I purchased this car to replace my 1993 Camry LE with 250,000 miles. This SE compares favorably with our BMW regarding handling, road feel and acceleration. Body roll and lean is extremely well controlled. Wind noise has been addressed to the point that it is nearly silent, even with the inner moon roof shade open.

Acceleration of the 2.4L is surprisingly aggressive, and pull is strong and even across the entire power band. This SE is a blast to drive and makes it fun to drive just getting a jug of milk. It has a high level of "tossability" and "driver satisfaction" like our BMW'er does.

However, there is the added satisfaction of not having to shell out BMW'er dollars for purchase or BMW'er dollars for repairs. Don't get me wrong, I understand that FUN! has a price, however, once again Toyota has taken the sting out of it. My purchase price was $1150 below INVOICE (not MSRP), by using a price quoting service found on epinions and shopping it around locally.

I love the fog lights, power moon roof, 16" alloy wheels, great-looking spoiler, AM/FM/CD/tape with 8 speakers, auto-on daytime running lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power driver seat with power lumbar support, software-driven engine and software-driven transmission mostly all standard equipment for $19,350. Impeccable fit and finish inside, great-looking burnished Aluminum trim, and gages freshened up from the 2002-2004 SE models. I like the auto-off headlights after getting out and the self-dimming feature of the interior lights.

However, the ABS brake pedal fade is a bit noticeable. Gas mileage is advertised at 24 city and 34 highway. I get 23.3 MPG no matter city or highway. (software??) Not so great when you are used to 29 MPG from your 1993 LE. In fact it still gets 24 MPG with a quarter-million miles on it!! Silly that the outside temperature gauge is in metric (degrees Centigrade) when the car is delivered. Took me some time to decipher the M/E meant METRIC or ENGLISH (degrees Fahrenheit). DOH!!

Overall, I agree with the man who said that this is an appliance, that always works, never breaks, just turn the key and go. However, the FUN is back !! So whoever loves BMWs and does not have BMW $$, give this SE a serious trial run. You will not be disappointed.

As a 45 YO boomer, with disposable income (read credit/debt) to burn, it was a pleasure to not have to pour it into an Infiniti/BMW/Lexus/Accord to get a road feel, great handling, acceleration, tossability, driving satisfaction, and head-turning looks. The Phantom Grey Pearl color is not hard on the eyes, stays clean-looking longer and really accents the blacked-out rear badges, grill, and headlight trim pieces.
Amount Paid (US$): 19350
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: SE, 4 Cyl., Auto 5 Spd trans,