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A redesigned 2007 model
of the best-selling passenger car in the United States was just released, but
dealer inventories still include a selection of the outgoing 2006s. While the
2007 model is a clear improvement, the discounts available on the
still-capable 2006 make it a worthy choice as well. It offers its traditional
merits of a comfortable and quiet ride and a roomy interior at an impressive
price point. Dealer discounts and rebates bring its estimated transaction
price to around $3,500 below sticker, a steeper price reduction than many
traditionally-rebated competitors, at which point it becomes wise to consider
whether the 2007 model is really worth the extra cash.
The Camry has a very
smooth, absorbent, and very comfortable ride, but some newer competitors and
its successor have less highway-speed float and slightly better manners over
broken pavement. But unlike an increasing number of competitors, this ride
comfort has to come at the expense of handling. The Camry suffers from
excessive body roll in fast cornering, and while it never feels dangerous,
everything about the car seems to discourage the repetition of such behavior.
The steering is accurate, but all feeling has been stripped from it. In
general, the car seems to have been designed to ensure that its drivers do not
have any reason to drive it unsafely, which not all family sedan buyers will
consider a negative. The 3.0-liter V6 is fairly powerful, but hides its
capabilities in near-silence. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed as well.
Fuel economy is adequate by this group’s standards.
Inside, the Camry’s high
front seats are well-shaped, but a bit flat. The seat cushion could be longer
as well. The rear is very roomy, and also has a high, well-shaped cushion. The
interior uses high-quality plastics that fit together very well.
 The gauges are large and clear,
and the instruments are well-sized and well-placed. High seats, large
footwells, wide door openings, and a high, well-shaped roofline lead to easy
entry/exit to both the front and rear seats. Drivers have very good
visibility, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel compromises comfort
for some drivers. The trunk is large and well-shaped.
The Camry has done
reasonably well in crash testing. It earned five stars for both the driver and
for the front passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, but a mediocre four
stars for the driver and three stars for the rear passenger in the NHTSA side
crash test, tested without the optional side airbags. The car earned a Best
Pick rating in its IIHS offset crash test, and was Good in the side crash test
with the optional side airbags (Poor without them). The IIHS rated its head
restraints Marginal.
The Camry reviewed here
came in at $24,719, very well-equipped. At that reasonable price, it included
every one of the expected features for this class, as well as a rear sunshade
and a 6-disc CD changer with cassette.
Overall,
the Camry is an excellent family car. It doesn’t handle well, but this
deficiency is not really a hindrance in routine gentle driving. And it has
been surpassed in its traditional qualities by the 2007 model. But at its
discounted clearance-sale pricing, it’s still a worthy choice.
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