2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy cabin, efficient hybrid powertrain, stronger acceleration than many regular four-cylinder family sedans, excellent crash test scores.
Cons
- Small trunk, some below-average interior materials.
What’s new
The Camry Hybrid's base price has been lowered this year to bring it closer to otherwise similarly equipped Camry models. The Hybrid also gets revised options packages this year.
Edmunds says
The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a dynamic duo, combining the superior fuel economy of a gasoline-electric powertrain with the mainstream attributes of America's favorite midsize family sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$131/mo for Camry Hybrid Base
Camry Hybrid Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Other than better fuel economy, people buy hybrids for a number of reasons. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is one, and reducing America's dependence on imported oil is another. A third (and less valid) one is that morally superior feeling one gets from owning a car with a hybrid badge. But up to this point, buying a hybrid for financial reasons has been a questionable decision. Quite simply, the price premium for all that high-tech equipment would take years to recoup through fuel savings (and even government tax rebates). The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid could change that.
With hybrids flying out of Toyota dealers, it makes sense that the cost of producing these sophisticated machines has gone down. Either that or Toyota is just feeling generous, because the Camry Hybrid's base price has been lowered by $1,000 for 2008. It is now only $200 more than a similarly equipped four-cylinder Camry XLE. At that price, buying a hybrid suddenly makes a lot more sense.
Aside from being more wallet-friendly and offering revised options packages, the Camry Hybrid is unchanged from its debut last year. It still offers the same seamless gasoline-electric power plant, serene cabin, quiet ride and ample features list. Actually, there was another change, but it depends on how you look at it. The EPA has revised the way it calculates fuel economy to better reflect real-world driving, and that has resulted in a significant lowering in the Camry Hybrid's mpg ratings. At 33 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, the Hybrid can no longer boast last year's unrealistic 40/38 mpg rating, but its fuel economy is still incredibly impressive for a vehicle of its size and performance. Only the mechanically similar Nissan Altima Hybrid can match it.
Overall, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a very impressive and complete sedan that now has the added benefit of an attractive price. While the Prius remains the fuel-economy champion and is now one of the best-selling cars in the country, the Camry Hybrid offers buyers a more mainstream and traditional package. Its closest competition comes from the aforementioned Altima Hybrid. The Altima offers a nicer interior and a superior driving experience at practically the same price. Sadly, that car is only sold in the five California-emissions states. As such, the Camry Hybrid is likely to be the hybrid of choice for more people, no matter what their reasons are for buying.
Performance & mpg
In the Camry Hybrid, the gas-fueled engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder modified for greater fuel efficiency. It's capable of 147 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor adds another 40 hp, for a total of 187 when driving conditions call for maximum power. The electric motor can also power the Camry Hybrid on its own, but only under light throttle applications at speeds below 30 mph. Although maximum performance is not a priority for hybrids, this Camry goes from zero to 60 mph in a very respectable 8.4 seconds. Power is directed to the front wheels in a seamless fashion through a simplified continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Like most hybrids, the Camry took a hit this year because of the EPA's revised fuel economy calculations. Still, 33 mpg city and 34 mpg highway are very impressive results, and the city number in particular is more than 10 mpg better than other four-cylinder sedans. The Camry Hybrid is also an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero Emissions Vehicle, the cleanest possible rating in terms of air pollution. In some cases, a city's air is actually dirtier than what's coming out of this Camry's tailpipe.
Safety
Every Camry comes with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, antilock brakes, stability control and traction control. In government crash testing, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid received five out of five stars in all front and side collision categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the Camry its highest rating of "Good" for frontal-offset and side collision protection.
Driving
Like the Prius, driving the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid can be a bit odd at times due to the CVT, electric motor and eerily quiet cabin at traffic lights. Unlike the Prius, though, the Camry Hybrid offers relatively brisk acceleration, meaning you don't necessarily have to sacrifice performance for good fuel economy. While the Camry offers a smooth ride and quiet cabin, its isolation takes a toll in terms of road feel and general driving dynamics. For those who appreciate a car that offers more feedback and borderline fun, the Nissan Altima Hybrid (that shares Toyota's hybrid system) would be a better choice.
Interior
Although the Camry's cabin looks snazzier than in years past, the general quality has gone downhill in terms of build quality and materials. It's still better than what some other brands offer, but we've come to expect better from Toyota, and the Nissan Altima Hybrid is more impressive.
What it lacks in polish, though, the Camry Hybrid makes up for with space, quiet and comfort. While the regular Camry provides a serenely hushed environment, the Hybrid's ability to travel using only electric power makes it rival King Tut's tomb for quietude. The Camry's comfy seats and oodles of cubbies and compartments make it a very family-friendly environment. The hybrid system's battery packs chew into trunk space (10.6 cubic feet versus 15 in the regular Camry), although a 60/40-split/folding rear seatback provides some added utility when needed.
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid models
The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid comes well-equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, cloth upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, a 60/40-split rear seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt/telescoping column, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a trip computer and a six-speaker stereo with a single-CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
Stuffed together into various packages, Camry Hybrid options include leather upholstery, a sunroof, a four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats, a navigation system, satellite radio and a JBL sound system with a six-CD changer and Bluetooth capability.
Toyota Camry vs. Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata: Hybrid Sedan Head-to-Head
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid.
5 star(85%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
85 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
You Can’t Kill It
Cindy Oakley, 05/06/2018
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I have owned my Camry for 8 years and 167,000 miles now with zero maintenance. Other than changing the oil and changing the radiator fluid at 100,000 miles when recommended. I have not even needed to change the brake pads. The interior is still holding up nicely too along with all of the electronics. I’m sure it has at least 50,000-100,000 more miles left in her with little to no … maintenance. We have driven it on really long trips for days and days, up and over mountains with no issues as well as being my daily driver to work. I live in the salt belt, park it under a tree that drops cherry like fruit and bird crap on it all the time and the paint and body still looks brand new. This car will be the only car I have truely loved to own and will probably be my all time favorite. It might not turn heads when you drive, but you won’t have to scratch yours in the morning wondering why it’s not working.
5 out of 5 stars
Trusty camry
KRIS, 12/02/2018
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Love my 2008 toyota camry hybrid. Its quiet, good in the snow, handles curves well, roomy, and always starts.
5 out of 5 stars
Best car I have ever owned.
Camry Hybrid Lover, 05/16/2018
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I bought the car with 51,000 miles on it. It currently has 230,000 miles and drives the same as when I drove it off the lot. The only repair it has required (outside of regular oil changes) was some type of switch for the hybrid system, at 225,000 miles. At the time, my mechanic said that the hybrid battery was still in great shape. This car has been absolutely wonderful - the … leather seats are still in great shape, everything works as it should. I am going to try to get 300,000 miles out of it.
4.25 out of 5 stars
4 Years And Still Going
ucsb73, 10/10/2011
2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Purchased this vehicle in Oct. 2007 and it continues to perform.
It has had a couple of minor issues that were covered under warranty - water pump leak - that I didn't even notice.
I don't put on a ton of miles (37K) and my driving is best described as mixed.
I continue to get a year-round average of 37 mpg.
The winter and wet weather of the Pacific Northwest slows the vehicle down as … it fights elements, otherwise, I'd say one could average closer to 39 mpg of mixed city/hwy driving.
I paid $30K + taxes
- about $2-3K more than V6 Camry with same features - leather, Bluetooth, navigation, power seats, sunroof, & heated mirrors.
A solid car - comfortable and quiet.
2008 Camry Hybrid Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $25,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $131/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Camry Hybrid include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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