2003
Toyota Camry: Living Large in a Family Sedan
Reviewed by T. Thomas, August
2003
Thanh, the owner
of this featured 2003 Toyota Camry XLE, is a quiet twenty-something-single
guy, who works hard, enjoys basketball, video games, and
reliable produces. So, in November of 2002, Thanh decided
that his 1989 Camry needed to be replaced and only another
Camry could supersede his faithful automobile.
Since, Thanh was
spending almost as many thousands of dollars as years he
had lived; he wanted the most for his money. He needed to
choose the right model and right dealership. The style and
luxury of the XLE model was worth the extra thousand dollars
and change over the SE package, which at the time did not
include a moonroof or power driver’s seat standard. The
XLE came standard with power driver’s and front passage’s
seats, automatic climate control, and a JBL 3-in-1 radio/cassette/CD
audio system.
Next, he needed to
decide which dealership would have the best price. Lucky
for Thanh, Carmax purchased Toyota of Laurel and created
Carmax Toyota of Laurel, Maryland, which had several XLE
models instock and ready for Thanh to drive home. Carmax
offers “No Haggle” discount prices through high volume sales;
however, service is less than desirable. The sales staff,
as with most discount dealers, needs to work on their product
knowledge and attention to customers needs.
OH,
what a feeling!
In redesigning the Camry for the
21 century, Toyota had only one complaint to correct. Driving
enthusiast and critics grumbled that the previous model
Camry had become boring in styling and performance. So,
Toyota did what the Japanese do best, they recreated the
Camry from the wheels up and surpassed all expectations.
At the core of the Camry
is a new 2.4-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine that produces
157 horsepower at 5,600rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque 4,000rpm.
Compared to the Honda Accord’s inline four, which produces
160hp at 5500rpm and 161 lb-ft at 4500 or the Subaru Legacy’s
horizontally opposed four, which produces 165hp at 5600rpm
and 166 lb-ft at 4000rpm.
The Camry’s engine block
cover displays “VVT-i 16 Valve” meaning, variable valve
timing with intelligence. The intake valve timing is continuously
adjusted with driving condition and engine speed to create
strong low-end torque, mid-range power, and a more efficient
engine. The exhaust cam drives the intake cam by a hydraulic
driven rotor, so burned fuel exhaust is indirectly controlling
the valve timing of the incoming fuel. In laymen’s terms,
the engine does more with less fuel and response faster
to driving needs.
The exterior styling exceed
anything that Toyota has ever built. The molded headlights
and grill speak of luxury and driving passion as the nose
cut through the wind. The mirrors are sculpted from the
smooth sheet metal and create great visibility of the blind
spots. The trunk is roomy with a large opening for extra-large
bags.
The Camry XLE models include
such luxuries as wood accents, an auto up/down driver’s
window, an information center with clock, temperature, and
fuel-economy, steering wheel-mounted controls, and the automatic
climate controls; making the Camry feel more expensive.
The hubcaps are a little cheesy and somewhat insulting for
a vehicle of this price.
Overall
The Camry is a good value and a great family sedan. It performs
well in wet weather such as heavy rain and snow; and maneuvers
well for a large car in crowded mall parking lots. Toyota
does overcharges for optional equipment, such as; alumni
wheels, performance tires, leather interiors, DVD/navigation
systems, larger engines, and floor-mates. High quality has
it price. The Camry lacks a telescoping steering wheel or
adjustable pedals, so for, Thanh, who is 5’5”, a safe and
comfortable driving position is hard to find. He is either
too close to the wheel in case the airbag deploys or too
far from he pedals.
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