2010 Camry (loaner) review
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
2010 Camry (loaner) review
Lexus was out of their cars today so I got Hertz's last car... a 2010 Camry SE four cylinder. I was excited to get a chance to test this car out, being it was a close contender before I made my IS250 purchase.
Overall, I felt it's A LOT of car for the money. The build quality felt on par with my IS, or maybe a slight notch less. The cloth seats are very comfortable and the side bolstering seems more aggressive on this sport version. The daul tailpipes are new for 2010 on the 4-cylinder SE- a nice touch. Also new for 2010, rear LED lights and manual shifting with the automatic. Shifts were just as smooth as the Lexus, but when you are rolling in stop and go traffic an give it some gas after cruising, it lurches. I do not get this with my IS tranny. I also missed having the shift paddles. Steering wheel isn't as thick as the IS, but the buttons for audio are larger and easier to hit. Visibility was great but the sideview mirrors seemed like pedestrian blockers during lefthand turns. Cornering was disappointing. I guess I am used to the IS, but wasn't expecting the SE's tires to squeal so easily while making a right turn. Body roll seemed well controlled however.
The biggest surprise was the engine. Upgraded for 2010, it felt like it has as much power as the IS250. What brought it down though was the note. I've always read how pleasant Toyota four cylinders sound, but this one sounded like a typical four. I don't want to say like a tractor, but that is still the first word that pops into my head.
Anyway, just wanted to give a general thumbs up to the Camry SE. With prices hovering in the low to mid $20k's, it's a nice package for someone wanting some style but not break the bank in the process.
Overall, I felt it's A LOT of car for the money. The build quality felt on par with my IS, or maybe a slight notch less. The cloth seats are very comfortable and the side bolstering seems more aggressive on this sport version. The daul tailpipes are new for 2010 on the 4-cylinder SE- a nice touch. Also new for 2010, rear LED lights and manual shifting with the automatic. Shifts were just as smooth as the Lexus, but when you are rolling in stop and go traffic an give it some gas after cruising, it lurches. I do not get this with my IS tranny. I also missed having the shift paddles. Steering wheel isn't as thick as the IS, but the buttons for audio are larger and easier to hit. Visibility was great but the sideview mirrors seemed like pedestrian blockers during lefthand turns. Cornering was disappointing. I guess I am used to the IS, but wasn't expecting the SE's tires to squeal so easily while making a right turn. Body roll seemed well controlled however.
The biggest surprise was the engine. Upgraded for 2010, it felt like it has as much power as the IS250. What brought it down though was the note. I've always read how pleasant Toyota four cylinders sound, but this one sounded like a typical four. I don't want to say like a tractor, but that is still the first word that pops into my head.
Anyway, just wanted to give a general thumbs up to the Camry SE. With prices hovering in the low to mid $20k's, it's a nice package for someone wanting some style but not break the bank in the process.
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lexus was out of their cars today so I got Hertz's last car... a 2010 Camry SE four cylinder. I was excited to get a chance to test this car out, being it was a close contender before I made my IS250 purchase.
Overall, I felt it's A LOT of car for the money. The build quality felt on par with my IS, or maybe a slight notch less. The cloth seats are very comfortable and the side bolstering seems more aggressive on this sport version. The daul tailpipes are new for 2010 on the 4-cylinder SE- a nice touch. Also new for 2010, rear LED lights and manual shifting with the automatic. Shifts were just as smooth as the Lexus, but when you are rolling in stop and go traffic an give it some gas after cruising, it lurches. I do not get this with my IS tranny. I also missed having the shift paddles. Steering wheel isn't as thick as the IS, but the buttons for audio are larger and easier to hit. Visibility was great but the sideview mirrors seemed like pedestrian blockers during lefthand turns. Cornering was disappointing. I guess I am used to the IS, but wasn't expecting the SE's tires to squeal so easily while making a right turn. Body roll seemed well controlled however.
The biggest surprise was the engine. Upgraded for 2010, it felt like it has as much power as the IS250. What brought it down though was the note. I've always read how pleasant Toyota four cylinders sound, but this one sounded like a typical four. I don't want to say like a tractor, but that is still the first word that pops into my head.
Anyway, just wanted to give a general thumbs up to the Camry SE. With prices hovering in the low to mid $20k's, it's a nice package for someone wanting some style but not break the bank in the process.
