It's still a Camry, but not too boring.

Just want to start out by saying I may be somewhat biased when it comes to a Toyota Camry. There's nothing wrong with this, I just have plenty of experience with them, having owned, or been a driver of five of them.

With that being said, I'll get to the review.

I had the opportunity to drive a 2006 Toyota Camry LE about a month ago, while my 2002 Camry was having some light body work done to it, following a minor collision. Now, at first glance, the two look like the same car, and that would be correct. After spending 4 years with my '02, I was happy to see that there weren't too many, if any major changes between 2002 and 2006. There were some, though.

Exterior appearance The 2006 was the last year for Toyota's "old" body style Camry. The one I drove was dark red with grey cloth interior. It looks like every other camry on the road. Nice, but nothing that stands out too much. One area vastly improved over my 2002, is the taillights. In 2005, Toyota switched from red and white taillights to red and clear. It doesn't sound like much, and it's hard to describe within the confines of epinions, but just know that it is a vast improvement. Otherwise, the car is pretty much the same Camry as always, with clean lines, good all around visibility, and muted style.

The front bumper and grille have been mildly refreshed, also in 2005. I don't notice much difference, mostly just placement of the Toyota logo in a different position, and projector type headlamps, versus the "plain" halogen ones found previously.

Interior When you first sit down in the Camry, you get the feeling of deja vu. It seems like you've been here, but can't quite remember when. Obviously, with me, that's not a fair statement. It's identical to my own car, but Toyota designed this car to be a great "fit" for just about anyone. Steering wheel is thick, and a good distance from the driver. A tilt wheel is standard on all models. The center console doubles as an armrest with near perfect placement.

Up near the top of the dash, a digital clock and exterior temperature display are easy to read. One of the greatest features of the Camry, and all Toyotas, actually, is the ease with which you can change the time on the clock. There are two tiny buttons, marked "H" and "M" You just press them and advance to the time you want. No complicated ten step process like some cars I've owned.

The seats are amazingly comfortable. I've found that after 4 years and 70,000 miles on my current Camry, that they've become broken in, and were a little more comfortable than those in the 2006. I prefer the cloth design in my older one, as well. The new car has seats that were of a mouse fur texture. Comfort was still good, but it seems that quality may have suffered. Seat adjustments were made via a power seat, which, since I was the sole driver, I adjusted once, and left alone.

As one would expect in a car in this price range, power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as AC and keyless entry are standard on all grades of Camry. (exception is Camry standard,formerly CE. keyless entry is not available on this model.)

Engine and Transmission The camry comes equipped with either a 4 cylinder motor, or a V6. A large number, including the one I drove, are equipped with the 4 cylinder engine. It is a good running engine, with good power across the line. I'm not sure on specification differences, but it felt to be equal to that in my 2002. It has 158 HP, I believe, and achieves, on average 24 mpg.

Toyota did upgrade the transmission, and I noticed a difference. My 2002 has a 4 speed automatic, and it has since been upgraded to a 5 speed automatic. Shifting is smooth, without hesitation. It doesn't hunt for gears on inclines, or at any time, really. Toyota transmissions are among the best. a 5 speed manual is available on 4 cylinder standard, LE, and SE models. All V6's, and the XLE get the automatic.

Cargo Space and rear Well, let's face it. Most people who buy a Toyota Camry, myself included, don't comparison shop with a Porsche. The Camry does have a back seat, a usable one, even. It also boasts an extra large trunk.

I never ride in the back seat of my car. Generally, I don't even sit back there. I did have to sit back there for a few minutes while cleaning the inside window of dog slobber. There is a good amount of legroom, and the seats are nearly as comfortable as the fronts. I don't think it's be great for long drives, but short trips with adults back there won't lose you any friends. The middle seat has a fold down divider that serves as an armrest. for the outer passengers back there, but effectively cuts out the middle seat, so with that folded down, the Camry becomes a 4 passenger car, rather than 5.

The trunk is a large one, able to handle enough luggage for a week long vacation. I didn't try the trunk out in the 2006, but my '02 traveled to Miami last year, holding the luggage for myself and my wife. On the way back, we had accumulated a lot more, and it still held it all, without needing to put anything in the back seat.

It is lit, and can be opened via key, lever inside the car, or a button on the keyless remote.

Overall Overall, the camry is a great car. My first experience with a camry was back in 1996, when my mom bought one. Since then, she has owned a 1998 model, as well. I purchased a 1999, and two 2002's. The first 2002 lasted only a few months. Camry's have a 5 star safety rating, as well. I will probably always have a camry in my garage, whether as a daily driver, or just a family car. They're a great all around car, and the 2006 model is no exception.