Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

alpha01 · July 2001

All this information on the new Camry, even if speculative, is really interesting to read about. I'm glad they are discontinuing the CE model... In this region, as it is sold, its basically the same exact car as the bread and butter base 4cyl. LE (ie.. no ABS, pwr drv. seat, keyless entry, but everything else).
No more Antique Sage?! That was my favorite color!
Max, can you guesstimate how much for the "bread and butter" LE I just mentioned? Is ABS going to be standard on higher line models only? How bout the 5sp trans... can you order it on the LE 4 or just the SE models? (Sorry so many questions, it just looks like one hot midsize car...)
~alpha

sunshine60105 · July 2001

Sorry for all the bad luck that you've runned into. It must be frustrating for you..A car is such a big purchase ,and it's nerve racking when something goes wrong...
It seems like the quality of cars must change
because the Volvo that my Mom had was very reliable,the only thing with that car is the a/c
in the car... She had that car till she was in a bad accident, car was totalled completely, but she was ok... she got rid of it cause the repair was more than the car was worth, so she sold it to someone that was willing to put in the money of repairing it...
We are looking for a another car cause I've been sharing my 94 Camry with her... What year was your Volvo? Was it a 850 or what?

Hope better luck heads your way soon...

Chow!!!

sunshine60105 · July 2001

White will still be available of course. Right? If it's not exactly white ;then, is it close to white? Ivory? What?

Thanks

sunshine60105 · July 2001

I printed the picture of the new 2002 Camry and love it..Defintely want a 2002 Camry...
Glad to hear that the Camry is smooooth still.

I want a white one!

rkay48 · July 2001

I hope to buy a Camry LEV6 in MD in the next month. Some posted what seems to be a good price for this car (e.g., gagirl/jeani). Any suggestions on a Dealer near Balt/DC? I bought a Sienna at Glen Burnie dealer near Balt last year.
Only options I look to get are Value p3 and some theft deterrent system possibly.
Any opinions on side impact air bags?
thanks for any thoughts

maxamillion1 · July 2001

that the new Camry would not be produced with a 5 speed manual transmission, is this true? If so, the Camry SE is off of my list, because I MUST have a 5 speed stick shift.

Also, are there any other toyota related forums for Camrys besides the ones here at Edmunds.com

cliffy1 · July 2001

If you want a V6 LE 2001, you need to hurry. In this region, the V6 is not very easy to find. The last one I sold was to a customer who didn't want a bunch of extras and I had to get one from a Balitmore dealership to find it. We're still getting a few, but the V6 will remain difficult until the 2002 comes out.

It is a very different situation in Northern CA. My dad just bought one and they have plenty of V6s around so the region makes a big difference.

edwardh5 · July 2001

Some problems mentioned in these forums concern Toy brakes and struts. Mostly 97 up cars.
What causes these problems? Does Toyota change the design, or change vendors? or what - what causes it?

mackabee · July 2001

sunshine, white will still be available for 2002. Also the 5spd tranny will be available on the LE. i'll check the spec sheet tomorrow to see if it will be available on the SE. As far as I can see the nav option will only be available on the XLE and SE. I will double check and post the info later. The Maxima look alike tail lights that were shown on the mag-x.com site of the concept drawings will be a bit different. Tail lights are the trapezoidal shape that most cars are sporting these days. The car actually looks like a down sized Avalon without the monstrous front grille.

Mackabee

: )

jeani · July 2001

I saw a LE V6 w/vp #3 that was green at Toyota Laural Carmax a week ago. I'm not sure if it's still there. But you can call them up (It wasn't on their computers when I was there. One of the sales guys didn't know that it was there until we saw it on the lot. I guess it was a new shipment). Anyway, it was priced somewhere around $20.8 or $20.9. It includes the delivery fee and the rebates. No haggle pricing. Good luck!

maxamillion1 · July 2001

The SE is supposed to be the Sporty model, right? So if the manual is availble on the LE it should be available for the SE, I hope. What about V6 models, how much horsepower, and will the manual be available on the V6 LE/SE?
Thanks in advance.

