1987 Toyota Camry Wagon Test Drive

The Camry was Toyota’s version of the Chevrolet Celebrity, the white-bread car designed for the undemanding appetite of the average buyer. However, the Camry went European on us, complete with 16-valve cylinder head, sheet metal arranged like continental coachwork and an undeniable resemblance to the Cressida. For the first time, a wagon version joined the sedan, and its soft, rounded lines produced a fairly low 0.34 Cd. Though the wheelbase was unchanged, the Camry was longer and wider than the original car.  The Camry’s trunk, fuel tank, wheels, power ratings and price were larger or better than before.

The 2.0-liter four had a dual-cam cylinder head and was engineered for a minimum of bother and a maximum life.  The EFI engine had a lot more potential than the power ratings suggested, and it would serve for a long time.  The 5-gear manual and the electronically controlled 4-speed automatic were available, as was tilt steering wheel, the optional delight of the sliding glass roof, and infinitely adjustable front seats.  There was 65.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the wagon, improved ergonomics, and a new look for the interior.  The support for all this came from a MacPherson-strut suspension system, rack-and-pinion steering, a rear anti-roll bar and revised disc/drum braking.

The Camry was a prime competitor of the Nissan Maxima but had 35 less horsepower, which was about all it lacked.  It surpassed the Maxima wagon, for instance, in all interior dimensions but was 430 pounds lighter.  It got better mileage, was less expensive.

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