I traded in our 2000 Avalon a month ago for a used 07 Camry LE. I figured I couldn't go wrong with a Camry. After all, I have owned four others over the years. (I did a couple of "first impression" posts about the Camry). Anyhow, I tried to get used to it but I CAN'T!!! It seems like a good car but it has three detracting points that I just can't take.
- It is a dog when it comes to power. I was making a left turn at a busy intersection the other day and I started my turn a little late. No prob, I thought - I put my foot into it and ... and... I mean, WTF, why isn't this thing screaming across the road. It did make a lot of noise but it sure didn't scoot.
- This torque converter lock, unlock, lock, unlock when one is sort of coasting is REALLY ANNOYING.
- It has too much road noise at freeway speeds (75-85 mph).
- In order to maintain 75 mph on a freeway with hills, it CONSTANTLY shifts gears. Zooming along at 2,500 rpm, then a slight hill and we drop down to 3,500 rpm - still OK but then it drops down again - now that little 4 is screaming at 5,000 rpm!
Anyhow, it's back to an Avalon for me. We're on the hunt now for an XLS between 04 and 07. Now if I could just sell my 69 Blazer maybe I could afford it! jor