Toyota's 2007 Camry Lures Buyers with More, More, More
The 1979 fuel crises encouraged a number of Americans
to purchase smaller, fuel efficient cars including the Honda Civic,
Honda Accord
and the Toyota Corolla.
By the end of 1980, the Japanese auto industry displaced Detroit as the world's
biggest car maker, producing 12.7 million vehicles. When the "vanilla"
Toyota Camry was introduced in 1983, its engineering quickly gained a reputation
for reliability. The people who bought a Camry preferred it for its durability rather
than for its looks.
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For 2007, the newly redesigned Camry is a photogenic alternative to the BMW 3 Series,
Lexus ES 350,
Nissan Maxima,
and the Honda Accord in its $18,270 – $27,820 price range. The '07 Camry has
something that other cars in its class have not, the choice of a Hybrid
engine that achieves 40/38 mpg. This fact alone should win fresh converts in today's
gas conscious world, but the rapturous new styling, longer wheel base, and refined
comfort should continue the success of the Camry based on merit alone.
If you walk around the streamlined figure of the 2007 Camry,
you'll notice the new romanticism of Toyota design. The new shape is unmistakably
masculine, smooth, muscular, chivalrous, and sporty in character. The integrated
bumpers, larger than normal headlights and dual crease hood lines make the front
look as if it's draped in fine Italian apparel. Although the new "look"
may seem a bit strange at first, it quickly becomes all the more likable. Certainly,
the new aesthetic captures more of the urban swagger that was missing in previous
iterations.
The new Camry’s romanticism is also shared by the Generation Y go-getter,
the Toyota Yaris. A lot of time and effort has gone into crafting both cars. Even
the under body, including the wheel wells, have been meticulously sculpted to minimize
drag and maximize fuel efficiency. Aerodynamics for the 2007 Camry is the lowest
ever at 0.27 Cd resulting in better fuel efficiency. The rear taillights are cleaner,
integrated one piece units, placed higher up to serve the needs for safety without
compromising aesthetics. The resulting sensual aesthetic of the Camry articulates
a reserved sensibility of a more expensive Lexus or BMW.
The '07 Camry succeeds in making the intimate atmosphere found within the car a
more relaxing experience. Elegantly tailored seats, ergonomically placed shifter
and refined high quality plastics, communicate luxurious elegance instantly. Passenger
room has increased due to the lengthening of the wheel base by 2.2 inches. The large,
tactile dials communicate vehicle information, and are easy to read. The only drawback
is the "steering feel," which could be better; but since the Camry is
a family sedan rather than a sports car, this is to be expected. If you prefer a
more responsive steering input/output, we recommend trying the Nissan Altima, but
in terms of aesthetics – the Camry wins that battle hands down.
Lastly, everything works inside the Camry as it should with dogmatic precision.
Power windows roll up, doors get locked and unlocked, and the multi-adjustable seats
with lumbar support are comfortable for long drives and all such items are standard
equipment in every trim. Additionally, safety items include rear seat Child Restraint
System, anti-lock ABS system, and Advanced Airbags that take into account the severity
of collision to appropriately inflate the bag(s), all of which are standard items.
We suggest getting the side air bags as worthy additions and the vehicle slip control
for better handling on wet roads. As it appears, Toyota executives have taken the
time to find out what's in the hearts of the modern American car buyer.
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When it comes to choosing the engine for the completely redesigned '07 Camry, it's
good to know you have three very different choices. Many drivers may prefer the
2.4-liter, four cylinder 158 horsepower engine, in either the LE and SE trims, or
opt for the 3.5-liter V-6 with an energetic 268 horsepower engine. But the surprise
of the day is the Hybrid, which delivers 192 horsepower while averaging 40 mpg.
Additionally, all vehicles feature the drive-by-wire system to monitor pedal input
for greater efficiency, and the VVT-I (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence)
technology derived from Toyota’s F1 program for better breathing room lower
and higher in the RPM range. If that weren't enough, all engines are made from lightweight
aluminum to reduce weight while providing plenty of pep for passing rapidly, or
safely merging in traffic.
The year 2007 marks the emergence of a new romanticism in car design for the Toyota
Motor Company. The manufacturer celebrates its 70th anniversary this year with the
launch of two new models: the 2007 Camry and the Yaris. If you're considering a
midsize sedan, the Camry is the stylish, well-mannered automobile that bestows luxury
at an affordable price.
2007 Toyota Camry Won ICOTY Sedan of the Year:
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