Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

esqknight · October 2001

Has anyone test driven both of these models? How do they compare in ride and handling? I am considering both, and trying to decide whether the extra for the SE is worth the money.

esqknight · October 2001

In looking over Edmunds and Carsdirect another question came up. Anyone know what the standard features on the SE are? Edmunds alone seems a little confuses, the review says the SE how power driver and passenger seats, the section for standard features gives only the driver seat power, and Carsdirect lists the SE with no power seats standard.

As in the above post, I've been trying to decide between the SE and LE and this is even more diffult to do without knowing whats included.

raybear · October 2001

Power driver's seat is additional. Here are the standards:

Standard Equipment
Every 2002 Toyota Camry 4dr Sdn SE Auto (Natl) comes with the standard equipment below. Unless otherwise noted, standard equipment is the same for vehicles in different model years.

MECHANICAL
· 2.4L twin-cam EFI 16-valve 4-cyl engine
· 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission w/OD & intelligence (ECTi)
· Front wheel drive
· Electronic distributorless direct ignition system
· MacPherson strut front suspension
· Independent dual-link MacPherson strut rear suspension
· Front/rear stabilizer bar/gas-filled shock absorbers/vibration-dampening sub-frames
· Sport tuned suspension
· Strut tower brace
· P215/60R16 all-season SBR BSW tires
· Full size spare tire
· 16'' steel wheels w/full covers
· Variable assist pwr rack & pinion steering
· Pwr front ventilated disc/rear drum brakes
· 18.5 gallon fuel tank

EXTERIOR
· Color-keyed rear spoiler w/integrated center stop lamp
· Color-keyed protective body-side moldings
· Color-keyed door handles
· Black-out sport grille w/chrome trim
· Daytime running lamps
· Aerodynamic halogen headlamps w/black-out sport trim
· Integrated fog lamps
· Dual color-keyed pwr mirrors
· High solar-energy absorbing (HSEA) glass
· Washer-linked variable intermittent front windshield wipers
· Black Pearl sport badging w/chrome logos
· Chrome-tipped exhaust

INTERIOR
· Multi-adjustable front bucket seats w/adjustable headrests
· Driver seat cushion vertical height adjuster
· Covered center console w/bi-level storage
· 60/40 split fold-down rear seat w/fold-down center armrest, adjustable outboard headrests, security locks, seatbelt positioning clips
· Unique sport cloth seat trim
· Cut-pile carpeting w/driver-side footrest
· Leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel
· White-faced sport gauges
· Instrumentation-inc: speedometer, tachometer, digital odometer, dual tripmeters, temp/fuel gauges
· Warning lights-inc: airbag, seat belts, fuel level, door-ajar, battery, check engine, oil pressure, tail lamp failure
· Pwr windows w/driver side auto-down, retained pwr feature
· Automatic pwr door locks w/anti-lockout feature
· Cruise control
· Remote releases-inc: trunk, hood, fuel-filler door
· Defroster-linked air conditioning w/air filtration
· Heavy-duty rear window defogger w/timer
· Deluxe AM/FM stereo w/cassette/compact disc-inc: (6) speakers
· On-glass antenna
· Lockable illuminated glove box
· Digital clock w/exterior temp display
· Cloth door trim w/integrated armrest, map pockets
· (2) 12-volt auxiliary pwr outlets
· Metallic style interior trim
· Overhead console w/maplights & sunglasses holder
· Illuminated entry
· (3) front cup holders
· Trunk luggage box

EPA FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS
· City 24/hwy 32 (2.4L engine/4-speed auto trans) *Estimated*

SAFETY
· Driver & front passenger airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
· 3-point front shoulder belts w/adjustable anchors, pretensioners w/force limiters, emergency locking retractors
· 3-point rear shoulder belts w/emergency locking retractors
· Child restraint seat tether anchors
· Child-protector rear door locks
· Collapsible steering column
· Side-impact door beams
· Crumple zones
· Daytime running lamps
· Internal trunk release handle

WARRANTY
· Basic: 3 Years/36,000 Miles Drivetrain: 5 Years/60,000 Miles Corrosion: 5 Years/Unlimited Miles

