Toyota is still THE car!

Author's Rating:

Pros: Quiet, solid construction, great ride, economical,

Cons: Expensive to buy used.

The Bottom Line: 
Definately recommended. A solid no-frills get-you-where-you-need-to-go vehicle.

Author's Review
The first and only new car I've ever purchased was a 1969 Toyota Corona. I learned to drive on this vehicle so it remains a benchmark for all future vehicles. My wife also learned to drive on the Toyota Corona and after a Cadillac ran out in front of her we sold the car for scrap to a Toyota mechanic. The last I had heard the car was still running with over 150K miles on it, almost unheard of in the mid 70's. My second car was a Toyota Corolla (I was surprised when shopping that the Corolla still is being sold)wagon which we ran into the ground. No car since has cost me less in repairs and maintenance.

In early March of 2006 I found myself shopping for a car for my wife to drive back and forth to work as well as shopping trips, etc. She lost part of her foot a couple of years ago so we needed something she could get in and out of easily as well as being comfortable to drive. We had driven a Dodge Caravan as far as it would go (207K miles and the second trannie died) so decided to look for something smaller. I test drove a Toyota Camry LE and was impressed at the ride and handling. It reminded me of the Toyota's I drive 30 years ago.

Needless to say, we purchased the car! I also drive a 2005 Chevy Uplander Van and I would have a problem trying to determine which vehicle rides better, Chevy or Toyota. The Uplander is quiet riding and I can't recall any of the approximately 15 vehicles I test drove that came close besides the Toyota Camry. You really get a "big-car" feeling when driving this vehicle.

The gas mileage is great around town. It doesn't drain every gas pump it passes but this car can go. You press the pedal and you're outta there! It's great for merging onto 4 lane highways.

The driver seat is electrically controlled and I can't recall any vehicle being more simple to adjust seats than this one. I'm not tall but it's comfortable and my wife gets in and out easily and has no problems driving the car. The controls are not exactly high-tech which I find is a plus with todays congested highways. You can adjust the heater/air conditioner/radio/windshield wipers with little thought or effort. Window control is easy to. The cruise control, as well as most of the other controls, are pretty much standard and are easily figured out without having to spend an evening with the manual.

The rear seat folds down to allow large items (I purchased several 2 x 4 x 8 pieces of lumber) to easily fit. You could almost crawl into the trunk and be comfortable in this car.

The superior construction is obvious with this vehicle. The doors close easily and gently. Everything feels solid and well thought out.

Driving the vehicle is a pleasure. You can be driving 80 mph and not even be aware of it......it's both quiet and smooth. In summary I would have to say I'm very happy with the car and appreciate the fact that Toyota still makes quality vehicles.