Model Year Documentation
2008 Toyota
Camry
Camry
Complete specifications, features, current market pricing, and buyer’s guide
21/31 MPG (4-cyl)
5 Trim Levels
Hybrid Available
158–268 HP
J.D. Power 85/100
Original MSRP (2008)
$18,570 – $28,120
KBB Private Party (2026)
$3,650 – $6,275
Trade-In Value (2026)
$1,475 – $3,600
Avg. Listed Price (Cars.com)
~$7,892
Trim Levels & Original Pricing
Camry (Base)
4-CYL · 5-SPD MANUAL / AUTO
$18,570
ORIGINAL MSRP
- Steel 16″ wheels
- AM/FM CD w/ MP3
- Fabric seats
- Power windows & locks
LE
4-CYL · 5-SPD MANUAL / AUTO
$20,025
ORIGINAL MSRP
- Remote keyless entry
- Power driver’s seat
- Metallic interior trim
- Optional moonroof pkg
SE
4-CYL & V6 OPTIONS
$21,240
ORIGINAL MSRP (4-CYL)
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 17″ alloy wheels
- Blackout sport grille
- 3-spoke sport steering wheel
XLE
4-CYL & V6 OPTIONS
$25,000
ORIGINAL MSRP (4-CYL)
- Dual-zone auto climate
- JBL audio system
- 4-spoke leather wheel
- Optional leather seats
Hybrid
4-CYL ECVT · GAS/ELECTRIC
$25,200
ORIGINAL MSRP
- 33/34 MPG city/hwy
- 187 HP system net power
- VDIM standard
- Electric power steering
Engine Specifications
| 4-Cylinder Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.4L DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 161 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Ignition | Electronic — Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI) |
| Variable Valve Timing | VVT-i (Intake side) |
| V6 Engine (SE V6 / LE V6 / XLE V6) | |
| Engine Type | 3.5L DOHC 24-valve Dual VVT-i V6 |
| Horsepower | 268 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 248 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Ignition | Electronic — Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Dual VVT-i (both intake & exhaust) |
| Hybrid System (Camry Hybrid) | |
| Hybrid Engine | 2.4L DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder — 147 hp @ 6,000 rpm / 138 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| System Net Power | 187 hp (140 kW) combined |
| Electric Motor Output | 199 lb-ft @ 0–1,500 rpm |
| Motor Type | Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor |
| Motor Voltage | 650V maximum |
| Battery Type | Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) |
| Battery Voltage | 244.8V |
| Traction Battery Power | 40 hp (30 kW) |
Transmission & Drivetrain
| 5-Speed Manual | Available on Base, LE, SE 4-cyl trims |
| 5-Speed Auto (ECT-i) | Available on Base, LE, SE 4-cyl; Standard on XLE 4-cyl |
| 6-Speed Auto (ECT-i) | Standard on SE V6, LE V6, XLE V6 |
| ECVT (Hybrid) | Electronically controlled CVT with sequential shift mode |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) — all trims |
| Body Construction | Unitized body with front and rear vibration-dampening sub-frames |
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
| Suspension | |
| Front | MacPherson strut with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar |
| Rear | Dual-link independent MacPherson strut with gas-filled shocks and stabilizer bar |
| SE Tuning | Sport-tuned shock absorbers and springs, strut tower and trunk-mounted braces |
| Steering | Variable-assist power rack-and-pinion |
| Turning Circle | 36.1 ft curb to curb |
| Brakes | |
| Front | Power-assisted ventilated disc |
| Rear | Solid disc |
| ABS | 4-channel, 3-sensor Anti-lock Brake System |
| EBD | Electronic Brake-force Distribution — Standard all |
| Brake Assist | Standard all trims |
| Hybrid Brakes | Integrated regenerative braking system |
Exterior Dimensions
| Overall Length | 189.2 in |
| Overall Width | 71.7 in |
| Overall Height (unloaded) | 57.9 in (4-cyl) / 57.7 in (SE) / 57.5 in (Hybrid) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.5 in (LE/Base) / 5.3 in (SE/V6) / 5.9 in (Hybrid) |
| Track Front/Rear | 62.0 / 61.6 in |
| Coefficient of Drag (Cd) | 0.28 (gas models) / 0.27 (Hybrid) |
Interior Dimensions
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers — all trims |
| Head Room (front/rear) | 38.8 / 37.8 in (no moonroof) · 37.9 / 37.4 in (with moonroof) |
