Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

egret

My wife & I are shopping for a new vehicle for the two of us & our first baby. We're considering a 4-cylinder Camry with automatic transmission & side airbags. Since we live in southern AZ, could someone let us know your experiences with the AC system, especially in a hot locale? Do both the front and back seats get cool enough, even at 2 pm on the hottest days? (Our Honda Civic does not!) Also, is this car safe and reliable for a growing family, with easy access and fitting of an infant seat? TIA

andrelaplume

Well, we live in PA. Obviously we do not get the heat you do however the Camry does have rear ducts in the back of the center console. It does not appear the air comes out with a lot of OOOMPH but I have never had a complaint it was too hot. In fact I am usually asked to turn the AC down.

We had no trouble fitting a car seat and booster seat in the rear. In fact my petite wife could fit back there between the two in some comfort for short trips. Now that the booster seat is no longer needed there appears to plenty of room for average sized folks. Also note that the rear doors open VERY wide making access to the child seat easy.

Our 4 cylinder automatic is way smoooooth and accelerates safely. It offers decent gas mileage too. In two years I have had no mechanical issues except a squeaky belt that was replaced under warranty.

Two things though:

1) If the Camry you choose has Continental tires try to get them switched or be prepared to replace them ASAP. They may be quiet but are horrid in the snow(likely not an issue for you) and rain. I considered it a saftey hazrd for my kids and replaced them at 10K.

2)I do suggest you read thru the rattles forum if these sorts of things bother you. The car in general has been a rattle trap since 02. It appears the 04s are no better based on recent posts.

GOOD LUCK!

xxon

I was looking at the 2005 Camry SE today on the Toyota Website and it looks like Toyota has re-routed the tailpipe through a metal-shielded groove in the middle of the gas tank. I have attached the 360 degree link. You can turn it over and look for yourself.

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/camry/ext360.html

slov98

this was discussed recently here if you mean the low hanging exhaust pipe on previous models, I haven't seen an 05 in person to confirm the ugly design was 'fixed'

xxon

Yes. I mean the ugly low-hanging tailpipe looks like it has been fixed. I will have to go to the dealer to take a look in person.

egret

We really appreciate the good info and the warning about the tires...we will be test-driving next weekend....

solara00

I have an '04 XLE V6 with Navigation. The radio is XM capable, but do I need more than simply subscribing to an XM service? Do I need an XM antenna and/or installation? Neither the Toyota or NAV manuals are very clear on this.

Thanks.

slov98

You will also need a receiver, like the delphi roady 1 or 2, that's the easiest way to go but not the best sound quality, did you check out XMs' web site?

I can't post direct links here but if you do a search on XM Radio on yahoo, see the fourth result. Very helpful site.

pat

You can post a link to an XM radio site - the MA doesn't allow links to other automotive message boards, but the site in the yahoo search that I think you mean would be fine.

solara00

Okay, not a techie here, but I thought the XLE radio "AM-SAT" already had the receiver in it.

So what is the SAT on the radio?

When I spoke to XM on the phone, they thought I would just need an XM antenna since the Toyota radio was ready for XM. Although, he admitted that he was not real sure and suggested I go to an installation service to see if I needed more than just an antenna.

Again, what is AM-SAT? THANKS.

307web

For aesthetic reasons, they may be just not displaying how low the exhaust hangs in the online graphic.
Hopefully, someone will witness an actual 05 in real life and can see if the exhaust pipe routing really is any different than previous years.

xxon

On the Toyota Website link, you can take a pretty good look (360 degree) at the 2005 Camry SE. The site allows you to turn the car upside down and see the undercarriage. I think you'll find that tailpipe is definitely different than it was before. Of course, the only way to really know how it looks is to see it in real life.

carman123

The '05 refreshing added some nice things, but I feel Toyota didn't go far enough. I would have liked to also see the following: 1. Standard 16" wheels/tires for all Camrys for more secure handling. 2. Standard 4 wheel disc brakes for all Camry's. (Consumer reports states there is a significant difference in handling and braking between 4-cyl LE and 4-cyl XLE models). 3. 3.3 Liter V-6 in all six-cyl models instead of just the SE. This would provide much better performance with no penalty in fuel economy. 4. Optional deletion of moonroof in SE models for taller drivers to have adequate headroom. 5. Wider availability of VSC package in 4-cyl models. It is easy to get a V-6 with VSC. According to my local dealer, a special order with 3+ month wait is needed to get 4-cyl with VSC. I would like to see Toyota address these issues with future model years.

slov98

best bet is to go to xmfan.com and post your question there

I don't think 'XM ready' means you're in business, you still have to get the hardware and installation but it does mean your radio has the proper connections for XM, so you won't be needing any special adapters.

junepug

I really feel sorry for the folks that have a Camry that is beset with rattles. I remember a Ford Granada that had so many rattles that I would turn up the radio just to not hear them. Ford could never solve the problem. Funny thing, that was during the quiet ride commercials from Ford.

