Within the last couple of weeks a large number of 2002 Camrys have suddenly made appearances on the streets of my town. To my eye they are not a step forward. The higher front and rear fascias make the car look less sleek, much more like an Avalon which is one of the least graceful cars around. I have seen none of the high-end models, just many base models and, frankly, they look cheap. On Friday I saw a black one with those gray plastic wheelcovers and it looked horrible. No bright trim worth speaking of, just a miserable-looking ride. But the other colors in the base model don't look a whole lot better.
Sorry to be a downer, but I think Toyota has taken a big step backwards with this car. Once the novelty wears off and the early adopters go away, will it still be a big seller? Frankly, I tend to doubt it.
Hello, fellow Vancouverite. I too am considering the '02 Camry XLE. I would like a full-load SEV6 but can't really afford it. Ruled out the LEV6 because I would want to have at least the side airbags and side curtains. I have not had a chance to visit a dealer so all my information have so far come from the net. I would be interested in your comments on the following:
1. Do you find that the spoiler on the SE looks out of place on what is essentially a family sedan? 2. Do you find the suspension on the XLE too soft? It wouldn't be a handful on, say, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, would it? 3. The XLE comes with a factory keyless entry/security system. What features does it have? What I look for are: easy-to-spot flashing LED, auto re-arm, audible beeps/chirps for arming and disarming, glass-break sensor, trunk release. 4. How does the plastic grill on the XLE look in the flesh? In photos, I really like the chrome accent on the SE grill. 5. How does the JBL stereo sound? Are there steering wheel controls for the stereo on the XLE? 6. How does the rear sunshade work? 7. Are heated side mirrors standard?
would look better if it was more subtle, like the Solara's and the 92-96 SE Camrys. The 2002 SE's spoiler looks like it can double for a park bench, IMHO. The rear sunshade is a manual pull-down shade, I think. I don't know if the SE 4-cylinder is available in Canada, but it's a good alternative to the SE-V6. It also comes available with most, if not all, of the SE-V6's optional equipment. You must be looking into the XLE with the 4-cyl, because the XLE-V6 cost more than an SE-V6. You could also check the Toyota website for more details.
You're right about the spoiler - it's just too aggressive-looking for this class of car. Unfortunately, the Canadian market does not offer a 4 cyl SE. The base SE V6 does cost less than the base XLE V6 but the base SE V6 does not include the side airbag and side curtains (these I really wanted), nor the homelink garage opener, climate control, security system which are also desireable. And if I ante up for the option package on the SE to get those above items, the price then would be about $3,000 Cdn more than the base XLE V6.
The rear shade is definitely manual (it's automatic in the Lexus ES300). I did not find the suspension of the XLE too soft (The Avalon is too soft) but that's a matter of personal preferences!
I don't remember about the security system characteristics. However, there is a trunk release button on the remote.
The plastic grill looked ok. However, it felt a bit too lightly built when I opened the hood.
For those of us in Canada, if you cross shop the Camry against the Accord, the Accord looks pretty tempting (at least price-wise). I agree the Accord is not the most exciting thing on wheels, but the top of the line EX V6 is $31,100. In that price range for the Camry, you're looking at the base SE V6. And feature for feature, the Camry just doesn't stack up well. No leather, 6-disk CD, power passenger seat, heated seat, homelink, side airbags, traction control. The Camry SE has fog lights, and not much else (that the Accord doesn't have). It doesn't even have lighted vanity mirrors, for Chrissake! The spoiler/wing I would pay them to get rid of. And the Accord is marginally more powerful and faster to boot. Those differences are hard to ignore, especially when both are essentially family transportation machines, not sports cars where passion and emotion can override other factors. I know the Camry is a brand new design whereas the Accord is in its 5th year. But are they really that far apart in terms of engineering advancement or styling? On top of everything, you will likely get some pretty hefty discounts on the price of the Accord, whereas, as Pat pointed out, discounts for Camrys (Camries?) are maxing out at 4 - 5 %. This reminds me of what one of the service reps at Carter Honda told me. He said he always buys in the last year before a model changover. He said in the last year you always get the best of that particular model and at the lowest price. Just food for thought.
