2002 Toyota Camry: Road Test
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2002 Toyota Camry ▼
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- MSRP: $18,970 -$25,405
- Invoice: $16,976 -$22,610
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Our road test for the 2002 Toyota Camry includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Toyota Camry from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Toyota Camry, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Toyota Camry help you decide if a 2002 Toyota Camry is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
About 75 percent of Camry sales are 4-cyl models, and a test 4-cyl LE with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 9.2 sec. On paper and on the road, that's competitive with class rivals and adequate for most any chore, aided by a smooth, alert automatic transmission. The V6 is strong and responsive, doing 0-60 in 8.3 sec in our tests.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test Camry 4-cyl LE with automatic transmission averaged 23.3 mpg. Test V6/automatic Camrys averaged 20.4-21.1 mpg. Both figures include a mix of city/freeway driving. Toyota recommends regular-grade gas for the 4 cyl, 91 octane for the V6.
RIDE QUALITY
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Comfortably supple and absorbent in all models. Standard suspension suffers minor unwanted float over dips and swells; more firmly damped SE provides better body control.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.8 |
Safe, predictable, pleasant. Body lean apparent in tight, fast turns, but not excessive. SE more confident, but not sporty. Quick, precise steering needs better road feel in all models. Brakes are strong, easily modulated, but be sure to get ABS.
QUIETNESS
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5.4 |
Top-of-class refinement. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but new 4-cyl engine is almost as smooth and quiet as the V6.
CONTROLS
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6.3 |
Simple and intuitive via a stylish dashboard that puts most everything up high and close. Optional navigation system easier to use than some, but requires effort to learn. Its screen tilts for viewing, but must be powered fully down to access CD and tape slots. Fine workmanship, materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 5.7 |
Spacious. Comfortable bucket seats with good range of adjustments, especially in XLE. Driver sits higher now; visibility improves.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
New Camrys feel slightly roomier than the old, with ample head and knee space outboard and enough room for a middle rider on short trips. Easy entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Redesign enlarges Camry trunk by 2.7 cu ft for better volume than in many rival sedans, but narrow opening can't swallow really bulky items. Ample, handy interior storage, particularly in front.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
Camry's redesign brings laudable new safety features and lifts comfort, convenience, and refinement to near-Lexus levels. Although all these cars still engage the head more than the heart, Toyota reliability and resale values are always tough to beat, and slightly lower 2002 retail prices make Camrys an even stronger value than before. Don't buy a midsize car without shopping this one.
Total Score
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 71 | 73 | 71 | 54.6 |
Total Score: 72
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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