Toyota introduced an all-new, sixth-generation Camry for 2007, and this model has retained its position of best-selling car in America. Camry is available in four-cylinder and V6 models, and as the Camry Hybrid equipped with Toyota’s industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The Camry stands out in a competitive segment with its distinctive, athletic exterior design. It is built on a 109.3 in. wheelbase to provide outstanding interior room: 101.4 cubic feet of passenger space, including 38.3 inches of rear legroom. Changes for 2008 include new darker wood trim in the XLE grade. Classic Silver Metallic was added to the array of exterior colors, while Titanium Metallic was discontinued.
The Camry puts a sharpened focus on driving dynamics, especially in the sporty SE grade. The standard Camry powertrain is a smooth, 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 available for other Camry models provides outstanding performance with admirable fuel efficiency. The Camry Hybrid combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric drive motor and sets a new standard for the performance/fuel efficiency balance in a mid-size sedan.
Integral to Camry’s value is its fuel efficiency, with EPA-estimated 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway ratings for the Camry Hybrid. Four-cylinder manual and automatic Camry models have city/highway fuel economy ratings of 21/31 mpg, and V6 Camry models have 19/28 mpg EPA estimated ratings.
Comprehensive Safety
The Camry’s body structure is designed to absorb collision-impact forces and help minimize impact deformation to the passenger cabin. High-strength steel is used for B-pillar and rocker panel reinforcements to help manage overall body deformation in the event of a side collision. Inside the cabin, even the seat frames are designed to help absorb side collision loads.
Dual-stage advanced SRS airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag are standard on all Camry models. The front seats use Toyota’s Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design.
All 2008 Camry models come equipped with a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Brake Assist feature is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Brake Assist supplements the applied braking power until the driver releases pedal pressure.
Available as an option, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control regulates engine output and brake application on individual wheels to help control loss of traction in turns. Camry Hybrid is equipped with the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that helps control vehicle traction and stability through throttle control, brake application on individual wheels, and even minor steering correction if circumstances require.
Smooth Ride, Responsive Handling
The 2008 Camry offers responsive handling while providing the smooth, quiet ride that has helped make this model so popular. Four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear suspension system. Camry, LE, XLE and Hybrid models ride on standard 16-inch wheels of either steel (Camry and LE) or aluminum (XLE and Hybrid), with the sporty SE model getting aluminum six-spoke, 17-inch wheels as standard. All Camry models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.
Toyota designed the Camry SE model to appeal to driving enthusiasts (or turn any sedan driver into a driving enthusiast). Chassis modifications beyond other Camry grades include springs, shock absorbers and bushings with firmer, sportier values than those used in other grades. Underbody stabilizing braces and a V-shaped brace between the trunk and cabin help to increase torsional rigidity in the SE model.
Tuning the SE chassis went together with optimizing underbody aerodynamics. Making the underbody as flat as possible helps to smooth and speed the airflow under the car, and engineers also specially tuned the balance between front and rear downforce.
The Camry SE gets a distinctive look with a standard full body kit that positions the car 0.4-inches (10 mm) lower than other Camry grades, plus 17-inch aluminum wheels, a distinct black, honeycomb-style grille and smoked tint halogen headlamps. Inside, the Camry SE is distinguished by a unique sport-trimmed interior in dark charcoal or Ash gray with a leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel and blue-colored optitron gauges.
Smooth Four-Cylinder or Powerful V6
The Camry’s standard 2.4-liter engine develops 158 SAE horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 161 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,000 rpm and can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an electronically controlled five-speed automatic. (The PZEV-certified version offers 155 hp and 158 lb.-ft.) The DOHC 3.5L V6 available in the LE, SE and XLE grades delivers a substantial performance boost with 268 SAE horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The chain-driven camshafts employ Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.
The V6 Camry models come equipped exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential mode for manual shifting when desired. Intelligent control adapts shifting strategy in response to driver input, with very fast kick-down response in particular.
Camry Hybrid
The Camry Hybrid provides excellent value and fuel economy. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive produces a combined 187 horsepower, and this system varies power between gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed.