Our 2002 V6 Camry has not experienced one rattle since we took possession. We now have approx. 20,000 miles on the car. The car was built in the Kentucky plant.

BTW, we also have a 2003 Highlander V6 FWD that does not have any rattles.

alpha01

Consumer Reports has never tested an XLE 4. However, switching to better quality tires, even keeping them 15s, will result in a dramatic improvement in Camry handling and braking abilities for the LE. The Continental tires that were tested by CR were appropriately panned for their poor grip- they are terrible tires. That said, the Camry Standard/LE 4 disc/drum brakes aren not necessarily bad, and if you reference the Honda Accord, lower trim lines on that car use rear drums as well. Yes, I do agree that it would have been better for Toyota to upgrade to rear disc brakes... but my point is if you want a Camry with better stopping and handling ability but are on budget to go for the Standard or LE, simply swap the tires for $300. (We have outstanding Pirellis on ours).

Also, availability of options is regionally dependent. Consider the fact that the Camry is the only 4cylinder family car in the moderate price range to even OFFER a stability enhancement system, for example.

~alpha

carman123

Alpha,

Were your Pirellis original equipment or replacement tires? Which Pirelli type are they and how many miles do you expect to get from them?
Regarding the XLE vs. LE handling difference, I read Consumer reports a few weeks ago and remembered the comment but forgot that it was a V-6 XLE and not a 4-cyl. Anyway, the 2 XLE models should handle comparably with the 4-cyl likely doing a little better than the six due to a lighter engine and better front to rear weight distribution.
I have test driven an SE V-6, XLE V-6 and LE 4. It seemed to me that there was as big a difference in acceleration between the 3.3 and 3.0 as there is between the 3.0 and 2.4 with the new five speed automatic. My seat of the pants estimate would put 0-60 times at about 7.0 seconds for the 3.3, 7.8 seconds for the 3.0, and 8.5 seconds for the 2.4. Personally, I would not pay extra for the 3.0 because I don't feel that the performance gain is worth the fuel economy penalty. I would either recommend the SE V-6 or a 4-cyl model. Unfortunately for me, I don't have enough headroom with the mandatory sunroof in the SE. I am not sure that I would be happy long term with a 4-cyl.
My wife and I really like our '04 Sienna (it is our first Toyota) and we would like to buy another Toyota to replace our Mercedes C320 that is coming off lease this November. Leasing a German car is fine while it is under warranty but I would be afraid to keep one for 5-10 years, which is what we plan to do with our next car purchase. I wish Toyota would build a Camry to my desired specifications. Looking at the alternatives: Accord LX V-6 (ugly exterior styling), Legacy GT (a little too small for my growing family and poor gas mileage with Turbo), Altima (unrefined ride and NVH characteristics compared to Camry), Passat (potential reliability risk over 5-10 years of ownership), Infiniti G35 base model (might be my best alternative--better performance than Camry, though less room a little more expensive). I guess I have a couple of months to figure things out. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

alpha01

Does your C320 have a sunroof? Even if it doesnt, Im surprised that the Camry SE (with sunroof) would have less headroom than the significantly dimensionally smaller C class.

Compared to the features that your C320 likely has, you'd be giving up a lot by going with the Accord LX V6. The Camry LE V6 gives up a bit of power to the Accord LX V6, but at least you can still equip the Camry with VSC, JBL, alloys (standard on all V6 Camry models) for example. The Legacy GT MPG at 19/25 reflects the AWD burden, but depending on where you live, that might be far outweighed by the all weather benefits. That car will also bury the Accord V6 and Camry V6s.

I agree- it sounds like a basic G35 might be your best bet, though an option-less G can be hard to find, and resale value is going to suffer without the typical entry-lux items like leather (which I personally would be just as happy without).

