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2002-2006 Toyota Camry
Date Published: 2/20/08

2002-2006 Toyota Camry
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Price Range:
$8,800 - 17,500

Class:
Midsize Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2002-2006 Toyota Camry
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Toyota Camry SE V6 w/automatic transmission Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 7
Steering/Handling/Braking 6
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 10
Interior Room 8
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 9
Total Score: 69
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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2002-2006 Toyota Camry Review
Toyota redesigned one of America's best-selling cars for 2002. The popular Camry got new styling, as well as a 2-inch longer wheelbase than its 1997-2001 predecessor. Slightly taller and longer overall, the front-drive midsize sedan was only a little heavier. Base LE, uplevel XLE, and sporty new SE models were offered. Standard was a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with 21 more horsepower than the 2.2-liter that it replaced. A V6 was available on all models. All V6 sedans and the four cylinder XLE had a standard automatic transmission and antilock braking; both of those items were optional on other Camrys. New options included front torso side airbags, and curtain-style airbags; V6 models could combine those safety features with a newly available antiskid system. Also new was an optional navigation system, with dashboard touch screen. Standard LE equipment included air conditioning, air filtration, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, a cassette/CD stereo, cloth upholstery, and 15-inch wheels. The SE sedan got a firmer suspension with 16-inch tires, fog lamps, rear spoiler, and special trim. Moving up to an XLE brought heated power mirrors, power front seats, automatic climate control, and a rear sunshade. The ES 300 from Toyota's luxury Lexus division shared the Camry's basic new design. Rivals included the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Taurus.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Toyota Camry/Solara: Power-adjustable pedals were newly optional on sedans with an automatic transmission. Fog lamps became standard on the XLE model, while the LE gained standard remote keyless entry.
2004 Toyota Camry/Solara: In 2004, the 3.0-liter V6 available in the LE and XLE gains 18 hp, making it get 210-hp. Now available in the SE is a 3.3-liter 225-hp V6. Both mate to a new 5-speed automatic transmission this year.
2005 Toyota Camry/Solara: Antilock brakes are standard on all models of this popular midsize sedan for 2005, and 4-cyl versions get a new transmission. V6s come with a 5-speed automatic, which for '05 replaces a 4-speed automatic as optional for 4-cyl models. All Camrys include ABS. It had been optional on Standard models and on the 4-cyl LE and SE, though the 4-cyl LE retains rear drum brakes, while other Camrys have 4-wheel discs. The '05 Camrys get minor changes inside and out, including standard steering-wheel audio controls and a rear center headrest. SEs come with a specific new grille and a firmer suspension. Satellite radio joins an options list that also includes a navigation system and, for automatic-transmission models except the Standard, power-adjustable pedals. Leather upholstery is optional for SEs and 4-cyl XLEs, and newly standard for V6 XLEs.
2006 Toyota Camry/Solara: There were no changes for the 2006 Camry.
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