Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

andy71 · May 2004

There is a difference in performance between the SE I4 and V6. Remember the Hp and torque output for the 4 is 157 and 162 respectively where as the 6 produces 225 Hp and 240 ft-lb of torque. In terms of acceleration, remember you can buy the 4 with a 5 speed manual where as the 6 only comes with a 5 speed slushbox. But even the manual tranny in the 4 won't be anywhere near as quick as the V6. 0-60 times for the I4 is 8.4-9.2 seconds (manual/auto) the V6 will do 60 in 7 seconds flat. However, the 4 cylinder will give you 3 to 4 mpg better fuel efficiency and will run on regular unleaded whereas the V6 requires premium; something to consider given the sky high gas prices. My suggestion is test drive both and buy which one suites you better. I just couldn't resist the V6 power and am very happy with my decision, now only if the gas prices could come down a little.

petl · May 2004

How many people actually race their Camry's (to get to the next stop sign or red light 1 second quicker)? One or two seconds is important when on the race track but is "for the most part" irrelevant in normal city and highway driving. The Camry's 4 is quieter and more powerful than the most V6's from not that long ago. Unless you need the extra towing capacity (2,000 vs. 3,500 lbs.) the 4 is all what people need for safe everyday motoring. I wonder sometimes if we get psyched into thinking we need more than what is actually required. It happens to me on occasion and then I wake up (or maybe I'm just too cheap... I call it being frugal).

dudleyr · May 2004

Camry 4 with the manual tranny is impressivly fast and quiet. I have not driven an automatic.

slov98 · May 2004

V6 does not require premium fuel, do you have 04 V6 SE? it's only recommended to use premium for 'higher performance'
I would get the V6 if you can afford the extra $2500, you also get ABS and rear disc brakes, alloy wheels and of course more power, it doesn't mean you have to race but it's good to know you can step on it when you need to.

andy71 · May 2004

Yes I do. Thanks for pointing out the extra goodies you get with the V6. The two main reasons I opted for the 6 is because of the standard antilock brake and rear disc brakes. Also you can get Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) with the V6 which is not even available in the I4. I read the manual and it states that premium is recommended not required. I use premium because of the extra performance but you are right 93 unleaded isn't actually required.

alpha01 · May 2004

I personally love Toyota's 3.3L V6, but the 2.4L 4 cylinder Camry is more than adequate for the needs of my parents, and in 99% of circumstances for me too (I'm 22 and on the open road, from a stop light, say, its fun to really nail it every now and then, and the V6 induces more smiles).

Now, if we were talking about previous generations, it would be a different story. The 2.2L became increasingly anemic feeling towards its 2001 death as the highways flooded with more SUVs and competitors became more fleet of foot. The 2.4L is an entirely different ballpark. Note that the expected 5sp speed auto for 2005 with the 4s will improve response, especially in higher speed passing and likely off the line, and MPG is likely to go up another 1 or 2, which makes the powertrain even more impressive.

The 4 4A is rated at 23/32.
The LE/XLE 3.0L V6 5A is 21/29 (Toyota's brochure is actually wrong).
The SE 3.3L V6 5A is 20/29.

IMO, thats not an insubstantial difference, and as I stated, it will be further exacerbated next year.

Its also worth noting that for 2005, VSC will be available on 4 cylinders.

slov- the only Camrys that dont have 4 wheel disc brakes are the Standards and LEs, so if the comparison is between an SE 4 and SE V6, thats a moot point.

slov98 · May 2004

thx for the correction, I always thought only the V6 versions had them.

andy71 · May 2004

I agree that the 2.4L engine is a great engine and more than adequate for most people. My salesperson insisted that I try out the SE V6. He told me it has a more powerful V6 than the LE and XLE and will blow the 4 cylinder away. So I test drove an SE V6 and a LE I4. If I really wanted to be sensible I should have gone with the I4 which is a great car. But I just couldn't resist the V6. So the moral of the story; If you want a practical fuel efficient 4 cylinder car, never test drive the V6 for comparison purpose.:)

larryt22 · May 2004

More importantly than choosing between either of these engines is choosing the ride/handling you prefer. You will be happy with either engine, but you may not be happy with the ride and handling. Be sure you test drive both an SE and an LE/XLE as there is significant differences in the ride and handling. Some will like one over the other and that is why Toyota makes both.

alpha01 · May 2004

Hey, no problem, thats what these boards are for.
To clarify even further, it is only the Standard and LE 4 cylinder that lack discs. The LE V6 has 'em. That might not have been clear in my last posting.

larryt- good point. I personally prefer the SEs ride/handling characteristics, but the LE that my parents have- couldnt serve them better. Rarely do they "corner" with agression.