Ihave driven the SE V6 in NYC and the suspension is very stiff.When you go over a bump you hear it at the back. As you are aware Nyc has a lot of rough surfaces so you near a lot of loud noises.I also drove a SE I4 on long Island where the roads are smoother and it felt great. No loud noises on smooth surfaces. The prices are high in NYC cause they are coming with the expensive packages.The ones with the cloth seats and no sunroof are not being made as yet. They are scheduled for production in 6 to 8 weeks.The same thing with the I4 automatic.I was reading in one of the reviews that the LE 4 and 6 suspension go over a bump twice while the SE goes up and down once hence the harsher ride.The Se is the better car. It has a more youthful look and it corners great and feels different. I was tempted to get the 5 speed manual tranny but chickened out.
I believe you can get a pretty good deal in Queens simply because most dealerships are practically deserted. I'm looking for a SEI4 automatic and I can't find one. One dealer was practically going to offer me a deal I couldn't refuse on a SEI4 manual but I haven't driven a manual since 1977 so I hesitated.I have checked around many dealers and they all have SE on their lot at $29K. I don't know who is going to pay $29k for a Camry when Mercedes are being advertised at $25,595 and Lexus es 300 at $32K.More important the SE's are not leaving the lot so there's price resistance.
Here in LA, I have seen many dealers advertise the Camry at up to $5500 off sticker. So assuming it's the XLE V6 ($31,900) Fully loaded. It's like $26400 + tax + license. That same dealer still has some XLE V6 2001's that they had at $7500 off sticker... that's like getting the XLE V6 for $21K!!! So there's plenty of deals here in LA!!!
Pat, I didn't test drive the LE or XLE. I knew I couldn't afford the XLE and I knew the LE was a little "too base". I also had sworn I wouldn't buy a Camry because EVERYONE has one here but I did test drive it after the Highlander because I just wanted to make sure I didn't have any regrets later. I loved the suspension because it doesn't feel "too sedan-y" and the interior was what sold me. (Love my "technical" words!). I decided on the Camry because in 10 years, I thought I might be tired of the Highlander and thought I could grow old more gracefully with the Camry.
As I drive it now, though, other people have mentioned the spoiler. I can't see out the back very well so I'm very careful backing up. (I didn't back up during the test drive.) But the ride is very nice. I like it a lot. But it may be personal preference.
Your post made a lot of sense, and I wasn't considering the Accord until you really sit down and start comparing the two. The previous generation Camry had different interior styling than the Accord, but now both cars are more or less identical.
Isn't the Accord noisier on the road than the Camry though? I was told the Accord was "rougher" than the Camry. Is there any validity to this statement?
I believe the Accord to be both noisier and firmer than the Camry. However, the Accord is not "Noisy", nor is it "Rough". Driving my Camry (full disclosure) is like driving my La-Z-Boy. It's quiet, comfortable, and smooth. I thought the Accord was more of a Sporty feel, with more feedback from the road, less lean in the turns, and generally, a little more fun to drive. My commute is long, however, and with the amount of time I spend in this car, Sporty quickly turned into back pain. Too bad though, because I really liked the Honda 5-Spd.
when it's thousands more expensive than both the Accord and the Camry, and has questionable reliability? Not only that, but the Passat is more expensive to maintain and repair. VW doesn't compete with Toyota or Honda in this segment.
Thanks to all for the replies! I test drove a Passat (AWD) a few weeks ago and it is a nice car to drive. However, I could not fit properly in the car (not enough headroom, same for me for the Acura TL, Maxima 2002, all due to compulsory moonroof if you want safety options), it looked small and I found the interior not as luxuous as I thought it would be for a car that price... What I liked the most about the car was the right mirror going down when you back up so you can see the curb and the triptronic auto/manual shifter.
