There's lots of legroom, headroom and just plain moving-around room in the front of the new Camry, and the large front seats give you firm support. Whether you're built like Willard Scott or Mary Lou Retton, it's a breeze to get comfortable with the 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an option on our test car. The footrest is a real plus for the driver, a subtle comfort feature that's still absent from many cars.
The contoured rear bench seat gives you the same luxurious feeling as the seats in the front. If you happen to be sitting in the middle of the backseat, however, you might have to lean forward a bit because of the rear armrest that folds up between the seatbacks.
There's less backseat legroom in a Camry than in a Taurus, al-though there's enough space for adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. And the Camry does have more rear-seat space than the much bigger Chevy Lumina.
One little glitch: The optional front center armrest on our test car got in the way when we used the parking brake.
Standard on all models except the DX is a sophisticated sound system that includes a power antenna, four speakers (six on the wagon) and a deluxe AM/FM/cassette radio. For you high-tech music lovers, an even fancier sound system with a CD player is available as an option.
Also standard on all but the DX are power windows, locks and mirrors, in addition to cruise control, tilt steering and a rear-window defogger.
OK, now for the best part. The key turns, the tachometer springs into action...but that's about as far as the signs of engine life go. No vroom, not even a hum; no jolt, not even a sway - the engine is all set to boogie, and, aside from some slight vibration at idle, it's hard to even tell it's running.
How did they do that? How did they create this whisper-quiet engine? The combination of hydraulic engine mounts, extra insulation and rubber mounted chassis subframes is one explanation.
And, as with the Lexus, the Camry has a fully independent suspension, so it feels as if it's soaking up bumps, potholes and other irregularities in the road.
The overall handling was impressive, but not exceptional. You don't get the sporty, road-hugging feeling that a lot of drivers love. But the steering is accurate and quick to respond, and if the Camry's cornering isn't exactly zealous, it's certainly confident.
Confident is a word that also applies to our test car's ability to stop. The brakes were excellent on both wet and dry pavement, with good stopping distances and very good control. Our test car was equipped with ABS, which was an extra-cost option. But considering the importance of this active safety feature, and the importance of safety in new-car buying today, we think ABS should be standard equipment on all models.
Acceleration in our Camry was spunky. We'd call the car's passing power adequate, although the V6 would provide quicker response, as well as passing performance not far short of dramatic.
Overall, expect about 24 mpg with regular unleaded fuel. Toyota claims that the 4-cylinder gets between 21 and 23 mpg in the city, and between 28 and 31 mpg on the open road. Meanwhile, the V6 requires premium unleaded fuel and averages about 21 mpg.
Although the Camry's ride and general performance are very good compared with its competitors, where this car really excels is in the area of interior noise. There isn't any. Even at freeway speeds, you can carry on a conversation at living-room decibel levels, even with rear-seat passengers.
The Camry is quieter than any of its midsize rivals, as well as many luxury cars costing thousands more.