~alpha

motownusa

Have you test driven the 05 Altima V6 with the new 5 speed automatic? I heard it is much improved over the 02-04 Alty ( 4 speed auto, inferior quality interior etc). You also get 30 mpg on the highway which is better than any Camry 6 cylinder and matches the Accord V6. The fact that the engine displacement for the Altima is 3.5L means there would be more low end torque compare to the Camry or Accord.

alpha01

Actually, the fact that Nissan displaces 3.5L doesnt necessarily mean it has greater low end torque than the Camry 3.3L; the Camry peaks at 240 foot pounds at 3600 RPM, while the Nissan 3.5 needs another 900 RPM to produce just 9 more foot pounds, for a total of 249.

~alpha

carman123

Yes, my C320 has a sunroof. I am glad you asked that question because every German car with a sunroof that I have sat in had adequate headroom for me. This includes the VW Passat, Jetta and Golf; BMW 3 and 5 series; Mercedes C, E and CLK; Audi A4 and A6. Conversely, every Japanese car with a sunroof had insufficient headroom. This list includes Civic, Accord, Altima, Camry, Acura TSX and TL, '05 Legacy, Infiniti G35, Lexus IS and GS. The only Japanese vehicles with a sunroof that had enough headroom for me have been the Acura MDX and Toyota Sienna. I conclude that German people have a taller average height than Japanese people do because their sedans clearly reflect it. The solution is for the Japanese to add another inch or so of headroom across the board or to always make sunroofs optional. I find it ironic that German cars with generally more headroom usually make sunroofs optional vs. Japanese cars with less headroom more commonly have sunroofs as standard. In other words, I can readily order any German car I want without a sunroof--even though I have enough headroom with it. But those darn Japanese cars require the sunroof and then I don't fit comfortably in the car.
Am I the only person with this problem???? I swear that I am not making this up.
Anyway, back to the Toyota Camry. I guess it will come down to an XLE vs. a base G35 vs. buying my C320 at lease end. It would cost about the same for an '05 Camry XLE 4-cyl as I would pay for the for the buyout. The XLE V-6 and G35 would be a few thousand more. Resale value on a base G35 would not be a major concern since I plan to keep it for so long. Though one never knows when their vehicle could be stolen or totalled in an accident.
Thank you for your input, Alpha.

carman123

I drove the '04 Altima V-6. I preferred the Camry over it in just about every way including refinement, ride comfort, seat comfort, quietness, interior quality, and less torque steer in Camry. While the refreshed '05 Altima may be improved, I doubt it would be enough for my tastes. In my opinion, the G35 is a much better car for the money than either the Altima or Maxima. I probably am one of the few people who would cross shop the Camry vs. the G35. But that is one of the great things about having so many choices.

alpha01

It is very strange indeed that you dont have headroom issues in cars like the Jetta and Passat, whose listed headroom dimensions with sunroof are less than the Camrys. Kinda sucks for you, sorry thats the way it is.

You mention the XLE V6 Camry, but really that seems not to be an option for you since the power sunroof is standard on that model, just as it is on the Camry SE and SE V6.

Sounds like you should start truly evaluating the G35. That model has a few perks over the Camry, the two biggest being, IMO, a better dealer network/customer satisfaction, and more power (at the cost of MPG). Good luck with everything!

~alpha

trimtime

What is the experience of owners in regards to the two different OEM tires: Continental and Goodyear?

hankww2

Hi- My cousin has a 12 year old Toyota Camry with front & rear rubber bumpers. She wants to buy a new camry but only if it has those bumpers. Can she get them custom ordered from a Toyota dealer in NYC? Would they do it? Does anyone out there know?

bd21

It looks like your cousin will be driving her 13 year old car for the rest of her life. That style of bumpers are gone forever! A car isn't like a whopper, you can't always have it your way. Well wait a minute... of course she could buy a new car and pay someone a couple of thousand bucks to remove her new bumpers and attach her old bumpers to the car. That will only cause a few problems like her warranty will be invalid, the airbags will no longer work and the car will look like crap. But hey it's a small price to pay, so she can drive around with those dull black bumpers. Yes I'm being sarcastic, but I'm also pointing out the truth. She sounds like my 70 year old parents who don't want to buy a car unless it comes with crush velour seats.

