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2003 Toyota Camry Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Toyota Camry Review:
2003 Toyota Camry Review
One of America's best-selling midsize sedans adds optional power-adjustable pedals as its main 2003 change. Camry comes in base LE, uplevel XLE, and sporty SE trim. All offer a 2.4-liter 4-cyl engine and optional 3.0-liter V6. The 4-cyl LE and SE have standard manual transmission. Automatic transmission is optional for those models and standard on the 4-cyl XLE and all V6 models. V6 SE and all XLE models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes; ABS is optional for other Camrys. Also optional on all models are front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags, which can be combined with an available antiskid system on V6 models. The power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals are available only with automatic transmission as a $120 option. Other options include a navigation system with dashboard touch screen. Camry's SE model includes a firmer suspension and special trim. LE models join other Camrys with standard remote keyless entry and, at midyear, a power driver seat. LEs have 15-inch wheels, other models have 16s. The ES 300 from Toyota's luxury Lexus division shares Camry's basic design.
Competition
Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Camry was new last year and Accord holds that honor this year.
Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, sporty Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus twins, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. Despite relatively high prices, the refined Volkswagen Passat is also Recommended. Sedan and wagon models are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and four-, six-, or class-exclusive eight-cylinder power. Budget-level interior materials and assembly disappointments aside, the Nissan Altima is Recommended for its impressive interior room, road manners, and reasonable price.
Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, sporty Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus twins, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. Despite relatively high prices, the refined Volkswagen Passat is also Recommended. Sedan and wagon models are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and four-, six-, or class-exclusive eight-cylinder power. Budget-level interior materials and assembly disappointments aside, the Nissan Altima is Recommended for its impressive interior room, road manners, and reasonable price.
News
Camry posted an 11.2-percent year-to-year sales gain in 2002 to reclaim title America's most popular car line, ousting 2001 winner Honda Accord. The related 2-dr Solaras remain peripheral sellers, so credit the sedan's '02 redesign for winning the always hard-fought sales race. Solara will be catching up with its own makeover as an early 2004 debut.
The 4-dr Camry is only in its second season, so another redesign is still 4-5 years off if Toyota adheres to its usual "product cycle." However, the Japanese giant recently announced plans to offer more gas/electric models, and a Camry could be one of them. Indeed, a hybrid-power option is being whispered for 2005 as part of a mid-cycle update that should see moderate styling and features changes for all Camry sedans. We'd wager that V6 models will soon switch to the 3.3-liter engine introduced with the new Lexus RX330--perhaps as early as model-year '04.
The 4-dr Camry is only in its second season, so another redesign is still 4-5 years off if Toyota adheres to its usual "product cycle." However, the Japanese giant recently announced plans to offer more gas/electric models, and a Camry could be one of them. Indeed, a hybrid-power option is being whispered for 2005 as part of a mid-cycle update that should see moderate styling and features changes for all Camry sedans. We'd wager that V6 models will soon switch to the 3.3-liter engine introduced with the new Lexus RX330--perhaps as early as model-year '04.
2003 Toyota Camry Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (V6) | Navigation-system controls |
| Ride | |
| Quietness | |
| Build quality | |
| Interior storage space | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Top-of-class refinement. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but 4-cyl engine is almost as smooth and quiet as the V6.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Spacious. Comfortable bucket seats offer good range of adjustments, especially in XLE. Drivers sit relatively high, but styling impedes aft visibility somewhat.
| 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)
More than class-competitive. Ample head and knee space outboard. Enough room for a middle rider on short trips. Easy entry/exit.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 72 |
2003 Toyota Camry Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/18/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $19,045 | $17,043 | $485 |
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| LE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $19,875 | $17,786 | $485 |
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| LE V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $22,260 | $19,810 | $485 |
|
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| SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, manual | $19,875 | $17,687 | $485 |
|
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| SE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $20,705 | $18,427 | $485 |
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| SE V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $23,265 | $20,704 | $485 |
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| XLE 4-cylinder 4-door sedan, automatic | $22,295 | $19,840 | $485 |
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| XLE V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $25,405 | $22,610 | $485 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LE
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (V6), daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, variable-assist power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, overhead console, outside-temperature indicator, visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid release, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Full-size spare tire, 205/65R15 tires, wheel covers (4-cylinder), alloy wheels (V6).
SE adds to LE:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (V6).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, sport suspension, 215/60R16 tires, alloy wheels (V6).
XLE adds to LE:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated power mirrors, power passenger seat, driver-side lumbar adjustment, automatic climate control, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 215/60R16 tires, alloy wheels (V6).
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Plus Pkg. B
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|
LE
|
$1,480
|
$1,160
|
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SE
|
$580
|
$440
|
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AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof (LE), sunshade, cargo net.
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VSC and Side Airbag Pkg.
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LE V6, SE V6, XLE V6
|
$1,150
|
$950
|
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Antiskid system, brake assist, front side airbags, curtain side airbags.
|
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SE Premium Pkg.
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SE
|
$1,630
|
$1,280
|
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Convenience Plus Pkg. B plus leather upholstery.
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SE Navigation Pkg.
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SE V6
|
$3,260
|
$2,688
|
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Leather upholstery, navigation system, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, sunshade, cargo net.
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XLE Premium Pkg.
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XLE 4-cylinder
|
$1,630
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$1,304
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XLE V6
|
$1,220
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$976
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Leather upholstery, alloy wheels (4-cylinder).
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XLE Premium Plus Pkg.
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XLE 4-cylinder
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$2,530
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$2,024
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XLE V6
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$2,120
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$1,696
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XLE Premium Pkg. plus power sunroof.
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XLE Navigation Pkg.
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XLE V6
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$2,850
|
$2,373
|
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Leather upholstery, navigation system, upgraded JBL sound system.
|
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Safety |
||
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Antilock brakes
|
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LE/SE 4-cylinder
|
$300
|
$258
|
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Front side airbags/curtain side airbags
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LE, SE, XLE
|
$500
|
$430
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power sunroof
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LE, SE, XLE
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$900
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$720
|
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Power-adjustable pedals
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automatics
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$120
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$96
|
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Heated front seats
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SE V6, XLE
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$315
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$252
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SE requires SE Premium Pkg. or SE Navigation Pkg. XLE requires XLE Premium or XLE Premium Plus Pkg.
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Rear spoiler
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LE, SE, XLE
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$435
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$349
|
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Alloy wheels
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SE/XLE 4-cylinder
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$410
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$328
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2003 Toyota Camry Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota Camry 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3086 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 3.0 /183 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 157 @ 5600 | 192 @ 5300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 162 @ 4000 | 209 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 23/33 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | 23/32 | 20/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota Camry 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | 8/100,000 on Prius hybrid-related components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | 3/36,000 on Prius. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | First three visits free up to 30 mos/37,500 miles on Prius. |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Toyota Camry Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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