VIEWS AND REVIEWS.(Toyota Camry)(Brief Article)(Evaluation)

OWNERS

THE NEW CAMRY OFFERS EXCELLENT fit- and-finish and overall quality. Steering response is quicker than the previous Camry and handling is improved. There is a lurching or shuddering sensation between 35 and 45 mph at steady speed or when coasting, as if the wheels aren't balanced (I've had them balanced twice). Compared to the previous model, there's more road noise when driving on less than top-quality asphalt. This could be due to the stock tires, which will have to wear out before I try another type. While the Camry is more like a ``driving appliance'' rather than a real driving machine, its combination of practicality, durability, reliability, safety and power means it's ideal for someone like me whose wife drives as much as I do.

KEN HANKINSON, Hayden Lake, Idaho

I DROVE THE FOLLOWING CARS BEFORE purchasing my Camry: Ford Mustang, Lincoln LS, Volkswagen Jetta, Infiniti I30 and Hyundai Santa Fe. Most rode too rough for my wife, who just had her third back surgery. Next to the I30, the Camry rode the best and is very quiet inside. You can't hear the engine running and road noise is minimal. The Camry has sound-suppressing pads everywhere. I think Toyota did a fine job with this new and improved Camry.

MICHAEL F. LIPGENS, Melbourne, Fla.

THE NEW CAMRY IS AN EXCELLENT CAR. It's well built and very comfortable. It may not have a high-performance suspension system, but the one it has does a great job. The V6 is great. The engine is powerful, yet efficient. Local driving yields about 22 mpg, while returning 29 to 30 mpg on the highway (running at 70 to 80 mph). One negative that ...