vcheng · July 2001

I think all these problem parts are the result of cost cutting, and getting substandard parts from the lowest bidders.

sunshine60105 · July 2001

Thanks!

canc · July 2001

I've read your earlier post (no. 1001) and you said that Japan-built Camrys are usually of better quality. Although it is the country of origin for the car, I don't think the build quality issue holds true for North American operations. If you've taken the tour of any of the North American plants, they're all operating under strict guidelines, and a lot of the cars are built, or at least controlled, by computers and robots (even the wrenches have built-in microchips that tells the workers when to stop tightening). Therefore, I think that a Japan-built Camry will just be as reliable and solidly built as a North American Camry. In other words, whether a North American or a Japanese tightens the bolt, in both cases the computer will tell them when to stop.

Also, I think that a lot of Canadians and Americans take pride in their work and would be offended by saying that the Japanese take better pride in their work than they do. Sorry if this sounds like I'm on the defensive; I'm really not, but I wanted to say this because I used to think like that too, until I started reading up on the subject and found virtually no differences.

sbell4 · July 2001

I have been at the Georgetown plant where the Camry,Avalon and Sienna are built and was amazed at the technology and precision involved in the production. Did you know that there are only five stalls for vehicles that have any type of problem that needs to be corrected before it is released to the shipping company? If at any time there are more then 5 vehicles with a problem the line is stopped and is worked backwards to see what the problem is so it will be corrected before it reaches the dealership. This sounds like common sense but in the real world most other manufactures will allow minor defects to be overlooked and taken care of by the dealer under warranty. Five stalls for the thousands upon thousands vehicles produced every month was impressive to me. In my opinion, I am completely satisfied with the workmanship of the American built product.

pilot13 · July 2001

It just doesn't get any better than that!
This plant is the accepted industry "Standard" in North America (US, Canada, Mexico), and is a "benchmark" for all other carmaker assembly operations .
Ford, as an example, is now sending its people there to learn their techniques for high quality and efficiency.

sbell4 · July 2001

I live in Tuscaloosa, Al. where the M class is built and this plant is patterned after the Kentucky plant on a smaller scale. I have a lot of clients from Mercedes that buy Toyota because of the technology and workmanship. Over the past few years all of the manufacturers have improved greatly in quality but Toyota is still the leader.

sunshine60105 · July 2001

No Offense taken.:) I understand completely what you are saying... I was just stating what I heard from someone! Chow!

thai357 · July 2001

I agree that if we were to compare their level of quality against Mexico, Brazil, England France, Korea and various Eastern European countries. But we still don't hold a candle to Japan. If you think otherwise then you really need to look at the latest JD powers regarding initial quality. If I remember correctly the Japaneese cars,produced in the USA, have risen in initial quality problems and the American produced vehicles have decrease, mainly due to the copying of Toyotas plants in the USA. I got the large gap in the misalignment of my 01' Camry trunk to prove it. Talking about America's pride in biulding automobiles is rediculous to me. I am so disgusted with the Made in America campaign. Like I am going to purchase American products just to put a bunch of uneducated, ill-trained, barely literate, ungrateful group of people in bussiness without regards to quality of products is beyond me. I've seen first hand in dealer service shops regarding how much they care about your $25K car when it needs service. If they want my loyalty they need to change their work ethics quick. As of right now I couldn't care less if American auto factories close down. At least it will force the importation of more Japanese vehicles.
I know pretty extreme, I probably don't mean everything I wrote, its just I am getting fed up with substandard quality in almost every American product. And of course I realize the implications of American factories closing affecting my portfolio and inevitably my hope to retire early. Heaven Forbid!

SUNSHINE-you are on the right track! Do not apologize. And are entitle to your opinions. Hold out for a Japaneese made Camry! You will get a lower quality product if you settle for anything else. Might as well buy a Taurus or an Intrique if you can't get one. If you are forced to buy an American Camry make sure all the doors, trunk, hood are aligned. Make sure you walk around and check the paint quality. You might be surprised at all the spots and uneven paint that exists on your car. Try every movable part a few times to check for alignment problems and or friction problems. Be METICULOUS!

