subject: Toyota Camry 2000 [print this page] Acute vision is required to pick the external differences between the new shape Camry that launched in 1998 and the updated car. There are new headlights, front parking lights, tail-lights, grilles, external rear view mirrors, wheel covers and alloy wheel
Not all of the alterations are for purely cosmetic reasons. The clear-lensed headlights are brighter, claims Toyota, with better penetration and spread on both high and low beam. The rear view mirrors cut wind turbulence and, consequently, noise.
But the really important changes are designed to dovetail Camry models neatly into spaces in the Avalon range. The number of Camry models has been trimmed from 23 to 20 models. The most important changes are to the top model. The Vienta name dies, and in place of three Vienta variants is a single Azura badged model.
It's a sporty luxury kind of car which, with a price $1500 less than the old Vienta Grande, slots neatly between the Vxi and Grande Avalons. The Azura pins its claim to sportiness on a suspension calibration and wheel and tyre package (16in alloys with Michelin Vivacy tyres) shared with the Touring model. The update also adds a wagon to the previously sedan-only Camry Touring Series.
Both Azura and Touring Series have a firm but comfortable ride and impressive agility. While steering is responsive, rough-corner kickback through the wheel is a shortcoming.
Toyota has also made suspension alterations to the least expensive models. The four cylinder CSi, Conquest and CSX models have been given a more handling biased suspension (more rebound damping, less low-speed bump damping and stiffer front springs). Flatter cornering and better steering response are claimed benefits.
While suspension alterations affect 90 percent of the extensive Camry range, the update brings no change to engines and transmissions. Output of the 3.0 litre V6 remains at 141kW, the 2.2 litre four still produces 94kW.
There are small additions to the equipment lists of most Camry models, affecting such details as seat coverings, sound systems and cupholder counts. There's only one addition across the board; a speed alert that beeps and flashes when a preset speed is exceeded.
