Comfort, power and reliability. These are the keywords for those who choose the Toyota Camry, for years the best-selling passenger car in the USA.
In Brazil, it was elevated to the category of executive sedan, with enough grandeur to compete with the German triumvirate Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class. Imported in the 2003 line, the fifth generation Camry is slightly larger than a current Corolla: 2.72 meters wheelbase, 4.8 meters long and 1.79 meters wide.
The atmosphere is refined: the finish presents typical Japanese construction quality, with leather seats and imitation wood inserts.
The difference in favor of Camry It's the 3.0 V6 with 186 hp, well matched to the four-speed automatic transmission. It features ABS brakes, ESP and multilink rear suspension, all for a fraction of the price of the new Corolla.
The sixth generation debuted in 2006, with more space thanks to the increase in width and wheelbase (5.5 longer). It had dual-zone air conditioning and a rear seat with backrest tilt adjustment.
The V6 became a 3.5 with variable valve timing and intake manifold. Its 284 hp are more than enough for its 1,610 kg. The gearbox became six-speed and sequential, and the suspension and steering were calibrated for a more precise and communicative ride, without compromising comfort.
It gained ABS with electronic distribution and emergency assistance, as well as side and curtain airbags. It also had xenon, sunroof, autopilot and rain sensor and headlights. Full of straight lines and creases, the seventh generation arrived in 2012 with a three-zone air and multimedia with a touch screen, but lost the desired sunroof.
The mature profile of the owners makes the search easier, and it is common to find a Camry little driven and with a good maintenance history – only be careful with armored vehicles. Any well-equipped workshop can perform basic services and its parts are easily found in the authorized network and at independent importers.
Headlight washer – It is generally damaged in collisions, but is not always repaired. It is essential for the correct functioning of the xenon headlight. Repairs can cost up to R$700.
Sunroof – Look for water infiltration, caused by failed seals or obstructions in the drainage drains. Cracks in the glass or abnormal noises in the mechanism are bad signs.
Exchange – Check that it works without slipping too much and that there are no jerks or retentions in sequential mode. Fluid inspection must be every 40,000 km or 24 months.
Suspension – Big and heavy, the Camry It often presents wear on components such as stops, bushings, connecting rods and shock absorbers.
Recall 1 – Failure to lubricate the power window switches on the left front door could cause a fire. For cars produced from January 2006 to November 2008 with chassis numbers 3001147 to 3045580.
Recall 2 – Os Camry Produced from March 2011 to August 2014, the front suspension pivot failed, which could cause premature wear of the part. Includes chassis numbers between the ranges 3052672 to 3003499.
Name: Alexandre BianchiniProfession: bankingCity: São Paulo (SP)
What I love
"Lots of comfort and space for five large adults. V6 engine and gearbox always in tune, which makes it a quick, fast and even economical car. Mechanics without surprises for well-equipped workshops."
What I hate
"It's typically American: it won't fit into any space and if you're not careful it will scrape the front, rear and floor on bumps. Despite being quick and fast, it's not sporty: the steering is completely numb."
| Model | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 |
| XLE 3.5 24V | R$ 46.697 | R$ 48.907 | R$ 52.584 | R$ 54.619 | R$ 62.223 | R$ 80.340 | R$ 82.534 |
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