation will not disappoint. This sixth edition is the roomiest and most potent Camry ever. Like its predecessor, it boosts bullet-proof reliability and a smooth ride. Take note that Camry tilts more towards soft and conservative styling and handling rather than sportier and road-gripping characteristics of such competitors as the Nissan Altima mid-size sedan. A comparably-equipped 2008 Camry usually costs more than similar-equipped competitors. The trade off is Camry continues to retain superior resale value.

Power starts from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine cranking out 158 horsepower. It's standard in the four trim levels (base, LE, SE and XLE). A five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic is available (except the top-trim XLE where only an automatic is offered). For those seeking more punch, an optional 3.5-liter V-6 powertrain cranking out 268 horses is available in all trims sans the base. The more potent six comes with a six-speed automatic transmission standard. Toyota markets Camry as a four-door sedan. However, the Solara (sometimes referred to as the Camry Solara Coupe) is solely the two-door model (and available with a convertible top). Honda on the other hand, markets both a two-door and four-door Accord. All Camry trims come with air conditioning, cruise control, power locks, power windows, compact disc and MP3 playing capability standard.

Fuel economy, long a strong suit of Toyota and its Camry, checks in at a respectable 21 miles per gallon city and 31 highways in four-cylinder editions (with either automatic or manual transmission) and 19 mpg city and 28 highway for the more pontent-V-6. Camry utilizes regular, 87-octane fuel in the 18.5-gallon tank. Like the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, the 2008 Camry is available in a gas-electric hybrid model which will be tested at a later date.

Toyota supplied a top-line, fully tricked out Camry XLE. Starting price listed at $28,120 with a bottom line of $31,179 which included a $660 destination charge. Options included heated front bucket seats ($440), in-dash navigation systems with premium stereo and satellite radio ($1,200), Smart Key Start ($450), and stability control ($650).

Smart Key Start is a dashboard push-button start system requiring no traditional key or ignition cylinder. A push of the button starts or stops the engine as long as a transponder is near by in a pocket or purse. It's a great system and easy to use.

A base four-cylinder, Camry with manual transmission, the lowest-priced model available, starts at $18,570. With automatic transmission, the price jumps to $19,620.

Like the five-generations prior, exterior nuances are nice, yet conservative; nothing flashy, just tried and true vanilla styling. Strap-like body-colored door handles and cat's eye-headlight housing flanking the vertically-slated front grille are modern, not futuristic. Chrome trim surrounds the side window frame. The trunk with 14.5 cubic feet of cargo room still employs goose-neck-type hinges. Toyota may want to pad these two hinges in a boxed housing as some other competitors do to minimize 'box scrunch.' Our XLE edition added a luggage net in the trunk. A temporary spare tire resides under the trunk floor.

Inside, Camry has plenty of head room, decent leg room and a very eye-appealing three-dimensional instrument panel. A prominent horizontal half-moon analog speedometer with a forward designed center digital odometer is just to the right of a slightly smaller tachometer with central secondary gear shift indicator. Flanking these are smaller, vertically arranged half-moon fuel and temperature gauges. A secondary digital message center with digital time readout resides in a stretched, narrow window above the dashboard nestled towards the font windshield. Cruise control operates from a square appendage residing at 5 o'clock on the steering wheel. Trunk and fuel door release levers are on the floor immediately left of the driver's seat.

Power outside mirror controls reside on the far left side of the dashboard adjacent to a manual pullout coin holder. Power lock and window controls are found on the driver's door. Our test drive XLE edition included a small digital compass window in the upper right hand corner of the rear-view mirror. Plenty of beverage holders and small storage areas are nearby for drivers and passengers.

The back seat holds three adult-sized riders for short jaunts. Two would travel in optimal comfort during longer durations. A flip-down arm rest reveals dual cup holders when two are traveling. In XLE editions, when this arm rest folds down, a square door unlocks allowing access to the truck for transporting skis, lumber or other long, thin items. The XLE features reclining rear seat backs that move 8 degrees. In most other Camry editions, the 60/40 split back rests fold forward revealing a larger opening to the trunk. Our XLE trim also included comfortable, leather trimmed seats. Grab handles are above all four doors.

Camry's powertrain warranty is not as long as ones found on the Chevrolet Malibu or Hyundai Sonata, but is decent. Coverage is for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). Most other working items are covered for three years or 36,000 miles. While a few competitors including the Ford Taurus come with the choice of front wheel or all-wheel drive, Camry is solely front-wheel architecture.

The family-friendly Camry also is stocked with safety features including front seat-mounted side air bags, side curtain air bags for both rows, driver knee air bag, antilock brakes and adjustable headrests for five seating positions. Traction control remains optional.

All in all, Camry continues to delight owners with solid reliability, quiet ride and decent fuel economy all wrapped up in a conservative but pleasant design.