No, I didn't trade in my Focus. No, I still don't plan to.
Great! with that out of the way, let's get on with it.
So the job I have right now involves a lot of travelling around NYS installing new computer equipment for the DoH, OMH, NYSDOT, etc etc. The company I work for provides several different company vehicles depending on the needs of the job, anywhere from the Camry, to Transit Connects, to 26' box trucks.
Last week, I was in Orangeburg NY, down near the city, and was given one of the company Camrys for the week. It was a 2014 SE, with the 4 cylinder. Well equipped, bluetooth audio with screen control, cruise, power seats, leather seats, etc. It only had 8,000 miles on it when I got it. I put about 500 miles on it during the course of the week.
I have to say, I was extremely impressed with it overall. The thing that stands out most is just how comfortable and smooth it is. It just glides along, and is extremely quiet to boot. And that is with the OE Bridgestone Turanza EL400s, which are pretty terrible tires overall. I'd be curious to see how it fairs with some good Michelin rubber.
The 2.4L engine makes great power, pretty torquey, accelerates much faster than you might expect. I can't see the V6 being necessary for any but the biggest of speed demons. The 6 speed transmission coupled to it is very well sorted. Smooth, doesn't hunt, well spaced gears.
As for as the interior goes, it's well made, the materials on this particular SE were nice, felt high quality. No squeaks or rattles. Seat comfort was good. Backseat is cavernous as far as leg room goes, and pretty good headroom to boot.
The not so good is about what you'd expect. It's not particularly athletic in the corners. My focus destroys it in the fun-to-drive-through-the-twisties test. Grip isn't particularly inspiring (probably due in part to the horrid Turanza EL400s.) Brakes are good, not quite as confident feeling as my Focus, but still powerful and easy to modulate. Steering has little to no feedback, but it is fairly direct, contributing to the stable but not very exciting drive. The steering wheel is beefy, and comfortable to hold at different positions for long drives. Gauges are clear and easy to read at a glance, and fairly attractive.
The styling still doesn't really do much for me, but it is still a big improvement over the last generation of Camry as far as I'm concerned.
Fuel economy was good, I averaged 25mpg during the week, which included a jaunt into Manhattan during rush hour across the GW bridge. Highway I averaged about 32mpg at 78mph in good weather. (sunny, 60s)
All in all, a great family sedan. Not really for those who want excitement in their family 4 door, but it gets decent gas milege, is comfortable, has a big back seat, is fairly powerful, and has a hushed ride.
Great! with that out of the way, let's get on with it.
So the job I have right now involves a lot of travelling around NYS installing new computer equipment for the DoH, OMH, NYSDOT, etc etc. The company I work for provides several different company vehicles depending on the needs of the job, anywhere from the Camry, to Transit Connects, to 26' box trucks.
Last week, I was in Orangeburg NY, down near the city, and was given one of the company Camrys for the week. It was a 2014 SE, with the 4 cylinder. Well equipped, bluetooth audio with screen control, cruise, power seats, leather seats, etc. It only had 8,000 miles on it when I got it. I put about 500 miles on it during the course of the week.
I have to say, I was extremely impressed with it overall. The thing that stands out most is just how comfortable and smooth it is. It just glides along, and is extremely quiet to boot. And that is with the OE Bridgestone Turanza EL400s, which are pretty terrible tires overall. I'd be curious to see how it fairs with some good Michelin rubber.
The 2.4L engine makes great power, pretty torquey, accelerates much faster than you might expect. I can't see the V6 being necessary for any but the biggest of speed demons. The 6 speed transmission coupled to it is very well sorted. Smooth, doesn't hunt, well spaced gears.
As for as the interior goes, it's well made, the materials on this particular SE were nice, felt high quality. No squeaks or rattles. Seat comfort was good. Backseat is cavernous as far as leg room goes, and pretty good headroom to boot.
The not so good is about what you'd expect. It's not particularly athletic in the corners. My focus destroys it in the fun-to-drive-through-the-twisties test. Grip isn't particularly inspiring (probably due in part to the horrid Turanza EL400s.) Brakes are good, not quite as confident feeling as my Focus, but still powerful and easy to modulate. Steering has little to no feedback, but it is fairly direct, contributing to the stable but not very exciting drive. The steering wheel is beefy, and comfortable to hold at different positions for long drives. Gauges are clear and easy to read at a glance, and fairly attractive.
The styling still doesn't really do much for me, but it is still a big improvement over the last generation of Camry as far as I'm concerned.
Fuel economy was good, I averaged 25mpg during the week, which included a jaunt into Manhattan during rush hour across the GW bridge. Highway I averaged about 32mpg at 78mph in good weather. (sunny, 60s)
All in all, a great family sedan. Not really for those who want excitement in their family 4 door, but it gets decent gas milege, is comfortable, has a big back seat, is fairly powerful, and has a hushed ride.
