Experience with 2007 Camry?

[thoots]

Originally Posted by CheckingIn

Cars that have been on my list:
- Honda Accord 05+
- Nissan Maxima 05+
- Hyundai Sonata 06+
- Toyota Camry 07

Now, I've test driven the Accords (V6 and I4), the Sonata (much better than I thought.... great bang for you buck...), and I test-drove a Maxima SL last spring.

From what I've researched, it seems that it's 6-speed transmission has been a nightmare.
[COLOR=Red]
From the members of this forum, how bad experince did you have with the four-cylinder Camrys with 5-speed auto? I've seen a few reviews saying that hesitation was there; but the issue really seems to be associated with the 6-speed tranny and the V6s. Has the TSBs fixed the issue to a satisfactory degree? Please answer and list trim and engine with answer. Thank you.

Well, I still can't comprehend these "gotta have a hemi innit (V6 version)" people. The four-cylinder versions of these cars will get up to speed more than quickly enough, will have more than enough power to pass on the open road, and so on. And, in the case of the Camry, the four-cylinder drivetrain is a proven, reliable combination. The TSB took care of the hesitation problem that some people encountered -- really, the problem was in the transmission control mapping that allowed it to shift less agressively when driven by less-agressive drivers. They essentially just changed that control mapping.

The V6/6-speed combination has had problems, and it's perhaps a little early to know if they've really figured out how to fix it, or if the replacement transmissions will really work properly. Stick with the I4/5-speed version, and you should be fine.

As for the other cars, The new Sonata has received some good initial reviews, but subsequent ones have faulted it for not quite being up to snuff in terms of long-distance crusing. One of the major car magazines just wrapped up their long-term test of the Sonata, and they drove it fewer miles than any other car they've ever tested -- it wasn't very popular. And I think the interior is dog-butt ugly.

I'd recommend checking out the similar Kia Optima, though -- it looks better all around, in my opinion, and it seems to be getting better reviews than the Sonata did.

Nissan just has never attracted me in any way whatsoever, so I can't really say anything about them other than that.

Honda is a big question mark -- I bailed out of a POS rattletrap of a 2004 Accord EX-L coupe that sounded and felt like it was going to utterly fall to pieces at any minute. But, while there are others with my kind of experiences, other folks have reported rock-solid Accords. Frankly, I think there is more satisfaction with the lower-end models as compared to the higher-end, leather-seat Accords.

Bear in mind that this will be the last model year for the current Accord -- Honda is offering low-interest-rate financing to clear out the last of the generation. If you are indeed financing, you may be able to get a payment close to the used-car range you appear to be looking for, on a brand-new Accord.

I wouldn't worry about an I4 Camry at all -- go for it, if it's the car for you. And "good luck with the hunt!"

[JBednar]

Well, I Have A Early Build 4cly Le Barcelona Red With The Jbl I Would Give You A Great Deal On. I Have Only Had The Shift Enhancement Tsb Done And It Did Help But It Still Only Runs Good When Its Cold Outside, Like Below 40 Degrees F. I Have Gathered Some Relevent Tsb's Off This Site And Am Making My List For A Spring Visit To My Dealer. The Tires Are 1/2 Shot At 25k Miles. They Did Align The Front End Last Year, But It Didn't Help. Now There Is A Wining From The Rear End Like A Worn Or Cupping Tire. It Creeks And Rattles Worse Than My Sisterinlaws Suburban. If They Can't Get Running Right This Summer, I Think Its Trade In Time.

[CheckingIn]

Originally Posted by thoots

Well, I still can't comprehend these "gotta have a hemi innit (V6 version)" people. The four-cylinder versions of these cars will get up to speed more than quickly enough, will have more than enough power to pass on the open road, and so on. And, in the case of the Camry, the four-cylinder drivetrain is a proven, reliable combination. The TSB took care of the hesitation problem that some people encountered -- really, the problem was in the transmission control mapping that allowed it to shift less agressively when driven by less-agressive drivers. They essentially just changed that control mapping.

The V6/6-speed combination has had problems, and it's perhaps a little early to know if they've really figured out how to fix it, or if the replacement transmissions will really work properly. Stick with the I4/5-speed version, and you should be fine.

