The restyled, more-powerful
1997 Toyota Camry has become one of the most talked-about new models. But that's not because it is sexy or sold for bargain-basement prices.
Rather, this fourth-generation Camry is a hot topic because it's a serious candidate to become the country's top-selling car in 1997. It has many improvements and competitive prices, and is the latest version of a well-proven model that has found more than 3 million buyers since its 1982 debut.
In 1995 and during the first nine months of this year, the Camry was a close No. 3--behind the top-selling Ford Taurus and No. 2 Honda Accord. The high-quality Camry, from Japan's largest automaker, has an especially good shot at the No. 1 spot because many still haven't accepted the Taurus' dramatic styling and a new Accord is a year away.
The low-selling Camry coupe and station wagon models have been dropped, so the only Camry that remains is the front-wheel-drive four-door family sedan, which comes in CE, mid-range LE and top-line XLE models. Base prices for the four-cylinder models range from $16,398 to $21,808, while the V-6 models cost from $19,248 to $24,018.
Toyota cut production costs of the new Camry, but without cheapening the car. For instance, the lighter new front bumper has fewer parts and costs less to make, but will cost less to replace and its protection rating has doubled to 5 m.p.h.
Major Camry options include $1,005 air conditioning, which is standard on LE and XLE models, and a $300 traction control system--available only for LE and XLE V-6 models. The new Camry is the first front-drive Toyota to offer traction control, which greatly enhances tire grip on slippery surfaces.
All models have dual air bags, and anti-lock brakes are standard on all models except for the four-cylinder CE, where they cost $550.
To attract younger buyers, Toyota is offering sort of a hot-rod Camry V-6 with a five-speed manual transmission for $19,248--a model that likely will get a sport suspension next spring. But Toyota spokesman John McCandless said most Camry buyers will opt for the $19,868 four-cylinder LE model with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Despite all the hoopla, the new ultrasmooth Camry is not as radically changed as one might suspect from all the buzz. The new model, which I recently tested, mostly is an improved version of the last-generation model, despite its all-new styling.
The styling is markedly bland, but at least front and rear overhangs of the stronger new body are shorter to make maneuvering and parking easier.
While the new Camry's wheelbase is 2.1 inches longer for more interior space and a better ride, the car is only fractionally wider and longer overall. The same basic powertrain and suspension are carried over, with slightly more powerful versions of the same four-cylinder and V-6 engines.
Horsepower of the twin-camshaft four-cylinder has risen from 125 to 133, while the V-6's horsepower has climbed from 188 to 194. Both engines are good, although the smoother, quieter, double-overhead-camshaft V-6 is a pistol; it propels the Camry from 0-60 m.p.h. in a fairly quick (for a family sedan) 8.3 seconds with the smooth, quick-shifting automatic--and in only 7.6 seconds with the manual.
The four-cylinder delivers about 23 m.p.g. in city driving and about 30 on highways, while the V-6 provides 19-20 in town and approximately 26 on the highway.
The roomier interior easily seats four 6-footers. You even get a significantly larger glovebox. Three tall adults can fit in the back seat, but its hard center area will discourage its use for anything but short trips. An optional ($125) rear integrated child seat is new.
Family sedans do lots of hauling, and the Camry's conveniently shaped large trunk has a low opening for easy loading.
The quiet new interior's front seats are especially nice, with side support generally only found in sports cars. The larger, brighter gauges are easily read at a glance, and the nicely placed controls are easy to reach and use, with a comforting fluid feel.
The steering has excessive power boost and scant road feel, but is quick and accurate. The four-cylinder models have a smoother ride, thanks largely to their higher tires. The lower, wider, noisier tires of V-6 models don't absorb road impacts as well, but Camry V-6s still provide a supple ride--and better handling than the four-cylinder models. Braking is reassuring, with an easily-modulated pedal.
You can make good time in a Camry V-6 if in a rush, although all Camrys mainly are designed for no-fuss transportation. Just start the engine and the car quietly goes about its business in a seemingly effortless manner.
In the end, the high-quality Camry's sheer competence will win most over.