~alpha

dekester · May 2004

That's one of the reasons we opted for it. I grew to appreciate discs on all four corners in my 98 Olds Intrigue. IMHO, rear drums should go the way of the dinosaur.

Deke

alpha01 · May 2004

I dont remember who it was, but someone said that theres a $2500 price difference between the SE 4 and SE V6. Adding auto, ABS, and alloys to the SE 4 brings the price to $21930 including destination, and the SE V6, where that equipment is standard, is priced at $23,830. So its really a $1900 difference, which isnt bad at all.

IMO, possibly the best value in the entire Camry line is an SE 4 with the above options (give or take automatic, your choice), but with the JBL and side curtians. You've got all power accesories, nice wheels/tires, better handling, moonroof, excellent side impact protection, great MPG, peppy engine, room, I could go on (obviously, I'm a fan). I'm not sure Toyota ever makes this combination, sadly, though.

~alpha

gearhead4 · May 2004

I just purchased a Camry LE with the 4cylinder and auto trans for my wife. During my test drive the car seemed to perform adequately.
When I came home and loaded up the car with the family and turned on the AC, the 4 cylinder seemed to lose alot of it's pep.
My dealer had a special price on the 4 cylinder model, so upgrading to the V6 would have cost an additional $3000+.
The wife is thrilled with her new Camry, so I can't complain.
My suggestion, if you will carry alot of passengers or cargo, consider the V6. I would also consider the manual transmission on the 4. It offers more zoom and better actual MPG (more than what the EPA says).

gearhead4

jbkennedy · May 2004

The Camry LE 4 cylinder is one of the most popular vehicle in the car rental business. My suggestion is to rent the 4 cylinder for the weekend and put it to the test. If it meets your needs, buy it. Otherwise, consider the V6. My 97' Camry is a 4 cylinder and have been very satisfied with it.

Kirstie_H · May 2004

Don't forget tonight's member-to-member chat - it's open mic night, so come and discuss whatever's on your mind.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

alpha01 · May 2004

"The Camry LE 4 cylinder is one of the most popular vehicle in the car rental business."

It may seem that way, but only about 44,000 Camrys per year are sold as rentals. (Thats about 12% of sales, which is on the high-end of the estimates Ive seen.)

Nonetheless, the point does stand, by all means rent one. Toyotas can actually be rented through Toyota dealerships, by the way (and those cars are included in fleet sale figures as well).

~alpha

jdeib · May 2004

Toyota does make the SE 4 with JBL and the side curtains, but it is rare to find one. My 2002 SE has those options. In 2002, the moonroof was optional and the spoiler was standard. They had a package that included the 6 disc changer, power seat, rear sunshade, trunk net and moonroof. The ABS, Side Curtains, alarm system and 5 spoke alloys were separate options.

For 2004, I think they have a package that includes the power seat, JBL 6 disc, sunshade and cargo net, with the ABS, side curtains and 5 spoke wheels separate options.

I've driven LE and XLE 4's and I couldn't believe the difference in feel. The LE and XLE's felt like my '92 LE (easy steering, but not sloppy). The SE has such a precise feel to the steering. It's not a Corvette or M5 of course, but very rewarding for a family car.

alpha01 · May 2004

Its nice to know they exist! For 2004 (and actually the better part of MY 2003 as well), the moonroof and power drivers seat are standard on SE 4s, and the alloys, ABS, side airbags/curtains, and spoiler are individual options. The JBL is still part of a package that includes a cargo net and rear sunshade (Its still called "Convenience Package B")

We'll see what 2005 brings!

