Test drive: 2005 Toyota Camry SE
Sunday December 4, 2005
OK, so the Camry isn't exactly the pinnacle of motoring thrills. But that's why there's the sporty SE model, right? Our intrepid writer Jason Fogelson took the Camry SE for a test drive, trying to balance his love for passionate cars with the Camry SE's intentional (and well-played) role as an appliance with a little pizzaz. Now, Jason's not exactly what I'd call a car snob, but I have been giving him more thrilling assignments like the Jetta GLI, Legacy GT and G35. So if you detect a slight increase in the altitude of Jason's nose, the fault is mine. (Note to self: Time for Jason to write another Aveo review.) It was a noble effort, Jason; at the very least, I congratulate you for staying awake. -- Aaron Gold
Regarding test drive Camry SE.
I understand that the author has been wrong before? Managed to make a pretty OK car seem undesirable. True I do have Solara SE, not a Camry – but.
The SE can do 120K by the end of a Queensway on ramp and achieve in the 7.5 fuel consumption on mid grade, on a road trip at non point accumulating speeds. Ottawa to London on a tank in quiet, controlled comfort. What else is there? In three Toyotas I have never had a mechanical problem (sure I only drive them for 4 years). VW GTI – after 3 years make friend with a mechanic and Keep CAA, or it will get increasingly expensive.
Kids like toys. Grown ups like a balance of value, performance, utility reliability and economy. That is why there are more Toyotas and the like every day.
PS My Honda Accord manual shift, LX, 4 banger is no slouch either.
True I still remember my Olds Cutlass fondly (white vinyl buckets on bronze/white two tone), but I was so young, and you can’t drive many places at those speeds. That kid did indeed find the torque roll almost as much fun as the smell of rubber. Now that was a car!
I have an ‘04 Toyota Solara V6 SE Sport, and once I upsized/upgraded the tires for more grip, and added a competition rear sway bar for better balance, it is quite an enjoyable car to drive.
I own a 2002 CamrySE, 4cyl. I am most pleased with it’s performance and gas mileage. I drive about 24k a year and my job depends on me to be on the road.I am very fond of the boring, every time I turn the key and it goes, kind of thing. I don’t miss the Chevy’s or Dodges, that always needed some repair after20k. Did a little better with the Fords and Hondas. So sometimes boring is a good thing/reliable… Thanks