2006 Toyota Camry Full Reviews, Information & Pricing

Pricing

$19065 to $26425

ORIGINAL MSRP

$6117 to $6454

PRICE RANGE

$6403 to $6454

AVERAGE PRICE

$6652 to $6412

YOY PRICE CHANGE

Pros

Reliability: The 2006 Toyota Camry is renowned for its dependable performance. Many owners report high mileage with minimal issues, making it a trusted daily driver.
Fuel Efficiency: With an efficient four-cylinder engine option, the Camry offers respectable fuel economy, reducing long-term fuel costs for budget-conscious drivers.
Comfortable Ride: The Camry provides a smooth, comfortable ride. Its spacious interior and supportive seats enhance the overall driving experience.
Resale Value: Toyota's strong reputation and the Camry's lasting durability contribute to high resale value. This ensures a better return on investment when it’s time to sell or trade-in.
Safety Features: Standard safety equipment, including multiple airbags and stability control, bolsters occupant protection, earning high safety ratings in its class.

Cons

Outdated Technology: By modern standards, the 2006 model lacks advanced infotainment and driver-assist features. This might not appeal to tech-savvy buyers seeking the latest gadgets.
Styling: While reliable, the exterior design of the 2006 Camry can be considered conservative and less exciting compared to newer models.
Performance Limitations: The available V6 engine is adequate but may feel underpowered for those seeking a sportier driving experience, particularly when compared to modern alternatives.
Interior Materials: Some interior plastics and finishes might feel dated or less premium than competitors, diminishing the overall luxurious feel.
Repair Costs: Although generally reliable, aging components might require replacement, and finding specific parts can sometimes lead to higher maintenance costs as the vehicle ages.

2006 Toyota Camry: A Midsize Sedan Offering Full-Size Comfort

The 2006 Toyota Camry delivers the perfect blend of reliability, comfort, and functionality, making it a top choice for families. Despite its midsize classification, the Camry offers a spacious interior and an overall driving experience that rivals full-size sedans. Its timeless design and dependable performance have solidified its reputation as a reliable family car.

Updates and Features

In its final model year before a complete redesign, the 2006 Camry remains largely unchanged. Adjustments to SAE engine testing standards have slightly impacted its horsepower ratings. Notably, the SE V6 trim now includes an optional navigation system, enhancing its tech offerings. This model continues to impress with its smooth handling and user-friendly features.

Trim Levels and Engine Options

Available in CE, LE, SE, and XLE trims, the 2006 Toyota Camry caters to a wide range of preferences. Buyers can choose between a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine or a more powerful V6, providing flexibility based on driving needs. Sharing its platform with the luxurious Lexus ES, the Camry offers premium architecture and a comfortable ride, making it one of the largest and most well-rounded sedans in its class.

4.3

out of 5

EXPERT REVIEW

Look & feel

Performance

Form & function

Technology

Safety

Cost-effectiveness

2006 Toyota Camry: Timeless Design and Premium Features

Understated Elegance with Distinct Trims

The 2006 Toyota Camry stands out with its clean, conservative, and cohesive design, offering timeless appeal over flashy trends. While the base models maintain a subtle appearance, the sporty SE trim adds visual excitement with fog lights, darkened headlamp housings, stylish aluminum wheels, and a rear spoiler. For those seeking a more refined touch, the luxury-focused XLE trim incorporates chrome accents and polished wheels for a sophisticated look.

Interior Comfort and Quality

The Camry XLE enhances the driving experience with premium leather seats, leatherette door panels, and faux wood accents on the dashboard, creating a luxurious ambiance. In contrast, the SE trim features sporty metallic accents for a more dynamic feel. While the more affordable trims may lack extravagant details, they maintain practicality and comfort. Across all models, the 2006 Camry showcases exceptional build quality, with high-grade materials and thoughtfully designed controls that are both functional and intuitive.

Thoughtful Design and Practicality

Inside the 2006 Camry, attention to detail is evident in its symmetrical dashboard layout, full instrumentation, and user-friendly climate controls. The stereo system, while comprehensive, integrates seamlessly into the minimalist design, ensuring practicality without overwhelming the driver. This combination of quality and thoughtful design underscores the Camry’s enduring appeal as a reliable and well-rounded family sedan.

