CD Article: 2006 Toyota Camry SE

[CD_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
Test Drive:

Even though a redesigned 2007 Toyota Camry is set to hit showrooms next year, the current Camry shouldn't be discounted as a 'has-been', says Haney Louka.  Its base 4-cylinder engine is so smooth, it can be mistaken for a V6, he says, and it offers "lots of room" and "high quality construction", not to mention "good reliability" and "high resale values"..    More...

[Bullet Blue]

I wonder how many people actually take the Camry (SE model or not) with a manual transmission? I think I've only seen one Camry with a standard so far of this generation. And it was for sale at the dealer lot (used) which looked to be heavily discounted. Count me in as one of the very few that would want a manual tranny if I ever bought a Camry.

[ovr50]

My friend in Houston's wife has a new '06 Camry LE with the 4 cylinder engine and I was very impressed with the power of the car with 4 adults and luggage aboard. I thought it was a V6 initially, and was amazed it was only the 4 banger. Other than the mountain roads here in BC, the 4 cylinder would be fine for everything else (and probably OK in the mountains also unless you were a power freak like many of us are).

Just a comment.

[Bullet Blue]

I find most 4 cyls. are adequate, especially if mated to a manual tranny.

[AVToller]

In 40+ years of driving, I've never owned anything other than a 4-banger. I've driven 6s & 8s, but have never felt the need or desire to go that route with purchases. 

[safristi]

Ya better PRAY THEN that there is re_in_CAR_NATION

[Howswedeitis]

I just spent a week in a 2005 4cl Solara and although I found it's performance it's handling and braking to be average at best I did find that the powertrain was indeed strong and gas mileage was very good indeed on the highway with the 5th gear overdrive. Whilst I can see why these cars are popular I'm definately not convinced they are so much better than the competition (see new Hyundai Sonata etc). In fact on the second week I drove a "lowly" Chevy Cobalt and although it wasn't as powerful as the
Solara it did handle much much better, had stronger brakes and was generally a much more enjoyable car to drive. The seats were also much more comfortable...GM is catching up and the Cobalt is a compact!

[Benhaze]

Cobalt is way smaller than the Camry though.

Excellent article. Note for the author: I don't think there's been any car since a very long time that didn't have front ventilated disc brakes and I don't see the value of stating it.

There are many good competitive cars in this class. I would give a serious look at the new Fusion, Mazda 6, Accord or Sonata would be on top of my 4 cylinder list (should I have one)... And the Mazda6 Sport has a cargo volume of 626L with struts that do not protude in the cargo space. 

[84im]

Hey Ross, remember when you could do a four banger?.......me neither

[AVToller]

Gee, I thought I was setting up Saffy! 

[Arctic_White]

In 40+ years of driving, I've never owned anything other than a 4-banger. I've driven 6s & 8s, but have never felt the need or desire to go that route with purchases. 

AV, ever owned a supercharged or a turbocharged 4-banger?

[AVToller]

In 40+ years of driving, I've never owned anything other than a 4-banger. I've driven 6s & 8s, but have never felt the need or desire to go that route with purchases. 

AV, ever owned a supercharged or a turbocharged 4-banger?

Again, NO, I never felt the need.