Quickie Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2006-2012)

2006-2012 Toyota Camry

The Good: Has a comfortable ride contemplated with a spacious cabin.

The Bad: Definitely not for the driver and it drives like a boat.

The Say: Executives like this for a reason.

Go For: 2.4 V
Avoid: 2.4 G

Price Range: P400,000-P780,000
Our Rating: ****

Full Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2006-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Camry

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2009
2009-2012

Toyota Camry - Generation 6.2 (2009-2012)

TOYOTA CAMRY (2009-2012)

Updated for 2009, the Camry gets some exterior changes while some items reserved in the higher end models are trickled down to the lower models. Model line-up and mechanical specifications remain unchanged.

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Toyota Camry - Generation 6.1 (2006-2009)

TOYOTA CAMRY (2006-2009)

What the Philippine market (and most of South East Asia and China) gets the Camry based Aurion, which is an Australian market model, but with different styling and interior. For the first time, 2.4 models ditch the 4 speed automatic in favor of a 5 speed model and the V6 gains an extra gear and additional 500cc of power.

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Toyota Camry - Generation 4 (1996-2002)

TOYOTA CAMRY (1996-2002)

Complementing the Corona is the Americanized Camry which was first sold in a sole GLE model until a 1999 update gave it two models (thereby discontinuing the single one) that coincided with its Philippine assembly. Before getting redesigned, a final update was given in late 2001.

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Toyota Camry - Generation 5.2 (2004-2006)

TOYOTA CAMRY (2004-2006)

Perhaps the most notable change for this version was the 2.0 engines put to rest and replaced by an expanded 2.4 line up and the launch of a 3.0 engine. More amenities were added including HID lights, power seats for the V models among others.

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Toyota Camry - Generation 5.1 (2002-2004)

TOYOTA CAMRY (2002-2004)

Having more space and grew larger than the predecessor, the fifth generation (second locally) Camry gives way to a 2.4 engine as well as new interior features. A notable tidbit of trivia: this model of Camry rivaled the Cefiro when it comes to market share.

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Car Profiles - Toyota Camry

TOYOTA CAMRY

With more power (thanks to a 2.5 engine) comes great presence, and the Camry never fails at it. What's not to love about it? Roomy cabin, zesty acceleration, and the presence it has. For those who love riding at the back, power recline seats comes standard. Facelifted model gained more kit and a sporty 2.5 S variant.

The Good: Space inside is excellent

The Bad: Steering ain't the best

Price Range: P1,705,000-P1,881,000

Our Rating: ****

Last Update: January 9, 2018

Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2002-2006)

Before leaving this month, Myk Belmonte reviews an executives favorite that can be yours.

2002-2006 Toyota Camry

History
Why do the Americans love the Camry? Well, here are some reasons I can think of: practical for most Americans, dependable, a number of variants to choose from, well mannered, and will last long than you do. Hundreds of thousands of them are driven off dealership floors, with the Camry grabbing the best selling car (trucks are not mixed here) title in 1997, dislodging the Ford Taurus (and never reclaimed by an American sedan).

First launched in September 2001, the XV30 Camry grew in size than the pizza crust dimensions of the XV20 (1996-2001). No station wagon version here, but the platform where the Camry was based paved way for the Highlander crossover and Sienna minivan. If the previous model looked flat, it gained more height and wheelbase that resulted to a tall structure. This generation of Camry was marketed in different parts (except mainland Europe, with the vehicle being sold in UK for a short time) of the world by adjusting to local preferences.

June 2002 saw the introduction of the Camry in the Philippines and this generation had executives jump for joy. Why did I say this? People didn't warm up to the anonymous looking previous gen, but this one looked stately and evokes their image without being kidnapped. Sales of the XV30 Camry ceased with the introduction of the XV40 Camry in the latter part of 2006. Variants include the following: E (base) and G (upgraded) for the 2.0, available until 2004; the E and V for the 2.4 and the V is reserved for the 3.0.

Value and Costs
With just resale prices below P500,000, the Camry is a steal for those who want more luxury for less. Hunt for a 3.0 V6 and you'll enjoy paradise in no time. Don't forget the funds for parts and fuel, though.

Toyotas are definitely reliable, which is why they are sought out in the market and the Camry is one of them. Maintaining one is definitely more than the Corolla Altis, due to the larger engine and myriad of power features. Find something well taken care of, and you'll enjoy each miles of it.

Exterior and Interior
Thanks to Hiroyuki Metsugi, the Camry looks tall but without being scary. Smooth and sleek, it hides its bulkiness well with the help of the large headlights good for quad beam and a high shoulder line. The rear is somewhat detached from the rest of the body but still an improvement nevertheless.

It was definitely worth the money inside the Camry. Except for the E, all models do have a leather clad interior of high quality. Controls are within reach of the driver but the dashboard is where people against illegal logging would be angry for. Space, is of course, class leading and a huge leap from the flat predecessor.

Engine
Two four bangers and a V6 found home under the Camry's hood throughout the years. Available from 2002 until 2004, the 1AZ-FE 1,998cc which is good for 149hp at 5,600rpm and 192Nm at 4,000rpm is the base engine until it was chucked in 2004. Next in line is the 2AZ-FE 2,362cc that carries 157hp at 5,600rpm and 220Nm at 3,800-4,200rpm and relegated to the base model role in late 2004. The icing of the Camry cake is the 1MZ-FE 2,994cc V6 which possess 212hp at 5,800rpm and 298Nm at 4,400rpm. So how do these engines play? For the 2.0, we wouldn't bother much although it is decent enough inside the city, the engine might struggle to carry the weight. Our pick is the 2.4 which has the balance of power and economy, and since this is the common engine, finding one isn't trouble. Despite having a monster of an engine, the 3.0 V6 is whisper quiet and smooth.