Test drove 2 different LE 4cyl. autos. Very good handling and smooth ride, comfortable drivers` seat; one car had very noticeable wind noise from the drivers` side window at highway speeds; my wife, who said the back seat was roomy and comfortable, could hear this noise also. Raising and lowering the window had no effect. The second car (from another dealership) was much quieter. Window seal problem? Both cars had very good acceleration even with 3 passengers. Trunk is enormous. Fit and finish was excellent; no sign of color mismatch on the bumpers or anywhere else. One concern: there was an initial hesitation in acceleration with both cars, and I`m not talking about flooring the pedal here. Once again, one car was better than the other but everyone in the car still felt it. The only way I can describe the strange sensation was as if the trans was slipping in low gear; obviously this can`t be so. I understand the throttle is now electronic, not mechanical, but both salesmen said this delay was due to the intelligent trans which will adjust itself to the driver over 1000 miles; can anyone provide any reliable info on this? BTW, to the poster who questioned the auto-locking feature of the doors; according to the salesman, this can be switched on and off or pre-set in a variety of combinations as you choose. Overall impression: Toyota has another fine car on its` hands.
After months of waiting for the 02 Camry and comparing with the Accord, I finally purchased the 02 Accord EX-V6 last weekend. Test drove the Camry LE 4 cyl and V-6. The Camry did drive a little smoother, but everything else seemed to point to the Accord. (I do mostly city driving - not too many long drives.) I believe you get much better value for your dollar in the Accord. Also, the lack of availability of any Camry with sunroof in the LE version was disappointing. Got my Accord at $400 over invoice and a very good trade-in on my old accord. I was also impressed with the Honda salesman who factually compared the two cars (even when a Camry advantage), while every Toyota salesman I dealt with gave me lots of misstatements and put downs on the Accord. I found this insulting since I had done a lot of research and could spot the missatements. I think it all comes down to personal taste because the cars are very similar in quality and reliability.
I am considering a 2000 XLE and wanted to know what year did Toyota add de-powered airbags to the Camry? Also, does anyone know if the alarm on the 2000 XLE includes an engine immobilizer?
Buying the sunroof on the Passat is not necessary for safety items. The base Passat is more expensive then the Camry or Accord, but it does come with much more.
Side curtain airbags standard. Brake assist standard. Traction control standard. Electronic differential lock standard. Pretensioning seatbelts for all 5 occupants standard. Force limiting on all 5 seat belts standard. Telescoping steering wheel standard. Trip computer standard. Remote keyless entry standard (you can even roll up all the windows at once and close the sunroff by holding the key in the door - kinda neat). Air conditioned glove box standard (keep your refreshments cool). 180 hp engine standard. Height adjustable drivers seat standard (try that if the sunroof is a problem - or don't order the sunroof) Fog lights standard. Front fender blinkers standard. Anti theft alarm standard. Reading lights in the rear standard. Lumbar support standard. These are just the items that are optional or not available on the Camry, it also has everything else that the 2002 Camry has standard Power windows A/C etc.
The Passat also handles better than the Accord or Camry and rides just as well as the Camry (better than Accord).
The only downfall is - reliability is just average. However with the rate cars are improving in reliability a new Passat is as reliable as a new Honda or Toyota was in the early 90's - not too bad. This according to Consumer Reports.
wouldn't chance any VW, their reliability records are very sketchy, mostly electrical problems. Sure they have a lot of stuff standard, but for the price difference (Camry vs Passat) I sure hope it does. While the Camry doesn't technically have a wagon version, the Camry-based Highlander is a better alternative than the Passat wagon. And cheaper too (esp. when compared to Passat GLX model), just as long as you don't go crazy on options. As a Highlander owner myself (also have an 88 Camry), I certainly would rather have a reliable Toyota than a "cool" Volkswagen.
