- sedan 305,675
- Thomaston, ME
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- autoshopper.com
1998 toyota camry review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. A less-public goal was to make the camry the best-selling car in america, bumping aside perennial winners ford taurus and honda accord. to do so, toyota devised a simple strategy: give the car more of everything without sacrificing the traits that made the camry so successful. The new model was slightly larger, the interior more spacious, the ride and handling more refined, and it sported a longer list of convenience and safety features. Perhaps most important, the price was a few points below comparably equipped '96 models. it was a smart plan. one year later, toyota has met the challenge it set for itself. There are, however, several significant improvements, including the availability of side airbags and an engine-immobilizing anti-theft system. The angular lines stretch the car's profile and give it presence. And yet it doesn't look stuffy. Minimal overhang at the front and rear of the car pushes the wheels to the corners, giving it a sporty, dynamic stance. at the rear, a tall, square tail improves the car's aerodynamics. The trunk is wide enough to carry golf clubs crosswise, with a broad opening and a comfortably low lift-over height. To further increase cargo capacity, the rear seats fold forward in a 60/40 split. The trunk is fully lined for a clean appearance and less noise transmission into the passenger compartment. The gooseneck hinges on the trunk lid, which intrude slightly into the cargo area, are less than ideal, however. the camry is available only as a sedan. The previous generation included coupe and wagon models. All the features missing from the ce that listed above, as well as an automatic transmission, are standard on the le, which has a base price of $20,638. the top trim level is the xle, which starts at $23,048. Side airbags for the front-seat passengers are available for the first time (for $250). Side airbags can reduce the number of abdominal and chest injuries, according to safety experts. The camry's front airbags have been reduced in force for 1998. Seat belts now come with pretensioners and force-limiters, which boost effectiveness by tightening the belts in an impact, then loosening them slightly to reduce the chance of belt-induced injuries. This combination has been found on luxury models for years, and it's nice to see them on large-volume mid-priced cars. these enhancements come on top of an already-strong safety package. Traction control is an option on v6-powered cars 300). there are three-point safety belts in every position, including the rear center spot. The rear seatbacks are fortified to resist intrusion from objects in the trunk. Indeed, the entire body structure has performed very well in government and insurance industry crash tests. the interior of the camry is a light and airy space, with comfortable seats and a low cowl for good visibility. An elegant dashboard houses bright white-on-black instruments. The audio and climate control knobs are simple and within easy reach of driver or passenger and the stereo system is excellent. thoughtful amenities abound. A second power outlet is located at the bottom on the front console, next to the built-in tissue dispenser. The sun visors have extension panels. The front cupholders hold 20-ounce bottles, and the rear cupholders can take either juice boxes or cans. There are numerous storage cubbies, and a capacious glovebox. the interior is roomy, thanks to the camry's long wheelbase. A generous amount of sound-deadening material makes the interior luxuriously quiet. The 2. 2-liter provides acceptable acceleration performance and, once up to speed, keeps the car rolling along nicely. It has to downshift more frequently, and passing on two-lane roads requires more planning than with a larger engine. It provides good performance for passing and accelerates briskly from intersections. The ecti transmission mated to the v6 has an adaptive program responds to individual driving styles. Drive more aggressively and it will delay the shift points for more spirited performance. Leisurely cruise around town and it will shift sooner for smooth, fuel-efficient performance. in terms of ride and handling, the camry has always had the poise of a far more expensive sedan, thanks to the underpinnings it shares with the lexus es300. Though the car is no sports sedan, it is smooth and competent, giving the driver a confident sense of control. summaryit's not hard to see why the new camry was america's best-selling car last year. It is refined, roomy and well-equipped, with a strong resale value and a reliability record other carmakers envy. the camry traditionally has been pricey, but toyota has worked hard to rein in cost; 1998 prices are up less than 2 percent. The competition among mid-size sedans is fierce. Honda has introduced a new accord. And several attractive competitors are less expensive, notably the oldsmobile intrigue and the pontiac grand prix. But if refinement, safety equipment, resale value and reliability are important, the camry is the leading contender. assembled ingeorgetown, ky; toyota city, japan. options as testedpremium audio with cd player, side-impact airbags, carpeted floor mats. model testedle. Power Seats✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Climate Control✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ CD Player✔ Aluminum Wheels
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