Please bear with me while I am spouting off my anger with American products and their quality challenge products. American quality, what an oxymoron!

CANC-getting the right torque does make a difference. That is the main reason Toyota still has the reliability to rely upon. It also goes to show how much Canadian and American workers need to be lead by their hands and coddled. They require IDIOT proof machines to manage them. It all starts with the way we bring up our children. They are so god damn spoiled that you can't teach them to do anything for themselves. You can't blame them, they are a product of their environment.

Again, I am sorry for having to belittle our fine American Craftsmans.

And another thing, people needs to stop purchasing the horrible Toyota Sequoias that guzzles so much gas! I am purchasing one this winter and the high prices due to the lack of inventory is really compromising my ability to get one at/under invoice! I'll get of my soap box now. Thank you.

pilot13 · July 2001

Say what you wish about the USA and Canada, but you'll have to admit they sure beat what's in second place!
On second thought, perhaps you might want to think about moving somewhere else if things here are so distasteful to you!

tnqgzs1 · July 2001

Hi All - I am a first timer on the board, but a long-time Camry owner. My daughter totaled my '90 Camry that I was loaning her, and walked away without a scratch. I'm looking at various replacement options such as a '96 Accord (rediculously priced), a 98 Mazda 626 (lots of tranny failures), and several '96 Camry LEs around town. Any particular problems to look for in a bumper-to-bumper inspection? I know the '90 inside-out, and am leasing a '99 CE, but have no experience with the middle child... Prices in this area run between $8k and $10k depending upon options, mileage, and general condition.

sunshine60105 · July 2001

Hi Tony,
Thanks for the compliment!

I agree with you totally. Everybody has a right to vent off steam,and I know that it's direct at anybody in here,and they should know that also and not get so defensive.
American cars aren't very reliable, the foreign cars such a Toyota is better quality ,and there cars last longer..Think i'll wait for a Japan built Camry ,and if I can't or if It'll take to long ;then, i'll check out the following these that you listed...
The Sequoia being a gas guzzler is defintely a down point even though toyota products are reliable because the gas prices go up and down all the time. Right now in Michigan, the gas is reasonable,but that could change at anytime.... When the gas prices are down I can fill my tank for $15 or 16.00 maybe 20.00 ,and when it's up then it's 25.00 or higher, so a automobile that is a gas guzzler is defintely a downfall.When my sister fills her tank when the prices are high it takes 50.00 to fill her Jeep Grand Cherokee...Even if the prices aren't high for gas ;then, who wants to pay a arm and leg for gas one a week or twice depending on how fast the automobile or truck or what have you burns it..
Chow!

jdarcy · July 2001

My 2001 US built Carry stick shift has been perfect so far as I can tell. The only down side is the Bridgestone Potenza tires which are noisy and wear out quickly.
At the 20,000 mile point MPG has been a steady 33.5 ( 7.0L/100km.) despite occasional A/C use. The mix is 65% 5th gear ( 55-60 MPH) and the rest suburban in the Seattle area.
Seat comfort was improved considerably with a pair of $40 sheepskin seat covers purchased at Costco.

jimxo · July 2001

This car is already in production and still no sighting of this new car.

Certainly Toyota is building and inventory where are they keeping them?

canc · July 2001

It seems to me that you seem disappointed with your Toyota purchase, and I would probably be angry myself if I had bought a "lemon" Toyota, especially since the reliability factor is very important for most Toyota buyers. I would express my discontent with my purchase over here, yet I would not go as far as to offend all of Toyota's North American operations.

Your comments, however, are false generalizations directed to all North American operations, and I don't think this is fair. Consider what you've said below:

"Like I am going to purchase American products just to put a bunch of uneducated, ill-trained, barely literate, ungrateful group of people in bussiness without regards to quality of products is beyond me" (post 1020).

Unless I've misunderstood what you're currently conveying, you're saying that car plant employees are illiterate and uneducated? To counter your unfounded opinion, Toyota employees in Canada are required to have at least completed their high school diploma, and it was even rumored that you need a post-secondary education to work at the engine plant (although bear in mind that the latter is only a rumor I've heard).

