Used Car Review

Toyota Camry SV21

David Morley, 06/03/06

The Toyota Camry was no beauty but it was reliable and cheap to run, writes DAVID MORLEY.

Evolution of the species: Toyota’s PR circa 1987 would have you believe there’s a link with Ferrari’s Dino.

Nuts & Bolts

Stolid but ready transport

Next time you’re driving to work or to the shops, put this theory to the test: should you happen to see an early Toyota Camry in traffic, chances are it will have a P-plate in the window.

The SV21 Camry, which was sold here from 1987, has become almost the default setting for parents looking for a first set of wheels for the kids. Forget Volvo 240s; forget Holden Kingswoods; the rather bland-looking Camry is the new king of the kids.

The first locally produced Camry, the SV21 is also the car that forged the line’s reputation for being so reliable. So, what is mum and dad buying?

The SV21 was available as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon, both of which look utterly conventional. Not unattractive exactly, but no heart-stopping beauty.

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