What is it about covered bridges?
These leftovers from a bygone era often have all the visual appeal of old rail cars or discarded cracker boxes, yet are fixtures on every tourist route map in North America.
Perhaps they strike a chord because they serve as reminders of the lengths to which our pioneer ancestors went to ensure something would not only function effectively, but last for a long time.
The Megawheels connection? That relates to thoughts that followed a drive in various examples of the mid-life-makeover 2005 Toyota Camry I drove recently, and the covered bridge that crosses the Grand River at West Montrose, north of Kitchener, Ont.
I hadn't crossed that bridge in more than 20 years, but it didn't look like it had changed much as I trundled over its rutted wooden deck in a base-model Camry LE. The bridge's structure and character still endure.
It also happens to be more than two decades since I drove the first-generation Camry, which arrived in 1983.
The Camry has obviously changed, having gone through five generations since then, but it too retains the virtues that have made it a fixture on the North American automotive landscape.
It's been the best-selling car in the United States in four of the past five years, and is currently the sixth-ranked mid-size seller in Canada.
Camrys have always been, and remain, practical designs. Safe, sturdy, long-lived devices (attested by a string of Canadian Automobile Association owner satisfaction awards and high resale values) that have always leaned more towards good value than impressing the neighbours.
And that's the theme the complete redesign in 2002 continued. The quite extensive mid-cycle changes for 2005 move that evolutionary process forward, but reflect Toyota's efforts to give its sedan range a little more zing, maybe even a bit of bling.
The 2005 range, on sale now, includes well-equipped base LE and very well-equipped XLE models, with either 2.4-litre four-cylinder or 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines, and the "sporty" SE powered by either the four or a 3.3-litre V-6.
Four-cylinder LE prices start at $24,950 (up $150 from 2004), with the LE V-6 priced at $27,375. The four-cylinder SE starts at $25,450 and the SE V-6 at $31,090.
Opt for the XLE V-6 and you'll have to pony up $33,245. Go whole hog and order Package B plus the new navigation system and the MSRP jumps to $36,735. That number would likely impress the neighbours, although as it's a Camry, you can't be sure they'll notice.
Maybe they will though. Styling, which became more interesting in 2002, has been tuned up a little more with a redesigned grille (the SE has black mesh), headlamps and bumper and tail lamps for 2005. The front air dam/air intake looks particularly neat.
Inside, all models now come with very classy looking, bright, clear Optitron gauges, and LE and XLE models with a new four-spoke wheel. The SE gets a three-spoke leather-wrapped type. Handy, wheel-mounted audio controls are available on all versions.
The interior has a more finished and up-market look, achieved by integrating a new front console cover into the centre stack, new climate controls (on the LE) that look good and operate with a nice touch, new seat fabrics and a rear centre headrest.
A cabin air filter is now standard across the range, as are anti-lock brakes.
The 2005 I drove had a $2,260 option package that added alloy wheels, power driver's seat, garage door opener, front and rear splash guards and a power moonroof.
Air conditioning and all the usual power features, plus CD audio system are standard. Total price including freight and delivery but not tax was $28,320.
The engine remains unchanged -- a 2.4 litre, double-overhead-cam, inline four producing 157 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque -- but all LEs are now equipped with a five-speed automatic.
The new automatic's extra gear is just what this smooth-running motor needed, adding performance and refinement. Acceleration is more than adequate, with a good strong launch. Upshifts are seamless and downshifts positive.
You will hear the motor as it revs, but it's muted. And at highway speeds, the car is very quiet. Fuel economy on regular gas is rated at 10.0L/100 km in the city and 6.4L/100 km on the highway.
There's just enough firmness in the suspension to make the LE feel confident, although it doesn't like to be pushed, exhibiting plenty of roll and early onset understeer to spoil the fun.
Steering feel is a bit light and brake pedal feel too soft, but overall it's a pleasant enough car to drive. And roomy for four, while capable of seating five, with plenty of headroom.
Controls are located conveniently and trunk space at 473 litres is generous.
The optional V-6 engine on the LE and XLE is a 3.0-litre unit producing 210 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Working well with the five-speed automatic transmission, it gives the car an excellent level of drivability and performance.
The 2005 SE is equipped with a 3.3-litre engine producing 225 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque and fitted with a five-speed automatic. I found this a substantial feeling automobile, very comfortable, quiet and pleasant to drive, although not particularly sporty.
Steering effort is somewhat light, the suspension is set up to deliver decent enough control and response, but with the bias obviously toward comfort, and the brake pedal feel too soft. The additional torque delivers a worthwhile improvement in response and acceleration.
A very pleasant car over all.
The changes to the Camry for 2005 will undoubtedly prevent it from experiencing any sort of mid-life crisis in the showrooms, as they add value, safety and performance to an already very good package.
Specifications
2005 Toyota Camry LE
Type: Mid-size four-door sedan
Price: $24,950 ($28,320 as
tested)
Engine: 2.4 litre, inline four-cylinder (DOHC)
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Output: 157 hp/163 lb-ft of torque
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 10 city; 6.4 highway
Alternatives: Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6
Like: Overall level of refinement; new styling tweaks
Don't like: Less-than-grippy tires; brake pedal feel