I wish Toyota would bring back "All-Trac" on Camrys to compete with the Passat 4motion. That would be sweet.
There is absolutely no comparison between the Highlander and the Passat, sedan or wagon. I own both a Highlander and a Passat sedan. The Highlander was great last year in the snow and the higher stance and excellent "greenhouse" of the Highlander make for great visability and around town driving. Once out on the highway, however, I leave the Highlander in the garage and drive the Passat exclusively. It's quieter, tighter and much more "connected" to the road. Before I bought my second Passat I drove a couple of '02 Camry's and for my taste, the Passat is far and away superior. On the other hand, if I planned to keep the Passat beyond its 4 year, 50,000 mile warranty, I would take pause. I've had no problems with my Passats, but since I only keep a car two to four years, I'm not concerned. Also, the resale on my 2000 Passat was much better than a Camry XLE V6 (slightly more costly than my cloth GLS V6 Passat). If I was into a car for 5 to 10 years, I would think strongly about the Accord, however. We bought my daughter an '01 EX and as well constructed as the Highlander is, her Accord is even better.
I'm considering buying a 2002 SE V6 but would like to get it without leather. I'm told by one dealer here in Connecticut that Toyota is "just not making them" w/o leather right now. Anyone know if this is accurate?
It depends on which region you live in. I have access to V6 SE without the GK package(that is the package that has leather that your dealer is telling you about). You can always special order exactly the way you want it if you are willing to wait.
Sbelle4 What state are you in? Here in the tri-state area of NY,NJ,CT you can't get a SEv6 without leather. I understand from a couple of dealers in NY that they will not be available in Oct and probably Nov. They are not making SeI4 either for a while, At least for this region. It's strange but i believe someone screwed up at Toyota. These lots are overflowing with LE v6 and I4 and everyone else is looking for the Se.Currently, you only have to order one. I saw at Penn Toyota 2 SE I4 manual(red and Blue). I,m waiting patiently. Tomorrow I will test drive the Altima.
In Western PA(Central Atlantic Region), it seems the dealers are getting SE 4cyls with cloth only, and the SE v6's are leather only, for now. We do seem to be getting all sorts of LE 4's and 6's. The most expensive LE I've seen here was a V6 for 27K and change.
I do think it might be worth it to order one. I just ordered a SE 4cyl with pkg 3, the aluminum wheels, side airbags, the 3200 alarm, and ABS. The reason I ordered mine was that it seems that our region is not getting any 4cyl SE's with the ABS. We are getting LE's with ABS but for some reason, Toyota is not building any SE 4's that way. Anyway, the wait is only about 2 months, and you are assured that you will get only the options you want.
I am in Alabama which is part of southeast Toyota distributors that serves NC,SC,GA,AL,FL. 30% of all V6 Camry SE purchased in the southeast will have GIAT ( power seat, keyless, JBL speakers) and if you want leather it can be added but you are not required to have it.
I placed my order on 9-2-01 as was told that the car would take 90-120 days. Originally I was told about a month and that they can change the color and option's On the SE that was scheduled to be built and allocated to that dealer. This was they only way to get the car in about 30-40 days, no dice. The following week the dealer called and said I would not receive the car on 10-15-01, more like Nov or December. A white SE (V6) with black cloth and pkg # 3 was the order. I hope you get your car in 30-60 days, however I wouldn't be surprised if that was delayed.
Special rates are for selected vehicles for limited months. Rates and terms vary from region to region so you need to check with your local dealer for full details. With that being said, if you are interested in any of the vehicles with these incentives it is a wonderful time to buy. No, there is not any type of dealer cash, rebates or special interest rates on 2002 Camry at this time and I certainly do not expect any in the near future but it would be nice!
