If so, look at the ASL icon while in audio mode. I have noticed that it shows a series of "dots" that appear to indicate the level at which the ASL is functioning. When I am stopped in traffic, it shows zero "dots", but when driving, it shows additional "dots".
I honestly can't tell the difference in volume level (but maybe that is the way it is supposed to function).
I don't have NAV, but the fact that neither of us can tell if it is on, may indicate that it just doesn't work very well in all Camrys. I have had a similar system in a Ford, (Mach 460), and currently in a BMW, they both work how they are supposed to; when the vehicle increases in speed, road noise increases and thus the volume on the stereo increases. The Ford even allowed me to adjust the sensitivity.
Thanks for the response, its not an issue that I am concerned about, I was more curious how other owners ASLs worked, and if our stereo was defected.
Is it possible that the Camry is so quiet, that the ASL doesn't need to do much? I haven't noticed any difference in the volume either...I do have the NAV system
On the XM - we have a SE V6 w/ NAV - adjust the tone controls to max treble, I think one below center for mid, and I think one or two above the mid for bass. (The tone controls can be adjusted for CD and XM seperately (I'm not sure how many different settings it will remember)). This produces pretty decent XM sound. I was a bit bummed at the sound before using these settings.
We just went on a trip w/ the car this weekend and I tried the ASL and it did make a difference - but I'm not sure if I preferred it. It almost sounded like a variable loudness contour (a feature on an older Yamaha amp).
If you have to turn the volume and down manually to compensate for noise at slow speed vs noise at highway speeds, then the ASL isn't doing the job since it should be doing that for you. If you can set the volume and leave it at one level permanently, then everything is fine.
You are correct. It seems like it doesn't work in any of them. I wonder if does have it, but the factory setting is so low that it doesn't actually work. Maybe there is a way for the dealership to set the sensitivity. At any rate, it isn't an issue that I really care that much about.
I played with this a lot in my "old" 07 V6 XLE and it does seem to work, but needs to be a bit more volume boost than it has to compensate for road noise. You cannot increase the boost, as far as I can tell. ASL is either on or off.
The following is MY opinion and I'd like other's view as well: I have been in the market for a new car for 6 months now and haven't pulled the trigger. I was very close to closing on a Acura TSX two weeks ago but didn't and I'm glad because I had forgotten about the Toyota Camry. In many ways the Camry XLE V6 is much more car for the same amount of money as the Acura TSX (6 sp vs. 5 sp, reclining rear seat, 268 hp vs. 205, etc.) However, I feel that Toyota missed three things that would make the Camry XLE even better. Some of these gripes could be because I'm outside the typical Camry market (I'm 25, no kids, looking to spend 30k. Here they are: 1) Why is the Charcoal interior not available in the XLE? Only the SE has this available but you can't get all the goodies in the SE that you can in the XLE. I really want black leather interior in my next car but I don't want to have to settle for less car to get it. 2) The 16" wheels on the XLE are just pathetic IMO. It looks like the guy at Toyota that was in charge of this was heading to lunch and he needed to put some wheels on his CAD model of this car and just selected these things. Why are the SE wheels not available in the XLE trim? I don't care if it's additional cost but at least make it an option. 3) Where is the option for the Xenon headlights? This is becoming standard in the market especially at this price level. I know Toyota is concerned with safety so why not the brighter lights. Again, should at least be an option. I appreciate any thoughts on this. I'd like to know if I'm the only one out there that thinks this way.
Yes, the Camry is "much more car for the same amount of money." One of things, of many, that makes this possible is that Toyota limits, severely limits, available options. The increase in manufacturing efficiency is significant. You want these wheels, that upholstery, those lights, and of course someone else wants an entirely different combination of options.
If you really want them, and still want Toyota, the after market offers many of the options you want. Those who are less particular save lots of money.
I fully understand that limiting options increases efficiency and nobody does it better than Toyota. But the options I'm looking for are readily available during manufacturing. The charcoal interior and 17" wheels are available on a fellow Camry and the Xenon's are available on the Avalon. Is it really that much more difficult to put a 17" wheel in front of a robot for a few days of manufacturing?
There is always the Lexus 350. Unfortunately, Toyota builds the Camry for the masses (what the majority want). If these features are very important to you, the XLE Camry may not be your vehicle. The new XLE no longer has split folding back seats (big disappointment for me). They were very useful. The new 6cyl can only tow 1,000lbs (3,500lbs was the previous limit). Again, not happy. I'm sure Toyota won't change them for me. I have a choice, buy or move on. The bottom line is, it's still a good car (not perfect). Good Luck.