suedz

Do you know anything about factory orders for 2005 Camrys? I wanted to get a 2005 XLE and assumed I could get a spoiler attached at the factory (like my 1995 xle was). The dealer told me the dealership had to install it or that I could install it myself, but that the factory doesn't do this. He also said that all XLE 2005 camry's come with the wheel locks and moonroof, so I have to pay for them even though I don't want a car with those options. Am I being handed a line?

bd21

On the 6 cylinder, the sunroof in mandatory, it's an option on the 4 cylinder. Rear spoiler and wheel locks are put on at the dealer.

trimtime

Why would you want to waste $435 hard earned dollars on a POS non-functional spoiler on a high end XLE Camry, and look like a fool boy-racer wannabe? Just curious.

trimtime

That Canadian Camry's are made in Japan, unlike their US built counterparts.
Which would you rather have, given a choice?

ramped

People have different tastes. Adding a spoiler to the rear deck of a Camry doesn't qualify someone as a "fool boy-racer" in my opinion.

motownusa

Not all US Camrys are built in the USA. About 1 out of 4 do come from Japan. That's especially true for the SE version. Check the VIN. If it starts with a "J" it is from Japan.

slov98

Maybe you should answer the question instead of criticizing his taste, so everyone who buys a camry SE with the spoiler, also looks like "a fool boy-racer?"

toycash

He may have meant that in your region they are usually ordered that way, but you can get a 4-cyl. XLE without a sunroof, and the wheel locks can be deleted from a car before it leaves the factory.

The spoiler is what is called a PPO option except on SE's. This means Post Production Option, which is an option that is not installed on the actual assembly line. It's put on in a separate workshop on the grounds of the plant, or in the case of an import, at the port of entry. The dealer can normally change these options in their computer, as long as it's before that vehicle's cutoff date.

suedz

Actually it's worse than you all thought. I want the spoiler not to pretend it makes my car go faster, but to find my car when it's in the extremely large parking lot at work. First thing I see is the spoiler on my '95 Camry, even though I try to park in the same or a nearby aisle each time... I want the same thing on my new Camry . (Please don't flame me for wanting it for appearance sake!)

downtownbrown

I'm leaning towards the 05 SE V6 w/Nav package. I've checked most online inventories around here (Seattle), and it seems most SEs are either 4 cyl. or V6 w/o premium or nav.

Has anyone who has been to a dealership lately seen any 2005 SE V6's w/nav in stock?

For those in the know, will dealers generally consider taking OFF a spoiler if requested??? I love the SE styling but think it would look better w/o the spoiler...as already mentioned, the spoiler is a matter of the eye of the beholder. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

dekester

I don't think it's possible to remove the spoiler without replacing the trunk lid. There are mounting holes and the corresponding bolts that are drilled through the lid, along with the wiring for the center brake light.

The only thing I DON'T like about the Camry spoiler is that it looks aftermarket and too much loke an add-on. If it was as wide as the rear of the car - hung over the tops of the rear fenders instead of only as wide as the trunk lid - it would look better IMHO. My wife didn't want it on her 03 LE V6 for that reason. My Olds Intrigue has the factory spoiler and it just fits the car perfectly.

Deke

cam2003

"That Canadian Camry's are made in Japan, unlike their US built counterparts.
Which would you rather have, given a choice?"

Not true! Most of 2004 Camry in Canada was built in US. They had Goodyear tires instead of Michelin tires.

ray h

The mounting holes can be filled in and the deck lid re-shot. Cheaper than a new deck lid that would also have to be painted anyway. Still, I find Toyota's attitude that a buyer must accept certain optional equipment (if it's really "optional", why is it mandatory?...) with other unrelated equipment an unnecessarily exclusive attitude in a mass-market product line. That "gilding the lily" way of doing business is just arrogant and really comes down to, "We do it that way because we can.". Well, Toyota, guess what I can do at the Honda dealer across the street (even though I may prefer the Camry's more refined riding qualities)... I got stuck bumping my head on, and fighting leaks with, a sunroof on one car - never again!

suedz

Anyone know anything about the new color, sky blue pearl, for the 2005 camry? The color swatches on the toyota page are a little off, so it's hard to tell if it's really nice or not...

maxamillion1

It is a bright, powder looking blue. Very nice for someone with a family, but for a single guy like Me..no dice.

However, it looks great with the gray interior scheme.

