Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry Models

The Toyota Camry comes in three trim levels: CE, LE and XLE. The Camry is available only as a four-door sedan; the coupe and convertible versions are called the Solara, which is sold as a separate model.

The standard engine is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 136 horsepower. LE V6 and XLE V6 are equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 194 horsepower. LE and XLE models come with a high level of standard equipment, but the CE offers plenty of comfort, convenience and performance at a lower price.

CE comes standard with a five-speed manual gearbox; an automatic is optional. CE does not come standard with air conditioning, so you may want Value Package #1, which adds air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers, floor mats, and power windows, door locks and mirrors.

The mid-range LE has proven to be the most popular of the three models. It comes standard with an automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, intermittent wipers, power door locks, mirrors and windows. LE also offers a wide range of options open to buyers. Like other models, it can be equipped with either the four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine; LE V6 comes with antilock brakes. You can also get an LE V6 with a five-speed manual transmission.

The Gallery Series for the LE includes unique two-tone paint and seat fabric, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, carbon fiber interior trim, chrome door lock levers and interior vents, chrome-tipped exhaust, special badging, and five-spoke aluminum wheels.

The flagship XLE and XLE V6 models add a premium JBL AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, immobilizing anti-theft device, remote keyless entry and aluminum alloy wheels. A more elegant interior with premium cloth upholstery is a big part of the XLE attraction. Value Package #2 adds leather seating surfaces and trim, a power driver's seat, an in-dash six-CD changer, side-impact air bags and a power moonroof to the XLE or to the XLE V6. XLE V6 comes with 16-inch wheels and tires in place of the 14- and 15-inch rubber on the other models.

Driving the Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry feels smooth, soft and comfortable around town. It isn't a sports car and floats a bit on its suspension, but it handles well and is easy to drive fast. Overall, this car is smooth and quiet, though a small amount of road vibration comes through.

The standard powerplant for the Toyota Camry is a 136-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. Although the four-cylinder does not produce the power of the V6, it performs quite well. Toyota's 2.2-liter inline-4 is smooth and relatively free of the noise and vibration associated with four-cylinder engines. 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 the V6. The four-cylinder engine is economical to buy and operate, which is why 85 percent of Camry buyers opt for it. It earns an estimated EPA city/highway gas mileage rating of 24/33 mpg when equipped with the manual transmission, 23/32 mpg with the automatic.

Toyota's 194-horsepower 3.0-liter engine is one of the best V6 engines in the industry. For the extra money, you get a significantly more powerful family sedan that will accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 8.7 seconds, as opposed to about 10.9 seconds for the four-cylinder engine. It provides good smooth power with good performance for passing and accelerating briskly from intersections. Toyota recommends premium fuel (91 octane) for the V6, however, and it gets an EPA-estimated 20/27 mpg.

Opt for Toyota's four-speed electronically controlled automatic and you'll be getting an excellent transmission. The ECTi transmission mated to the V6 features an adaptive program that 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.

Automatics in four-cylinder models do not benefit from the adaptive intelligence feature, but they do come with a little button on the gearshift lever that allows the driver to lock out overdrive. This keeps the transmission from shifting above third gear. We found it provided much better acceleration performance when winding along California's coastal roads or up and down mountain passes. We also found it helpful on many occasions heading down city streets for a quick trip to the market.

V6 models come with four-wheel disc brakes that quickly stop the Camry without drama. Four-cylinder models use drum brakes in the rear, but we experienced no brake fade with them. Traction control, which reduces front wheel spin for improved control in slippery conditions, is a $300 option for some models.