>>Is it really that much more difficult to put a 17" wheel in front of a robot for a few days of manufacturing?
If you limit it to one option for a few days only, of course not. But multiply that over all the possibilities and time frames, which is what people want, and the answer is yes. Believe me, Toyota has done the the math.
1) the Charcoal in the SE only is a corporate characteristic throughout all Toyota vehicles. Getting this changed would require more than an act of Congress. Charcoal and Black are never in any of the LE, XLE, XLS trims of any model; Camry, Corolla, 4Runner, Avalon.
2) 16" wheels are likely a manufacturing efficiency matter; less variation means lower costs. In addition the 17"ers will ride a little stiffer which is not what the XLE buyer is looking for.
3) Xenon headlights are likely the future but for now they are 'special'. The Lexus' have them but so does the Prius. By not offering them at first allows there to be some room for midcycle tweaks and additions. In the same way, the 3.5L can be tuned up to 300+hp for some Lexus models it likely has room for improvement over the next 10 years of it's life.
Blinding oncoming traffic is not a safety feature and very, few people will get any benefit from brighter headlights in their daily travels due to street lighting and other lighting in most developed areas. People like to say maybe they will drive out in the wilderness on a 2 lane unlit road at 75 MPH at 2 am and want or "need" super bright lights, but the reality is, most just want to show off since Xenon lights = "BLING." You probably won't like having your fancy Xenons stolen and put on other Camrys who's owners didn't get they option when they purchased the car, but want to stick them on their car anyway. See Maxima owners and their high insurance rates due to frequently stolen Xenon headlights. Xenon headlights are probably as big or bigger of a theft magnet as fancy aftermarket rims and stereos.
I have a Mazda 3 that has or had a canister filter. Changed to a spin on filter by changing the oil filter housing. I also have a 1956 Oldsmobile that in those days had the canister filter. I also changed the oil filter housing to take a spin on. I believe the manufactures are using the canister to make it difficult for the DIY selfers and for the quick lube jockeys. Maybe a housing will be available for the V6. But of course there might be a waranty issue by doing the change
Xenon lights does not equal "bling" for me. If I wanted bling, do you really think I would buy a Camry? I do live in the city but must drive 25 miles on a two lane highway to get to work every day. Xenon's would most certainly come in handy since last October there were 42 deer accidents on that stretch of road alone. And I am certainly not worried about getting my lights stolen where I live. I am fortunate to live in an area where that crap doesn't happen very often. Two or three years from now every Chevy and Ford will come equipped with Xenon's and I don't think I should be behind the curve in a 30K car.
Plenty of people driving Lexuses and BMWs who live in very nice neighborhoods still get their Xenons stolen. The optional Xenons are also a high theft item on the Lexus RX330s. The belief that your Xenons can't be stolen because you live in too nice of a neighborhood for the possibility isn't a valid one. Do you plan to always leave the car parked in your garage, never park at malls and airports or anywhere else that isn't as nice of a neighborhood as yours?
Jaxs1 let me ask you this: Have you ever been out of your house or apartment? If yes, did you take everything with you? Because if not then your point is moot. We all own things that are valuable to us and everything is subject to theft. However, I choose not to go through life worrying about things with such little possibilities. Let's remember what this post was about in the first place. I just want the option of Xenon's for the Camry. They are not the Devil.
I wish the moon roof was optional on the XLE Camry. I want the extra headroom. It used to be. No more. Toyota has adopted the policy common in old-style coffee shop restaurants: "Please, No Substitutions!"
For the great middle class, which is their target market, this strategy is immensely successful. But for people who want it "their way," Toyota is the wrong car company.
In a few years, Xenon headlights will be available on Camrys. But by then, high end cars will include something else that Toyota won't offer.
Toyota does not offer these things on the Camry because they want you to either upgrade to the Avalon or get a Lexus ES350. What would be the point of spending the thousands extra on an Avalon or Lex when you could get Xenon, larger tires, and black interior on a Camry??? That's why Toyota is not offering those things. If they were offered Toyota would essentially be cannabolizing two of their own products. But it is kind of strange how the 06 Camry Solara has added Xenon lights.
1) ebony interior: high quality leather, looks lovely.
2) 18" bright-polished aluminum wheels with W speed rated tires, again, look lovely.
3) halogen instead of Xenon headlamps but the beam configuration (which determines the overall illumination pattern of the lighting fixture) is again excellent. With the fogs on, they are almost indistinguishable from Xenons but WITHOUT the theft problem.
