2005 Camry Sets Yet Another Benchmark

My 2005 Toyota Camry XLE V6 replaces a wonderful 2002 Camry that went off lease. In so many ways, it's more of the same for this model year; there are only a few changes from the '02-'04 production years. And yet, Toyota continues to push the refinements to make this sedan the absolute best choice possible for under $30K.

I am admittedly a Toyota loyalist. My first Camry was a 1992 LE 4 cylinder, which was exchanged for a 1996 model. Toyota went through a rather embarrassing "decontenting" phase with the '97-'01 models, and the styling regressed during these model years. But with the 2002 model, continuing now with the 2005 changes, the Camry is again a stylish, competent ride.

If Camrys "bore" you; if you find them too "stodgy" or not "sporty" enough for your midlife crisis...well, then, you're probably not reading this anyway. But if you value reliability, a company that continually refines its product in common-sense ways, and an automobile that won't break while you own it, then Toyota, and specifically Camry, works extremely well.

For 2005, Toyota has added a 5-speed auto transmission to replace the former 4-speed. So far it hasn't made much difference in my opinion on shift points, acceleration or gas mileage; all were smooth, sharp and frugal in the previous model. As with most Japanese vs. American cars, the Camry has a bit less in "off the line" acceleration and the torque seems biased towards passing gear and mid shifting. The engine continues to be the 3.0 liter V6; Toyota has a newer 3.3 liter V6 but uses it only in the Camry SE models. There is chatter about the XLE models getting this larger engine later in the 2005 model year or in 2006.

In the XLE you get power driver's and passenger's front seats, and in the XLE V6 model they're leather. For '05 Toyota adds a power lumbar adjustment. Seats might be a smidgen higher in position than in the '02-'04 production. Heated seats remain available as an option, and I have them; it's too bad the '05 didn't include variable adjustment for the heat output of the seat heaters, as Toyota provides for in the 4Runner.

Camry's center console gets a cover with a push open/close actuator, so the interior is immediately cleaner in appearance. Speedometer and dash are illuminated in a soft blue glow, which has an interesting startup fade-in, stepped process when you start the car. Unfortunately, the nighttime dimming control doesn't provide for enough dimming of the main panel, in my opinion - the center stack with AC and radio information can be dimmed down considerably more than the dash panel can before it shuts off completely.

Also new for '05 is auto headlight on/off, although my Camry's sensitivity is set too high - lights come on in some overcast but otherwise daytime conditions, and they don't shut off until 90 minutes or so after sunrise. The manual claims this is a dealer adjustment, so when I go in for my 5,000 mile service, I'll see if it can't be adjusted.

Fog lights are finally standard in the XLE.

My decked-out XLE (every option except for adjustable pedals) includes an improved navigation system and integrated XM radio. New integrated steering wheel controls make it very easy to switch channels and bands - my choices in the 2005 Camry are AM, FM1, FM2, and now SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3 - 18 presets available on XM radio and I use them all. The XM antenna is about the size of a pack of cards and rests on the trunk lid.

Other changes for 2005: Toyota has finally relaxed its anal cruise control policies and now allows you to resume the preset speed even after you've come to a stop and then start rolling down the road again. For years, Toyota has required drivers to "set" the cruise speed time and time again after a stop, and only "resume" if your speed didn't drop below 30 mph. This is a welcome change.

The car itself is flawless in its Phantom Gray exterior and a bit more "sexy" with new turret-style headlamps and tail lamps - but it's still a Camry, meaning that it is unassuming on the outside, quiet and competent on the inside. When I drive, I WANT to be insulated from the outside, and the Camry accomplishes this purpose better than any car I know.

My only major complaint isn't with Toyota per se - it's with the silly Bridgestone Potenza RE92 tires that came with the car. They'll last about 15,000 miles before I'll have to replace them with Yokohamas or Michelins. Most XLE models come with Michelin OEM tires - by all means, use this as a negotiating point and get your dealer to swap tires if you can. I made the mistake of driving away before realizing I had been had with the Bridgestones; then the dealer rep claimed that swapping wasn't possible because "the tires are linked to the VIN of the vehicle." Tripe.