'The Toyota Camry has become the best-selling midsize car in America, as well as the platinum standard in midsize family sedans, by offering the very best combination of room, comfort, performance, safety features and value,' said Don Esmond, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager. 'Changes for 2005 typify Toyota's tradition of continuous improvement.'

The standard five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (5ECT-i) enhances both acceleration and fuel efficiency through a wider spread of gear ratios than a four-speed automatic. The 'intelligence' is a grade logic that selects the proper gear for ascending and descending inclines. Four-cylinder Camry models deliver excellent gas mileage ratings: 24 mpg city / 34 mpg highway on the EPA test cycle with the five-speed automatic transmission and 24/33 mpg with the five-speed manual transmission.

A redesigned grille and headlamps give Camry models a bolder appearance in front, complemented by redesigned tail lamps with circular lighting elements. Further changes to the exterior include redesigned wheel covers for the LE grade and redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels for the XLE grade. The sporty Camry SE model is distinguished by a unique grille design and for 2005 features new 17-inch alloy wheels for the V6 model (four-cylinder model includes standard 16-inch alloy wheels).

Inside, several new details provide a more upscale appearance and feel. The LE model gains a chrome shifter base and interior door handles, and all models feature a new center console cover. Steering wheel audio controls provide convenience, and new seat fabric enhances comfort in the LE and XLE model grades. Leather seats are standard on the XLE V6. The interior gains new optitron instrument gauge meters.

On models equipped with the available JBL premium stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer and navigation system, owners can now add satellite radio.

ULEV-Certified Engines

All grades offer a standard double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine produces 160 horsepower at 5,700 RPM and 163 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM for responsive, quiet and economical performance. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures an even spread of power across the engine RPM range.

All four-cylinder models sold in California and select Northeast states meet Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards, complying with the state's Clean Air Initiative. The PZEV Camry meets the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard for tailpipe emissions and emits virtually zero emissions from vaporization in the gas tank and fuel system.

Performance and fuel efficiency for the PZEV Camry are virtually the same as the other four-cylinder models. The engine produces 151 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 161 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM, and the car has EPA city/highway estimated fuel mileage ratings of 23/32 mpg. The PZEV Camry carries an emission warranty period of 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, for vehicles sold, registered, and licensed in California and select Northeast states. All non-PZEV Camry models are EPA-certified as Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV).

The Camry LE and XLE models with the 3.0-liter V6 engine has EPA city/highway gas mileage estimates of 20/28 mpg, and the SE with its optional 3.3-liter V6 achieves estimated ratings of 21/29 mpg.

XLE Offers Luxury; SE Delivers Sporty Performance

The Camry XLE provides a number of luxury amenities, including automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, a Homelink® transceiver/garage door opener, electrochromic auto-dimming rear view mirror with compass and, with the V6 engine, a power moonroof and leather-trimmed seats.

The SE grade adds a sporty appearance and handling edge to the Camry, plus the option of even more performance with an available 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 225 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The 3.0-liter V6 available in LE and XLE grades produces 210 hp and 220 lb.-ft. of torque. In all Camry engines, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) ensures an even spread of power across the engine RPM range.

Specific SE chassis tuning includes higher-rate springs, stabilizer bar and shock damping rates, a low-flow power steering pump and a front strut reinforcement bar. The SE also rides on 215/60R-16 summer tires, while other model grades feature all-season treads. For 2005, the V6 SE model is equipped with new 17-inch alloy wheels for a distinct appearance and sharpened handling.

The Camry SE is distinguished by its own blackout grille, black headlamp masking, integrated fog lamps, and unique black badging with chrome logos. Inside, the sporty SE interior treatment is highlighted by an exclusive fabric design, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and amber-colored optitron gauge meters.

A Benchmark for Room, Comfort and Quiet

The Camry offers ample room for five passengers and their cargo. Its tall profile provides a greater sense of openness than in some other sedans, and the higher seating points provide greater ease of entry/exit and better visibility. The 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space rivals that of larger cars, yet the LE, SE and XLE carry a full-size spare tire. A standard 60/40 split rear fold down seat expands carrying capacity.

To help accommodate a wide range of drivers, Camry offers optional power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals (with automatic transmission only) that allow drivers to position their seats more comfortably relative to the steering wheel.

The Camry has become a benchmark for a smooth, quiet ride in a midsize car by achieving new 'lows' in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Noise suppression begins with an exceptionally strong body structure. Cowl stiffeners, asphalt sheeting, and stiffeners across the rear parcel tray, under the rear seat and the spare tire well provide additional NVH control.

A low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd) along with foam-packed A-, B- and C-pillars help minimize wind noise. The Camry delivers the often-conflicting goals of responsive handling and smooth ride comfort. The steering system is precise yet exhibits excellent impact damping for less kickback.

Advanced Safety

Camry helps protect its occupants with a reinforced passenger cabin with front and rear crumple zones. All five seating positions provide a three-point seatbelt, with pretensioners and force limiters for the front seat occupants. The driver-side airbag uses three-stage deployment based on impact severity and the position of the driver's seat. The front-passenger airbag deploys in two stages, depending on impact severity. Front and rear passenger side and curtain airbags are available on all Camry models. The side curtain airbag system is designed to help protect the heads of front and rear-seat occupants in side impacts while the seat mounted driver and front passenger airbag helps protect the torsos of front-seat occupants in side impacts.

Four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is standard on all model grades for 2005. The ABS helps preserve steering ability by preventing the wheels from locking during severe braking conditions, and the EBD feature optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering.

All Camry models feature the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) uniform child seat anchorage system.

The available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system helps maintain directional stability during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage.

The VSC option includes a traction control function that helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. Brake Assist, also included, is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

Enhanced Interior Function with Available Navigation

A multi-information display, located just above the audio system, integrates a seatbelt warning light, clock, and outside temperature gauge on LE and SE grades. In the XLE grade, the display shows current and average fuel economy, remaining driving range, average speed, elapsed trip time and driving time. The driver selects the display items with switches on the steering wheel center pad.

The optional navigation system stores the mapping for the contiguous United States and major Canadian cities on one digital versatile disc (DVD). This system provides very fast route calculation (about five seconds) and includes multi-language selection. Major functions include multi-route calculation, route preview, simplified highway junction graphics and a dual-map screen mode. The DVD holds a database of five million searchable points of interest, and the system offers the ability to search by telephone number.

Renowned Toyota Value

The Camry LE and SE grades come standard with a deluxe AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers. The XLE grade features a JBL premium audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and eight speakers in six locations (optional on LE and SE grades). LE, SE and XLE include a remote keyless entry system as standard.