And, of course, there is that 303 HP engine with 323 foot-pounds of torque and that intoxicating exhaust note . . . simply exhilarating!
Go check it out. You'll be surprised. It certainly represents a refreshing alternative to the bland Camry with the poor interior, small wheels and so-so lights. Not to mention the six cylinder engine . . .
I read the whole "toyota camry woes" forum. It is quite scary the way people wrote the problems. Are you guys (with 4 cyl camry) happy with your purchase?
Wow, I can't even believe you suggested that. These vehicles aren't even in the same class. Sure you get a lot of stuff in the Impala, and cheaper I might add; but the quality of the vehicle is garbage. The crappy plastics that warp after a year of heat and cold, wide tolerances in the part fit-ups that inevitable squeak and rattle, shotty electrical work at best, cheap leather interior that will be full of cracks in six months. I'm not saying the Camry won't come without it's problems (yes I am aware of the tranny problem that is now fixed), but the differences in these cars will be able to be seen after 50k miles. They're both great at 0 miles on the Odo-meter, but the Impala will be off the charts on the Suck-ometer shortly there after. Frankly, it boggles my mind how the Impala is ever bought new. If people were smart, they'd wait a year and pick up a used one for around 6 bucks.
Agreed. A used IMPALA SS would be the bargain of the century considering the rapid depreciation of its resale value. You probably could get a 2 year old IMPALA for the same price as a Corolla. :P
Your chances of getting a bad car is rather slim contrary to what you heard on this board. Trust me. The Camry wouldn't have gotten the ratings it has year after year if it was a bad car. Hopefully it will put your mind to rest. I personally know two people who bought the 07 Camry ( both 4 cylinder LE's) and so far they are very happy with the car. Once you do get your car hopefully you can post your own experience.
Thanks andy. Actually I am very nervous as I am the "just graduated student" and if I buy the car and it has some problem, I will be completely screwed up.
--"...What would be the point of spending the thousands extra on an Avalon or Lex when you could get Xenon, larger tires, and black interior on a Camry???..."--
From Toyota's perspective, perhaps actually recording a sale in the ledger rather than having a prospective customer walk to a competing automaker's dealership? The perceived value of an Avalon or Lexus will not be diminished in their respective owners' eyes. In the long run, humility is never a vice, but arrogance is.
Nice written advertisement... but one thing left out... it's a Chevy!!!
In three years during the next GM crisis these as the rental vehicle of choice will be as ubiquitous as white bread and the value will be next to nothing.
This is incorrect. If you've read the entire camry forum as you said you will see that there are less then 20 posters who make up the majority of all the posts. There are over 150,000 of these '07's on the road now.
This is very likely a tempest in a teapot. It's very annoying for those involved but it's very very small in the larger picture. But this is why there are so many models out there. One can choose any one of 5 or 6 great midsized vehicles and likely be very very happy. Some will be happier than others. Some will never be happy with any choice.
I know of at least 15 who are very very happy but none post here.
I understand that. when I read the post with "the steel from the train and steel and plastic of my car about to mix" ...'creamed in hwy" etc...I am really nervous.
What's missing is a RWD platform... V8 with FWD makes me think ugly Aurora is back... Well, I may be wrong... I just don't remember what Aurora looked like... and, I don't know how this V8 in Impala works... just guessing...
As I've noted before on this forum, you can count me as one who really likes and enjoys his 07 Camry. I also have recently noticed a bit of hesitation,(3200 mi.) but nothing that is so bad that I would verbally trash the car with. It's something I can live with because the overall ride and smoothness of this car outweighs anything else at this point. When I test drove it, I was kind of hoping it wouldn't have that good of a ride because I wasn't sure I wanted to purchase a new vehicle at the time. I was hoping it would ride like the 06 Accord I test drove which totally convinced me I didn't need a new vehicle. It wasn't too much different than what I was already driving. A few blocks down the road in the Camry and I was hooked big time. The only thing that bothers me is that I'm too protective of this car. I fear the first door ding, or the person on thier cell phone who might rear end me. I'm sure you'll be just as happy as I am, because when it's all said and done, any car could have problems that are just unexpected and unwarranted at the time. Take the plunge, you'll be happy you did.
Thank you for your thoughtful posts, ilovecars1--and I hope that your research into our Camry will leave you feeling reassured that you are purchasing a very high quality and generally problem-free vehicle. We have close to a half-million people purchasing the Camry every year, and the majority has been extremely satisfied with the product; many return for repeat purchases.
