2001 Toyota Camry LE V6

There's nothing quite like consistently topping the best-seller charts to build confidence. Now in the final year of its 4th generation, Toyota's versatile Camry has reigned as the passenger-car volume leader in the U.S. for four consecutive seasons. Having recently spent a week in a mid-level V-6 powered LE, it became more obvious how and why this midsize front-drive family sedan manages to enjoy continued popularity in a segment that boasts some formidable competition.

The Camry's low-profile sheetmetal merits a 0.30 coefficient of drag, which helps put a damper on wind noise and wind resistance even at supra-legal cruising speeds.

In describing the Camry, one simply can't escape using words like smooth, quiet, comfortable, and perhaps most of all, reliable. Exciting? Dramatic? No way. But supremely practical in a real-world context, you bet. At LE V6 level, the Camry's lengthy roster of standards is headed by an electronically controlled "adaptive" 4-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, air conditioning, dual front airbags, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo system, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering column and a host of other lesser goodies. Our car also had an optional moonroof, traction control, mud guards, alloy wheels and Value Package #3 (power driver's seat, keyless remote entry, floor mats, daytime running lights, upgraded 8-speaker JBL sound system). The net effect was to raise its sticker price from the basic $23,185 to $25,575 out the door.


The Camry's wide-ranging appeal starts at its very core. Sharing common central structure if not equal prestige with its Lexus ES 300 platform-mate, the Toyota entry benefits from first-rate fundamental engineering efforts. That premium-grade groundwork gives it a solid feel and virtually eliminates the immediate—or future—potential for squeaks and rattles. It's true the Camry's styling won't have Giugiaro or Pininfarina losing sleep, but there are other offsetting benefits. Conservatively clean sheetmetal complemented by tight gap tolerances minimize wind noise while adding a degree of stealthiness that tends to keep this eminently capable freeway cruiser below the radar—at least figuratively—of all but the most vigilant enforcement personnel.

Undeniably understated, the Camry's quiet, comfortable passenger compartment is a master exercise in maximum functionality.

Although giving away nearly five cubic feet of total interior volume to its longstanding archrival, the Honda Accord, the Camry still does an impressive job of accommodating full-size adults in both its fore and aft quarters. Even covered in cloth, its well-contoured front buckets mix equal measures of comfort and support. While the rear bench will handle three full-size passengers on short treks, it's far happier toting only two. However, a standard 60/40 split back does add versatility, thanks to a decently scaled passthrough that opens into a 14.1 cubic foot trunk. The Camry also merits high marks from a driver's standpoint. An operator-friendly dash design features large, easy-to-read analog gauges and similarly scaled and prudently positioned switchgear for all of the most frequently used command and control functions.


Smooth, quiet and reasonably willing, the Camry's 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 develops 194 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 209 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 revs. Objectively, those numbers are getting to be pretty marginal for a six in this class; but even backed with an automatic transmission, they're sufficient to move this 3,219-pound sedan along at a surprisingly sprightly clip while netting 19/27 city/highway mpg figures from the EPA. A base Camry LE can be had with an even more frugal 2.2-liter twincam four that sees those figures rise to 23/30 mpg, respectively. However, the corresponding loss of 58 horses and 61 pound-feet of twist should not be taken lightly, even in these times of soaring gasoline prices.