5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
What Made You Choose Your Camry Over...Say...an Avalon?
...or perhaps another large sedan?
Personally, I absolutely fell in love with the SE model's body kit (as with the previous-generation car) but I'm a bit dissapointed with the actual size of this vehicle; Toyota calls it a mid-sizer, which it is by technical standards I suppose, but it's just not all that "big" to me.
Coming from a sports coupe, I was looking for a big sedan this time around -- I considered the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger; the 300 just didn't do it for me up close (too much of a "pimp" mobile and they're just everywhere here, everyone rollin' on like 24s and bigger) and the Charger my fiance hated -- said it just "wasn't our image"...I think the top of the line Charger is pretty hot. But anyway, there were cars like the Avalon...but I don't know...it just didn't fit our ages...I always said I would buy the Avalon if Toyota offered a sport model with a body kit (of course this wasn't going to happen because of the demographic target of this car) but then the price always stopped me, too. It really does look like a poor man's LS400, but I couldn't justify the price of a Limited Avalon...
What about you Camry owners...is the size of your ride to your liking? Would you have gotten something larger if you could do it all again? Today, we were driving my fiance's father around and he sat in the front seat of my 08 SE, and he just looked "cramped" even with the seat as far back as it could go; he made a few comments about how to get real space today in a car, you actually need a small truck...I began to question the room and utility of my midsized Camry...
I personally think the Camry is a HUGE car for the mid-size class. Try driving the 2007 Ford Fusion, Mazda 6, Hyundai Sonata, etc., then compare it to the Camry. The Camry has way more room, not to mention way more power.
The Avalon is in a different class. The suspension is way too soft compared to the Camry SE, not to mention that the Camry is a big enough car for me. My parents have an 06 Avalon (newest style) and it is frickin huge! It is too difficult to park.
Overall the Camry offered the best looks, best performance, and best value for the money.
I would not have bought an Avalon because Camry I already think my Camry is way too big. I already wish I would have bought something smaller like a Corolla or Civic because then I wouldn't be getting only 30 MPG.
Judging by LTD, were expecting something like a Crown Vic? The 300C is almost 1 ft longer than 07 Camry and only a few inches shorter than Sienna. Maybe Avalon would have been a better choice for your requirements if not for the price.
As far as room goes, the size is fine since I never have anyone over 6 ft in the car. I'm only 5'8" and the back is still pretty roomy. As far as utility...what exactly do you need? I've fit 2 bikes in the trunk, or one in the back seat and one in the trunk before. Just depends how many wheels I feel like removing. I put a blanket in the backseat to protect against grease though. Heck, I just moved a tree in combination with a Costco run Saturday afternoon.
man if only i had more money and less bills to pay. i left my car at home for a couple days and parents used it. stock height and they managed to scrap, chipping off paint on the front lip. looks pretty bad now.
ANYWAY, if ur cramped in the front with the seat all the way back, ur pretty tall. im asian.. 5'10" and 170 pounds and i have all the room in the world. when im sitting in any passenger seat, i can cross my legs and sit comforably.
Yeah I'm not too sure about the Camry being small. I'm 5'8" 130 pounds and I just look awkward when I drive this thing, like I'm drowning in it. If I had a choice on the car I was getting it would probably have been a Corolla; plenty of room for my needs, and better gas mileage too.
Personally, I absolutely fell in love with the SE model's body kit (as with the previous-generation car) but I'm a bit dissapointed with the actual size of this vehicle; Toyota calls it a mid-sizer, which it is by technical standards I suppose, but it's just not all that "big" to me.
Coming from a sports coupe, I was looking for a big sedan this time around -- I considered the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger; the 300 just didn't do it for me up close (too much of a "pimp" mobile and they're just everywhere here, everyone rollin' on like 24s and bigger) and the Charger my fiance hated -- said it just "wasn't our image"...I think the top of the line Charger is pretty hot. But anyway, there were cars like the Avalon...but I don't know...it just didn't fit our ages...I always said I would buy the Avalon if Toyota offered a sport model with a body kit (of course this wasn't going to happen because of the demographic target of this car) but then the price always stopped me, too. It really does look like a poor man's LS400, but I couldn't justify the price of a Limited Avalon...
What about you Camry owners...is the size of your ride to your liking? Would you have gotten something larger if you could do it all again? Today, we were driving my fiance's father around and he sat in the front seat of my 08 SE, and he just looked "cramped" even with the seat as far back as it could go; he made a few comments about how to get real space today in a car, you actually need a small truck...I began to question the room and utility of my midsized Camry...
I drove the Chrysler 300 because my wife liked the look of it. But I couldn't see out good enough, it looked cheap inside, and it was more expensive then the Camry if you got the V8. And the 6 was just not enough power for that car. This was back when gas was $2 and change so I'm glad I didn't go for the V8.
The Avalon is too big and too ugly... granny mobile. My hair is not blue yet.
I bought a Camry LE V6 in '07 and loved it, so when it came time to replace my wifes '02 Tundra (because of gas prices) we got her an '09 Camry LE V6 like mine. It's just the right size for us, plenty of power but still good on gas, and we like they way they look.
I didn't look at much else, I'll never buy another BMW that's for sure... what a hunk of crap. I would get laughed at if I bought a Ford or Chevy.. don't like the looks of any of them anyway. Nissan's are kinda ugly to me also. However, the Altima 2 door I would buy.. it looks cool. Can't stand clear tail lights on the 4 door, they look like bad aftermarket bolt ons for kids. The rear of the Maxima looks bad too, looks like they just ran out of ideas.
I test drove the fully loaded 300 c and found out that it is just tiny bit larger on inside despite being much larger on outside. I have an infant seat in the middle of the back seats and I can fit 2 adults in the back with no issues. The car is plenty wide and has enough leg room. Your fiance's dad must be quite a large fella.
Today, we were driving my fiance's father around and he sat in the front seat of my 08 SE, and he just looked "cramped" even with the seat as far back as it could go; he made a few comments about how to get real space today in a car, you actually need a small truck...I began to question the room and utility of my midsized Camry...
ClinicaTerra LTD,
It seems to me from your story that you actually didn't start questioning the size of your Camry until your soon to be father in law started making comments. Personally I would have told him to shut the fuck up and try walking, then he would have plenty of leg room. Its your car. Don't let other people's opinion deter you from what you like. If it fits you, that's all that matters.
Camry looks better than the Avalon, and if I wanted to spend the money for an Avalon, I would rather get a V6 XLE Camry fully loaded. I also think the Camry is nicely sized, plenty of room inside, everyone I've driven has been pleased with their seating experience.
Camry looks better than the Avalon, and if I wanted to spend the money for an Avalon, I would rather get a V6 XLE Camry fully loaded. I also think the Camry is nicely sized, plenty of room inside, everyone I've driven has been pleased with their seating experience.
Thanks for your thoughts, Omer; the Camry doesn't feel "small" to you from the driver position perspective? Why do you think the Avalon looks better than the Cam? Just curious; the Avalon does look like the Lexus LS from certain angles, specifically the rear, but its target audience was not really a group I was ready to enter. Was just curious if folks who bought the Cam thought the Avalon may have been "better" after they made the purchase because it is a bigger vehicle.
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2009 Toyota Camry
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