Overall, I felt it's A LOT of car for the money. The build quality felt on par with my IS, or maybe a slight notch less. The cloth seats are very comfortable and the side bolstering seems more aggressive on this sport version. The daul tailpipes are new for 2010 on the 4-cylinder SE- a nice touch. Also new for 2010, rear LED lights and manual shifting with the automatic. Shifts were just as smooth as the Lexus, but when you are rolling in stop and go traffic an give it some gas after cruising, it lurches. I do not get this with my IS tranny. I also missed having the shift paddles. Steering wheel isn't as thick as the IS, but the buttons for audio are larger and easier to hit. Visibility was great but the sideview mirrors seemed like pedestrian blockers during lefthand turns. Cornering was disappointing. I guess I am used to the IS, but wasn't expecting the SE's tires to squeal so easily while making a right turn. Body roll seemed well controlled however.
The biggest surprise was the engine. Upgraded for 2010, it felt like it has as much power as the IS250. What brought it down though was the note. I've always read how pleasant Toyota four cylinders sound, but this one sounded like a typical four. I don't want to say like a tractor, but that is still the first word that pops into my head.
Anyway, just wanted to give a general thumbs up to the Camry SE. With prices hovering in the low to mid $20k's, it's a nice package for someone wanting some style but not break the bank in the process.
#4
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
a reliable but boring family hauler with pretense of 'sport'. plastic lower body trim add-ons ftl.
the camry is the car for people who hate cars. very reliable. very inconspicuous. use it, and forget about it.
the camry is the car for people who hate cars. very reliable. very inconspicuous. use it, and forget about it.
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Nice review, but what did you think of the dash and controls? IMO, Camrys have been going downhill in overall build quality since the late 1990's, though, admittedly, they have kept their smooth drivetrains, low noise level, and mirror-like paint job. But the interiors, especially the dash, have deteriorated from excellent materials to cheap, borderline plastic junk. The large, center-dash climate-control *****, for example (on manually-operated units), on the present-generation Camry not only look cheap, but also wobble as you rotate them and feel like they are about to fall off. And the silver-painted interior plastic looks and feels flimsy.
As to why the exhaust sounded a little louder than expected for a Toyota four, that is probably part of the SE's semi-sport nature. By nature, though not a sport-sedan in the usual sense of the word, the SE model is designed to sound and drive a little less appliance-like than other Camry models. The suspension and tires, while not super-firm or harsh, are also noticeably firmer than on other models. If you tried out the top-line XLE model, especially with the V6, you would have probably found it a little quieter.
As to why the exhaust sounded a little louder than expected for a Toyota four, that is probably part of the SE's semi-sport nature. By nature, though not a sport-sedan in the usual sense of the word, the SE model is designed to sound and drive a little less appliance-like than other Camry models. The suspension and tires, while not super-firm or harsh, are also noticeably firmer than on other models. If you tried out the top-line XLE model, especially with the V6, you would have probably found it a little quieter.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-07-09 at 09:34 PM.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Yes, it's a good runner for sure. It felt just about as peppy as my IS250. The engine note was the only deterrant. I also noticed there was much less engine braking when using manual mode. My car can nearly stop itself on a flat surface by solely using the shifter.
#7
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Nice review, but what did you think of the dash and controls? IMO, Camrys have been going downhill in overall build quality since the late 1990's, though, admittedly, they have kept their smooth drivetrains, low noise level, and mirror-like paint job. But the interiors, especially the dash, have deteriorated from excellent materials to cheap, borderline plastic junk. The large, center-dash climate-control *****, for example (on manually-operated units), on the present-generation Camry not only look cheap, but also wobble as you rotate them and feel like they are about to fall off. And the silver-painted interior plastic looks and feels flimsy.
As to why the exhaust sounded a little louder than expected for a Toyota four, that is probably part of the SE's semi-sport nature. By nature, though not a sport-sedan in the usual sense of the word, the SE model is designed to sound and drive a little less appliance-like than other Camry models. The suspension and tires, while not super-firm or harsh, are also noticeably firmer than on other models. If you tried out the top-line XLE model, especially with the V6, you would have probably found it a little quieter.
As to why the exhaust sounded a little louder than expected for a Toyota four, that is probably part of the SE's semi-sport nature. By nature, though not a sport-sedan in the usual sense of the word, the SE model is designed to sound and drive a little less appliance-like than other Camry models. The suspension and tires, while not super-firm or harsh, are also noticeably firmer than on other models. If you tried out the top-line XLE model, especially with the V6, you would have probably found it a little quieter.