Hey there. I have a 1998 Camry LE (36k miles) that replaced my 1993 Camry LE. I had the 4 cyl engine in both of them. The 98 model is rated 23 MPG in the city, but I observe just barely over 21 MPG city. The 93 Camry was rated 21 MPG and that's exactly what I observed. My driving style has not changed, and I know that the engines in these two cars are very similar. I was looking forward to the better fuel economey in the new model, is anyone else getting only 21 MPG with their 97 or 98 Camry? (btw, I am observing these figures without A/C being on and with full tire pressure).
Could the people who post that own a 2002 Camry or about to buy one please give the amount paid MSRP/out-the-door. Also give the model of Camry and what engine/trans, as well as options or packages. It would be helpful. Thanks.
That figure is 23MPG, not 28. The highway mileage is fine on my 98 model, it's the city mileage I'm observing of only 21MPG I'm concerned about. the 98 model is rated 23MPG city. My last camry (93 model) was rated 21MPG city and that's exactly what I observed. I have not changed driving styles since getting my 98 model but I am not observing any better city mileage in my 98 model despite its higher EPA rating.
Funny, I just saw 4 new SE's with V-6 and cloth. White with Taupe look very nice. Two had the stability, airbag package ($1,100). In Ok with gulf states add on rip of these were $28,900 list with cloth and package 3! That is price of Acura 3.2TL. The extra mile package $1,000 and the snake oil paint sealant $200 and the $300 auto dimming mirror just ruin otherwise reasonable prices. My recommendation to any of you in these distributor areas. Simply go to another dealer outside the region. Even SE i-4 was $26,500 with cloth and distributor adds. I found the SE V-6 a nice ride but not worth it over an XLE. INKY
I wouldn't sweat it over a 2 mpg difference, especially if highway mpg is okay. As the fine print says, "your mileage may vary."
That said, I get about 23-24 mpg in short-trip driving in my '97 Camry 4-cylinder (I live in a small burg), about 30 mpg on longer trips on non-interstate divided highways, and about 34-35 mpg on interstates / long trips. But I keep to the posted 65 or 70 mph limits on the latter.
Comments
Sorry to be a downer, but I think Toyota has taken a big step backwards with this car. Once the novelty wears off and the early adopters go away, will it still be a big seller? Frankly, I tend to doubt it.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
1. Do you find that the spoiler on the SE looks out of place on what is essentially a family sedan?
2. Do you find the suspension on the XLE too soft? It wouldn't be a handful on, say, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, would it?
3. The XLE comes with a factory keyless entry/security system. What features does it have? What I look for are: easy-to-spot flashing LED, auto re-arm, audible beeps/chirps for arming and disarming, glass-break sensor, trunk release.
4. How does the plastic grill on the XLE look in the flesh? In photos, I really like the chrome accent on the SE grill.
5. How does the JBL stereo sound? Are there steering wheel controls for the stereo on the XLE?
6. How does the rear sunshade work?
7. Are heated side mirrors standard?
Thanks in advance for any input you can offer.
The rear sunshade is a manual pull-down shade, I think.
I don't know if the SE 4-cylinder is available in Canada, but it's a good alternative to the SE-V6. It also comes available with most, if not all, of the SE-V6's optional equipment. You must be looking into the XLE with the 4-cyl, because the XLE-V6 cost more than an SE-V6.
You could also check the Toyota website for more details.
-RAVvie4me
The rear shade is definitely manual (it's automatic in the Lexus ES300). I did not find the suspension of the XLE too soft (The Avalon is too soft) but that's a matter of personal preferences!
I don't remember about the security system characteristics. However, there is a trunk release button on the remote.
The plastic grill looked ok. However, it felt a bit too lightly built when I opened the hood.
Pat.
Honestly, my 2000 Camry LE looks better.
I didn't test drive the LE or XLE. I knew I couldn't afford the XLE and I knew the LE was a little "too base". I also had sworn I wouldn't buy a Camry because EVERYONE has one here but I did test drive it after the Highlander because I just wanted to make sure I didn't have any regrets later. I loved the suspension because it doesn't feel "too sedan-y" and the interior was what sold me. (Love my "technical" words!). I decided on the Camry because in 10 years, I thought I might be tired of the Highlander and thought I could grow old more gracefully with the Camry.
