Toyota's truck-based mid-size sport-utility vehicle receives a number of powertrain and cosmetic updates for 2005. A new five-speed automatic transmission is now teamed with the standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine that comes with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for improved shift quality. The available 4.7-liter V-8 powerplant is updated with VVT-I and now generates 270 horsepower, which is an increase of 35 over the 2004 model, and a slightly higher 330 lb-ft of torque. The V-8 remains mated to the five-speed automatic gearbox. In addition, exterior enhancements are added to differentiate each of the 4Runner's three trim levels: SR5 models receive a chrome grille, color-keyed front and rear bumpers, and black running boards. Sport Edition models get a color-keyed grille, black running boards, and silver-painted roof rails and crossbars. Meanwhile, Limited versions now come with color-keyed front and rear bumpers, black illuminated running boards, and black roof rails and crossbars. Rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, and four-wheel-drive models remain available. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution and hill control, skid control and traction control, A third-row seat is among the vehicle's many options.
2003 Toyota 4Runner by John Pearley Huffman (9/23/2002) Sort of old school, sort of new school.
Avalon
The Avalon continues for 2005 with only minor updates as Toyota's larger, roomier and more luxurious counterpart to the Camry. In addition to richer styling and a smoother and quieter ride, the Avalon offers something no other import sedan (and few domestics, for that matter) can match - an available front bench seat for six-passenger capability. The Camry's 3.0-liter V-6 engine provides an adequate 210 horsepower, and it works well with the car's four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, front-side airbags, dual-zone air conditioning, a cassette/CD stereo, cruise control, and alloy wheels. The top XLS trim level adds such amenities as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outside mirrors, a garage-door opener, keyless entry, a premium audio system, and power seats. Vehicle Stability Control and a rear DVD entertainment system are optional.
Camry
2005 Toyota Camry XLE V-6 |
Toyota's top-selling front-drive mid-size sedan continues to offer good value and solid overall performance and long-term reliability, with a choice of a four- or six-cylinder engine and a wide range of available features across the line. A fuel-efficient 157-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine powers the base model, which provides the choice of either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The LE and XLE trim levels receive a stronger 210-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, while the SE version offers a 225-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 powerplant; both V-6s come with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic gearbox. Standard equipment includes a cassette/CD stereo, air conditioning, power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control and keyless entry. Options include anti-lock brakes, brake assist, Vehicle Stability Control, front-side and side-curtain airbags, power adjustable pedals, and a satellite navigation system.
Camry Solara
2005 Toyota Solara Convertible SE V-6 |
Restyled last year with stunning new sheetmetal to distinguish itself from the Camry sedan, the two-door Solara recently added convertible versions to the line for open-air enjoyment. Little is changed for 2005. As in the Camry, the base engine remains a 157-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder that can be mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Also available is the 225-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 that otherwise powers the Lexus ES 330, that can be fitted to a five-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. For the performance minded, an SE Sport version includes stiffer front and rear springs, as well as sport-tuned front and rear shock absorbers and larger 17-inch wheels and tires for more-tenacious handling. Side-impact airbags are standard, and a generous selection of optional features includes side-curtain airbags, a navigation system, and XM satellite radio.
In its final model year before being discontinued in the U.S., the 2005 Celica sport coupe adds a CD changer on GT-S models as standard equipment. A 140-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine come standard with a five-speed manual transmission in the GT version; a 180-horsepower version is offered with a six-speed gearbox in the top GT-S model. A four-speed automatic is optional with both versions. Air conditioning, a cassette/CD stereo, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel and a rear defogger are included on the GT, while the GT-S further offers standard four-wheel disc brakes, power windows and locks, fog lights, a premium stereo, rear wiper/washer, and alloy wheels.
Corolla
2004 Toyota Corolla XRS |
For those compact-sedan buyers who desire a bit more fun behind the wheel than the typical economy car usually affords, the Toyota Corolla is newly offered in a sportier XRS edition for 2005. It comes powered by a 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that's mated to a six-speed-manual transmission. The other versions in the Corolla line continue for 2005 with a 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder powerplant and the choice of either a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic. Air conditioning, a CD stereo, power mirrors, a rear defogger, and a tilt steering wheel are among the car's standard features, with front-side airbags, anti-lock brakes, leather upholstery, a sunroof and various audio-system upgrades optional.
2004 Toyota Corolla XRS by John Pearley Huffman (6/14/2004) Finally, a Corolla that doesn't drive like every other Corolla.
Echo
2005 Toyota Echo |
This tall-roofed subcompact coupe and sedan combo remains as Toyota's entry-level vehicle for 2005 with relatively few changes. Styling is a bit out of the ordinary inside and out - its instrument panel, for example, is located at the top-center of the dashboard. Still, it's fuel-frugal and performs adequately with its 108-horsepower 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard, and is recommended to wring full power out of the car's diminutive engine, while a four-speed automatic gearbox is optional. Standard equipment is sparse, given its rock-bottom starting price, though features like front-side airbags, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, a CD stereo, and power locks and windows are all available as options.
Highlander
2005 Toyota Highlander |
For 2005, Toyota's crossover mid-size sport-utility vehicle includes a roof rack with crossbars, remote keyless entry, and a cargo cover as standard equipment. The Highlander shares platforms and certain components with the Lexus RX330. Here, though, a fuel-efficient 160-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the standard powerplant, while the RX's 3.3-liter 230-horsepower V-6 is optional. An automatic transmission is standard across the line, and all-wheel drive is available for added grip on wet or snowy roads, or for light-duty off-roading. Toyota's Vehicle Stability Control system, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and brakeforce distribution come standard. A third-row seat is available to expand the Highlander's seating capacity to seven riders. Like its Lexus equivalent, a hybrid-powered gas-electric version of the Highlander is expected sometime during 2005.
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