1997 Toyota Camry LE
11/28/1996
Shahed Hussain
The Toyota Camry has been hailed as a benchmark of midsize family sedans. A consistent top seller in its market segment, the Camry has been thoroughly updated for 1997.
Introduced in 1983 as the replacement for the rear drive Corona sedan, the front drive Camry arrived in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback models. The Camry held the middle spot in Toyota's sedan lineup, sandwiched between the subcompact Corolla, and the luxurious Cressida.
The redesigned, larger 1987 Camry included features such as a 2.0L DOHC engine and optional AWD. A wagon was added to the model line and the 5-door hatchback was discontinued. The following year, a 2.5L V6 option was added to provide improved performance. The Lexus ES250, based closely on the Camry, was introduced to capitalize on the booming Japanese luxury market pioneered by Acura.
Toyota introduced the now midsize Camry in 1992 to compete in a hotly contested market against the best-selling Taurus, Lumina, and Accord. As part of its update, the Camry received an optional 185 bhp 3.0L V6, to complement the standard 2.2L I4 engine. The luxury requirements of its upscale Lexus ES300 sibling heavily influenced Camry development. The result was class-leading build quality and refinement. 1994 saw the introduction of the Camry coupe, along with a new all aluminum 3.0L V6, standard dual airbags, and CFC-free air-conditioning.
General
The 1997 Camry is currently offered in one body style: 4-door sedan. The previous generation car was available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and wagon. There are three trim levels: CE, LE, and XLE. Pricing ranges from $16,398 for the CE 2.2L 5-speed to $24,018 for the XLE 3.0L V6 automatic.
Drivetrain
All Camry models are available with either the 133 bhp I4 or 194 bhp V6. Both offer slightly more power than last year. A look at the engine specifications shows that both powerplants are optimized for torque: 147 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm (2.2L) and 209 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm (V6). Both engines are equipped with electronic fuel injection and distributorless ignition.
Toyota offers a 5-speed manual and two versions of the 4-speed automatic. The LE and XLE come standard with the improved shift logic ECT-i transmission. The CE has either the ECT automatic or the 5-speed manual. It is the only trim level available with the V6 and a manual transmission.
A 4-sensor, 3-channel ABS system is standard on the LE and XLE and is optional on the CE. Traction control (TRAC) is offered for the LE and XLE V6. 4-cylinder cars have 195/70R14 all-season tires standard, V6 models are equipped with 205/65R15 size. The spare is a full size tire.
Body and Suspension
The Camry is a unit body design with front and rear subframes for improved isolation. Front suspension is independent with coil springs, MacPherson struts located by a control arm, and a stabilizer bar. Rear suspension is coil springs, MacPherson strut, 2 lateral links, 1 trailing link, and a stabilizer bar.
Interior
All models come with front bucket and rear bench seats. The LE and XLE can be equipped with a Leather Trim Package. The XLE comes with a standard power driver's seat. A Power Package (opt. CE, std. LE, XLE) offers power windows, mirrors, and locks. The LE and XLE are equipped with cruise control and air-conditioning. Dual airbags and a tilt steering wheel are standard on all models. Integrated child seats are optional on non-leather trim models.
Form
The restyled Camry is more angular than the car it replaces. The front end styling has obvious influences from the Eagle Vision. The side profile bears some resemblance to the current Honda Accord. The departed Alfa Romeo 164 appears to be the inspiration for the rear end of the Camry. Overall, the styling is crisper and more distinctive than the previous car. As expected, paint quality and exterior panel fit is superb. Wheel covers are standard on the LE model tested.
The interior feels more spacious than the previous model. The dashboard and console have been redesigned to increase instrument visibility and climate control access. All controls and switch gear are easy to reach. The tactile feel of the controls is solid and smooth. The dashboard and all interior plastic trim are made of high quality, low gloss materials. The fabric upholstery is understated and provides good grip. The wood trim in the test vehicle was very glossy. Trunk access has been improved, although capacity is down from 14.8 to 14.1 cu. ft. . The rear seats fold down for increased cargo capacity and convenience.
Seating is very comfortable, with firm seats that provide proper support. Outward visibility is good, with no obvious blind spots. The steering wheel position allows all instruments to be easily visible.
Function
The Camry LE example tested was equipped with the 3.0L V6, which provides smooth, effortless acceleration. Interestingly, the new Camry appears to have somewhat more engine noise than the previous model. The motor emits a muted rumble under acceleration that is a welcome change from the near silence of the previous generation Camry. Steering is relatively light, but provides better feel than the earlier car. The damping is also firmer, and provides better control under cornering compared to the 1996 model, which exhibited considerable float.
Specifications
General
Engine/Drive Layout: Front Engine/FWD
Vehicle Type: 5 passenger, 4-door sedan
Chassis and Body type: Unitized Body/Subframes
Price Range: $22,168 (base LE)
Engine
Type: Aluminum alloy block/head V6
Bore & Stroke: 3.44 x 3.27 in./87.5 x 83.0 mm
Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 Valve
Displacement: 3.0L
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Port Fuel Injection
Horsepower: 194 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 209 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
Redline: 6250 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission Type: 4-sp. auto. w/lockup torque converter
Gears & Ratios: 2.81/1.55/1.00/0.70
Final Drive Ratio: 3.93:1
Interior
Head Room F/R: 38.6/37.6 in.
Leg Room F/R: 43.5/35.5 in.
Hip Room F/R: 54.0/54.1 in.
Seat Travel: N/A
Storage Volume: 14.1 cu. ft.(trunk)
Measurements
Weight: 3219 lb.
Width: 70.1 in.
Height: 55.4 in.
Ground Clearance: N/A
Body/Frame Material: Steel/Steel
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gal.
Suspension
Front Suspension: MacPherson strut/independent
Rear Suspension: MacPherson strut/independent
Steering
Type: vacuum-assisted rack-and-pinion
Turns lock to lock: 3.1
Turning circle: 37.4 ft.
Brakes
Front: vented discs
Rear: solid discs
Power Assist Type: vacuum assist w/ABS
Wheels & Tires
Tires: 205/65R15 all season
Wheel Size & Type: 15.0 x 6.0 in.
Fuel Economy
city/hwy.: 19/26
Summary
The Camry is significantly improved from its predecessor. The styling, while still inoffensive and somewhat derivative, is certainly more distinctive and attractive. The previous model's bland looks have been eliminated. The more spacious interior allows easier access to frequently used controls.
The midsize sedan segment is very competitive. Automakers are willing to go to great lengths to maintain and increase market share. Rivals such as the Ford Taurus, Dodge Intrepid, Nissan Maxima, and Honda Accord are all part of a crowded field. The new Camry arrives well equipped for battle with an impeccable reputation for quality, refinement, and resale value. The previous model sold very well despite its price premium over other sedans. The 1997 Camry appears very capable of carrying on the tradition of its predecessor.