You are entitled to your opinions, and I respect that, but I have to say that I'm fully confident of my Toyota Corolla that was built right here in Ontario, Canada. Japanese-built cars are far from perfect--to prove it, check out JD Power's 2000 initial quality survey: it DOES state that Lexus cars, built in Japan, had 103 reported problems per 100 vehicles. A very good record in my opinion, but not flawless. Toyota vehicles, on the other hand, which double Lexus' annual volume of produced cars, reported 118 problems per 100 vehicles, a difference of 15 problems, or 15%, which is insignificant considering how many cars Toyota produces annually. Think what you may, but I'm not ready to say that the 15% difference is what I would consider to be what you quoted to be "substandard quality".

I think the Georgetown and Cambridge plants are doing a superb job and like other recent posts have stated, those plants are the standard on which other car plants are basing themselves on. They're probably not perfect (what is?), but they're surely better than a lot of them out there.

P.S. Isn't it the Georgetown plant that will be soon building V-8s for Lexus? If Toyota considers its USA and Canadian plants to be efficient and reliable, why would they trust them otherwise with their Lexus V-8s?

mackabee · July 2001

The 2002 Camry is not being produced yet. Production starts July 23.

: )

Mackabee

ecarmack · July 2001

I put 80,000 miles on a 96 Camry before trading it in for a minivan. Great car. I did not have a single problem with it. The previous generation Accord is also nice if you can get a decent deal and your daughter may prefer the sportier ride. My sister had a mid 90s 626 with several problems over the years and a failed transmission last year.

If you like your 99 Camry, many people think the previous generation was even better. The only major reliability item I would look for is the whole engine sludge issue. I am sure most Camrys are fine, but enough people have mentioned it that I would look into it before buying a used one.

pat · July 2001

This "foreign vs domestic" conversation would be more appropriately pursued on our News and Views Board.

Let's just stick to discussing the Camry here. Thanks.

Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board

mbt1 · July 2001

I'm considering buying the 2002 Camry. How do I go about acquiring a Japan-built Camry? Thanks.

bigphil1 · July 2001

Hi, I have the oportunity to purchase a '92 Camry LE, with 107k on it for $5100, It looks to be in very good condition, I test drove the car and except for a very slight rattling noise comming from the motor, and a slight thumping sensation comming from the front end during acceleration from a standstill, the car seems to be in good mechanical condition. I hired one of those used vehicle inspection services, and he went over the car with a fine tooth comb. He suggested that replacing the engine mounts should eliminate the thumping, but that I should NOT purchase the vehicle unless the owner has the engine "opened up", and inspected for possible internal damage. He says that the engine does not sound quite right, he also says that the oil pressure is a bit low. The question I have is: What kind of damage could result from low oil pressure, and could this slight rattling be indicative of a major engine problem?

sunshine60105 · July 2001

How can you say that the production for the 2002 Camrys aren't in progress yet when sbell4 said that a friend of his or her's test drove the 2002 Camry in GeorgeTown?

I do believe that they are being made,but they haven't been released yet because the plants are making their first shippment..

Furthermore, the new 2002 Camry is suppose to be in the dealerships
like mid August or late August,so you saying that they are not making the 2002 Camry is a error. Like I said before, they are making enough 2002 Camrys for a shippment because why would they just make one and send it out, that would be pretty stupid. They are making the toyota Camry now,the plants are making a shippment and then they'll send them out..Why would they wait till the last minute and then start to make them. They're not waiting for the last minute, they are making them now..

alpha01 · July 2001

they're building them right now, they're not building them right now... does it really matter? they arent on sale yet, and Toyota hasnt released that much information about when they will be. Personally, I'd rather have some useful info rather than knowledge of production. If anyone has any further price/content/spec/performance updates or knows of any, keep me posted. sunshine, i highly doubt that whomever's friend's friend test drove a 2002. dont you think we'd have seen something more than artist renderings in Motor Trend by now, if test drives were available....
~alpha

sunshine60105 · July 2001

Sounds Great Scott!!!

