The biggest changes on the Camry for 1998 are in the area of safety--a key consideration for family sedan
buyers. Side airbags for the front-seat passengers are available for the first time (for $250). Side airbags
can reduce the number of abdominal and chest injuries, according to safety experts. The Camry's front airbags
have been reduced in force for 1998. Seat belts now come with pretensioners and force-limiters, which boost
effectiveness by tightening the belts in an impact, then loosening them slightly to reduce the chance of
belt-induced injuries. This combination has been found on luxury models for years, and it's nice to see
them on large-volume mid-priced cars.
These enhancements come on top of an already-strong safety package. Antilock brakes are standard on all but
the four-cylinder CE model, where they are a $550 option. Traction control is an option on V6-powered cars ($300).
There are three-point safety belts in every position, including the rear center spot. The rear seatbacks are
fortified to resist intrusion from objects in the trunk. Indeed, the entire body structure has performed very
well in government and insurance industry crash tests.
The interior of the Camry is a light and airy space, with comfortable seats and a low cowl for good visibility.
An elegant dashboard houses bright white-on-black instruments. The audio and climate control knobs are simple
and within easy reach of driver or passenger and the stereo system is excellent.
Thoughtful amenities abound. A second power outlet is located at the bottom on the front console, next to the
built-in tissue dispenser. The sun visors have extension panels. The front cupholders hold 20-ounce bottles,
and the rear cupholders can take either juice boxes or cans. There are numerous storage cubbies, and a capacious
glovebox.
The interior is roomy, thanks to the Camry's long wheelbase. A generous amount of sound-deadening material makes the interior luxuriously quiet. The radio antenna on all but the CE models is mounted in the rear window to improve reception and reduce wind noise and car wash damage.
The standard powerplant for the Camry is a 133-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that is remarkably smooth.
A four-cylinder engine in a car this size is usually a dismal choice, but not here. The 2.2-liter provides acceptable
acceleration performance and, once up to speed, keeps the car rolling along nicely. It has to downshift more frequently,
and passing on two-lane roads requires more planning than with a larger engine. But the refined 2.2-liter has none of
the roughness typical of four-cylinder engines. It's economical to buy and operate, which is why 85 percent of Camry
buyers opt for it.
The optional 194-hp 3.0-liter V6, generally recognized as one of the best in the industry, is significantly more
powerful. For the extra money, you get a family sedan that will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds, as opposed
to 10.9 seconds for the four-cylinder engine. It provides good performance for passing and accelerates briskly from
intersections. You'll have to add premium fuel to the budget, however.
Four-speed electronic automatic transmissions are standard on the LE and XLE models. The ECTi transmission mated
to the V6 has an adaptive program responds to individual driving styles. Drive more aggressively and it will delay the shift points for more spirited performance. Leisurely cruise around town and it will shift sooner for smooth, fuel-efficient performance.
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. Though the car is no sports sedan, it is smooth and competent, giving the driver a confident sense of control.