As for the other cars, The new Sonata has received some good initial reviews, but subsequent ones have faulted it for not quite being up to snuff in terms of long-distance crusing. One of the major car magazines just wrapped up their long-term test of the Sonata, and they drove it fewer miles than any other car they've ever tested -- it wasn't very popular. And I think the interior is dog-butt ugly.

I'd recommend checking out the similar Kia Optima, though -- it looks better all around, in my opinion, and it seems to be getting better reviews than the Sonata did.

Nissan just has never attracted me in any way whatsoever, so I can't really say anything about them other than that.

Honda is a big question mark -- I bailed out of a POS rattletrap of a 2004 Accord EX-L coupe that sounded and felt like it was going to utterly fall to pieces at any minute. But, while there are others with my kind of experiences, other folks have reported rock-solid Accords. Frankly, I think there is more satisfaction with the lower-end models as compared to the higher-end, leather-seat Accords.

Bear in mind that this will be the last model year for the current Accord -- Honda is offering low-interest-rate financing to clear out the last of the generation. If you are indeed financing, you may be able to get a payment close to the used-car range you appear to be looking for, on a brand-new Accord.

I wouldn't worry about an I4 Camry at all -- go for it, if it's the car for you. And "good luck with the hunt!"

Thoots,

Thank you very much for your well informed post. I certainly appreciate any and all information you can give me of experiences you've had with your '07 Camry.

Me and my mother (wanted a second opinion) just got back from test driving:
- '07 Volvo S40
- '07 Toyota Camry SE I4 (Graphite Grey, Black Leather, Sunroof)
- '07 Toyota RAV-4 V6 (Nice cloth seats, Awesome JBL Soundsystem)

Since this is a Toyota forum, I'm not even going to discuss the Volvo, it was nice until I test drove the Toyotas.

Toyota Camry SE 4 Cylinder
- Lovely interior, I loved it much much more than I thought I would. More nimble than I thought, great turning radius. Huge backseat compared to the Volvo S40. The transmission seemed to be reponsive compared to all that I've heard about them. I didn't care too much for the grey, the only caveat I found was that the 4cyl seemed to be kind of loud, especially gunning from first gear to second. I thought the speed was good when it was moving and could accelerate fine - when moving. But when from a dead stop and gunning it -- it was a noisy engine. Again, tranny seemed fine --- but this was a brand new car - with only 4 or 5 miles on the odometer.

Toyota RAV-4 V6
- I actually liked this little SUV much more than I thought I would. The 110hp difference was SUBSTANTIAL!! The car could haul ass. Comfortable fabric seats, really really cool fold down 2nd row seats. Killer (optional) JBL sound-system. Really like that V6 though.... could go from 0-60 in no time.

In a nutshell, I think it's between these two cars the Camry or the RAV4. Like I said in earlier posts, I don't really want another Nissan -- as I've just sold my Nissan -- and the Honda's styling isn't all that remarkable at all. Again, the Sonata is a great bang for your buck; and I completely agree with you on the interior -- it does look like ass especially compared to the Accords, and the Camrys. I appreciate the Kia comment, but there's no way I'd want to drive a Kia, and I do realize that Hyundai/Kia are sister companies -- just don't care to buy a Kia -- thank for the thought though.


I do think I've got it narrowed down. Camry great handling, I don't know how well that engine can take all that high revving When needed to really "scoot". As for the RAV4, I'd only get the V6, as it's a year older than the Camry and I could possibly afford a V6 in the RAV4.

Stupid Toyota dealer didn't have any more 2007 Camry brochures, so we can't compare them back to back to the RAV4 ... (obviously different vehicles ... just for comparison's sake) ..... so I'm going to have to order a Camry brochure from Toyota directly.

Ugh... just seems like the 4cyl just needs 10 more hp or something. Still it's really 50/50 between these two.

Thanks for your help thoots, I appreciate all you have to say.

[njerald]

Download a brochure at Toyota.com.........

[CheckingIn]

Originally Posted by njerald

Download a brochure at Toyota.com.........

