2008 Toyota Camry Review

The Camry has long been Toyota's most popular offering, and even though the model was completely updated last year, the 2008 Toyota Camry has been rolled out with a few minor changes, and a price increase of $100 for each version.

The 2008 Camry is offered in four trim levels, the base model, LE, SE, and XLE. All come standard with a 158 horsepower 2.4 liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine that provides 161 pounds-feet of torque. All but the XLE come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the default transmission for the XLE is a 5-speed automatic, which is available as an option on the other three trims. As well, there are V-6 editions of the top three trims, which come powered by a 268 horsepower, 3.5 liter DOHC V-6, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission that has electronically controlled overdrive. This configuration is new for this model year.

While the electronic stability control system is only available as an optional feature on the 2008 Toyota Camry, traction control is standard, and other safety features include a total of seven airbags, among them a knee bag for the driver, and full-length curtain and side-impact bags for the front seat. The expected anti-lock braking system, tire pressure monitoring functionality, and daytime running lights are all present as well, as is an engine immobilization system, which is standard across all trims, and includes an additional alarm on the XLE.

Inside the 2008 Camry, all trims have power windows and door locks, air conditioning, and a basic AM/FM Radio/CD player, standard, but an upgraded stereo system by JBL adds Bluetooth technology, and a DVD-based navigational system is available also.

Estimated fuel efficiency for the 2008 Toyota Camry is 21 mpg in the city/31 on the highway, with the four-cylinder engine, or 19 / 28 with the V-6. The base model has a starting MSRP of $18,570.