Review: Toyota XV20 Camry (1997-02)

Review: Toyota XV20.I Camry (1997-00)

Overview

Released in July 1997, the Toyota XV20 Series I (XV20.I) Camry was initially offered as a mid-size sedan, with wagon models following in May 1998. Manufactured in Altona, Victoria, the front-wheel drive Camry was available with 2.2-litre four-cylinder or 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines. As per the table below, the XV20.I Camry range initially consisted of CSi, Conquest and CSX variants, though a range-topping Camry Touring was introduced in March 1999.

5S-FE and 1MZ-FE engines

Of the engines,

• The 2.2-litre 5S-FE petrol engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The 5S-FE was a ‘non-interference’ engine, such that failure of the timing belt did not cause the pistons to strike the valves; and,
• The 3.0-litre 1MZ-FE engine had an aluminium block, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and four-speed automatic units.

Dimensions

Compared to the XV10 Camry , the XV20 Camry sedan was 30 mm longer (at 4755 mm), 10 mm wider (1780 mm), 20 mm taller (1420 mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2670 mm); wagon models had the same dimensions as the sedan, with the exception of the higher roofline (1445 mm).

Suspension

The XV20 Camry had independent, MacPherson strut suspension front and rear with stabiliser bars.

Safety equipment

Within the Toyota XV20 Camry range, the Camry CSX was fitted with a driver’s airbag, while the Conquest and Touring were further equipped with a front passenger airbag and ABS.

Features: Camry CSi, Conquest and CSX

Standard features for the Toyota Camry CSi included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, remote central locking, power mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser; wagons also featured 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats.

The Camry Conquest was further equipped with cruise control and front power windows, while air conditioning was fitted as standard from April 1998. Beyond this, the Camry CSX added a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning and velour trim.

Features: Camry Touring

The range-topping Camry Touring was distinguished by its 15-inch machine-finished alloy wheels with Michelin 205/65 R15 Vivacy tyres and TMC gas-pressurised dampers and stiffer springs (an increase of nine percent at the front and twenty per cent at the rear), a six speaker stereo with a Fujitsu Ten head unit and digital sound processing, an integrated CD player, plush-knit seat fabric, power antenna and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever. Visually, the Camry Touring could be identified by its body-coloured grille, door handles, chrome tail-pipe, rear spoiler with LED stop lights and ‘Touring’ badges.

Review: Toyota XV20.II Camry (2000-02)

Overview

Released in September 2000, the XV20 Series II (XV20.II) Camry introduced a revised line-up, improved handling and subtle cosmetic changes. The range was expanded with introduction of a range-topping Azura sedan and the Touring variant was offered as a wagon.

Visually, the XV20.II Camry could be identified by its larger, more powerful four-bulb headlights and two-bar radiator grille with chrome surrounds; the sedan also had new front bumpers and larger tail-lights. Refinement was also improved with more aerodynamic door mirrors, 15-inch wheels for all four-cylinder models and new tyres for the Touring variants.

Safety equipment

Compared to its XV20.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Toyota XV20.II Camry was initially unchanged, though a driver’s airbag became standard in January 2001 (previously omitted from the CSi).

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2000 Toyota XV20.II Camry fitted with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine – and equipped with a driver’s airbag – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 21.79. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver as the footwell deformed. In the side impact test, the driver’s head hit the centre pillar and then rebounded.

Features

Standard features for the Toyota XV20.II Camry were improved with the introduction of new audio systems, a speed alert, improved seat fabrics and new audio systems. Climate control air conditioning was omitted from the Touring variant, though the Conquest, CSX, Touring and Azura were also fitted with rear-seat cup holders.

The Camry Touring and Azura were fitted with 16-inch ‘five double spoke’ alloy wheels and Michelin Vivacy 205/60 tyres. Furthermore, the newly introduced Azura was distinguished by its six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather-trimmed seats and woodgrain interior trim.

2001 Camry Intrigue

In May 2001, the limited-run Camry Intrigue was released; based on the Conquest sedan, the Intrigue ABS, 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, ‘Cosmos’ Jacquard seat fabric (shared with the Touring variant), rear seat head restraints and could be identified by its unique grille with body-coloured surrounds and grey centre.

2002 Camry Advantage

In March 2002, the limited-run Camry Advantage was released; based on the CSi sedan, the Advantage added 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, power rear windows, rear head restraints and ‘Cosmos’ Jacquard seat fabric (shared with the Touring variant). Visually, the Advantage could be identified by its body-coloured radiator grille surround – with grey centre section – and ‘Advantage’ decal.

Related links

• Press Kit: Toyota XV20.II Camry (October 2000)
• Press Release: Toyota XV20.II Camry Intrigue (May 2001)
• Press Release: Toyota XV20.II Camry Intrigue (October 2001)
• Press Release: Toyota XV20.II Camry Advantage (March 2002)
• Wikipedia.org: Toyota XV20 Camry