2005 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry undergoes several changes for 2005. All models receive a revised grille, new headlamps and taillights, and a new front bumper, along with ABS, a new front console cover, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a rear centre head restraint and Optitron electronic gauges. A five-speed automatic transmission formerly available only on the six-cylinder engines is now standard on the four-cylinder LE and optional on the SE, the only model available with a manual.

There are three engines: a 2.4-litre four-cylinder on the LE and SE, a 3.0-litre V6 on the LE-V6 and XLE-V6, and a 3.3-litre V6 on the SE-V6. All come with variable valve timing and are rated as Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles (ULEV).

The base LE includes 15-inch steel wheels, ABS, CD player with six speakers, air conditioning, 60/40 folding rear seat, power locks with keyless entry, power windows, cruise control, cargo net, heated power mirrors and variable intermittent wipers. The LE-V6 offers the same features plus front and rear splash guards, and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The XLE-V6 adds a six-CD changer, automatic climate control, power adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, woodgrain trim, rear sunshade, side and curtain airbags, power sunroof, 16-inch wheels and fog lamps.

The SE package includes all of the LE features, plus a leather-wrapped three-spoke wheel, aluminum instrument panel accents, and 16-inch wheels. The SEV-6 adds the six-disc CD, leather interior, heated seats, and 17-inch wheels.

The Camry remains possibly the best all-around family vehicle on the market: it’s not exciting, but it’s comfortable, it’s extremely well-built, there’s plenty of rear-seat room, it handles very well, and it’s just an all-around competent machine. It’s vanilla, but it’s very good-quality vanilla. It’s got a smoother ride than Honda Accord and a nicer interior than the Nissan Altima, although those models edge it slightly in the horsepower race.

The Camry is built in Georgetown, Kentucky.