Two weeks ago my wife purchased an '05 six-cylinder XLE Camry and we have
the same problem; about a two second lag from the moment you step on the
pedal to the moment the engine starts going. And then a slight but
noticeable de-acceleration just before the shifting of gears. This makes
for some fairly unsettling acceleration.

Doing a few Google searches brought up a flood of customer complaints over
the last year but I haven't found a official acknowledgement of the problem
on Toyota's part. Is this because an official acknowledgement would mean
they would have to fix the problem (if possible)? Or has there been an
official acknowledgement and I just haven't seen it?

I feel a little let down that the salesperson did not disclose this issue
when selling the car because it's not something one might really take
notice of during a quick test drive. I believe we have a 30-day return no
questions asked guarantee but I'm not sure.