As you have learned from these forum discussions, there have been a few vexing transmission "glitches" for a very small number of our 2007 customers-the most visible being the snap ring issue on the 6-spd automatic, which has been addressed and resolved. We also issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) earlier to solve a shift flare issue that would occur on a very small number of vehicles, and we also published a TSB last week to resolve a harsh downshift reported by a few customers in their 4 cyl Camrys with the 2AZ-FE engine and automatic transmission (Ref TSB TC010-06 Aug 11, 2006).
The point TMS USA is making is that we stand by the quality, dependability and reliability of our cars and trucks, and we are working hard to be even more responsive to the voices of our customers, so that when unexpected issues do arise, we can react more quickly to achieve resolution. This is what we have done for the Camry--and listening to participants within these forums and participating where appropriate has proven to be an integral part of the process of assuring high vehicle quality and a customer experience that rivals that quality.
I am hoping that my overly protective period has now passed, since my month-old Camry Hybrid was injured in a collision with a deer this morning. I hope this is the only thing that I ever need to bring it to the body shop for!
I have posted pictures of the "carnage" at greenhybrid.com if anyone is curious...
Your comments could not be more erroneous and are obviously predicated upon pure emotionalism.
The quality of the new Impala is very high and more than a match for anything Toyota makes. It has the smoothest and most trouble-free transmission in the business and its Displacement-on-Demand 5.3 liter V-8 with its 5.6 sec 0-60 acceleration time is one sweet engine.
I would take a new Impala SS any day over any configuration of Camry with its hesitating transmission, its crappy interior with the "Tokyo by night" blue lights, its exaggerated price and Toyota's increasing number of quality glitches and recalls.
Wondering if most 2007 Camry owners, prefer their new vehicle with or without the body side moulding?...and do you think it detracts from the look of the car? Thanks
Looks like you were pretty lucky in minimizing the damage. A new hood and bumper cover + a few minor items should do it.
I hit a deer with my '97 Camry in early 1998. The deer basically plopped on the hood, and then rolled off the right side. So my damage was similar to yours, except that evidently one hoof put a dent in the right fender.
Its head hit the windshield, but the glass survived intact.
We have an XLE (aloe green) due in in two weeks and are having the color-keyed moulding installed as well as matching mud guards. Also adding the the rear bumber protection. Insisted that the dealer not place their slogan on the car. We have a 350Z with no side moulding and, even being overly cautious, had to have a paintless dent removal wizzard do his magic.
Comments
If so, look at the ASL icon while in audio mode. I have noticed that it shows a series of "dots" that appear to indicate the level at which the ASL is functioning. When I am stopped in traffic, it shows zero "dots", but when driving, it shows additional "dots".
I honestly can't tell the difference in volume level (but maybe that is the way it is supposed to function).
Thanks for the response, its not an issue that I am concerned about, I was more curious how other owners ASLs worked, and if our stereo was defected.
We just went on a trip w/ the car this weekend and I tried the ASL and it did make a difference - but I'm not sure if I preferred it. It almost sounded like a variable loudness contour (a feature on an older Yamaha amp).
If you can set the volume and leave it at one level permanently, then everything is fine.
If you really want them, and still want Toyota, the after market offers many of the options you want. Those who are less particular save lots of money.
If you limit it to one option for a few days only, of course not. But multiply that over all the possibilities and time frames, which is what people want, and the answer is yes. Believe me, Toyota has done the the math.
1) the Charcoal in the SE only is a corporate characteristic throughout all Toyota vehicles. Getting this changed would require more than an act of Congress. Charcoal and Black are never in any of the LE, XLE, XLS trims of any model; Camry, Corolla, 4Runner, Avalon.
2) 16" wheels are likely a manufacturing efficiency matter; less variation means lower costs. In addition the 17"ers will ride a little stiffer which is not what the XLE buyer is looking for.
3) Xenon headlights are likely the future but for now they are 'special'. The Lexus' have them but so does the Prius. By not offering them at first allows there to be some room for midcycle tweaks and additions. In the same way, the 3.5L can be tuned up to 300+hp for some Lexus models it likely has room for improvement over the next 10 years of it's life.
People like to say maybe they will drive out in the wilderness on a 2 lane unlit road at 75 MPH at 2 am and want or "need" super bright lights, but the reality is, most just want to show off since Xenon lights = "BLING."
You probably won't like having your fancy Xenons stolen and put on other Camrys who's owners didn't get they option when they purchased the car, but want to stick them on their car anyway.
See Maxima owners and their high insurance rates due to frequently stolen Xenon headlights.
