2005 Toyota Camry LE
Short review of 2005 Toyota Camry LE
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Price as tested: CDN$24950
The biggest improvement to the Camry during this facelift is ABS becomes the standard feature across the board, including the entry-level LE which used to have this important feature optional. It makes Camry more attactive to buy given most buyers are looking for more active safety feature in a comfortable-riding family sedan. The use of Optitron electro-luminescent gauges also make the interior looks and feels more attactive, however, the center knobs for HVAC still feels cheap even if Toyota claimed they have improved the materials.
In terms of ride and handling, Camry still suffers. There are still way too much roughness transfers through the chassis over the washboard pavements and expansion joints. It seems to me Toyota refused to use the Asian-spec rebound damping that is far softer and more comfortable over these kinds of roads when Camry’s handling already nothing to write home about.
Standard ABS and rear center headrest would make this car more competitive than before. In terms of refinement and quietness, Camry remains the gold standard in the family sedan segment. Its just doesn’t have the dynamics to compete with the sporty offerings, even the sportier SE version.
Overall rating: 3.5/5