2006 Toyota Camry: Engine Options and Performance

Standard and Optional Engine Choices

The 2006 Toyota Camry comes equipped with a reliable 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 154 horsepower. While it is paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, most models on dealer lots feature the smoother 5-speed automatic gearbox for convenience. For those seeking more power, Toyota offers an optional 3.0-liter V6 engine. This V6 generates 190 horsepower in the LE and XLE trims and a more robust 210 horsepower in the sporty SE variant.

Enhanced Performance with the Camry SE

The SE trim elevates the Camry's driving experience with a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and performance-oriented tires, delivering a more dynamic and engaging ride. These enhancements make the SE a great choice for drivers looking to add a touch of excitement to their daily commutes.

Driving Experience and Practicality

The Camry’s 4-cylinder engine provides sufficient power for daily driving, though it may feel underpowered when tackling steep grades, merging onto highways, or overtaking slower vehicles during family road trips. Opting for the V6 engine resolves these challenges, offering significantly better acceleration with only a minor trade-off in fuel efficiency. While most Camrys offer dependable yet unremarkable performance, the SE trim stands out for its responsive handling and driver-focused features, making every journey more enjoyable.

2006 Toyota Camry: Spacious Comfort and Versatile Features

Ample Space and Comfort

The 2006 Toyota Camry sets the benchmark for midsize sedans with its generous seating for up to five passengers. The front seats provide expansive comfort for the driver and passenger, while the rear seats offer impressive legroom, making long drives a breeze. Storage is equally abundant, with a large 16.7-cubic-foot trunk that accommodates luggage, groceries, or travel gear with ease.

Trim Levels and Key Features

The base Camry CE may look modest, but it’s packed with essential features like air conditioning, power accessories, cruise control, and a CD player. Stepping up to the LE trim adds an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and remote keyless entry for added convenience. The sporty SE trim enhances the driving experience with racier styling, sport-tuned mechanicals, and a power sunroof.

Top-Tier XLE Trim

Sitting at the top of the lineup, the Camry XLE exudes luxury with premium features. It includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, and a high-end sound system. With its attention to detail and advanced amenities, the XLE delivers an elevated driving experience for those seeking more refinement.

2006 Toyota Camry: Advanced Features and Upgrades

The 2006 Toyota Camry takes convenience and technology to the next level with its JBL premium sound system. This system enhances your audio experience by including MP3 playback and a cassette player. For those seeking more options, an upgrade replaces the single-disc CD player with a 6-disc CD changer, ensuring endless entertainment on the go. Additionally, select XLE and SE V6 trims offer an optional DVD-based navigation system, providing seamless and reliable guidance for your journeys.

Enhancing practicality, the 2006 Camry includes a universal programmable garage door opener, eliminating the need for bulky remotes with integrated cabin buttons. Security is also prioritized with an upgraded anti-theft system featuring an engine immobilizer, offering peace of mind in a vehicle often targeted by car thieves. These thoughtful upgrades make the 2006 Toyota Camry a standout in comfort, convenience, and safety.

2006 Toyota Camry: Safety Features and Crash-Test Ratings

The 2006 Toyota Camry comes equipped with antilock brakes and dual front airbags as standard features. Optional safety enhancements include side curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers, as well as side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants. Opting for a Camry with a V6 engine provides stability control, a valuable feature that helps maintain control on slippery surfaces.

Crash-test results emphasize the importance of the optional side airbags. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), without side airbags, the 2006 Camry earns a Poor rating for side-impact collision protection. However, with side airbags installed, the rating improves to Good. In moderate-overlap frontal-impact tests, the Camry also secures a Good rating for driver protection.

Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights the Camry’s solid performance in frontal-impact tests, awarding a top 5-star rating for both front seats. Side-impact protection garners 4 stars for front-seat passengers but only 3 stars for the rear seats, as the test vehicles lacked side airbags.

2006 Toyota Camry: Premium Pricing, Premium Quality

Starting at just over $19,000, with the fully-loaded XLE model nearing $30,000, the 2006 Toyota Camry positions itself as a premium option in its class. While the price tag may seem high, stepping into the Camry and experiencing its impeccably smooth engines and refined handling reveals a car engineered with exceptional attention to detail and quality.

Though the cost of a new Camry may be significant, it delivers tremendous value in return. From its superior build quality to its sophisticated performance, the 2006 Toyota Camry stands out as a benchmark of engineering excellence and long-term reliability.

motorvero004

Last Updated On Jan, 12-2025