The one I saw was an XLEV6 with leather. NICE.

downtownbrown

Thanks for the replies - technically the spoiler is an option on the SE but i have a feeling most have one. Looks like i could ask the dealer to either 1) switch the entire trunk lid and transfer the badging or 2) have the mounting holes filled in.

alpha01

Did you notice how much better this year's 16 inch XLE alloys (std. V6, opt. 4) look over the 2002-2004s? They are very sharp, and truly make the car look upscale. Perhaps it is just the machine-type finish, but along with the new grille and taillights, and standard leather (which makes the car a much better value for the price even though Im not personally one for leather), I'm very infavor of the XLE V6 as a more luxurious alternative to the Accord EX V6, which is still just a bit cheaper comparably equipped (though no VSC option on the Accord). Additionally, the new SE V6 wheels and grille make that model appear more aggressive, and the engine in that model is simply outstanding.

The interiors of all models are improved with the new instrumentation and covered lower center bin, and the LE has gained chrome finish interior door handles. I was initially very critical of the black trim around the HVAC in the Std and LE, but its actually not that bad, and is a good contrast in cars with the grey interior.

Camry misses, IMO:
-the 16in alloys should be standard on the XLE 4.
-I would have like to have seen the Side Curtains made standard on AT LEAST the XLEs, and the SE V6.
-the 3.3L should be the V6 choice in the XLE as well, if not both the XLE and LE (though I still think this may happen mid-year, just as the addition of VVTi to the 3.0L occured... mid model year would also provide TMMK good timing, as the Avalon that also uses the 3.0L engine will cease to exist...)
-the brakes should disc all-round on the LE
-the LE V6 should have 16 inch wheels

~alpha

maxamillion1

I went to a different dealership today to look.

I am majoring in pacakging science here at Clemson University and I have been going around to the different dealerships in the area looking at all the cars that are on sale as of late.

I went by a Toyota dealership today in Easley, SC and they had an array of 05s. This dealership had more 05s than some of the bigger dealerships in the area (Greenville, Spartanburg, Greer, etc)

But to the point...

Yes, Alpha, I noticed the new rims, but I don't like them much. They are the same rims from the Camry Limited Edition....they really don't do much for me.

However, I LOVE the SEs rims...they look very nice. It seems like Toyota was serious about making the SE look sporty this time around.

I also noticed the black trim on the LE models. To me it looks better and gets rid of some of the blandness found on the 02-04 Camry LE interior.

I like the new taillights too..and the headlights look better. The fogs, umm..they are unique. LOL

As far as calling the Camry a more luxurious alternative to the Accord EXV6, I somewhat agree.

The Accord has every feature that the Camry has sans the VDC, and yet it has some features the Camry doesn't have.

For example the dual zone climate control..a handy touch IMO.

But as far as ride, the Camry is a more luxury ride...elaborate on that Alpha, you always make good points. What makes the Camry more luxurious?

But IMO, as an 05 Altima owner...the new Camry and Accord are BETTER built cars...the Altima is a looker, but the jury is still out on rather or not it is a keeper.

rogman

Watch out for Camrys. According to JD Power quality has dropped a few notches. I am having a problem with auto trans in a 2004. Toyota will not acknowledge the problem even after others have complained. Note forum on Toyota problems.

pciskowski

What problem are you having with your transmission?

rogman

When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear there is a stuttering / vibration noise. Sounds and feels like you are driving over rough pavement. Happens about 2-3 times daily. Been back to dealer 4 times. They cannot duplicate problem and Toyota claims they have no complaints about this. I provided the dealership with internet postings from other 2004 Camry owners complaining about the same problem, but they seem to be ignoring me. The dealership did reprogram the trans...but no help. I filed a complaint with Toyota and one government website. Sounds like a defect to me.

bklynlen

Just got a 2005 XLE with everything except NAV. Love the car so far. Would like to add XM which can be added to the existing radio. Does anyone know about what it would cost ?

themoon77

I had the same problem with a 96 Ford F-150 4 wheel drive--when the auto trans shifted, in my case from 3rd gear to overdrive, for an instant it felt as if I were driving on a washboard surface. Two independent mechanics I know traced it to the torque converter, which luckily I was able to have replaced under warranty. It solved the problem.

trimtime

Just got an e-mail from a Honda salesman I deal with re the '05 Accord.

Standard SIDE and CURTAIN air bags.

Camry missed the boat on this one.