2007 Toyota Camry Reviews

The market was in a state of transition in 2006 when Toyota released this locally produced Camry; buyers were shifting away from the traditional big sixes and seeking out more fuel-efficient models.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015 Toyota Camry & Aurion as a used buy.

Graham Smith reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Toyota Camry as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1999-2014 Toyota Camry and Aurion.

It's easy to criticise the Camry, it doesn't do anything very special, but it's also easy to like it, as many Australian families appear to do if you go by its continuing strong sales.The bottom line is that it's an easy car for a family to live with. Sure, it's not exciting, it doesn't challenge the senses, and it's not in the least sporty, but it drives with ease, it's practical and it's reliable. What's not to like when it's got all of that going for it.NEWToyota launched the sixth generation Camry in 2006 and at the same time realigned it within its overall model range. Gone was the V6 engine and its associated models, the sixth generation Camry was an all-four model and you had to buy an Aurion if you wanted the pep of a V6 engine.The Camry has never been regarded as particularly stylish, but it has evolved into a more eye-appealing car with each new model and there's nothing about the sixth generation model that warrants criticism.Four main models made up the range, beginning with the Altise and climbing through the Atevo, Sportivo and Grande, which topped the tree. There were upgrades in 207 and 2009, and a Touring model appeared in 2009.There was also a hybrid, but that's a specialised model and deserves its own treatment. The Camry is perfect for a family; it seats four adults in comfort, will take five at a squeeze, and has a decent boot. Inside, the cabin is roomy, the seats are quite comfortable, but if there's a criticism to be made it's that it's a little bland.With the V6 gone the only engine choice was the 2.4-litre four-cylinder unit. It wasn't a neck-snapper, but it didn't need to be in the family car class. It performed perfectly satisfactorily and delivered acceptable fuel economy.The transmission choices were a five-speed manual and a five-speed auto, but most left the factory with the self-shifter under the bonnet.On the road the Camry was a rather benign device, it did everything that was called for without in any sense being sporty. The steering was light, but still accurate enough, and the lightness made it a comfortable drive around town.NOWDespite setbacks in recent times when it has had to recall some cars Toyota still has a reputation for building sound, reliable cars. It's well justified as the Camry has few faults, and nothing that are of a major concern.There has been only one recall in Australia involving the sixth generation Camry, and that was for a faulty electric window switch in 2012. The switch could feel sticky, and in the worst case could overheat and melt.Check the owner's manual on any car you're considering buying second-hand and make sure the recall repair has been carried out. While you're at it check the car's service record to make sure all servicing has been done according to the book.You might also like to check if your potential choice has been a renter or a fleet car in an earlier life. Camrys were a popular choice as company hacks and rental cars, and while that shouldn't exclude them from your consideration it's best to be wise when buying one of these cars. They sometimes have a hard life and can at times be driven by people who don't care about their welfare.SMITHY SAYSIt's hard to dislike the Camry, it does everything well enough to be your first choice family car.Toyota Camry 2006-2011Price new: $33,000 to $39,900Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 117 kW/218 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto, FWDEconomy: 8.9 - 9.9 L/100 kmBody: 4-door sedanVariants: Altise, Ateva, Sportivo, GrandeSafety: 4-star ANCAPCOMING UPDo you own a Mercedes-Benz C-Class? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010. 

Ignore the middle child at your peril when it comes to buying the family car.
 The large-car segment is in the doldrums and everyone has skipped to SUVs or small cars, but one area overlooked to the detriment of many car buyers
is the medium segment.
The word is getting out. Last year, medium-car sales grew 15 per cent to just over 87,000 24,000 more than in the large-car segment.
 The numbers went close to overtaking the larger-vehicle segment last year, falling short by just over 2000 units.
The middle-sized segment has shown steady growth in the past decade, finishing 2002 with just under 39,000 vehicles. Camry ruled the roost then too, with the Mazda6 and Subaru Liberty the best of the rest.
 But size matters don't let anyone tell you otherwise and the reps in the medium segment now are well sized for family transport.
Camry has been the dominant force in the medium segment, with plenty of fleet interest in the petrol and hybrid versions, but the most recent incarnations are a long way from the bland brigade that went before.
 The hybrid version carried a more reasonable price tag than the Prius trailblazer and it's more than big enough for family duties.
Toyota's Camry Hybrid is 110mm longer, 98mm wider, 107mm longer in wheelbase and 109mm taller than the original VB Commodore, although the VB weighed in at 1220kg 400kg lighter than the petrol-electric Camry Hybrid, but batteries, airbags and other equipment quickly add to the number on the weighbridge.
As Toyota was slowly bringing its Camry out of a narcoleptic haze, Honda and Mazda were well on the way to applying defibrillators.
The 6 and Accord Euro both offered willing powerplants, decent chassis balance, acceptable ride quality and an enthusiastic edge to the car's demeanour when required.
 Mazda kicked off the 21st century with a change to the 6 and has not looked back since.In August 2002 it arrived in Australia, bringing a pulse back to the segment.
The Accord Euro lobbed on Australian showrooms the following year, leaner and more nimble than the larger V6 Accord, giving open-minded buyers some real food for thought.
(Search for hundreds more choices)2011 Mazda6 Luxury Sports hatch
Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Thirst: 8.8L/100km
 CARSGUIDE SAYS 
"The car that marked the beginning of the Zoom Zoom Mazda renaissance shed the cardigan image with a great handling chassis and looks that didn't start a snoozefest. With the new model now on sale sans hatchback, this is the only way to get a 6 with the liftback boot. Features include dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control, rain sensing wipers, parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, satnav and leather trim."  2007 Honda Accord Euro Luxury
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Thirst: 9.4L/100km
CARSGUIDE SAYS
"Another Japanese mid-sizer with road manners to amuse the driver. With sharp looks, a reasonable list of safety features and bells and whistles, the Accord Euro found favour and awards in the medium segment. The Euro cosseted a family with its dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, dual front, side and curtain airbags and leather trim."2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid
Transmission: CVT
Thirst: 6L/100km
 CARSGUIDE SAYS
 "Better value than the Prius trailblazer, the Camry has space for a family, the fuel economy of a shopping trolley hatchback and driving manners that are surprisingly good. At its best in the city and suburbs, when braking can charge the battery, the green Camry is a surprisingly pleasant machine."

The Toyota’s Camry and Aurion are built in Melbourne and have many changes from the original Japanese design to suit them to our local driving conditions and Australian drivers’ tastes.