De.pend.a.ble: adj. Toyota Camry
The word Camry usually sparks two types of reactions. The first would sound a little like "a dependable if somewhat boring car" and the other would go something like "I love my Camry!". Mammoth success for a car manufacturer has rarely come as big as the Camry. Toyota managed to deliver a car that suited just about everybody's needs. They also made sure that the Camry would meet those needs every time and for a very long time.
The first Camry arrived in 1983 as a replacement to the RWD Corona. It was also created to compete with the hot-selling Honda Accord. The present generation of the Camry, introduced in 2002, represents the fifth variety of the midsize car that has become a benchmark for quality and reliability.
Styling
1997 brought some edge to the 1992-96 generation boxy shape. The
blunt front end turned into a wedge and the rounded-off rear dropped its curves for sharper lines. The 2000 mid-cycle refresh included a lightly restyled front fascia and a new light treatment for the tail. The wheelbase grew slightly for improved interior room especially for the rear occupants. The re-design's subtle elegance made the Camry a little more visible in a mall parking lot. The previous car would simply disappear in its surroundings.
The saddest thing about the 1997 revamp was the discontinuation of the station wagon. Although it was not very pretty, it was one of the few last remaining wagons, along with the Accord which passed on the same year, worth considering.
The cabin of this Camry could not be any simpler or more user friendly. The dash layout is strictly straightforward and to the point: single-din size radio, three rotary knobs for the HVAC and a fair number of storage spots. If the optional CD player was included in the trim, it was a double-din aff
air with a CD and tape player.
The seats are a proper mixture of firmness and support to make them quite comfortable. Front and rear legroom is very good as is headroom. The trunk is generous in size. Fit and finish throughout the car is above average however a few trim rattles do appear after four or five years. The plastics used for the door panels and dashboard are also of good quality. Beware if you do get a light tan coloured interior, scratches are very apparent and some discoloration does occur.
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The first Camry arrived in 1983 as a replacement to the RWD Corona. It was also created to compete with the hot-selling Honda Accord. The present generation of the Camry, introduced in 2002, represents the fifth variety of the midsize car that has become a benchmark for quality and reliability.
Styling
1997 brought some edge to the 1992-96 generation boxy shape. The
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The saddest thing about the 1997 revamp was the discontinuation of the station wagon. Although it was not very pretty, it was one of the few last remaining wagons, along with the Accord which passed on the same year, worth considering.
The cabin of this Camry could not be any simpler or more user friendly. The dash layout is strictly straightforward and to the point: single-din size radio, three rotary knobs for the HVAC and a fair number of storage spots. If the optional CD player was included in the trim, it was a double-din aff
air with a CD and tape player. The seats are a proper mixture of firmness and support to make them quite comfortable. Front and rear legroom is very good as is headroom. The trunk is generous in size. Fit and finish throughout the car is above average however a few trim rattles do appear after four or five years. The plastics used for the door panels and dashboard are also of good quality. Beware if you do get a light tan coloured interior, scratches are very apparent and some discoloration does occur.