NEWS - JD POWERS RATINGS
· NHTSA CRASH TEST RESULTS: Frontal crash ratings: Driver: * * * * Passenger: * * * * * Side crash ratings: Driver: * * * Rear Passenger: * * * Driver: * * * * with side-impact air bag Results based on a 35 MPH frontal crash and 38.5 MPH side crash. Results are reported in a range of one to five stars, with five stars indicating the best crash protection for vehicles within the same weight class. This test used driver and passenger belts and airbags. [NHTSA - APR 2001] NHTSA ROLLOVER RESISTANCE RATING: * * * * * The Rollover Resistance Rating is an estimate of your risk of rolling over if you have a single vehicle crash. It does not predict the likelihood of that crash. The Rollover Resistance Rating essentially measures vehicle characteristics of center of gravity and track width to determine how ''top-heavy'' a vehicle is. The more ''top-heavy'' the vehicle, the more likely it is to roll over. The lowest rated vehicles (1-star) are at least four times more likely to roll over than the highest rated vehicles (5-stars). [NHTSA - APR 2001]

coolguyky7 · October 2001

Isn't that the 2001 model? I'm looking at the 2001 ratings right now, and they are the same as you posted. I think you are posting the 2001s.

raybear · October 2001

Could be the crash ratings listed are the same, it says April 2001. The car is a 2002 model, there was no SE in 2001.

210delray · October 2001

The ratings given above are for the 2001. The 2002 hasn't yet been tested, but it should do at least as well as the 2001 model.

mackabee · October 2001

that's the best source of information on the new camry.

: )

Mackabee

mdiver65 · October 2001

I test drove a SEV6 tonight and was pleasantly surprised by the ride quality. Contrary to other reports, I think it is a "fun" car to drive and this is coming from a 34 year old.

2 questions though. One, that flashing passenger seatbelt light when not buckled. It always flashes when the seatbelt is not locked. I asked the salesman (if you can call him that-he was totally worthless and barely spoke a word of english but I do live in Miami) about it because I rarely have a passenger in the car. He suggested to always keep it buckled. How annoying! I have a laptop and do lots of work in the passenger seat. This would only get in the way. Can this be light turned off??

Second, I see no comment about this anywhere but the poor position of the radio leaves a lot to be desired. I think I strained my back reaching for it. It kind of arcs away from you. So weird. Any comments on this too is appreciated. Do you get use to it?

Thank you!

Mark

mannie31 · October 2001

WOW! Such features to sum it up the least you get a 4 cyclinder car with a tape player woowee what a car.

minster · October 2001

I agree se is fun to drive. wish mine had radio controls on steering wheel like my sienna. extra money worth it although options are expensive. feel like driving S class mercedes and no i don't work for toyo

cliffy1 · October 2001

That passenger side seat belt light should go off if there is nobody in the seat. There is a pressure sensor that will only activate the light if there is a person there AND they don't have their seat belt fastened. If yours stays on when no body is in the seat, have it checked by the service department.

cliffy1 · October 2001

Now is a bad time to trade out of anything. Used car values are at all time lows and Sept. 11 has a lot to do with this. The used car market was weak before that, but since then, they have plummeted. That is bad for anybody trying to trade out of cars with balances remaining. A 5 year lease that had negative equity in it is probably the worst thing you could have if you want to get out early.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. If you tend to trade frequently, a 3 year lease is always a better idea. With that, you are never more than 36 months away from being able to walk away, no matter what happens to the market.

210delray · October 2001

Just wondering if a laptop weighs enough to activate the warning lamp. I would think not.

sbell4 · October 2001

KZAT is a factory alloy wheel. As always, if we knew what state you are in it would help us know what fees are involved so you can make a well informed decision. If you like the car and the dealer go ahead and buy. If you do not want the alloy you can ask if they would swap it with a 4cyl Camry that does not have KZ. It is the same tire and wheel size so they may be willing to do it if they do not have a rule against that. KZ has a cost of 399 and 499 on the sticker.

gregz64 · October 2001

We bought a brand new 2001 in August. We cannot go over 60 mph without having the steering wheel shake. We have had it in 3 times and the service department has been downright rude. We have also complained to the district office, but they did not return our call.

What recourse do we have? We are going to exercise the lemon law after our October 16 appointment if they don't fix it. We are considering getting a lawyer.
Anyone have any similar problems?

Any ideas on how to proceed from here?