sunshine60105 · July 2001

I might of made an error when I typed in the website address for the 2002 Camrys or I may not have dont know,but here it is again....

http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/camry0103/01.jpg

This website should give you a full view of the whole car... It looks awesome...

yanker · July 2001

I have 73000 on a 96 that was not new but was a rental. No problems except the cheap tires in the beginning. One problem to watch for is rust around the windshield and under the trunk lid rubber gasket. I've spent some money on maintainace but still the best car I ahve owned including Honda Accord Toyota Corolla Caprice and 4 Suburu Legacy.

rward99 · July 2001

Nothing is being built this week, the plant is shut down. Various models of the 2002 have been built for dealer demos, product shows, etc. They build them right on the same line as the current model. These 2002 versions will be crushed and returned to scrap.

The early 'quality' vehicle for 2002 have already gone to production; early July. These models are set aside and scrutinized for defects. They will ultimately be released to dealerships.

Full production starts Monday the 23rd, as correctly stated by Mackabee. The plants (2) can produce more than 10,000 cars & vans in one week. Filling the dealer pipeline is not a problem.

Georgetown produces Camrys for the Japanese market. They come off the same assembly line as the American market Camry.

Toyota Georgetown has won many of the J.D. Power quality awards, and Camry was number one in sales for four years in a row.

The sum total of quality for any product manufactured in the Unites States is based on EVERY American doing their job to the best of their ability. When you go to work, are working your hardest for every minute of your shift? Are YOU turning out a quality product for your employer and ultimately your fellow American? If you want a 'bulletproof' car, are you turning out 'bulletproof' quality in your job, or do you think, "ah, that's good enough"? Before you criticize someone else's work, take a good look at what you produce and ask yourself "could I have done it better/faster/cheaper? Is Quality my #1 goal? Will the buyer be happy (not just satisfied) with what I turn out?"

alpha01 · July 2001

thanks rward, excellent post!
~alpha

edwardh5 · July 2001

Did they change the seats for 02? - everyone - edmunds, Consumer reports did not like the 97 up seats.
Any changes in the seats?

johnblake · July 2001

I am in the market for a new family car. My local Toyota dealer
offered a 2001 Camry LE 4 cylinder automatic with Value package 3
(plus a few small things I do not need like wheel locks) for $300 over
the invoice (about 19400+300), this is before the $750 customer
cash. Is this a good deal considering that in 1-2 month's time the
2001 Camry will be out of date? Or shoukd I shop for a better
deal?

At this time of the year the Toyota dealers just sell what is left on
the lot, as 2001 Camry are no longer produced. So I can not order
exactly what I want (I really just want a LE with value package 3 at
about 19000 invoice). I can not wait for the new 2002 Camry as I need
a car right now.

Alternatively I have been offered the compariable 2001 Honda Accord LX
at about $400 above invoice.

I need to decide soon so let me know..

Thanks!

rward99 · July 2001

Part numbers will change from year to year, so it's difficult for me to say how much the actual part itself will change. I don't have specific knowledge about the various options. Colors and fabrics will change, but I don't know about the structure (comfort) of the seat itself.

I've seen several versions of the new model and each one has been different. I wish I could get a picture and post it, but even though they go into production next week, they are very tight on information and won't allow any 'official' pictures to be given out.

I've been told that the base price of the 2002 Camry is less than last year (about $200), but since it is most certainly going to be in demand, you won't be able to strike a bargain for at least a few months. My opinion is that the car is very nice and will be very popular.

johnblake · July 2001

I am in the market for a new family car. My local Toyota dealer
offered a 2001 Camry LE 4 cylinder automatic with Value package 3
(plus a few small things I do not need like wheel locks) for $300 over
the invoice (about 19400+300), this is before the $750 customer
cash. Is this a good deal considering that in 1-2 month's time the
2001 Camry will be out of date? Or shoukd I shop for a better
deal?

