'97 Toyota Camry
The newest Camry ,which means Crown in Japanese, is a bit bigger than last years model. Its two familiar engine offerings have been increased eight horsepower in the four-cylinder and six horsepower in the V-6. But a new body, gearing changes, and driveline refinements add up to qualify the Camry as all-new in our books. In addition, a slick new base CE model is available with a five-speed manual and the powerful V-6 engine. It's performance is the best of the range and its price is attractive.
There are no two-door or wagon models this year; Toyota says just five percent of Camry sales were the trim two-door, and even fewer -- three percent -- were the station wagon. The entry-level model is the CE, and uplevel features such as traction control, a sunroof, leather, heated mirrors, and alloy wheels are not available. But as we mentioned before, the V-6 engine is optional.
The mid-level model is the LE, which also doesn't get the heated mirrors, but can have everything else on the Camry menu as an option. The top-line XLE is what we would call a true luxury car.
Toyota says the new body shape, with its creases and more formal looking rear end, is more aerodynamic. We did notice less wind noise in the new body. There is also more room in the rear for passengers, and the trunklid opens wider and lower than before. Total trunk space is slightly less, however. Other functional interior improvements include new front seat recline mechanisms that are continuous instead of stepped. All models are equipped with cup holders. The international touches continue to the new climate controls, which are dials instead of levers. Toyota says about 80 percent of the Camrys built in the U.S. will come from the factory in Georgetown, Kentucky. The remainder will come from Toyota City in Japan.
LE model
XLE model