By the way, I think the rear end of the 2002 camry looks like the rear end of a 92 Ford Tempo.

sbell4 · October 2001

You are in Gulf States distributors' region and I do not have access to their inventory but by looking at my inventory that is a good price. Anything someone discounts off of that price is nominal. If you are motivated only by money, you can still save a few more dollars but if you are happy with the way they have treated you go ahead and buy the Camry.

parnola · October 2001

Just finished waxing my black 99 camry. I'm having trouble getting all the swirl marks out - I've read that Toyota doesn't use a clear coat on their black cars. Any recommendations on how to make it look better? FYI, I'm using McGuires (sp?) wax. Thanks.

bulkleycorp · October 2001

it's Maguires. They have a product that removes swirls. Also, make sure the applicator that you're using to apply the wax, plus to remove it is completely clean. Only use 100% terry cloth to remove the wax - nothing else. Also make sure the applicator pad is clean before applying the wax. I've used the Maguries product on my 2 cars and the results have been fantastic.

parump · October 2001

Normally, our 2002 SE V6 (automatic transmission) shifts smoothly except occasionally when slowing and applying the brakes. There is a noticable but relatively slight movement of the car at the time during which the shift occurs. This seems to happen when decelerating from approximately thirty MPH.

Since this is our first Camry, I wanted to learn if this is "normal" for the automatic transmission. It's not a major issue, but seems inconsistent with the superb performance and fine quality of an excellent automobile.

210delray · October 2001

It sound like tire/wheel imbalance, if your steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds.

If the dealer won't cooperate, can you try another Toyota dealer or the tire dealer for your brand of tires?

I wouldn't be surprised if your car came with General tires -- these seem prone to this shortcoming.

parnola · October 2001

Thanks for the info on Maguires - I'll give it a try!

daveq · October 2001

Hi does anyone know if production for 02 XLE 4 cyc with leather seats has begun? Spoke to two dealers in Northern New Jersey n was told that Toyota has not started production. Also, XlE 4 cyc seems very rare here... wondering if that's the case elsewhere?

jrct9454 · October 2001

Most often, balance is rarely the problem these days - my guess is you have one or more tires that are out-of-round. Get to a good tire dealer, and skip the Toyota service dept. Make sure the car gets off the ground quickly after arriving at the shop, so the tires don't have a chance to develop fresh flat spots from sitting too long.

If you love the car and want a quick fix, get a set of Michelin X-Ones or MXV4s; this will cost money, but they will be round and straight. If you want Toyota to solve the problem, you must first get a good diagnosis, and I would start with a tire guy that handles the brand on your car. Start by checking for runout [roundness and wobble]...I will wager one or more are not right.

ahossa · October 2001

Go to Usatoday.com;page down and you will see a column call James Healey talk cars. click on that and choose past reviews and look up 02 Camry. When Mr healey test drove the Sev6 he discovered the same problem. He brought to the attention of Toyota and they knew there was a flaw. The solution is to have the dealer reflash the ECM (Engine computer) and it will take care of that shudder problem. Toyota sent out a Service manual Bulletin to all dealers about this problem. But as Mr Healey noted the dealers are not going to reflash the ECM until the customer complains. Toyota has corrected this problem but the early productions cars are already in the dealerships.Hope this works for you.

ravvie4me · October 2001

From the info I gathered in previous posts, the LE with the V6 engine option DOES NOT come standard with alloy rims. Is this true? Does it come with those cheesy plastic hubcaps (wheelcovers) that come with the 4-cylinder LE?

I wouldn't want hubcaps on a car retailing for almost/more than $25k.

-RAVvie4me

parump · October 2001

Thank you so much for update! We very much appreciate the information, and are relieved to learn that the problem can be easily corrected.

Regards,

Parump

gd11358 · October 2001

Just bought new SE int CT. It was the only one on the lot. I looked at new Lexus ES300 and Avalon. The Camry has most of the same styles and components, as you would imagine. I am 6'2" and there is plenty of room front and back. It is quiet, fast, and great to look at. The ride is stiffer and tighter than the XLE and the navigation system on the XLE looks like a small TV. I have not yet noticed any shifting problems as mention. Keep you posted as I experience more.

luckystar · October 2001

fyi, in Canada, alloys are standard on the LE V6. It used to be an option package but they discontinued the "base" LE V6 and now it will have alloy wheels.

thewolverine · October 2001

Hello GD11358 -

Thanks for the 2002 Se update - I too live in CT and am looking for what you bought for my Mother-in-Law.

Would you mind sharing your pricing and dealership where you bought?

Thanks!

silvercrown · October 2001

I have a 2000 Camry LE V6, with 21k trouble-free miles. Last week, after getting my oil changed at the dealer, I noticed a slight hesitation when I started the car. It doesn't happen every time and it's very slight, hardly noticeable. I just put in some fuel injection cleaner yesterday, it's been a while since I did that or used any gas treatment. Also, I had switched to midgrade gas for a while (89 octane). I don't know if that could be significant. I went back to premium (93 octane) a couple of weeks ago. Is this a potential problem? If so, what kind of problem? Should I have this checked out right away or am I being overly paranoid? Right now, I'm giving the fuel injection cleaner a chance to work, to see if that is the cause. I appreciate the feedback from the forum on this issue. I don't want to make an unnecessary trip to the dealer. Thanks so much.

chad29 · October 2001

Hi Everybody

I am new to this forum and looking for help.
I live in the DC area and am looking to buy the new 2002 camery (4 door. NO v6 engine, just regular) and was wondering if others had recommedations of good dealers and ones to stay away from.

Want the following options.
ABS
Z2 Packages (this the alarm package)
Package 2 (this is the keyless entry etc package)

So far i have only gone to 1 dealer and the best they could do was 21300. Ideally 20800 would be something im looking for. Can i get this price??? what have other paid???

thanks for all your help
signed a novice to car buying

sky33 · October 2001

I'm in the market for a new camry. I have a 95 XLE and love the car. The only thing that's a draw back is the soft handling. I know it's not a Maxima but I wonder if the handling on the new SE model is a vast improvement? Could new Camry SE owners share your thoughts on it's handling. It would be nice if Toyota addressed this by dialing up the handling a bit.

cliffy1 · October 2001

It shouldn't be too difficult to find a Camry for your price target in this area. I am not on the sales floor any more, but I have seen several sell in the neighborhood you are looking at.

chad29 · October 2001

Thanks for your responce. Do you recommend ay good dealer where i can get that price. I have tried koons in tyson corner.

thanks

cliffy1 · October 2001

Since I work at a dealership, I am not allowed by Edmunds to make a recommendation in the DC area. Sorry. Suffice to say, if you are persistent, there are plenty of stores around here to make sure you are getting the best price.

gd113 · October 2001

I bought my SE in mid Fairfield County, CT. I collapsed on my pricing strategy. They actually had all Camrys marked up above sticker. I got slightly less than sticker even though I had all pricing info. New model, short supply and liking the car all add to limited negotiations especially if you only have 4 hours to spend at the dealer. Since I bought my SE, the dealer has not had another in, thats about 10 days now. I have no regrets though, it is fun to drive.

canc · October 2001

What are your impressions of the vehicle? Are there any noises or rattles? What's your overall "feel" of the vehicle?

canc · October 2001

Have any of you that have test driven the new Camry have also tested the Solara? I'd like to know if the Solara is quieter and more comfortable or not than the new Camry. Thanks in advance for any information.

gd113 · October 2001

The SE is totally quiet. It is only a week old though. It is so smooth I dont even realize I've hit 50 in 25mph zone. So far nothing bad I can say.

armtdm · October 2001

If you are wiling to travel try the I95 corridor, Fredericksburg etc, or McGeorge Toyota in Richmond, VA. Must be a zillion dealers in a 120 mile radius of DC

jons01 · October 2001

Has anyone else had a problem with excessive fogging of the inside of the windshield? My 2001 LE seems to fog up too much when it is humid, cold or wet outside. I am comparing this with other vehicles under similar conditions.

The defroster helps, but it should not have to be used so much. I am wondering if there is a problem in the ventilation system or something related.

Any information would be appreciated.

ravvie4me · October 2001

From the Toyota US website, it says that the V6 LE model only adds an engine immobilizer and ABS. Only the SE and XLE add alloy wheels when equipped w/V6 here in the states.
Even though I'm in the US, I downloaded the Camry brochure off the Toyota Canada website and noticed in a few photos that the XLE can be had with foglights. Is that true? I don't think that we can get foglights for the XLE here in the US, only on the SE.

-RAVvie4me

sebring95 · October 2001

The main thing is to keep the system off of "recirculate" when it's humid/cold/wet. You want fresh/outside air during those conditions. The defroster system cycles the air conditioner (even when the heat is on) which removes the humidity from the air. I run the defroster alot on all my vehicles when those conditions exist. If the windows aren't clearing off completely with the defroster on, then something is wrong. But whatever the case, make sure the recirculate is off when fogging persists. That's only good for extremely hot days.

canadiancl · October 2001

"It used to be an option package but they discontinued the "base" LE V6 and now it will have alloy wheels."
So that's why the Toyota website lists the same price for LE V6 with and without alloy! I thought it was a typo.
Do you know of any other changes to the LE V6 specs? It seems odd that the LE V6 apparently has zero factory option available. I was hoping they would offer a package with leather and/or the JBL stereo, and/or traction control, side airbag/curtain. Looks like Toyota is using the LE almost as a loss leader and then "force" people to go for the high-end models to get the good stuff.

ravvie4me · October 2001

The Camry LE comes with an abundance of option packages and available accessories in the states.
Can't see why there should be any difference for the Canadian market.

-RAVvie4me

canadiancl · October 2001

It seems 9 times out of 10 we're shortchanged here in Canada when it comes to choices and array of equipment and options. I guess it has to do with the fact that the Canadian market is so small that to make it feasible for the manufacturer they have to streamline the options and model choices. For example, just look at the large number of different Accord trim and powertrain levels offered in the US compared to about 5 in Canada.

luckystar · October 2001

ravvie4me: On www.toyota.ca, if you click "price your toyota" in the upper left hand corner, you will be able to configure any toyota vehicle and see what kind of specs and options are offered on each of the trim levels in Canada. We don't seem to be able to get many options on the Camry so far, but I will imagine that will change for the next model year. We don't have the 4 cyl SE here though. The LE V6 in Canada adds ABS, alloys, and 4 disc brakes. Immobilizer is standard on all models, and has that blinky security light, even on the LE 4 cyl, which was a surprise to me. I believe foglights come standard on all SE's and XLE's. Not sure how much this helps you as you are in the US, but hope that answers your questions.

canadiancl: I agree with being shortchanged on options in Canada. The LE V6 can't even be had until Nov/ Dec throughout the whole country! I'm waiting til Dec for my red LE V6 to come in. They dealers were trying to upsell me to a SE V6 or downgrade to a 4cyl, which I didn't want. The SE V6 is nice, but I don't think the cosmetic additions is worth an extra few grand and the LE V6 is adequately equipped. I don't believe there are any other changes to the LE V6, but I've heard later on in the year, adjustable pedal extension (???) will be added. Only really helps shorter people (like me), but the height adjustment should be fine.

I'm jealous of all you people who got to negotiate. In AB, we have "Access Toyota" which is a standard price everybody pays. The upside is I get the exact prices off the website, but the discount is ~1% off only. Sure, you save time instead of haggling, but you pay for it anyhow.

canadiancl · October 2001

Thanks for the info. I've never heard of this Access Toyota thing before. You mean everyone in Alberta (who wants to buy a Toyota)is under this arrangement? You couldn't hop across the border to BC and circumvent Access Toyota?

Is that blinky security light the little light located to the right of the heater control? Is that light operational even for cars with the standard keyless entry but no security alarm added on? Is it accompanied by a "beep" everytime you lock and unlock?

(I know I should actually go visit a dealer to see for myself, but I've been really busy lately. Hope you don't mind answering all these questions

) )

luckystar · October 2001

Of course I don't mind answering your questions, I think this forum is totally awesome for getting info on buying/ maintaining your car. Access Toyota is in place in MB and AB, although there are a few towns in northern AB who aren't on this program. It's too far from Calgary for me to bother going there, and the logistics of getting a car back home is a headache. The reason I'm not hopping to BC is because anything I save will be negated by PST. Try "price your Toyota" from any dealer in Calgary or Edmonton, it will show a "MSRP" price and an "Access" price, which is what you end up paying. If you enter a BC dealership, it just gives you MSRP. You can't escape "Access", but Toyota can pull this off because they make good cars. I did, however, manage to get them to loan me a 2002 Corolla for 2 months (no charge) since I had sold my car and will be waiting for my LE V6 to arrive in December. This is after threatening to go and buy an Accord since they couldn't deliver the LE V6 in ample time. The blinky light is by the heater controls, to the right of it. It's not really a security system light but just the immobilizer, but it should be a good deterrent. Like I said, it's even standard on LE, which doesn't have a security system. There is a discreet "beep" when locking/ unlocking, which I really liked. The doors automatically lock when the car shifts into drive, and unlock when put back into park. (I don't like the unlock feature).

bolivar · October 2001

You've got it exactly backward.

In recirculate mode, with the AC going, the AC will condense out moisture from inside the car and dump in down the drain outside the car. This will greatly reduce the moisture inside the car.

If you are bringing in 'outside' air, the AC is continuing to fight the moisture coming into the car from outside.

Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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