8th Place:
Toyota Camry
Overview:
The Camry is the best-selling car in the United
States, as it has achieved the reputation for
providing safe, quiet, comfortable
transportation; for doing its duties as a family
sedan without attracting attention. For the most
part, buyers aren’t disappointed with what they
get. But although the Camry does its job well,
it doesn't necessarily do it the best. It is
especially safe, quiet, and comfortable, but
it's not in a class of its own in those areas,
and isn't as opulent inside as its price tag
would suggest.
Driving the
Camry:
The Camry rides very comfortably, absorbing road
imperfections well without a loss of control. It
isn’t agile, but it handles safely. The steering
is quick enough, but it's too light and lacks
feel. The 3.5-liter V6 is the Camry's standout
feature, offering smooth, very strong
performance while nearly topping the group in
gas mileage. Wind, engine, and road noise are
well-suppressed.
Inside the
Camry:
Inside, the Camry’s front seats are roomy and
comfortable, but could use more lateral support.
The rear is mounted high and shaped well, and
offers good head and leg space. The seatback
reclines, but the difference is almost
imperceptible. The interior is generally
well-assembled, but there should be less hard
plastic at this price point. The gauges are
large and clear, and the instruments are
well-placed and easy to use. Entry/exit is easy.
Drivers sit comfortably and have clear
visibility. The trunk is not especially large
for a midsize sedan, and the rear seat does not
fold to expand its volume on the XLE.
Camry pricing:
The Camry
isn't as expensive as some of the other name
brand family sedans in this group, such as the
Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, but it's still
far from cheap. At $26,683, it has a hands-free
cell phone link and a power passenger seat but
few other luxury extras.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Camry is a very pleasant car. It's
comfortable, it's quiet, and it's spacious. It
also has a top-notch engine that combines
smooth, strong performance with excellent gas
mileage. But shop it carefully against other
pleasant family sedans before paying $26,683 for
one.
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