And that reputation, on its own, is likely single-handedly responsible for thousands and thousands of conquest
 |
| The Camry's reputation for reliability, on its own, is likelysingle-handedly responsible for thousands and thousands of conquestsales. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
sales (luring in Nissan, VW and GM buyers) across North America (Toyota pulls in six new customers for every one it loses), not to mention keeping those customers coming back to Toyota or moving up to Lexus when the time and income is right. I mean, who doesn't want a car that you never have to take in to the dealer, except for oil changes and regular scheduled maintenance.
However, a car doesn't sell on reputation alone, it has to make a person feel comfortable or inspired from the first test drive around the block. For the most part, the Camry leans in the direction of comfort, but Toyota also serves up the V6 Camry SE for those who feel the need to split duties between safe and secure suburban shuttle and the occasional adrenalin-inducing charge down the freeway. But that's a car for another review;
 |
| The body shape, in Phantom Grey Pearl is long and efficient and from a few angles is still relatively attractive considering its age. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
this road test is all about the run-of-the-mill Camry LE, the base 4-cylinder workday commuter.
While I wouldn't personally call it commuting in style, what could be more stylish than showing up for work or school or play on time (clichés about being fashionably late aside). The body shape, in Phantom Grey Pearl is long and efficient and from a few angles is still relatively attractive considering its age (see Friday's news story for a look at what the upcoming 2007 model is expected to look like), but it looks a little too much like an underwater traveler to really grab attention. Between the frequency with which you see it on the road and the innocuous design, most peoples' eyes just slide off of it as it blends in with the schools of midsize family sedans, most of which are Camrys, filling the streets.
