2004 Toyota Camry: Road Test
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2004 Toyota Camry ▼
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- MSRP: $18,045 -$25,405
- Invoice: $16,509 -$22,610
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota Camry includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota Camry from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota Camry, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota Camry help you decide if a 2004 Toyota Camry is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LE 4 cyl, man. | LE 4 cyl, auto. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 5.2 |
Most Camrys sold are 4-cyl models; test automatic LE took a class-competitive 9.2 sec 0-60, adequate for most situations. No chance to time '04 model with more-powerful 3.0, but it should be quicker than test '03 with 3.0, which did 8.3 sec 0-60. Test '04 SE with 3.3 V6 ran 7.0 sec 0-60 mph.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LE 4 cyl, man. | LE 4 cyl, auto. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Test 4-cyl automatic LE averaged 23.3 mpg. Last year's test 3.0/automatic models averaged 20.4-21.1; expect current 3.0 V6 to average about the same. Test SE with 3.3 V6 averaged 20.5 mpg. Toyota recommends regular-grade gas for the 4 cyl, premium for V6s.
RIDE QUALITY
| LE 4 cyl, man. | LE 4 cyl, auto. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Comfortably supple and absorbent in all models. Base 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. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Predictable, pleasant. Body lean apparent but not excessive in tight, fast turns. SE has slightly less lean, better stability, but lacks sports-sedan poise. Steering quick, precise, but could use better road feel. Strong, easily modulated brakes, but ABS should be standard on all models.
QUIETNESS
| LE 4 cyl, man. | LE 4 cyl, auto. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 5.8 |
Top-of-class refinement. Minor tire thrum on coarse pavement, but 4-cyl engine is almost as smooth and quiet as the V6s.
CONTROLS
| LE 4 cyl, man. | LE 4 cyl, auto. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6.4 |
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. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
Spacious. Comfortable bucket seats offer good range of adjustments, especially in XLE. Driver sits relatively high, but styling impedes aft visibility somewhat.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LE 4 cyl, man. | LE 4 cyl, auto. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
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. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
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. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 |
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, and available incentives and discounts can sweeten the deal.
Total Score
| LE 4 cyl, man. | LE 4 cyl, auto. | LE V6 | SE V6 w/nav. sys | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 71
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