I recently test drove a 2009 Camry SE V6. It was a Barcelona Red Metallic with the Ash Cloth interior. Options included the JBL Audio System with Bluetooth connectivity, moonroof, lip spoiler, wheel locks, mats and the rear bumper applique. MSRP was $28,140, but I could probably purchase it for under $24k given the current market conditions.
The driving experience was fantastic--for a family sedan. The ride is firmer than the LE and XLE models, but it doesn't have the harshness that you'd associate with say, a Honda Civic. There is significantly less body roll in the SE compared to the LE and XLE because of the sport-tuned suspension. The SE also comes with larger (and lower profile) tires which help with handling, but at the expense of road noise. While the road noise wasn't as awful as it is in the Accord, it is more than what a typical Camry buyer would expect. Overall, if I were to purchase the Camry, I would definitely purchase a SE. The other trims deliver too much body roll for my taste.
The vehicle I drove was equipped with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6. Mated to the U660E six-speed automatic, it is rated at 268HP and 248 ft-lbs of torque on 87 octane under the new SAE testing protocol. I did not experience any transmission flares during the test drive (this has been a common problem with the early Camrys). In fact, I have heard very few complaints about flares with the 2008+ models as Toyota has changed the software. Anyway, the engine is very powerful, probably too powerful for a car of its size. There was lots of power available at under 3000 RPM, so there was no need to rev the engine. Let's just say punching the pedal 1/3 of the way was enough to get me in trouble if I did not keep my eyes on the speedometer. The transmission software is very "aggressive" for a family sedan; the transmission downshifts even during light acceleration! This is probably why I feel this car has too much power--the transmission makes the car too responsive. I found myself in a few situations during the test drive where I was traveling faster than I had intended to, as I was not used to driving a vehicle which accelerated so quickly.
The interior quality of this car is still behind the competition. While the build quality seems to have improved since the 07 launch (e.g. smaller gaps on interior panels), the materials are still of a "Fisher Price" quality. The cloth seats aren't as nice as the ones found in the Accord, and the quality of the leather isn't impressive either. The SE's seat design is better (IMO) than the other trims due to the larger bolsters, but it's still less than ideal. I still prefer larger bolsters, like the ones found on a Celica or an Altima Coupe. The cloth seats don't feel very firm compared to the ones in our Previa, but they are still firmer than the ones in the Saturn. I'm honestly not sure if the cloth seats will be supportive enough for an extended drive. While the quality of the leather is disappointing, I may have to settle for the leather seats as they still feel firmer than the cloth ones. Also, the lack of folding rear seat on the SE trim is a bit disappointing, although the small pass through is probably sufficient for the rare occasions that I carry long items.
Overall, I was very impressed by the powertrain and handling on this car. Lots of power, responsive transmission and decent handling without too much road noise or harshness. However, the rest of the car leaves a lot to be desired, especially in the area of interior quality and seating. In addition, the difficulty of servicing is a concern as I plan to keep it for the long haul. For example, replacing the spark plugs requires manifold removal and replacing the water pump requires engine and transmission removal. I plan to drive the Altima SE 3.5 V6, Malibu LTZ V6 and the Accord EX-L V6 at some point in the future and compare them to the Camry.
The driving experience was fantastic--for a family sedan. The ride is firmer than the LE and XLE models, but it doesn't have the harshness that you'd associate with say, a Honda Civic. There is significantly less body roll in the SE compared to the LE and XLE because of the sport-tuned suspension. The SE also comes with larger (and lower profile) tires which help with handling, but at the expense of road noise. While the road noise wasn't as awful as it is in the Accord, it is more than what a typical Camry buyer would expect. Overall, if I were to purchase the Camry, I would definitely purchase a SE. The other trims deliver too much body roll for my taste.
The vehicle I drove was equipped with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6. Mated to the U660E six-speed automatic, it is rated at 268HP and 248 ft-lbs of torque on 87 octane under the new SAE testing protocol. I did not experience any transmission flares during the test drive (this has been a common problem with the early Camrys). In fact, I have heard very few complaints about flares with the 2008+ models as Toyota has changed the software. Anyway, the engine is very powerful, probably too powerful for a car of its size. There was lots of power available at under 3000 RPM, so there was no need to rev the engine. Let's just say punching the pedal 1/3 of the way was enough to get me in trouble if I did not keep my eyes on the speedometer. The transmission software is very "aggressive" for a family sedan; the transmission downshifts even during light acceleration! This is probably why I feel this car has too much power--the transmission makes the car too responsive. I found myself in a few situations during the test drive where I was traveling faster than I had intended to, as I was not used to driving a vehicle which accelerated so quickly.
The interior quality of this car is still behind the competition. While the build quality seems to have improved since the 07 launch (e.g. smaller gaps on interior panels), the materials are still of a "Fisher Price" quality. The cloth seats aren't as nice as the ones found in the Accord, and the quality of the leather isn't impressive either. The SE's seat design is better (IMO) than the other trims due to the larger bolsters, but it's still less than ideal. I still prefer larger bolsters, like the ones found on a Celica or an Altima Coupe. The cloth seats don't feel very firm compared to the ones in our Previa, but they are still firmer than the ones in the Saturn. I'm honestly not sure if the cloth seats will be supportive enough for an extended drive. While the quality of the leather is disappointing, I may have to settle for the leather seats as they still feel firmer than the cloth ones. Also, the lack of folding rear seat on the SE trim is a bit disappointing, although the small pass through is probably sufficient for the rare occasions that I carry long items.
Overall, I was very impressed by the powertrain and handling on this car. Lots of power, responsive transmission and decent handling without too much road noise or harshness. However, the rest of the car leaves a lot to be desired, especially in the area of interior quality and seating. In addition, the difficulty of servicing is a concern as I plan to keep it for the long haul. For example, replacing the spark plugs requires manifold removal and replacing the water pump requires engine and transmission removal. I plan to drive the Altima SE 3.5 V6, Malibu LTZ V6 and the Accord EX-L V6 at some point in the future and compare them to the Camry.
