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Toyota Camry LE 2005

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Toyota Camry 2005, 4Cyl, LE

May 18, 2009

by viethoaitran

Rating:

Granted that there's plenty of car owners who drive this car, I feel as this reviewer has a duty to explain himself from a student/commuter/pleasure driving perspective.

Background:
Annual Mileage: 20,000+ miles
Average MPG combined: 24.6 MPG
Maintenance: 5K mile oil change, 15K mile trans fluid change, 40K mile OEM brake change, 60K mile tire change

As you can see, I drive a lot. For a commuting student who takes their own car everywhere and anywhere, the abuse factor is a definite determinate to high wear and tear.

Comfort:
As far as comfort, I can't complain. I've sat in many different sedans, including it's competitors within the same year (2005) and the cushion is quite firm after 4 years. The contours of the seats are more to be desired but can be adjusted with the power seats. The rear passenger seating is much more comfortable however due to my height, knee space is sacrificed if the front seats are all the way back.
The ergonomics of the instrument panel is adequate and is more superior to its competitors minus the Honda Accord. The audio controls, is more than just a reach forward, but your back must lift away from seat to even reach the volume knob, let alone getting to the scanning button.

Driving experience:
The response of the Camry is quite responsive and sensitive. Unlike German sedans, the steering wheel is quite light and sensitive. When avoiding traffic and/or swerving away crazy drivers in Orange County, CA, the grooves, position of the steering wheel grips and light turns make it easy to make a quick "fight or flight" decision.
Braking is quite "cushion-y" and is not sensitive as much as its sister sedan with 4 wheel disc brakes. Response of brakes depend on driving situations, but on a morning commute to urban driving through Orange is quite reliable and responsive. For softer cruise braking, there's a possibility to not feel a jerking feel once you get to a complete stop.
Road noise is reduced as time and technology has improved for Toyota but still can improve. On freeways, bluetooth headsets cannot filter out road noise compared to its more luxurious models such as the Avalon or Lexus brand.
Per tank, I can run around 370-410 miles per tank ranging from 24.0-32 MPG. Great on big road trips to Northern California and back.

Overall Experience:
The car runs sturdy and without much complaints. Just a few ergonomic features I prefer differently but overall a great car. My recommendation is if you're looking for a safe commuting car, purchase a Camry. Not only if you DO get into an accident, a sedan can help keep a safer distance from your head to the windshield. It's a fun car to take friends and family; has enough power to chug through desert weather and bone chilling mountain weather. I do recommend taking this sedan for a spin on windy roads since it handles very well with a low center of gravity. Great student car. Fantastic family sedan. Fun pleasure drives.

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LisaLisa July 23, 2009

I've always been a big fan of Toyota. Their cars are fun, reasonably priced, look good and extremely reliable. I drive a Scion Tc right now, which is part of Toyota, and I haven't had any complaints :) great review!

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devora May 19, 2009

I'm a huge Toyota fan, and the Camry is definitely my favorite model. I've had a '97 and currently drive the newest one! I agree with most of what you had to say. This car is great for commuting and pleasure driving, doesn't chug too much gas, and if you're in an accident, it's pretty sturdy (my '97 Camry kept me safe in my accident).

Oh, and in any of the Camrys made after 2007, the audio controls are actually on the steering wheel, which is very handy. And there's not too much road noise anymore! :)

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