Driving Impressions
If the previous Camry would treat passengers like they are in a boat, that malady was vanished in the XV30 Camry which you'll love riding in more. The suspension vindicates all road bumps and gives the Camry a well controlled body. Handling is still on the safe side, which is not an enthusiast's dream.

Verdict
Toyota did it right with this model which gained the approval of the moneyed people. Back in October 24, 2002, the Nissan Cefiro is still the top choice, the Toyota Camry attracts curious buyers (from the anonymous replacement), and the Honda Accord and Mitsubishi Galant are heading towards the retirement home. Now, October 24. 2013, the XV30 Camry is a great buy since you get the feeling of isolation and royalty for less.

Car Profiles - Toyota Camry (1997-2002)

1997-2002 Toyota Camry

The Good: Comfortable for five people, smooth operator

The Bad: Lacks character, ungainly steering

The Say: A plain looking vehicle in the premium market.

Go For: 2.2 GX
Avoid: 2.2 GLE

Price Range: P145,000-P280,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Review: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Camry

See the different versions of this vehicle:
1996-2002

Car Profiles - Toyota Camry (2002-2006)

2002-2006 Toyota Camry

The Good: Stately appearance, high levels of quality

The Bad: Bulky, boring

The Say: Almost after 10 years, this car still has class.

Go For: 2.4 V
Avoid: 2.0 models

Price Range: P320,000-P480,000
Our Rating: ****

Related Review:Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2002-2006)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Camry

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2002-2004
2004-2006

Car Profiles - Toyota Camry (2006-2012)

2006-2012 Toyota Camry

The Good: Has a comfortable ride contemplated with a spacious cabin.

The Bad: Definitely not for the driver and it drives like a boat.

The Say: Executives like this for a reason.

Go For: 2.4 V
Avoid: 2.4 G

Price Range: P680,000-P890,000
Our Rating: ****

Related Review: Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2006-2012)
Latest vehicle profile: Toyota Camry

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2009
2009-2012

Used Car Review - Toyota Camry (2006-2012)

Every executives dream ride can be obtained at entry level prices, and Myk Belmonte tells the tale of this car.

2006-2012 Toyota Camry

History
For the Filipino elite who prefers to be arrived in a low profile fashion, there is one top choice, the Camry. But during the 80s and 90s, the Crown and Corona are top picks due to their presence and the badge. You'll see these sedans doting inside posh subdivisions and inside golf courses with their bosses and their donyas being driven. Time had changed with both of them gone, the Camry became the executives car.

The year 2006 saw the introduction of the XV40 Camry but packaged differently for the Americans and Japanese and one for the Asian market. Multiple engine configurations had been made available in the form of inline four, V6, and hybrid. There is a "regular" and "prestige" models available but our market gets the former. Related models include the Aurion and the Lexus ES, both having the same body but different in many ways.

2002-2006 Camrys had been also an alternative in the premium sedan market alongside the Nissan Cefiro and the Honda Accord, but this one took control of the affluent market with the XV40 platform when it was launched in 2006. They said that you had arrived when you are driven in a Camry, it was the perfect choice for them. The XV50 still continues the generation of providing executives a reliable and safe transportation. Trim levels available are the 2.4 G and V and the top tier 3.5 Q with an update done in August 2009.

Value and Costs
Executives who are recently promoted, listen to me. For the price of a brand new compact, you can get all the presence in a meeting with a second hand Camry, since you'll see units ranging in the P680,000-P890,000 range. Even recent models can be had for a little over a million bucks, but make sure the unit is well loved.

Maintaining one is comparable with other Japanese and Korean premium sedans. Obviously, the 3.5 Q has a higher cost of ownership due to the V6 engine but with your high income that you will receive, don't complain about it.

Exterior and Interior
There are cues of German saloons present in the Camry, and it is more imposing and larger than the previous iterations. While smooth, the exterior dictates low profile and the agreement has already signed, but generic and bland in the most. You'll see some Bangle's work as an inspiration for designing the trunk but was streamlined properly. You get the presence if you are being driven, you are anonymous if you are driving it.

Wood, wood, and tons of wood are the highlight of the interior, since acres of them cover the dashboard. There is a silver trim present but the illegal loggers win this game. There is the presence of black hues in the leather seats and doors but you wont mind if you have a driver with you. The gauges can change colors but turns out that it is not exciting to stare at but on the other hand, it is very useful. Passenger space is excellent, especially in the rear portion.

Engine
A good reason why the Camry sold well is the variety of engine options. For starters, there is the 2AZ-FE 2,362cc that possess 167hp at 6,000rpm and 224Nm at 4,000rpm standard in the G and V levels. But if you have the money to splurge, then the Q model you are eyeing has the 2GR-FE 3,456cc which carries 277hp at 6,200rpm and 346Nm at 4,700rpm. The 2.4 engine is no slouch since it can haul the mass well without drama. Choosing the V6 engine would reward you with tons of power available in the lower end of the torque spectrum and uses the power efficiently.

Driving Impressions
Planning to drive on the weekends or when your trusted manong takes a day off? Here are some driving observations that you may notice. The leather seats will cocoon you from any road bumps while the steering is light, it wont inspire driving excitement. Going over corners will show the body roll and it definitely drives like a barge, it likes to be in a straight path. Remember, this is a passenger's car so look elsewhere for driving fun.

Verdict
Good or bad economy, comfort and image can be had for less money. The Toyota Camry has both of them but just remember to stay at the back most of the time to fully appreciate this more. Speed junkies need not apply or buy this car.