~alpha

hank2 · May 2004

I ordered (preferenced) a 'simple' SE 04 with ABS and side airbags, only, back in February. No show yet!

The dealer blames it on the factory... so I'm about to cancel (and hope I get back my $500 deposit) and try to 'downgrade' to an LE. Altho' it does NOT have 4 wheel disc brakes, that's the only limitation from what I want... In addition it may be $4K cheaper, because there are so many deals. And SEs are rare.

-Hank2

senseless · May 2004

Do you think it will be more likely to get a 2005 SE with the Navigation package than the 2004? Right now, they are only available in the XLE.

mean1 · May 2004

the owner's manual for an SE-V6 "recommends" using 91 octane or better or else you will have engine knocks and possible engine damage but my friendly car salesman insists that 87 octane is fine for the V-6. Can someone who owns a V-6 tell me if you can use 87 octane with no problems to your engine or mileage rating.

Kirstie_H · May 2004

A newspaper reporter is looking to interview people who recently bought a vehicle and considered its fuel economy as a major factor - or chose to ignore its fuel economy and bought it anyway. Please respond to pkrebs@edmunds.com with your daytime contact info and a line about your purchase decision no later than 5pm Pacific on Friday, May 21, 2004.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

dekester · May 2004

Maybe the SE's V6 needs the higher octane because it puts out more HP. The LE V6 takes regular, with premium recommended for maximum performance when needed.

Deke

motownusa · May 2004

I heard Toyota is offering a Camry "standard" for 2005. Is that equivalent to the stripped CE version of the previous generation? What would the price be for such a bare bone car? Probably they are trying to compete with the Accord DX. They probably won't come standard with CD player or PW, PL. I don't think that is a good idea.

bklynguy · May 2004

they just listed info & prices on the "Standard" grade Camry.

Camry Standard Manual $18,560 MSRP
Camry Standard Automatic $19,390 MSRP

- standard LE features (you still get PW,PL,CD player)
- spare tire is a doughnut
- it only says "CAMRY" on the trunk

Production of the 05 Camry begins July 6,2004 (I'm not sure if the "Standard" grade will be available for MY 2005)

alpha01 · May 2004

You may want to try first looking at Toyota's own website, which offers the features of the Camry standard, before presenting misinformation on a widely read board such as this one. The info has been up for almost two weeks.

Adding to bklynguy's post, those prices quoted include destination charge, and the missing items are the full size spare, and keyless entry. Additionally, there are virtually no options for the Camry standard, save for ABS and side curtains. This is contrary to the LE, which has a multitude of options, ranging from sunroof to JBL sound system.

My take on the Standard (which is directly lifted from a post about two pages back, fwiw):

I think its to improve resale value of the current Camrys, and heres my hypothesis on how it might work (2 ways):

1) If Toyota sells the 'Standard' edition mostly to fleets, then resale values of other trim lines should come up, as those trim lines will not be flooded in the second hand market.

OR

2) If Toyota sells the 'Standard' mostly to consumers, it would be able to alleviate the rebate pressure from the LEs (primarily), which would likely allow for lower rebates across the line (SEs, LE Limiteds, and XLEs).

~alpha

andy71 · May 2004

I think your first hypothesis is right. I can see a fairly large percentage of Standards going to fleet sales. Given that the only difference between an LE and a standard is keyless entry and full size spare I think Toyota had fleet customers in mind for the Standard. That should help the resale value of the higher trim lines.

dekester · May 2004

I may be relocating from New York to West Central Florida soon and plan on replacing my 98 Olds when I sell my house here. I like the wife's 03 LE V6 enough to want one for myself. I want a LE V6 with leather, option package B and the VSC/Aide airbags. I've hear that the SE region is notorious for trying to force what THEY want on you.

I have a friend who works for a large auto delivery carrier out of Tampa and he's been telling me that sales are very low and dealers have been forced to take allotments they don't want and can't sell! Would it be easier to deal in this environment, or travel out of the region? I'd hate to buy a car here and drive it down for it's first trip!

