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Toyota Camry V6 punches the horsepower and piles on luxuries
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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A dash through hilly Texas terrain to reach the big city should have consumed far more than fifty minutes, but traffic seemed light, the roadway stretched wide and smooth, and that handsome sedan carrying an impatient driver welded itself to the road and acted aggressively when asked.
With 188 horsepower flowing from an aluminum V6 engine, it actually pounced beyond slower vehicles when passing.
With sporty suspension settings and quick rack and pinion steering, it carved a hard and precise edge when maneuvering through the hills.
With sleek exterior shapes it sliced through the evening air in an aerodynamic fashion which left no room for wind noise to disrupt the serenity of its cabin, where a favored jazz melody flowed from the compact disc player.
With soft leather lining the contoured front bucket seat, it felt warm and comforting in the manner of a pricy touring sedan imported from Europe or Japan.
So much about this vehicle's performance, behavior and demeanor paralleled those expensive imports, in fact, that on several occasions I found myself rechecking the label to be certain I knew what I was steering.
Apparently, Camry V6 -- Toyota's made-in-Kentucky mid-size sedan -- takes on airs of expensive imports.
Keep in mind that Camry comes in sedan, coupe or wagon formats, with entry-level issues stocking a 125 hp 2.2-liter iron-block 4-in-line engine keyed to either 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
To get a kick of surging horsepower like I felt zipping over those Texas hills, you must step up in price and status to special Camry versions outfitted in that high-tech V6 with 4-cam configuration and 24-valve format.
Special issues of Camry's sedan, coupe and wagon offer the V6 option mated to Toyota's 4-speed automatic shifter.
If ever you've put a plush Lexus ES 300 sedan through demanding paces, then you already have an idea of what it's like to drive Toyota's Camry V6. The Toyota, you see, is a direct cousin to the Lexus, which happens to be built in Japan by Toyota for the elite market.
Unlike the Lexus, though, the vast majority of Camry's sedans -- and all coupes -- are crafted in the United States at Toyota's Georgetown, Ky., assembly plant.
Dig into Camry's manufacturing specifications, and you will discover that these Toyotas contain a number of components -- such as chassis, engine and dashboard -- which directly correspond to those found in the Lexus.
Each brings stylishly rounded and aerodynamically sculpted lines, even to the extreme sweep of rearview mirrors and wrap-around bumpers and lights.
Each offers that nice V6.
Each provides an array of comfort features on the inside and sophisticated handling components under the hood.
The most interesting aspect of Camry's pitch, however, is that it is far more affordable than the Lexus, even in full regalia with V6 thruster, anti-lock brakes and supple leather upholstery stretching over seats and door facings.
How much can you save?
While pricing for the Lexus easily exceeds the mark of $30,000, figures for Camry V6 remain rooted in lower ranks of the $20,000 range -- with top model bumping to $28,000.
Like the Lexus, Camry's interior isolates external noises, even from the engine. With gear in neutral position and accelerator revving powerplant to 5000 rpm, you will detect only the slightest hint of noise or vibration.
The quality of this quietness is more akin to deluxe luxury cars -- a point for which Lexus has been recognized, and it comes from extensive Toyota refinements in powertrain and body, like high-tech balance shafts on the engine to delete high-rpm vibrations and special sound-damping materials embedded throughout the structure.
This factor of quietness sparks a subtle flavor for those inside Camry -- you feel genteelly ensconced, like you're riding in that mega-bucks Euro-sedan.
Despite the fancy fittings, Camry remains fun to drive.
Tackle a set of twisties like I did through the Texas Hill Country recently, and you'll discover the type of wheel response you'd expect to receive from the Euro car.
Camry's 4-wheel independent suspension, posing a MacPherson strut design up front and dual-length rear setup tied to gas-filled shocks, combines with the power-assisted rack and pinion steering system to deliver fast and responsive handling action.
Brakes with a disc at each wheel signify predictable stopping power.
Take to freeways, like those navigated in San Antonio, and Camry won't let you down when it's time to zip up an on-ramp or rip into the fast lane because that V6 delivers highly usable thrust each time you punch Camry's pedal.
And this one's so comfortable.
Camry's front bucket driver's seat ranks among the best form-fitters I've found. It's firm yet plush, supportive but forgiving, and fully adjustable with reclining back and adjustable head restraint.
A center console separating front buckets adds retractable cupholders and padded storage area with the top posed at ideal height to function as armrest for driver.
Easy-read analog instruments (including tachometer) cluster in a compact dash panel, with all switches and controls convenient to the driver's touch.
Safety systems aboard Camry this year begin with high-tensile steel components of the frame surrounding this car's passenger compartment and built-in crumple zones fore and aft. In addition, Camry stocks dynamic side-door impact beams, 3-point front safety belts with adjustable shoulder anchors and rear 3-point belts for outboard riders, plus dual airbags in front and child-protected rear door locks.
Anti-lock brakes, optional on sport-tuned Camry SE V6, become a stock item on ultimate XLE V6.
Camry SE looks serious with rear spoiler, black mirrors and door handles. It also gets serious gear like tight-tuned suspension, sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, V-rated tires and alloy wheels. The XLE compares more directly to the Lexus ES 300 with 7-way power driver's seat and options for leather upholstery and moonroof.
1996 TOYOTA CAMRY V6
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1996 TOYOTA CAMRY V6 Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size 4-door sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
103.1 inches |
| Overall Length: |
187.8 inches
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| Engine Size: |
QOHC 3.0-L V6 24v
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| Transmission: |
Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
20/29 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 20,000 to $ 28,000 |
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