Toyota knows how to build quiet cars that with a comfortable ride quality. Toyota's Lexus division has excelled in this area and this expertise appears to have worked its way into the Camry. Not only is the engine quieter, but it is mounted to the body in a new way to lessen vibration. There is more sound deadening, so that even when the four-cylinder engine is driven hard the engine noise is quite subdued.
Other Lexus-type touches are the air conditioning controls that are electronic rather than mechanical giving a smooth tactile feel when operated. On the SE and LE models these large knobs are mounted in a prominent position in the center of the dashboard. Unlike some cars, the Camry's dashboard is relatively plain with no large curved surfaces and it is set relatively high. Although it blends nicely into the door panel trim, the cover for the passenger-side airbag is surprisingly noticeable as the seams show clearly. Many other car manufacturers have managed to make the passenger-side airbag invisible. The instruments are located in a relatively small pod right in front of the steering wheel with large half moon tachometer and matching speedometer. The fuel and temperature gauges are located within the two larger instruments.
Lights and windshield wiper/washer controls are on stalks on the steering column, leaving the left lower edge of the dash free of switches. Radio and climate controls are mounted high in the center of the dash. Manual controls suffice for LE and SE models. XLE trim gets automatic climate control, upgraded sound system controls. A navigational system is an option on the XLE. A wide center console separates the two front bucket seats and contains useful storage areas. The parking brake on the LE and SE is also located in the center console whereas the XLE gets a foot-operated parking brake.
Rear-seat passengers will find the accommodation to be quite pleasant for a mid-size passenger car. Head- and legroom have increased compared to the previous Camry. The rear seat splits 60/40 allowing pass through for large objects in the trunk, although the actual opening is smaller than it might be. The trunk itself is a decent size and shape. Although the gooseneck hinges take away valuable space in the trunk, at least they are hidden under a cover eliminating the chance of contents being damaged when the lid is closed.
Transparent. That one word sums up the driving experience in the Camry. It's a compliment as it means there is nothing untoward or strange about the car -- it does everything just right. An enthusiast driver would complain that it lacks character, but for the average driver that's a positive comment as it means he or she does not have to think about what's going on.
More than two-thirds of all Camrys sold will come with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. It is inexpensive and fuel-efficient and provides plenty of power. Computer logic controls the automatic transmission; the car can tell when it is going up hill or down hill and shifts gears accordingly. It can hold a lower gear longer when necessary to avoid the annoying shifting up and down that occurs in some automatics.
The ride is pleasant. In fact, it's merging on luxurious, with enough cushioning to make passengers feel comfortable. The steering is light but not sloppy. Those who like a sportier, more precise handling will notice that the different suspension setup and tires on the SE do make the car feel crisper, though it's still far from being a sports sedan.
You'd never know from driving the car, but the gas pedal is a drive-by-wire affair. That means it is not connected directly to the engine by a cable; instead, it reacts through a sensor connected to a computer -- just as in modern airplanes. One advantage of this arrangement is that the optional Vehicle Skid Control system can take over control of the throttle in an emergency and apply just the right amount of braking and throttle to help keep the vehicle on a more stable path.
Trim levels are nearly the same as last year: LE 5-speed manual ($18,970); LE 4-speed automatic ($19,800); SE 5-speed manual ($20,310); SE 4-speed automatic ($21,140); XLE 4-speed automatic ($22,295) LE V6 4-speed automatic ($22,260); SE V6 4-speed automatic ($23,700); XLE V6 4-speed automatic ($25,405). (Gone is the low-priced CE.)
LE was always the most popular model. This year, it comes with a lot more standard equipment, including air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, 60/40 split rear seat and vanity mirrors.
However, Toyota hopes that more people will be interested in the luxuriously appointed XLE as it is not such a jump up in price from the LE as before. XLE adds luxury appointments such as wood grain trim, power driver and passenger seats, automatic air conditioning, alarm system, keyless entry, cargo net, and rear-window sunshade.
SE is a new model, a sportier version of the LE with added equipment such as fog lights, stiffer suspension, bigger wheels and tires, rear spoiler and sportier trim inside and out.
Each of the three models can be had with a newly redesigned four-cylinder or V6 engine. Manual transmission is only available on the LE and SE four-cylinder models.
The list of option packages is quite long, enabling buyers to order a Camry to suit taste and budget. Side airbags are available as an option on the LE and SE, but are standard on the XLE.
(Note: The 2002 Camry Solara coupe/convertible is still based on the old Camry platform even though it has a few small cosmetic changes to make it look more like the new Camry sedan.)