| Shoulder Room (front/rear) | 57.8 / 56.9 in |
| Hip Room (front/rear) | 54.6 / 53.9 in |
| Leg Room (front/rear) | 41.7 / 38.3 in |
| EPA Passenger Volume | 101.4 cu ft |
Weight & Capacity
| Curb Weight — Base Manual/Auto | 3,263 / 3,307 lb |
| Curb Weight — LE Auto | 3,373 lb |
| Curb Weight — SE Manual/Auto | 3,285 / 3,351 lb |
| Curb Weight — SE V6 Auto | 3,483 lb |
| Curb Weight — LE V6 Auto | 3,461 lb |
| Curb Weight — XLE V6 Auto | 3,516 lb |
| Curb Weight — Hybrid | 3,680 lb |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal (gas) / 17.2 gal (Hybrid) |
| Luggage Capacity | 15.0 cu ft (4-cyl) / 14.5 cu ft (SE/V6) / 10.6 cu ft (Hybrid) |
Wheels & Tires
| Base / LE / LE V6 | 16-in. steel wheels · P215/60R16 · All-Season |
| LE (optional) | 16-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels · P215/60R16 |
| XLE 4-cyl | 16-in. 8-spoke alloy wheels · P215/60R16 · All-Season |
| XLE V6 | 16-in. 8-spoke alloy wheels · P215/60R16 · All-Season |
| SE 4-cyl / SE V6 | 17-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels · P215/55R17 · Performance |
| SE (no-cost option) | P215/60R16 All-Season available at no charge |
| Hybrid | 16-in. 8-spoke alloy wheels · P215/60R16 · All-Season |
| Performance Tire Note | Performance tires may wear faster — tire life under 24,000 miles depending on conditions |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| 4-Cylinder (all trims) | 21 city / 31 highway |
| V6 (SE V6, LE V6, XLE V6) | 19 city / 28 highway |
| Hybrid (ECVT) | 33 city / 34 highway |
| Note | 2008 EPA-estimated; EPA revised estimation method for 2008 model year. Actual mileage varies. |
Seating Features
| Feature | Base | LE | SE | XLE | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric Seats | ● | ● | ● | — | ● |
| Unique Sport Fabric (SE) | — | — | ● | — | — |
| Leather-Trimmed Seats | — | — | OPT | OPT | PKG |
| Heated Front Seats | — | — | OPT | OPT | PKG |
| Power Driver’s Seat | — | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Power Passenger Seat | — | — | OPT | ● | — |
| 60/40 Split Fold-Down Rear | ● | ● | — | — | ● |
| 40/20/40 Rear w/ Trunk Pass-Through | — | — | — | ● | — |
Exterior Features
| Feature | Base | LE | SE | XLE | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halogen headlamps (auto on/off) | ● | ● | — | ● | ● |
| Blackout sport trim headlamps | — | — | ● | — | — |
| Integrated front fog lamps | — | — | ● | ● | — |
| Power tilt/slide moonroof | — | PKG | PKG | ● | OPT |
| Blackout sport grille | — | — | ● | — | — |
| Dual exhaust | — | — | — | ● | — |
| Chrome-tipped exhaust | — | — | ● | ● | ● |
| HSEA (High Solar Energy-Absorbing) glass | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Heated outside mirrors | — | — | OPT | ● | OPT |
Audio & Technology
| Feature | Base | LE | SE | XLE | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AM/FM CD w/ MP3, Aux Jack, 6 speakers | ● | ● | ● | — | ● |
| JBL 6-disc CD changer w/ Bluetooth & Satellite Radio | — | OPT | OPT | ● | PKG |
| Voice-Activated DVD Navigation (JBL) | — | — | OPT | OPT | PKG |
| Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone | — | OPT | OPT | ● | PKG |
| Smart Key System w/ Push Button Start | — | — | — | OPT | ● |
| Multi-Information Display | — | — | — | ● | ECO |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror w/ Compass | — | OPT | OPT | ● | OPT |
| HomeLink Universal Transceiver | — | — | OPT | ● | ● |
| Tilt/Telescopic Steering w/ Audio Controls | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Cruise Control | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
Safety Features
| Feature | Base | LE | SE | XLE | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Driver & Passenger Airbags | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Front & Rear Side Curtain Airbags | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Driver’s Knee Airbag | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| ABS with EBD and Brake Assist | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) w/ TRAC | OPT | OPT | OPT | OPT | ● |
| VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Mgmt) | — | — | — | — | ● |
| Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Energy-Absorbing Collapsible Steering Column | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| LATCH Child Restraint System | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Daytime Running Lights (with off mode) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Engine Immobilizer | ● | ● | ● | w/ alarm | ● |
Pros & Cons
✓ Strengths
- Spacious, comfortable cabin with generous headroom and legroom for all 5 passengers
- Proven 4-cylinder engine known for durability — many owners exceed 200,000 miles
- Strong V6 option delivering 268 hp for a midsize sedan
- Excellent fuel economy on 4-cylinder (21/31 MPG) and outstanding on Hybrid (33/34)
- Comprehensive standard safety package — knee airbag, curtain airbags, ABS/EBD all standard
- Comfortable, smooth ride quality ideal for daily commuting
- Parts widely available and affordable; mechanics familiar with the platform
- J.D. Power 85/100 quality score; KBB reliability rating 4.6 / 5 from owners
- Resale value holds reasonably well for its age — well-maintained examples still command good prices
- No shortage of inventory on the used market
✗ Weaknesses
- Excessive oil consumption reported on 2007–2011 4-cylinder models — check levels regularly
- Transmission hesitation and rough shifting issues reported on some early examples
- Check engine light complaints, particularly after 100,000 miles (ignition coil failure)
- Conservative, uninspiring styling inside and out — described as “office cubicle” by critics
- VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) is only optional on non-Hybrid trims — not standard
- 8 NHTSA recalls on record for this model year
- Base trim interior quality feels noticeably cheaper than competitors
- CarComplaints rates 2008 as one of the worst Camry model years
- Hybrid battery replacement can be expensive if original battery fails
- SE performance tires wear fast — may need replacement sooner than expected
Reliability & Ratings
Ratings Overview
Common Problems to Watch
| Oil Consumption (4-cyl) | Most common |
| Ignition Coil Failure | After 100k miles |
| Transmission Hesitation | Auto trans |
| Check Engine Light | Various causes |
| NHTSA Recalls | 8 total |
| Hybrid Battery | Monitor regularly |
Frequently Asked Questions
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01 What is the MPG of the 2008 Toyota Camry? ▶The 2008 Camry delivers 21 city / 31 highway MPG with the 4-cylinder engine (all trims). The V6 models (SE V6, LE V6, XLE V6) rate 19 city / 28 highway. The Hybrid is the standout at 33 city / 34 highway — one of the best in its class for 2008. These are EPA estimates; real-world results will vary based on driving style and conditions.
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02 Is the 2008 Toyota Camry reliable? ▶It’s a mixed picture. The 2008 Camry earned a J.D. Power score of 85/100 and a KBB owner reliability rating of 4.6/5, and many owners have driven well past 200,000 miles. However, Consumer Reports notes it as less reliable than the average 2008 car, and CarComplaints.com rates it as one of the worst Camry model years due to oil consumption issues and transmission complaints at lower mileages than typical. It’s not a bad car, but the 2010–2014 Camry generations are considered more reliable options.
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03 What are the most common problems with the 2008 Camry? ▶The top issues reported by owners are: (1) Excessive oil consumption on 4-cylinder models — a known issue across 2007–2011 Camry 4-cylinders; check the oil level regularly. (2) Ignition coil failure after 100,000 miles, which can trigger the check engine light. (3) Automatic transmission hesitation and rough shifts reported on early examples. (4) 8 NHTSA recalls are on record — make sure all have been completed. (5) Rear suspension and motor mount wear reported at higher mileages. If buying used, get a pre-purchase inspection and verify oil consumption behavior.
