We tested the bare-bones Camry, with roll-up windows and no leather interior or any of those other fancy accouterments.
The car was great. I can't describe it in any other way than to say that
it's "unencumbered." It's a basic car, and there's not a lot of stuff that
can break on it. It's a very basic car that is quiet, handles reasonably
well, takes the bumps well, is comfortable inside and has great visibility.
I imagine that if you're 6' 3", it might be a little tight in there, but
it's fine for the average person. The controls are well placed and simple
to figure out. Simply put, this Camry is a pleasant car to drive.
This is a time-tested car. We tested an automatic transmission, which shifted smoothly. I especially like the 4-cylinder engine, because it's a lot cheaper to maintain and fix than the 6-cylinder model. Admittedly, the 6-cylinder has more power. If you really think you need the power--that is, if you're going to be hauling around five people all the time, or hauling a trailer, or (worse still) hauling your mother-in-law--then it makes sense to go with the larger engine. But, the 4-cylinder engine will drive at 75 miles an hour (which is 10 miles an hour above the speed limit, unless you live in Montana) all day long--and it'll do that for 150,000 miles. If you want more than that from a car, then forget it. You're not going to get it.
Incidentally, the Camry's primary competition comes from the Ford Taurus and the Honda Accord. My experience working in the garage has been that the Camrys are less trouble than either of these two vehicles. This car will run pretty much trouble-free for a long time.
Is this car as refined as a Lexus? Not by any means. But, it's a heck of a lot less money. I can't say I was "giddy" every time I got in it, but I certainly appreciated its qualities. This is a basic car that's not going to give you trouble for a long time, and I for one like that.
View cars.com model report on this vehicle.