The eBrochure isn't not the same as a printed brochure from a dealer. The eBrochure has trims, colors, and option packages. It doesn't talk about features, or have pictures of the car or the interior or explain the car in full detail as a normal automotive brochure. I just requested a Camry brochure directly from Toyota; should be here next week so.... faster than waiting a week from the dealer.

[ilovetocamp]

My Camry has been trouble free. No regrets here

[lammydi]

I have the Silver 07 LE I4 bought in March 2006. It currently has 17,800 miles on it. I had TSB done for the hesitation at 11,000 miles and never have anymore problem with it.
Well, there is 1 BIG problem......I want the V6. So if you are ever in San Diego, I would sell it to you and buy myself a V6 !!!!!!!!!

[wireless]

The V6 in the RAV4 is the same 3.5 in the Camry. Imagine that powerplant in the Camry

I test drove the S40 T5 AWD about a year and a half ago, and get to drive different Volvo's quite often. If you like the Camry, you will hate the S40. Not to mention, the resale sucks so you should buy one that is slightly used and let someone else take the depreciation hit. The S60 is a more comparable car and the T5 is close in performance albeit more expensive. The S60 seats are more comfortable in the upper trims with leather but you would need an 'R' to exceed the Camry SE V6 performance (acceleration and handling). Of course, you are talking $40k+ for a S60R. I traded my S80 T6 in on my Camry. The seats aren't as nice, but the car is quicker, handles better (the S80 is a highway cruiser) and get much better mileage.

[Cwopete2]

If possible, wait till the 2008 models come out. Hopefully by then Toyota will fix most of the problems we've been experiencing with the 2007 models.

[CheckingIn]

Originally Posted by Cwopete2

If possible, wait till the 2008 models come out. Hopefully by then Toyota will fix most of the problems we've been experiencing with the 2007 models.

I wish I could wait until the Fall for a car, but unfortunately I cannot. Also, the price of these cars new are out of my price range. The only version of the car I could possibly purchase new would be the CE -- and honestly -- I've always felt better getting some depreciation taken off (I know Toyota's don't depreciate that much -- especially compared to other manufacturer's) ... I really like the look of the SE compared to the CE or LE.

I start school in the Fall or possibly the summer if I can find the right classes to take; so unfortunately waiting for an '08 isn't an option. Bummer.

[CheckingIn]

Originally Posted by lammydi

I have the Silver 07 LE I4 bought in March 2006. It currently has 17,800 miles on it. I had TSB done for the hesitation at 11,000 miles and never have anymore problem with it.
Well, there is 1 BIG problem......I want the V6. So if you are ever in San Diego, I would sell it to you and buy myself a V6 !!!!!!!!!

heh - I'm sure the cars with the V6 does really scoot.... although it does seem that the hesitating transmission is more of a problem with the V6ers and their 6-speed automatic; than the four cylinder.

[CamrySExxx]

"rare" mag grey 4cyl SE here great and QUIET car... alot quieter than my gen5... no problems what so ever... new car so i havent really hit the gas too hard but a couple times i haave..it takes a bit longer than my gen5 to downshift and gain speed. The gen6 FEELS a bit strtonger than my gen5 but i duno its a new car so it just might be a feeling it should be "Better". Over all its a good car and you wont go wrong with getting one.

oh ya when you accel hard it sure is alot louder than my gen5. Probably how the intake is designed i duno it has that extra box on it ...a resonator?? i dont know but that box should make it quieter.

[thoots]

Originally Posted by Cwopete2

If possible, wait till the 2008 models come out. Hopefully by then Toyota will fix most of the problems we've been experiencing with the 2007 models.

NOT.

Toyota continually "fixes problems" during production as they arise. A number of TSB's have been released to take care of problems in older cars that have been fixed during production of the current model.

I don't expect to see even ONE physical change between the 2007 and the 2008 Camry model years -- except, most likely, for a price increase for the 2008 models.

[ryannel2003]

I don't own a 2007 Camry, but at the dealership I work at I drove an '07 CE and it had about 11,000 miles on it. The transmission seemed fine and didn't hesitiate at all. The car also drove alot better than my 2000 does, and I always thought I had the best driving car ever. I would definetly keep on looking at the '07. Great car!

[Joe B]

I'm happy with my '07.