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04 What is the 2008 Toyota Camry worth today (2026)? ▶Current market values vary significantly by trim, condition, and mileage. According to KBB (May 2026), private party values range from approximately $3,650 to $6,275, while trade-in values sit between $1,475 and $3,600. The Hybrid commands a slight premium over gas models due to continued demand. Cars.com lists a nationwide average asking price of $7,892 for listed inventory. A well-maintained, low-mileage example can fetch more, while high-mileage or problem vehicles may go for under $3,000. Always check a specific vehicle against current market listings.
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05 Is the 2008 Toyota Camry worth buying in 2026? ▶For buyers on a tight budget looking for affordable, proven transportation, a well-maintained 2008 Camry can still deliver value — particularly the 4-cylinder LE or the Hybrid. Parts are cheap, mechanics know the platform well, and the 2.4L engine is genuinely long-lived. However, at this age (18 years old), you should expect to budget for deferred maintenance, potential oil consumption monitoring, and suspension wear. If budget allows, the 2010–2014 Camry generation is a safer used buy with fewer known issues. The 2008 is serviceable, not spectacular.
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06 What are the pros of the 2008 Toyota Camry? ▶Key strengths include: a spacious, comfortable interior with best-in-class passenger volume for the segment; good 4-cylinder fuel economy; a potent optional V6; comprehensive airbag coverage including a driver’s knee airbag; an exceptionally capable Hybrid variant at 33/34 MPG; low operating costs thanks to affordable parts and familiar repair procedures; and a proven track record of durability in real-world use, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles when properly maintained.
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07 What are the cons of the 2008 Toyota Camry? ▶The main drawbacks: oil consumption on 4-cyl engines is a documented issue for 2007–2011 models; VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) is not standard — it’s optional on all non-Hybrid trims, which is a notable omission for safety; the interior design was already considered dated when it launched; 8 NHTSA recalls need verification; transmission issues were reported across the 2007–2009 model years; CarComplaints rates the 2008 as one of the worst Camry years. Competition from Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu also improved significantly during this era.
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08 How many miles can a 2008 Toyota Camry last? ▶With proper maintenance, the 2008 Camry is capable of 200,000–250,000 miles. Owner reviews frequently report reaching 150,000–200,000 miles with only routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires). One Edmunds reviewer reported selling their example at 198,000 miles, with the main reason being wear items like rear suspension and motor mounts — not catastrophic mechanical failure. The 2.4L 4-cylinder is particularly well-regarded for longevity. The V6 is also durable. The Hybrid battery should be monitored after 100,000–150,000 miles.
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09 Which trim is the best value — LE, SE, XLE, or Hybrid? ▶For most buyers today, the LE 4-cylinder automatic offers the best balance of value, reliability, and features — it includes power driver’s seat, keyless entry, metallic trim, and the dependable 2.4L engine. The SE is sporty but uses performance tires that wear fast and may show more wear at high mileage. The XLE offers premium features but commands a higher price in the used market without significantly better reliability. The Hybrid is the fuel economy winner and can be worth buying if the battery has been tested/replaced — it also commands a slight premium. Avoid SE V6 if you’re prioritizing economy.
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10 Does the 2008 Camry have Bluetooth and navigation? ▶Bluetooth is available but not standard. It’s included with the optional JBL 6-disc CD changer system, which is available on LE, SE, and standard on XLE trims. The base audio system does not include Bluetooth. Voice-activated DVD navigation is an option on SE and XLE trims. The Hybrid includes these technologies in optional upgrade packages. Since most 2008 Camrys on the used market today are well-equipped examples, it’s worth specifically checking what a particular car has installed.
Bottom Line
The 2008 Toyota Camry is a capable, comfortable, and proven midsize sedan that has aged reasonably well. At today’s market values of $3,500–$7,500, it can represent good value transportation — provided you buy a well-maintained, fully-inspected example with all 8 recalls completed and no oil consumption issues. The 4-cylinder LE or XLE automatic is the sweet spot for reliability. The Hybrid remains a compelling choice for fuel economy. The 2010–2014 Camry generation is objectively the better used buy, but for buyers on a strict budget, a clean 2008 will still serve reliably for years. Just go in with eyes open about its known weaknesses.
