It seems that early Camry Hybrids (until Oct. or Nov. 2006) will be coming from Japan.

Today, I had a chance to see the difference in paint quality with a side-by-side comparison of a Japanese (hybrid) and Kentucky (non-hybrid) Camry, both in Magnetic Gray.

The Japanese paint seemed superior to me in (1) depth, and (2) smoothness of finish (orange peel effect).

Will be interesting to see if there are other differences in build quality.

Steve Villatoro
www.stevenvillatoro.com
“An enlightened guide to small business mastery.”

I haven't seen the hybrid yet, but the normal Camry from Kentucky gave me a really bad impression. Some of the plastic inside didn't fit together well and the overall finish wasn't what I expected from Toyota. They might have improved on it since then.

So it was a Japanese car made in the United States?

I saw this thread on the last page and figured I'd bump it up now that they're producing the TCH in Kentucky.

Any more reports of quality differences between Japan and Kentucky made TCH's?

If the initial assessment becomes true that the Japanese paint quality is better, than god help the people with Kentucky paint. There is widespread disappointment among the 07Camry owners about how easily the front bumper paint will chip. I've already had to touch-up at least 10 significant paint chips on my car after just 6500 miles.

CAMRHEE Hybrid
Completed Mods: RK-Sport body kit, 18" LexusGS430 wheels 235/50ZR18 tires, TRD/SE springs, Rear Lip Spoiler, Terk XM-Direct, Smoked tail lights, Rear Bumper Applique, Front License Bracket, Lower Grill chrome inserts, K&N, Blaupunkt THB200A sub, moved rear HSD emblem
Future Mods: fog lights, black chrome my wheels

Lordy lordy lordy !!...I should have read this before I took mine home. When I ordered mine back in July...they guy kept telling me it's from Japan. Now that i realized my VIN # starts w/ 4T...I feel uneasy. The plastic cover for the regular battery in the back did not snap in right...actually...the whole trunk looks wal-mart's..and I know japanese cars are not like that. I went to this forum...and here I am. The thing i did to save $1000...was to order and have the delayed production. Should have gotten one at MSRP back in July.

Yup, when I ordered mine back in August 06 and got it from a different dealership (Peterson Toyota, NC stay faaaaar away from it, very bad experience), I made it clear that if the first letter in the VIN would not start with 'J' I would not purchase/buy it....

....grrrr...I just called their customer relation. The guy who sold it kept telling me that the vehicle took so long cuz It was being built in Japan....Wat to do ...wat to do ?...I feel like driving in a time bomb now....lol

Don't worry, I am sure it will be just as good as a Japan built version. Take solice knowing that more of your money stayed in our economy instead of sending it all overseas.

Remember that most Camrys have been built here for a number of years, and it is still rated as one of the most reliable cars made. All will be fine, just enjoy it.