In the highly competitive sedan automobile market, Toyota has been a favourite among buyers of Chinese heritage. For those who seek practicality, the Camry combines a spacious interior, high practicality, with fuel efficiency.
On the outside, the 2008 Camry SE is basically the same as other automobiles with similar trim levels. All models share the same exterior lines and confidence-inspiring look. The SE (Sports Edition) distinguishes itself from the LE and XLE models with a black honeycomb grill, side skirt, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a more sporty suspension.
Opening the doors, you are greeted by a clean interior design. However, sportiness seeps through the simplicity. A three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals, and sporty doorsteps are some of the SE's distinguishing features. The gauges are easy to read, with a soft, pleasant, colour, and sufficiently large font, which appeals to the more mature customers.
Standard features include the 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, power windows, and cruise control. In addition, the AM/FM CD audio system, coupled with six speakers, provides much audio enjoyment while driving.
In terms of safety, dual front airbags, front side and knee airbags, and curtain airbags provide needed protection for the driver and passengers. Other safety features include ABS, vehicle stability control (VSC), and traction control (TRAC).
Much attention has been paid to the design details of the 2008 Toyota Camry. The interior has many well-placed small-item storage spaces such as, the sunglass storage overhead, the centre console compartment, and the map pockets on the back of the front seats; all of which are well thought-out and convenient.
Many of those who often drive long distances will value the spacious interior. The seats are well spaced, and the rear seats are extra wide so passengers remain comfortable over long distances. There is plenty of headroom and legroom, and this vehicle can accommodate up to five people. The trunk space is 25 cubic meters, which is outstanding in its class.
Hopping into the driver's seat, the roll into motion from a complete stop was gentle, and the engine noise was minimal. The acceleration was smooth and stable, so it is quite comfortable for the rear seat passengers. The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel provides light, quick, and accurate control of the car. At high speeds, the car remained stable and firmly gripped the ground. The suspension was well tuned, and absorbed the noise and vibrations on bumpy roads or while making turns. The brakes were gentle yet responsive.
The gearshift knob was elegantly wrapped in leather. The shifting of the lever itself felt smooth but light. The gear positions were laid out in a staircase pattern on the box, which reduces the chance of shifting to the wrong gear, but the lever is still a little too light, so shifting from D4 back to D could slip into N at times.
The Camry is the textbook example of an economical Japanese car. All the features and luxuries come with impressively low gasoline consumption. Highway driving is officially rated at 8 L/100 km, while city driving is rated at 10 L/100 km. The base model 2008 Camry SE is listed at $28,050, which is a tremendous value.
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