2002 Toyota Camry Review

Toyota revamps Camry as it tries to stay on top How do you top a best-seller? Very carefully.

Toyota knew that when revamping its Camry, which has been the top-selling car in this country since 1997, finishing ahead of the Honda Accord and Ford Taurus. It's in the mid-size family sedan market, which is the largest one for cars. Toyota wasn't about to disappoint old Camry fans or discourage new ones with its 2002 model. The car long has been a picture of comfort, efficiency and reliability.
The larger, more-powerful Camry thus doesn't feel like an entirely new model, although it's markedly better. It's solidly built and looks and feels more expensive than it is. Standout reliability is taken for granted. The highly aerodynamic body has bolder styling, but the noticeably higher roof takes away from the sleekness. The taller roof shows Toyota continues to stress practicality with the Camry at the expense of sportiness.

It's trying to make the car less stodgy to draw younger buyers, but the car still is for dispassionate auto buyers of any age. This slightly longer sedan gets a new platform for the first time in ten years, which means better ride, handling and braking. It's no BMW, but won't get in your way during quick maneuvers. And it has the same platform used by Toyota's top-line Lexus division models.
The higher roof and two-inch-longer wheelbase allow impressive rear seat room, along with more comfortable chair-like seating although the center of the back seat is hard. Big doors open wide for easy entry and exit. A stylish dashboard puts gauges and controls close and high, but Camry's with the express power driver's window will find it hard to stop the window when it's moving down or up. The supple all-independent suspension provides a smooth ride. And the power steering is precise, although it feels rather dead. The brake pedal could use a more positive feel, but is easily modulated when you get used to it.

About 75 percent of Camry buyers order a four-cylinder engine. Thus, the smooth new four-cylinder generates 157 horsepower, or 21 more than the old one. The V-6 is carried over with modifications for better response and lower emissions. Fuel economy is good with both engines. The V-6 has 192 horsepower, but acceleration above 65 is average even with just a driver aboard. However, the Camry never was a performance car, even with the silky V-6. It's been the quintessential family sedan, although there's a sporty new SE model with a firmer suspension, higher-effort steering, sport gauges, blacked-out grille, fog lights, rear spoiler and larger tires. The SE can be had with a five-speed manual transmission if gotten with the four-cylinder. But opt for the V-6 and the SE only comes with a four-speed automatic transmission. Where's the sport in that?

The entry CE model is replaced by the mainstream LE, and there's a top-line XLE. Base prices range from $18,970 for the LE with the four-cylinder and manual transmission to $25,405 for the XLE V-6 and automatic. Toyota says most Camry buyers will buy the LE with the four-cylinder and responsive automatic combination that costs $19,800.

Standard LE items include air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM/cassette/CD auto system, cruise control, console, rear defogger and split-folding rear seatbacks to enlarge the cargo area. But the pass-through opening between the trunk and rear seat is only moderately large and seatbacks don't sit completely flat when flipped forward. However, the big, nicely shaped trunk has a low, wide opening and hinges that don't eat into cargo room.

Major stand-alone options include $300 anti-lock brakes and a $245 keyless entry system (both standard for the XLE) and a $900 power moon roof. Option packages include a handy $1,150 package for V-6 models that has a skid control system and brake assist feature for surer emergency stops, along with side impact and curtain shield air bags. A handy navigation system with a dashboard screen is a stand-alone ($1,830-$2,120) option and also is in several optional packages. The screen tilts for easier viewing, but must be powered completely down to get to the CD and tape player.

Optional power-adjustable foot pedals will be offered later in the model year. You can go whole hog and get a $4,360 XLE package that contains leather upholstery, power front seats, moon roof and AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system with eight speakers. But the equipment-loaded XLE, which has such things as wood grain style interior trim and chrome interior door handles, is pretty much a near-luxury car like the Lexus ES 300 even without that package. Toyota knows even some mainstream sedan buyers want to be coddled.

2002 TOYOTA CAMRY

Prices
$18,970-$25,405.
Likes
Nicely revamped. Roomier. Smoother. More refined. Stronger four-cylinder engine.
Dislikes
No manual gearbox with V-6. Average highway acceleration. Not for car lovers.