The first part of Hybrid Synergy Drive consists of a 147-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine coupled to an electronically controlled planetary-gear continuously-variable transmission. The second part combines a small, high-torque 40-hp electric motor, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery, and a transaxle to seamlessly combine power from the electric motor and gasoline engine.
Because there are situations in which the gas engine in a Toyota hybrid completely shuts down, air conditioning and power steering systems are driven electrically. In addition, an “ECO” button limits energy consumption by the climate control system and under certain conditions can help improve fuel economy.
Special attention paid to vehicle underbody aerodynamics, including the use of wheel spats and underbelly pans, helps yield a coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.27, which can benefit fuel economy. The 2008 Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), just one of a handful of cars that meets this strict standard. It produces over 70 percent less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.
Innovative Comfort Touches
The Camry’s roomy interior shows the attention to detail that has helped this model set such high standards for sedan comfort. Controls on the two-level dash and console are easy to see and use. Large instrument panel gauges are easy to see at a glance, and the odometer and trip meters are illuminated at all times to improve visibility. The audio/climate control panel features easy-to-use switches that are illuminated for easier use at night. A standard multi-information display provides the outside temperature, estimated range, average speed, average fuel consumption and a trip odometer.
With the 60/40 fold-down rear seats, Camry offers 15 cubic feet of luggage space (14.5 cu. ft. with the reclining rear seat in XLE or fixed rear seat in SE, and 10.6 cu. ft. in the Camry Hybrid). The trunk is equipped with a grocery hook, a utility box and a luggage net (on XLE) for added convenience.
The four-cylinder XLE model is exclusively equipped with special seat fabric designed to be gentle on the skin. The fabric is treated by the Fraichir™ process, in which it is coated with a naturally occurring component called Sericin that has been extracted from silkworm cocoons and refined. This substance contains a natural moisturizing component. The V6 Camry XLE is equipped with standard leather-trimmed seats.
A dual-zone automatic climate-control system that is standard on the Camry XLE and Hybrid models uses Plasmacluster™ ionizer technology to help reduce airborne mold spores, microbes, fungi, odors, germs and bacteria inside the passenger cabin.
In the XLE grade, the rear seatbacks can recline eight degrees from their standard position to enhance passenger comfort. Rear-seat passengers also get dedicated personal reading lamps on moonroof-equipped Camry models.
Camry offers many storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side-pockets. Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and an auxiliary audio jack; this box is big enough to store nine CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory box behind the shift lever containing another accessory power socket, a 354 cubic inch rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and, adjacent to the shift lever, two large cupholders.
Camry Available in Four Grades
The Camry comes equipped as standard with air conditioning with micro dust and pollen filter; power windows and door locks; color-keyed power side mirrors; cruise control; halogen headlamps with automatic on/off feature; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; vehicle immobilizer, and a six speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack. All Camry audio systems can play CDs with MP3 files. The Camry LE adds an in-key remote keyless entry and eight-way-adjustable power driver’s seat.
The XLE’s list of standard features includes an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel controls, Plasmacluster™ ionizer and rear vents; a premium 440-watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth® technology for hands-free calling with compatible phones; wood-style trim; power glass moonroof; reclining rear seats; fog lamps, and aluminum wheels.
The Camry Hybrid offers a standard equipment level similar to the XLE grade and adds a standard Smart Entry and Smart Start system. Push-button start allows drivers to lock, unlock, or start the car just by carrying the Smart Key.
The premium JBL system, standard in the Camry XLE and Hybrid, includes an AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD changer with eight speakers and an eight-channel, 440-watt digital amplifier for low distortion and faithful reproduction of a wide range of musical types.
Options available on select Camry grades include a power tilt/slide moonroof; heated front seats; voice-command DVD navigation system; leather-trimmed seating; rear spoiler, and the Smart Entry and Smart Start system.
When the available voice-activated DVD navigation system is added to the Camry (SE, XLE, Hybrid), the premium JBL audio system integrates that system and comes with a four-disc in-dash CD changer.
Warranty
The 2008 Camry and Camry Hybrid are covered by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty that applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation.
The Camry Hybrid also has an eight-year/100,000 mile warranty that covers the hybrid–related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module, and inverter with converter.
