Test drive was a disappointment

I test drove an 2003 EX V6. Seemed ok except for one aspect of unacceptable performance.

I normally do not drive with a heavy foot. However there are times when I need quick acceleration to merge, pass, etc.

What I found with the V6 (and also saw this with the 4) was as follows:

I would press on the one-half way down on the accelerator and there would be a ONE SECOND pause with nothing 'noticeable' happening. Then there would be a rapid increase in RPM, then a slam forward. Very disconcerting. Reminds me of transmissions in the 70's.

The dealer could not understand my concern so we drove an XLE. Still the same but not as bad. He told me that "no one" had ever complained before.

Then I went to the Honda dealer, and drove an EX 4. Much, better.

Too bad because the Camry has some other things that I like. But the above would drive me up the wall.

Reply to
Dusty
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unacceptable

The transmission is electronic and has a learning mode where it adjusts to your driving habits to determine shift points, etc. Might not work right for you on a new vehicle. It also works better, and accelerates just as fast, if you smoothly press down on the accelerator. Another option is to turn off the overdrive button (on the shift handle) and then accelerate.

Reply to
Mark A

perhaps a Camry is not suited for your driving habits, look for a sports car.

unacceptable

Reply to
someone

Perhaps a 5 speed manual and choose your own gear...most autos are sluggish for fuel economy, friends 5.0 litre V8 is slow in economy mode, performance mode is ok though.

Reply to
Peter

Press the gas pedal 3/4 down then, not cars are the same. It is an auto tranny, so its kind of guessing where you want to get and how fast. Not all cars have a linear throttle response either... I have 3 Nissan's and a Camry, and it takes me a few minutes to get readjusted to the pedal feel and downshift points of the gas pedal on each.

Nick

unacceptable

Reply to
Nick

unacceptable

The older Camry 4 cylinders in manual trans are very responsive in second gear. Unlike 8 valve large capacity rivals, they actually pickup revs as the

5SFE goes past 3000rpm.

Jason

Reply to
Jason James

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