The interior of the new Camry was designed at the Toyota Technical Center
in the U.S. and it displays a welcome Americanization. You notice the first
difference as soon as you sit in the car: The bottom seat cushion has been
lengthened to better fit long American legs. Plus the seat and seatback
can be adjusted to more positions, fitting a wider range of people.
The Camry LE we tested had a clean, simple dashboard with a low cowl
for good visibility. The white-on-black gauges of the instrument panel
are larger and brighter this year. A low washer fluid light and odometer
with dual trip-meter have been added. The most helpful change has been
to invert the audio and temperature controls, with the more frequently
used audio controls on top.
Several thoughtful amenities have been added. A second power outlet
is located at the bottom on the front console, next to the new built-in
tissue dispenser. The sun visors have extension panels. The front cupholders
now hold 20-ounce bottles, and new rear cupholders can take either juice
boxes or cans. There are numerous new storage cubbies, and the glovebox
is almost 30% larger.
Interior dimensions are slightly larger, particularly in rear legroom,
thanks to the longer wheelbase. The amount of sound-deadening material
has been increased, making an already-quiet interior luxuriously quiet.
The radio antenna has been replaced on all but the CE-level cars by a new
in-glass antenna at the rear that improves reception and reduces wind noise
and carwash damage.
Safety is important to family sedan buyers, and the Camry has received
several improvements in this area. Body structure has been strengthened
thoughout, as have been the rear seatbacks to resist intrusion from objects
in the trunk. The lap belt in the rear center seat has been replaced with
a safer, three-point belt. An integrated child seat is now available on
all cloth-seated models ($125).
Antilock brakes are now standard on all but the four-cylinder CE models,
which is a good deal considering they were an $1100 option last year on
all but XLE models. Traction control is also an option for the first time
on a front-drive Toyota car, available on six-cylinder LE and XLE models
($300).
The standard engine for the Camry is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that
is a remarkably smooth piece of work. Horsepower this year has been boosted
from 125 to 133, a small but noticeable increase, particularly since the
car is 33 pounds lighter than before.
A four-cylinder engine in a car this size is usually a dismal choice,
but not here. The 2.2's acceleration is acceptable, and once up to speed,
it rolls along nicely. It has to downshift more frequently, and passing
on two-lane roads requires more planning than with a larger engine. But
the 2.2 is a refined engine, with none of the roughness typical of a four-cylinder.
It's economical to buy and operate, which is why 85% of Camry buyers opt
for it.
The optional 3.0-liter V6, generally recognized as one of the best in
the business, is a significantly more powerful engine, but it will set
you back an additional $2300. For the money, you get a family sedan that
will go from zero to 60 in 8.7 seconds, as opposed to 10.9 seconds for
the four-cylinder. It passes with ease, and accelerates briskly away from
stoplights. Horsepower is improved here, too, from 188 to 194. However,
the uprated V6 now requires premium fuel for optimum performance.
An intriguing new combo this year is a CE fitted with a V6 and a manual
transmission, to satisfy sporty tastes (base price $19,668). It's the fastest
of them all with a 0-to-60 time of 7.6 seconds. Take note, though, that
the CE V6 is a little short on standard equipment; air conditioning, power
windows and locks, and a cassette player are all optional. (The same limited
equipment list is true for the four-cylinder CE models.)
In terms of ride and handling, the Camry has always had the poise of
a far more expensive sedan, thanks to the underpinnings it shares with
the Lexus ES300. Steering is more precise this year, giving greater maneuverability. Though the car is no sports sedan, it is smooth and competent, giving the driver a confident sense of control.