Xenon headlights are probably as big or bigger of a theft magnet as fancy aftermarket rims and stereos.
The belief that your Xenons can't be stolen because you live in too nice of a neighborhood for the possibility isn't a valid one.
Do you plan to always leave the car parked in your garage, never park at malls and airports or anywhere else that isn't as nice of a neighborhood as yours?
I wish the moon roof was optional on the XLE Camry. I want the extra headroom. It used to be. No more. Toyota has adopted the policy common in old-style coffee shop restaurants: "Please, No Substitutions!"
For the great middle class, which is their target market, this strategy is immensely successful. But for people who want it "their way," Toyota is the wrong car company.
In a few years, Xenon headlights will be available on Camrys. But by then, high end cars will include something else that Toyota won't offer.
1) ebony interior: high quality leather, looks lovely.
2) 18" bright-polished aluminum wheels with W speed rated tires, again, look lovely.
3) halogen instead of Xenon headlamps but the beam configuration (which determines the overall illumination pattern of the lighting fixture) is again excellent. With the fogs on, they are almost indistinguishable from Xenons but WITHOUT the theft problem.
And, of course, there is that 303 HP engine with 323 foot-pounds of torque and that intoxicating exhaust note . . . simply exhilarating!
Go check it out. You'll be surprised. It certainly represents a refreshing alternative to the bland Camry with the poor interior, small wheels and so-so lights. Not to mention the six cylinder engine . . .
No problems, no noises, good gas mileage, no hestitation, no woes or whines.
From Toyota's perspective, perhaps actually recording a sale in the ledger rather than having a prospective customer walk to a competing automaker's dealership? The perceived value of an Avalon or Lexus will not be diminished in their respective owners' eyes. In the long run, humility is never a vice, but arrogance is.
In three years during the next GM crisis these as the rental vehicle of choice will be as ubiquitous as white bread and the value will be next to nothing.
This is very likely a tempest in a teapot. It's very annoying for those involved but it's very very small in the larger picture. But this is why there are so many models out there. One can choose any one of 5 or 6 great midsized vehicles and likely be very very happy. Some will be happier than others. Some will never be happy with any choice.
I know of at least 15 who are very very happy but none post here.
Thanks a lot.
I doubt you'll find any problems. I have 2 Camrys - an '04 and an '05 (both 4-cylinders), and they're wonderful cars.
The "woes" forum by its very nature is going to draw people who are unhappy by real (or perceived) problems.
In my view, the V6 may have some problems, but the 4-cylinder seems largely problem-free.
I'm sure you'll be just as happy as I am, because when it's all said and done, any car could have problems that are just unexpected and unwarranted at the time. Take the plunge, you'll be happy you did.
As you have learned from these forum discussions, there have been a few vexing transmission "glitches" for a very small number of our 2007 customers-the most visible being the snap ring issue on the 6-spd automatic, which has been addressed and resolved. We also issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) earlier to solve a shift flare issue that would occur on a very small number of vehicles, and we also published a TSB last week to resolve a harsh downshift reported by a few customers in their 4 cyl Camrys with the 2AZ-FE engine and automatic transmission (Ref TSB TC010-06 Aug 11, 2006).
The point TMS USA is making is that we stand by the quality, dependability and reliability of our cars and trucks, and we are working hard to be even more responsive to the voices of our customers, so that when unexpected issues do arise, we can react more quickly to achieve resolution. This is what we have done for the Camry--and listening to participants within these forums and participating where appropriate has proven to be an integral part of the process of assuring high vehicle quality and a customer experience that rivals that quality.
Thanks again for your thoughts and insight.
I have posted pictures of the "carnage" at greenhybrid.com if anyone is curious...
http://www.greenhybrid.com/share/browseimages.php?do=member&imageuser=4711
The quality of the new Impala is very high and more than a match for anything Toyota makes. It has the smoothest and most trouble-free transmission in the business and its Displacement-on-Demand 5.3 liter V-8 with its 5.6 sec 0-60 acceleration time is one sweet engine.
I would take a new Impala SS any day over any configuration of Camry with its hesitating transmission, its crappy interior with the "Tokyo by night" blue lights, its exaggerated price and Toyota's increasing number of quality glitches and recalls.
Thanks
Would never think about adding it even if it was free!
I hit a deer with my '97 Camry in early 1998. The deer basically plopped on the hood, and then rolled off the right side. So my damage was similar to yours, except that evidently one hoof put a dent in the right fender.
Its head hit the windshield, but the glass survived intact.