The options I want are what I wanted in the wife's car last year, but there were none in the NE region.

Deke

andrelaplume · May 2004

How are Honda's sales? They have no rebates. Are Camry's perhaps overpriced? Perhaps they need to drop their price.

alpha01 · May 2004

Camry sales on a monthly basis are flat or increasing as compared to last year, and Im not aware that Toyota has increased fleet sales of the Camry (from its already admittedly high-ish levels of about 12%).

Camry rebates are regional, but I belive that they do not exceed $1000 customer cash OR choice of financing. Additionally, I expect the newly introduced Camry "Standard" to alleviate some rebate pressure.

Finally, Accord sales are down about 9% year to year, but Accord incentives utilize financing and lease deals only.

~alpha

ral2167 · May 2004

actually accord currently has $400 manufacturer to dealer incentive on sedans and $800 on coupes... depending on dealer, some or all of that can go to customer, depending on dealership's willingness to do so.

alpha01 · May 2004

But I still dont believe its a called a customer cash rebate, and you wont see it advertised. I do know what you're talking about though- my aunt was able to take advantage of a $1000 dealer credit when she bought her Civic in Feb.

My statement above should have read: "Accord advertised incentives utilize financing and lease deals only"

~alpha

senseless · May 2004

Any truth to the rumour that the Camry Hybrid will be made available this fall? Was this MSN story in error?

jrct9454 · May 2004

...look for the Camry Hybrid for the '06 model year, say Sept-Oct of '05.

service66 · June 2004

I don't know about the new V6's.... my '93 calls for 91 octane.

I don't know if I'd take the salesman's word for it, especially if it's still under warranty. Maybe you could try 87 and see -- short term knock won't hurt. Fill the tank to 1/2 -- if it knocks pump some 93 the rest of the way.

rutger3 · June 2004

Why must you buy an XLE at $2500 more to get side airbags, very frustrating. Any idea if this will be resolved for 2005?
Why are SE's so hard to find in N.J.?
Any idea on 2.9% or $1000 will continue in June?

alpha01 · June 2004

"Any idea on 2.9% or $1000 will continue in June?"

Toyota incentives are regional, so the offer you speak of may be foreign to most posters here. That offer is for the "Greater New York" Toyota dealers, and- just a guess- given that the 2005 is due fairly soon, incentives on 2004 models will likely continue at the said level, or increase. Im not sure what Toyota will do with the 2005 models, though. Id guess that theyd have significantly reduced incentives, at least at first, given the purported extensive upgrades to the vehicle.

~alpha

senseless · June 2004

What is Toyota's history with incentives, as to new model years? I seem to recall no rebates on new models for the first few months, but I'm not sure about financing deals in the Fall months.

dekester · June 2004

Looking at available Camrys in the Tampa, Florida area for when we move. Looking at the above web site, entering the ZIP code and then choosing the model (LE V6) and then options, it will not allow me to get leather. If I click on leather interior, the other option packages are not available!

I want a Lunar Mist or Sand Beige with taupe leather AND option package B AND VSC/Side airbag package. According to this site, I cannot get this combo.

I've heard stories about the Southeast Region being difficult to deal with and I hope I don't have to resort to travelling around the State to find what I want.

Deke

alpha01 · June 2004

The inital few pages of buyatoyota.com reflect the vehicles as they are built and shipped to the region. Thats why after you enter your zip, pick the model, pick the trim line, you are brought to a page that shows the options package(s). This is how the vehicles in your region are generally equipped, and to my knowledge- its fairly accurate. There may be an odd model here and there with some deviations, but dont count on it. On subsequent pages are the port and dealer installed options that are easy to obtain through a dealership, even if they need be ordered.

Leather is NOT a factory option on ANY LE, regardless of where you live. Leather is a factory option on ONLY the SEs and XLEs. Any LE Camry that you see with leather (they will be few and far between) of the current generation had it installed at the port or dealership through an aftermarket vendor, or it was done entirely aftermarket.

In theory you can get an LE V6 with the VSC/Side Airbags package, but in practice... finding a vehicle so equipped is going to be a challenge. At least in my area- Greater NY- they just arent built and shipped.

