My wife got a new 2008 Camry V6 XLE w/ Nav recently. I'd like to contribute to the community and do a short review on it. It's a Camry with all the possible options.

MSRP: $32,000
Price paid: $29,000
Exterior color: Blue Ribbon Metallic
Interior color: Bisque leather

Pluses

- Power: It's got gobs of power and the delivery is very smooth and silent. The smoothness reminds me of a small V8. Can't imagine wanting more power in a FWD vehicle.

- Exterior styling: I like it. Unlike previous Camrys, there's some style to it finally.

- Interior styling: Pleasing to the eye. Looks like half a class above. One thing that they did change from 2007 to 2008 (and Toyota has not mentioned this at all in any press) is that the wood trim has gone from that puke-yellow, mustard color in 2007 to a darker orangish color in 2008. A definite upgrade.

- Stereo: Simply put, awesome. The Edmunds rating of 9/10 was right on. Puts some stock Lexus systems to shame (not the ML systems of course).

- Paint: Nice quality. Also, the Blue Ribbon Metallic is one of the best blues out there, IMO. Very deep and sparkly.

- Seats: Very comfy and I like the soft leather. The individually reclining rear seats are a nice touch and should be on every Lexus car. Surprised that they aren't.

- Ride: Soaks up road imperfections and there's little road/wind noise.

- Gadgets: Bluetooth, Smart Key, etc. all work seamlessly


Minuses

- Handling: Little road feedback. Always feels like you're "floating". And the steering is too boosted. But this is the Camry we're talking about, so to be expected.

- Some cheap interior pieces: Overall, the interior quality is okay. The main problem is the silver painted plastic in the center. One of the worst "plasticky" plastics I've ever encountered in a car, worse than the plastic in Kia/Hyundai/Nissan/domestics. Also, the fit and finish of some of the door trim is wanting. The edge of a plastic piece on the rear left door is "sharp".

- 4 discs only with Nav: Goes from a 6 disc changer to a 4 disc changer when you get Nav. Not a big deal, but a pet peeve of mine. But it plays mp3 CDs, so still can play a ton of music.

- Nav/phone lockout when driving: Honda let's you play with the Nav while driving, why not Toyota?



Overall: A-

 

Nice review .

One thing about the handling; you drove an XLE so it's to be expected . An SE should be a bit better in terms of handling.

 

Cool thanks! Yeah the 08 wood trim matches the interior better. The Olivewood was a nice design, it just didn't match. The reclining seats are nice although I don't know why the middle doesn't recline like the Avalon's.

At least Toyota gave you 4 discs. Previously, you only got a single disc if you got the nav option.

Any pic? We're looking at a TCH in Blue Ribbon w/Bisque Leather and wood trim so yours would almost be identical (of course with the exception of XLE stuff like the rear sunshade, reclining rear seats and covered console box.)

 

don't all XLE camries come w/plood instead of the silver plastic?

 

The ability to navigate on the fly is crucial for me and has saved me countless hours.

 

hey man...nice review......

 

only on the doors and centre console (tunnel area). The vertical bit (radio/climate/storage bin door) is identical to other Camrys.

 

Sorry, my camera died. No pics.

 

Thanks carguy. Congrats on the new Camry.

I agree completely on this one.

That's odd. My Explorer has two slots, one for CDs and one for the nav DVD behind the screen, so I still have a 6CD changer.

Anyway, congrats, I'm sure it's a nice ride.

 

any pic?
I would like to see the upgrade you mentioned.