The instrument dimmer was integrated on a spinner stalk that juts out of the gauge area. It took me a minute to figure this out. Such a device has historically been to reset the trip odometer. I did however appreciate the ALL Auto up and Down for power windows. This feature should have been standard on the 2007 model. Also, the angle of the power window switches are perfectly angled and position for easy operation. On my IS, they are angled DOWNWARD, away from the driver! Totally backward!
Trending Topics
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I agree. For the average Joe, this car serves well. If I were actually sensible with my budget and not a car nut, this would be what I'd be driving. It drives solid, looks modern, and is reliable.
#10
Speaks French in Russian
But the interiors, especially the dash, have deteriorated from excellent materials to cheap, borderline plastic junk. The large, center-dash climate-control *****, for example (on manually-operated units), on the present-generation Camry not only look cheap, but also wobble as you rotate them and feel like they are about to fall off. And the silver-painted interior plastic looks and feels flimsy.
You must have had a poorly assembled one I guess? My parents have owned 3 of the current gen Camry's (the first one was totalled) and I have not experienced any wobbly climate control ***** in any of them. I find it easy to use and it turns with a nice solid, yet silent click. I do agree that they have upped the hard plastic content big time which is unacceptable, but it holds up very well and is very resistant to scratches. Not big on silver trim on dash and cupholder cover, but it didnt feel flimsy to me. It looked flimsy, but I dont think it felt flimsy. The plastic doesnt flex when you push on it. And all the covers and doors have dampened springs and seem to open and close pretty solidly.
The previous gen IMO was by far the worst Camry interior quality wise IMO. Everything about it was bargain basement. That had flimsy thin plastic that felt like it would crack if you applied to much pressure. Plus it stained pretty easily as well.
The 1990's generations IMO were by far the best though.
#11
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (3)
You must have had a poorly assembled one I guess? My parents have owned 3 of the current gen Camry's (the first one was totalled) and I have not experienced any wobbly climate control ***** in any of them. I find it easy to use and it turns with a nice solid, yet silent click. I do agree that they have upped the hard plastic content big time which is unacceptable, but it holds up very well and is very resistant to scratches. Not big on silver trim on dash and cupholder cover, but it didnt feel flimsy to me. It looked flimsy, but I dont think it felt flimsy. The plastic doesnt flex when you push on it. And all the covers and doors have dampened springs and seem to open and close pretty solidly.
The previous gen IMO was by far the worst Camry interior quality wise IMO. Everything about it was bargain basement. That had flimsy thin plastic that felt like it would crack if you applied to much pressure. Plus it stained pretty easily as well.
The 1990's generations IMO were by far the best though.
The previous gen IMO was by far the worst Camry interior quality wise IMO. Everything about it was bargain basement. That had flimsy thin plastic that felt like it would crack if you applied to much pressure. Plus it stained pretty easily as well.
The 1990's generations IMO were by far the best though.
#12
Speaks French in Russian
To be honest, I havent seen any generation Camry modded as much as the current one either. The SE has reached into a new market of buyer who would not have considered a Camry previously. But it still is a car that caters to the masses.
#13
Lexus Fanatic
You must have had a poorly assembled one I guess? My parents have owned 3 of the current gen Camry's (the first one was totalled) and I have not experienced any wobbly climate control ***** in any of them. I find it easy to use and it turns with a nice solid, yet silent click. I do agree that they have upped the hard plastic content big time which is unacceptable, but it holds up very well and is very resistant to scratches. Not big on silver trim on dash and cupholder cover, but it didnt feel flimsy to me. It looked flimsy, but I dont think it felt flimsy. The plastic doesnt flex when you push on it. And all the covers and doors have dampened springs and seem to open and close pretty solidly.
The previous gen IMO was by far the worst Camry interior quality wise IMO. Everything about it was bargain basement. That had flimsy thin plastic that felt like it would crack if you applied to much pressure. Plus it stained pretty easily as well.
The previous gen IMO was by far the worst Camry interior quality wise IMO. Everything about it was bargain basement. That had flimsy thin plastic that felt like it would crack if you applied to much pressure. Plus it stained pretty easily as well.
The 1990's generations IMO were by far the best though.
#14
Lexus Fanatic
The Camry is the top selling sedan in the US, a sales position that the competition would love to occupy. Fortunately the attributes that really matter are still near the top, and the recent sales history speaks for itself.
Fizzboy, nice mini-review. Glad to see you could make the back-to-back comparison with your IS which is a decent benchmark with a thorough drive(s) in the loaner.
Fizzboy, nice mini-review. Glad to see you could make the back-to-back comparison with your IS which is a decent benchmark with a thorough drive(s) in the loaner.