2003 Toyota Camry: Road Test
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2003 Toyota Camry ▼
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- MSRP: $19,045 -$25,405
- Invoice: $17,043 -$22,610
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Camry includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Camry from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Camry, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Camry help you decide if a 2003 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
About 75 percent of Camry sales are 4-cyl models, and test automatic-transmission LE did 9.2 sec 0-60 mph. That's competitive with class rivals and adequate for most situations, aided by smooth, alert automatic transmission. V6 strong and responsive; test SE clocked 8.3 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test 4-cyl automatic LE averaged 23.3 mpg. Test V6 automatic models averaged 20.4-21.1. Toyota recommends regular-grade gas for the 4 cyl, premium for 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 | 6.3 |
Comfortably supple and absorbent in all models. Standard suspension suffers minor unwanted float over dips and swells; firmer SE provides better body control with no comfort penalty.
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 | 6.1 |
Predictable, pleasant. Body lean apparent but not excessive in tight, fast turns. SE has slightly less lean, better stability, but far from sports-sedan nimble. Steering quick, precise, but could use better road feel. Strong, easily modulated brakes, 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 | 5.5 |
Top-of-class refinement. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but 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 | 6.5 |
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 better legibility in certain light conditions, but must be powered open to access CD and tape slots, a nuisance. 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 | 5.9 |
Spacious. Comfortable bucket seats offer good range of adjustments, especially in XLE. Drivers sit relatively high, but styling impedes aft visibility somewhat.
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 | 4.4 |
More than class-competitive. Ample head and knee space outboard. 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 | 4.7 |
Camry boasts more trunk volume than many class rivals, but narrow aperture won'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 | 6.2 |
A must-see midsize, the latest Camry is an excellent all-around family sedan, offering near-Lexus levels of pace, space, and refinement, plus laudable safety features and Toyota's proven reliability and strong resale values. It's priced right too, but beware of dealer markups, as these cars are deservedly much in demand.
Total Score
| LE, 4 cyl man. | LE, 4 cyl auto. | SE, V6 auto. | XLE w/nav. sys., V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 70 | 72 | 70 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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