As I drive it now, though, other people have mentioned the spoiler. I can't see out the back very well so I'm very careful backing up. (I didn't back up during the test drive.) But the ride is very nice. I like it a lot. But it may be personal preference.
Isn't the Accord noisier on the road than the Camry though? I was told the Accord was "rougher" than the Camry. Is there any validity to this statement?
What I liked the most about the car was the right mirror going down when you back up so you can see the curb and the triptronic auto/manual shifter.
Side curtain airbags standard. Brake assist standard. Traction control standard. Electronic differential lock standard. Pretensioning seatbelts for all 5 occupants standard. Force limiting on all 5 seat belts standard. Telescoping steering wheel standard. Trip computer standard. Remote keyless entry standard (you can even roll up all the windows at once and close the sunroff by holding the key in the door - kinda neat). Air conditioned glove box standard (keep your refreshments cool). 180 hp engine standard. Height adjustable drivers seat standard (try that if the sunroof is a problem - or don't order the sunroof) Fog lights standard. Front fender blinkers standard. Anti theft alarm standard. Reading lights in the rear standard. Lumbar support standard. These are just the items that are optional or not available on the Camry, it also has everything else that the 2002 Camry has standard Power windows A/C etc.
The Passat also handles better than the Accord or Camry and rides just as well as the Camry (better than Accord).
The only downfall is - reliability is just average. However with the rate cars are improving in reliability a new Passat is as reliable as a new Honda or Toyota was in the early 90's - not too bad. This according to Consumer Reports.
Sure they have a lot of stuff standard, but for the price difference (Camry vs Passat) I sure hope it does.
While the Camry doesn't technically have a wagon version, the Camry-based Highlander is a better alternative than the Passat wagon. And cheaper too (esp. when compared to Passat GLX model), just as long as you don't go crazy on options. As a Highlander owner myself (also have an 88 Camry), I certainly would rather have a reliable Toyota than a "cool" Volkswagen.
I wish Toyota would bring back "All-Trac" on Camrys to compete with the Passat 4motion. That would be sweet.
-RAVvie4me
I do think it might be worth it to order one. I just ordered a SE 4cyl with pkg 3, the aluminum wheels, side airbags, the 3200 alarm, and ABS. The reason I ordered mine was that it seems that our region is not getting any 4cyl SE's with the ABS. We are getting LE's with ABS but for some reason, Toyota is not building any SE 4's that way. Anyway, the wait is only about 2 months, and you are assured that you will get only the options you want.
It would be helpful. Thanks.
-RAVvie4me
I just saw 4 new SE's with V-6 and cloth. White with Taupe look very nice. Two had the stability, airbag package ($1,100). In Ok with gulf states add on rip of these were $28,900 list with cloth and package 3! That is price of Acura 3.2TL. The extra mile package $1,000 and the snake oil paint sealant $200 and the $300 auto dimming mirror just ruin otherwise reasonable prices. My recommendation to any of you in these distributor areas. Simply go to another dealer outside the region. Even SE i-4 was $26,500 with cloth and distributor adds.
I found the SE V-6 a nice ride but not worth it over an XLE.
INKY
power seat and keyless entry. this is before
taxes and alarm charge.
Wheels4me, is your Camry an automatic? I know fickle's is because of the V6.
-RAVvie4me
minster "2002 camry se-how much did you pay?" Oct 4, 2001 6:52pm
That said, I get about 23-24 mpg in short-trip driving in my '97 Camry 4-cylinder (I live in a small burg), about 30 mpg on longer trips on non-interstate divided highways, and about 34-35 mpg on interstates / long trips. But I keep to the posted 65 or 70 mph limits on the latter.
-RAVvie4me
-RAVvie4me