Toyota Camry Road Test Reports and Car Reviews

Toyota Camry 3.0 V6 Auto 1998

The Camry is a very under-rated car in the UK (but not elsewhere in the world) which means it is often avaialble at a very reasonable price second-hand. I have had mine since 2001 and it hasn’t missed a beat. It is large, comfortable and reliable, and has needed no work other than servicing. It shares many parts with the Lexus range and its build quality is similar. The V6 is packed with leather, foglights, cruise, sunroof, climate control etc. The V6 delivers over 190 bhp and with the auto gearbox you have a great powertrain with smooth gearchanges that seem to be intuitive, whether you’re driving hard or just doing the school run. Put your foot down and this apprently docile, understated car surges forward with a great (if fairly quiet) snarl from the V6, out-accelerating most other cars on the road. On the downside, it lacks "feel" through the steering that you might get with say, a BMW 5 series, and the ride is a little soft for some. Also the 3.0 is thirsty - you only get 22 to 24 mpg on the urban cycle. All in all though, if you’re looking for a great-priced used car in the large saloon sector, then the Camry will take some beating.