Waiting until the 2005 model year is something you should consider, as both VSC and side airbags are going to be more widely available, especially the VSC, which will be optional on 4 cylinder Camrys. Also for 4 cylinder Camrys, a 5 speed automatic is going to be the transmission, and it is expected to improve acceleration and fuel economy.

~alpha

dudleyr · June 2004

What about imroved availability of ABS for 2005? Any word?

alpha01 · June 2004

ABS is not hard to find, so Im not really sure what you mean. I think the only model on which its remotely rare to find ABS is the LE 5M. Otherwise, almost all the Camrys around here (NJ) have it, whether its the $300 option or standard.

~alpha

dudleyr · June 2004

Almost no Camrys in SD have ABS unless it is standard, and yes I want the LE 5M. I may be purchasing soon, and my wife insists on ABS, and I insist on a manual. I like the Camry, but it looks like the Accord is pulling ahead. Toyota is in town, the nearest Honda dealer is about 170 miles away, so I keep hoping Toyota will add ABS as standard.

mcdawgg · June 2004

I have a suggestion: have the dealer order one from the factory. I told my dealer EXACTLY what I wanted on my Corolla (LE, 5 speed, anti-locks, color, etc.), and 3 months later I had exactly the car I wanted.

dudleyr · June 2004

I was under the impression that you couldn't really order Toyotas, you just had to reserve one already being built.

lkusmin · June 2004

My wife and I currently have a 1999 Mazda Protege, but expect to shop for a new (or at least newer) car in the next year or two. We are hoping to avoid moving up to a minivan or SUV, but would like to have room for an adult passenger as well as our two daughters--currently 1.75 and 4 --in the rear of the vehicle. Both girls are currently in child car seats -- the older girl will probably move up to a booster in about two more years.

Can anyone on this board report on their experience--whether good or bad or in-between-- with seating two children in car seats plus an adult in the rear of a Camry? Ideally we would like to be able to keep the car seats in the outboard positions so that the girls do not pester each other too much.

We would also be interested in any recommendations for other mid-sized sedans and/or station wagons with a rear seat that will accomodate two children in car seats plus an adult passenger.

Thanks,
Lorin

mcdawgg · June 2004

I think that might be possibly true. Maybe they modified a shop order for a car very similar to the one that I wanted to match exactly what I wanted. I got EXACTLY the car I ordered, from the factory, with 3 miles on the odometer. Of course, dealers don't want you to do this - they want the money today, not in three months. They only thing my dealer required was a large downpayment ($1,500), which I can understand and I gladly gave them. Give it a try (you might have to try a few dealers). Just be firm in what you want.

hank2 · June 2004

I don't know about the details, but I wanted a 2004 4-Cyl Camry SE with Auto, ABS, Side/Curtain Airbags, Steel Wheels and NOTHING Else.

They don't make them that way, in Texas, so I had to "Preference" one from the factory. Back in February, I was told 6-8 weeks. I think it is just now about to be delivered, 3-4 months later.

I don't know if it was specially built, or if I had to wait until one was scheduled to be built.

I agree with McDawgg. Go online, price the car with options, then tell the salesman you want to preference the car, if he can't get you exactly what you want. If you go via the Web, they should drop the price by ~$2K ... However, if you take something off the lot, you have a higher chance of getting a cheaper price. They will devote Marketing dollars to current stock. And they don't need to sweeten the deal for a preference; they only need to be competitive with other Toyota dealers in the area.

Keep us informed.

-Hank2

dudleyr · June 2004

Thanks for the info on preferencing. I may try that.

hank2 · June 2004

Hey Guys -

I just got my Camry SE 4Cyl 2004 with ABS and side/curtain airbags... It is the only one in the Gulf States area. If they can't locate one ...
it will take 4 Months to get a car scheduled on the factory line ... regardless of what the dealer tells you. If they can't find one, they have to build it.

Consider the tradeoffs because you may be able to get a "more expensive" car off the lot, at a cheaper out-the-door price.

FWIW,

-hank2

Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy