Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

mark224 · October 2001

daveq, I'm surprised to hear you say that leather was not available in your XLE.

I got my 4 cyl. XLE with leather this past Saturday and love it.

Matter of fact I originally tried to get it without leather and the salesman said that the fabric seated XLE was difficult to get (sales ploy?).

gd113 · October 2001

I just bought the SE and the owners manual states that if you have VSC or Traction Control you will hear noise in the engine compartment as part of a self test. I do hear this when I first go into drive. I don't know if that is the thunk noise you speak of but I do hear a sound.

canc · October 2001

Although I don't have a Camry, my Corolla equipped with ABS (no VSC, no traction control)does make a small thunk noise whenever it gets to about 4 mph. This happens all the time I put the car from park to either drive or reverse. It would make sense that the ABS "self-test" to make sure they're working correctly.

daveq · October 2001

mark224, I had no luck in locating a XLE 4cyl with leather for weeks in northern NJ before I finally bought one without 2 saturdays ago. Is yours taupe? Test drove a 6cyl with taupe leather which is gorgeous. The dealer I dealt with said he could put leather on for me for $1200. Still thinking if I shld do it, not sure about worksmanship n quality....

wanna2002 · October 2001

It seems so obvious now, but I never even thought to check the owner's manual regarding the thunk sound! Duh. Thanks very much for sharing that info... I feel relieved.

ravvie4me · October 2001

Sorry I took so long to get back to you, but I don't think the color was Desert Sand, because it was a darker color, I think closest to greenish-blue-ish than tan.
BTW, I taped it also, so I'll go take another look.

-RAVvie4me

maxamillion1 · October 2001

it might have been Catalina Blue? Was it a light bluish color?

coolguyky7 · October 2001

GM automatic's are buttersmooth? I beg to differ. My cousin's 2001 automatic LS Cavalier's "shifting cable" snapped at the airport when they were picking me up. What an inconvenient time! I don't think any other company's auto transmissions shift as quickly and smoothly as Toyota's...particularly Chryslier. We rented a 2001 Sebring convertible in Phoenix...it took forever for that thing to shift from forward to reverse and vice versa.

coolguyky7 · October 2001

I like Catalina Blue, but not a good one for the SE. Lunar mist, Stratosphere blue and Phantom Gray are excellent colors. Phantom Gray is absolutely stunning with SE's headlamps and black pearl badging.

maxamillion1 · October 2001

There is a new Camry in the area where I live, I take the long way home everyday just to see it, it's Stratosphere Blue, and man is it nice looking. Hard to believe that Camry and nice looking could go hand in hand, but it's true.

felixdacat13 · October 2001

I just picked up my new LE V4 (I leased) and the only thing
that annoys me is that when I shift into Drive, the doors automatically lock. I dont have my book yet (long story with mixup at dealership
getting it today), but is there a way to stop this behavior. I just
came off a 97 maxima lease and it never did this. I have 2 small
children and I keep going around to let them out and the doors
are locked--I have to remember to unlock them all.

Thanks sandy

p.s. I got a lease for $310/month first months and TTT at signing.
for LE pkg 2.

coolguyky7 · October 2001

I heard on an earlier post that the dealer can reprogram the car's computer that controls that.

cliffy1 · October 2001

Keep in mind that my job is now in the finance office and not on the lot, but from what I have seen, I don't think the 2002 was decontented at all, unless you count the lack of an ashtray. The '97 was clearly decontented from the 96, but Toyota seems to have avoided this. In fact, the 2002 seems to have more of everything. From better seat adjustments to more trunk space, more powerful engine (in the 4) and new air bags, I can't think of a way the 2002 is anything less than the 2001.

Once you get into the XLE and SE V6, the superiority is even more pronounced when it comes to equipment. The side air bags are now full curtains, the VSC is a leap forward from traction control and the navigation system is very new.

If any body else can find evidence of decontenting, I'd like to hear about it.

canadiancl · October 2001

I thought that as soon as you put the transmission in "Park", the doors will automatically unlock.

c0ke · October 2001

there are four modes for the door locking if you include "no automatic locking" (think I got this right). You might want to take a look at a manual and those modes to decide which you want since your car was delivered with the default setting.

But you can program this yourself or most likely your salesperson would do it if you didn't get the manual today. If you still need the info I could post it if that is appropriate for this forum. (or otherwise I could email it.)

mackabee · October 2001

First I would like to thank the member that posted the "shudder" problem and the link to the USA TODAY article that mentioned it and the fix. I sold a V6 XLE to an old Navy buddy of mine and his wife back in August, so it was one of the first of the assembly line. The next day she called me to complain about the transmission, she couldn't describe the problem but insisted it wasn't right, other than that she was "madly in love with the car" as she put it. And it is a beautiful car, XLE loaded, Catalina blue. I told her to bring it to the service department to have it checked out and of course they could not find anything wrong with the car. A week went by and she called me again, she brought the car back in and again they could not find a problem with it. Her husband was in this week and I happened to be off and I got a call at home. I called his wife and she was furious, she was ready to call an attorney and was threathening to take the car back and make us give her another one. I remembered the link and got on the computer and had her read the paragraph where Mr. Healey described the anomaly and the fix. I told her to print the article out, call Toyota customer service in Torrence Ca. She did and they did acknowledge the problem and that there was a TSB out for the fix. Next day she brought the car in along with the article and a case number from Toyota Motor Sales. While her ECM was being "re-flashed" she sat at my desk thanking me for getting her the information. "Don't thank me, thank the guy at edmunds that posted the problem and the link to it. Otherwise I would have never heard about it." So thanks again, I have a very happy customer, and while she was there she "eyed" a red Celica that she is buying for her husband as a Christmas present to replace the old 84 with 300,000 miles on it.

: )

Mackabee

mackabee · October 2001

The 4th generation Camry was very decontented, this 5th generation is not. It is a high quality car with lots of standard features and attention to detail. The door locks have 4 programmable modes, so that any customer can find a happy medium with them if they don't want theirs to lock after putting the car in gear. The procedure is in the owner's manual if you want to change the factory default mode. 5 speed Le's are available in the CAT region. 4cyl XLE's have been hitting the stores for about a week and a half now, both cloth interior and factory leather. I think this 4cyl XLE is going to be a big seller. Got our first 5spd 4cyl SE this week. Took it out for a test drive tonight, what a car! If you are a manual tranny fan, this is the car for you. Had the moonroof package with the JBL/6DISC changer, and alloys for under 23k MSRP.

: )

Mackabee

fredvh · October 2001

Thanks for all your useful information in previous posts. I am considering a new car also but will probably delay my purchase until spring of 2002. Has there been any decontenting on the 2002 Camry? It seems in the past a lot of manufacturers seem to be making little things in their latest cars a little cheaper with each new model. I hope that is not true with the new cars from Toyota (Camry) or Lexus (ES300). What is your opinion on this question? Thanks in advance for your response.

cliffy1 and mackabee- Thanks for your information

ahossa · October 2001

When the 4 cyl Se automatic will be in the New York Region? What's CAT Region (CENTRAL ATLANTIC?)

wanna2002 · October 2001

It seems the transmission "shudder" you refer to is different than the "thunk" discussed earlier, which occurs at initial startup and engaging of the car? It was posted that this "thunk" that I experience in my XLE V6 is normal due to VSC (as referred to in the manual). I just wanted to clarify the shudder and thunk are different and that I don't need to ask for a "reflash" due to the thunk... right? Thanks!

felixdacat13 · October 2001

I went to the service dept to ask about this and they told me nothing could be done.
Then I read your replies, got the manual out, and saw that I need to use my remote
to change it. Wonderful! Glad I am not stuck with lock mode. and even have my choice
of 3 other modes.

My next issue. I was driving home from the store with groceries in the front passenger
seat and the light for the passenger fasten seat belt went on. I maybe had a couple
of lb's at most (some juice and cookies along with my purse). Is this normal?

Sandy

canc · October 2001

is one of the first cars I've sat comfortably in that happens to have a sunroof. I'm 6'5", and a sunroof usually cramps my headroom. I tried out one today though and didn't realize at first the car had a sunroof, since the fabric "door" was pulled.

dvd9 · October 2001

I noticed the the pipe connecting engine to the muffler on the 2002 Camry LE are really closed to the ground. I think the pipe was about 2 or 3 inches away from the underside and about 3 inches to the ground. I saw similar problem in the old Camrys. Is this a Problem??? or is there a bracket missing somewhere!!!

According to Toyota 2002 Camry has a ground clearance of 5.4 in. I think ground clearance should be measured from the ground to the lowest point in the underside of the car. In the case of new Camry it should be the pipe.

sebring95 · October 2001

I agree that it seems low. However, all my prior V6 Camrys were the same and it never came into play as a problem. I even lived out a severely rough gravel road for a couple years and never had a problem with the muffler being damaged. I'm not easy on a vehicle by any stretch of the imagination.

jrct9454 · October 2001

Yes, Sandy, you put something on the front seat, and it will interpret that someone is sitting there. And my guess is the bag and purse together weighed more than "a couple of pounds"...but in any case, the car is doing what it was designed to do.

coolguyky7 · October 2001

What do you know about the 2003 Corolla as in production dates, launch etc?

maxamillion1 · October 2001

I have a question, why are Camry SEI4 5 speeds not available in my region. Spartanburg, South Carolina. I really want to try one out, but they are no where to be found. The local dealers just said they don't have them in my area, I thought that was kind of wierd. I went and looked at a few last night. All of them looked nice, and their was an LE I4 that kind of caught my eye. It was Aspen Green with taupe interior. Might just buy one soon, I am tried of waiting.

Gas prices sure are cheap around here, we can get regular gasoline for 93 cents and midgrade for a $1.05

fickle · October 2001

I don't mean to continue talking about this "thunk" but my thunk is not from the VSC or traction control since I don't have either on my SE. It's from the radio/CD and speakers. I've been told it's just the electronics being slower than the engine when I turn the car off. To remedy the problem, I need to turn off the radio/CD before the car.

stoner1011 · October 2001

Hi, my parents have a 2000 V6. When I was driving it the other day, I noticed a higher pitched, whirring sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound gets louder the faster the engine is turning. It's not a very loud sound...with the stereo on you can't hear it. With the stereo off, it's fairly noticeable.

So I took it into the dealer to have a look. First they tried to get rid of me by telling me it was just the tires (???), but eventually I got the service manager to come out for a drive. He heard the noise, and told me that it's just the alternator working and that the V6's all do this.

Has anyone else noticed this on a 1996-2001 V6? I don't drive this car too often, but I am almost certain that it didn't always make this sound. Again, it's a whirring sort of sound, at a higher pitch than the normal engine noise.
Thanks

cliffy1 · October 2001

Actually, just about every Camry, Sienna and Avalon has the same noise and it is not limited to the V6. For some reason, Toyota just has loud alternators. Some people don't notice it, but at a drive through, you can really notice it. Its just a Toyota quirk and does not indicate a problem. If in doubt, go drive a new one and you'll see what I mean.

210delray · October 2001

So, that whine is from the alternator, not the engine itself? I have a '97 4-cylinder, now with 76K miles, and thought the "sewing machine" sound was a characteristic of the engine.

ahossa · October 2001

Does the all new 02 Camry has this problem or sound?

canadiancl · October 2001

How far back was that post you referred to regarding the shudder problem, with the link to USA Today? There have been quite a few posts recently about the "thunk" but I could find anything on the shudder.

Thanks.

ahossa · October 2001

I did not set up a link.James Healy column appears on USAToday.com every Friday.On that day you can read is past reviews.I have tried every other day to access that column and I could find it. However,you can post a fax number and i can fax you a copy of his report.I kept a hard copy.

cliffy1 · October 2001

I honestly haven't driven enough of the 2002 Camrys to know. The alternator whine is a common Toyota trait and not what I would call a "problem." I assume the 2002 is the same as every other one we've sold, but you know what happens when I assume something.

fickle · October 2001

If you go to www.usatoday.com and click on Money, you will find the latest auto review. Click on that and in the article, you will find a link to past car reviews. The Camry one should still be there.

ahossa · October 2001

If I purchase an 02Camry se 4 cyl auto in Maryland, will there be a problem with the warranty? Say something is not working right, Will i Have problems getting it fixed in NYC.Thank youu very much for your answer. I remember your name in the Highlander site last year along with Dianne from California. Whatever happened to her? Did she move on to bigger, better things.

jrct9454 · October 2001

Cliff can have his say in his own time, but in the meantime, a reminder that warranty work should always be welcome at a well-run dealership. Most of the time, the sales and service depts are separate profit centers, and beyond the occasional warranty audits to be sure a dealer is not abusing the system, work is work. Buy the car where you want and have it serviced where you want. If things are really busy, some dealers will ration loaners or, rarely, appointments, giving preference to its own customers...but that is the rare exception. I've never, never, had trouble getting a car serviced at a dealer different from the selling shop.

joel2468 · October 2001

I've seen quite a few of the new 2002 Camrys on the road. They are a nice looking car, very similar to my 2001 Avalon. One thing I have noticed is that the exhuast system is NOT neatly tucked up underneath the car. It appears to have a bend in it, just like on pre-2001 model Camrys. This lowers overall ground clearance, and contributes to wind noise. This is different from the Avalon (things seem to be fairly flat, nicely tucked up). Anyone have any opinions why Toyota does this? I have seen it mentioned in some car reviews in the past, and Toyota (seemed to) fix this in the 2001 model. It does not appear to be a problem on Hondas, Subarus, Mazdas, etc. Just wondering.

canadiancl · October 2001

I managed to follow fickle's instruction. Thanks for your offer though. And thank you to fickle too.

camryv6 · October 2001

Does any one think that the 2000-2001 camrys are better looking then the 2002 camry? I think the 2000-2001 has nicer exterior styling but the 2002 has nicer interior styling.

canadiancl · October 2001

Just as joel said, I've wondered about why the exhaust has to dip like that.

canadiancl · October 2001

I like the tail lights of the 2001 model.

felixdacat13 · October 2001

My purse only contains a wallet and the bag in question had
some pills (tylenol) and a 1/2 gallon of milk. The same package
on my old maxima did not turn the fasten seat belt light on.
It seem light the camry is extra sensitive

Sandy

cliffy1 · October 2001

Toyota's warranties are nationwide. The caveat here is that some dealers are better than others in diagnosing and processing warranty claims. In questionable situations, the dealer you bought it from is more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt. This doesn't mean you can't get good service elsewhere, but it does mean you should check out the whole store before you buy and before you service.

I'll give you a real world example. I sold a Sienna to a customer and he called me three months later with a big problem. His shock mounting bracket had broken and his rear shock was dragging on the ground. The van could not be driven and was towed into our shop, even though it happened in MD and we are in VA.

When my service director looked at it, there was clear evidence that he had hit something to cause this. I could see the impact point on the shock mount and there was body damage behind the rear wheel. After a few words to the director about the customer, he simply processed a warranty claim without even interviewing the customer. I sincerely doubt things would have gone so smoothly at another dealer.

If you purchase out of region, I strongly reccomends taking it to your local dealership for routine maintenance. Develop a history and relationship with them. You may even try a few different dealers to see who seems to give the best service. This way, you will have a history with them if you ever need a favor. This is easier to do if you service at the selling dealership, but this can be done later as well.

coolguyky7 · October 2001

the 2001 and 2002 Camrys have the neatest tail lights at night. The 2001 has these splotches of red light that are really neat. The 2002 tail lights produce this thick creamy-like light hat looks so neat and defined at night.

jimxo · October 2001

Any dealer that fix's your car makes money. If you pay or the manufacture pays. They are doing themselves a favor while doing you one as well.

cliffy1 · October 2001

The warranty doesn't pay as much as COD. With warranty repairs, the parts are billed out at cost. On COD repairs, the parts are sold at retail.

Oop. COD means cash on delivery.

andrelaplume · October 2001

Your thoughts on lease for the $19,700 2002 Camry LE, 4cylinder w/alloys, mats....what could I have leased it for over 36 months? See #3560 for details.

c0ke · October 2001

that bag! Can you imagine the mess you would have if you slammed on the brakes and that milk went all over.

Sorry, couldn't resist. :-)

Toyota Camry 2006 and earlier

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