At this time of the year the Toyota dealers just sell what is left on
the lot, as 2001 Camry are no longer produced. So I can not order
exactly what I want (I really just want a LE with value package 3 at
about 19000 invoice). I can not wait for the new 2002 Camry as I need
a car right now.

Alternatively I have been offered the compariable 2001 Honda Accord LX
at about $400 above invoice.

I need to decide soon so let me know..

Thanks!

alexalee1 · July 2001

I like the Xenon option. Also, please make it like Honda, where you don't have a gazillion options, instead make it into like DX, LX, EX, etc.

The number of option hurts resale value, since people can't compare apples to apples.

bolivar · July 2001

You are looking at....
a 9 year old car,
with 107,000 miles,
with a 'rattling motor',
and your 'fine tooth comb inspection' finds
possible interior motor damage,
motor does not sound right, and
low oil pressure.

My God man, how hard does someone have to hit you in the head with a 2x4 to get your attention!!!!

Run from this car!!!!!!!

mackabee · July 2001

Thank you rward. Sunshine please refer to rwards post. Production for the 2002 Camry starts monday July 23rd, that means production for the general public. There might have been a few Camrys out there for the execs and r&d folks to test drive and bug them out before bringing the car out to you the consumer. If you want to wait it will be worth your while, if not then go for a 2001 a fine automobile. It's up to your needs and not what a car will look like the next model year it's out. I bought my first Toyota in '81. A Celica, loved the car,. next year they re-designed it and I hated the look. Go for what you want and NEED.

: )

Mackabee

P.s. we received three truckloads of Camrys today and the truckers have not seen the new one because it is not out there yet. They did tell me the plant was changing over this week for production of the new one next week.

thai357 · July 2001

You should be able to get this car at INVOICE! Do not pay a dollar over invoice. I bought a V6 LE last month in one of the hottest market(Washington DC area) and got mine at $1000 under invoice due to the $1000 rebate(price includes freight). Keep shopping! A dealer will and should jump at your invoice deal, about right now. Good Luck.

3pointstar · July 2001

After seeing some of the pictures of the new Camry, I must say I am pleased. It totally looks like my beautiful but not often used, 96 Camry except stylized for the new millenium. I was disappointed in 1996 when the current generation design came out. They took a step backward with that one. Someone at Toyota finally woke up 7 years later.

sunshine60105 · July 2001

Alright, this is very confusing... So they made a couple of 2002 Camrys so that they could be test driven at the plants? This is such a tease.

My post wasn't meant to offend you or anybody, I just didn't understand. What I dont get is why there not starting till Monday July the 23rd,but oh well, didn't mean to offend anybody..

I was just confused,but thanks for clearing up the confusion I had...

Chow!

sunshine60105 · July 2001

You'll have nothing but problems with that car that your considering if you purchase it...Camrys are great cars,but some will have problems because of the owners not taking car of it such as doing the oil change when needed.. If a Camry is abused ;then, it'll have problems later, the car that your considering sounds like it's been neglected,and wasn't properly taken care of....
If you want a Camry then get one that doesn't rattle at all.... You will find it hard to find a used camry because they are such great cars,and the only time you'll probably find a camry for sale is when the owner has runned it down to the ground and has not taken care of the car...I agree with boliver, run from this car....If you want a used Camry ;then, get one off a lease from a dealership if you can afford that. Just be careful of camrys that are for sale in the paper because the good Camrys that are taken care of dont go up for sale, the owners usually keep them in the family if the Camry is in good shape and is reliable which all Camrys are reliable,so there's hardly any in the newspaper for sale...
Goodluck with your car shoppin.
Chow!

kroliph · July 2001

The new Camry looks like a cross between a Taurus and an I30. Although, it is definitely an improvement over the old one. Lets hope they can hold the line on price.

sunshine60105 · July 2001

I'm sorry if I sounded nasty in my post to you, I was just very confused... If I offended you ;then, I appologize.. I dont mean to start any arguements with anyone in here... Hope you except my appology. I'm just really geeked up and excited and looking forward to seeing the 2002 Camry in person... I'm defintely getting a 2002 Camry, loooooooooove the looks of it...
Have a great day Victor!
Courtney

Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy