Toyota Camry Interior Review
The Toyota Camry has a comfortable interior with controls that are simple and easy to operate. Everything is laid out simply.
Radio and climate controls are mounted high in the center of the dash for easy access. Three big knobs mounted prominently in the center of the dashboard are used to manually control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning on SE and LE models. XLE models get automatic climate control with a smooth tactile feel that reminds us of Lexus, which set the modern standard. The stereo uses big buttons and knobs that are easy to operate, whether scanning for radio stations or moving between songs on a CD. A navigation system is available for the XLE. We found the audio quality poor on the LE's optional JBL system.
The instruments are located in a relatively small pod right in front of the steering wheel, with a 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.
Camry's dashboard is relatively plain, with no large curved surfaces, and it is set relatively high. The dash blends nicely into the door panels, but the cover for the passenger-side air bag is noticeable as the seams show clearly. Many other manufacturers have managed to make the passenger-side air bag invisible.
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 accommodations 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 long objects to pass through from the trunk, although the opening is smaller than it might be. The trunk itself is a decent size and shape. Gooseneck hinges steal valuable space, but are hidden under a cover, reducing the chance that they will damage trunk contents as the lid is closed.
Toyota Camry Road Test
Toyota knows how to build quiet cars with a comfortable ride. Toyota's Lexus division has excelled in this area and this expertise appears to have worked its way over to the Camry. Engines are quieter than in pre-2002 models, while an innovative engine mounting system further reduces vibration. Stiff body structure and asphalt sheet insulation assures that even when the four-cylinder engine is driven hard, engine noise is quite subdued.
This is an easy car to drive. There is nothing untoward or strange about the Camry; it does everything just right. An enthusiast driver would complain that it lacks character, but for the average driver that's a plus. No one driving a Camry has to think much about what's going on.
More than two-thirds of all Camrys are sold with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter inline-4 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 the transmission 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, verging on luxurious, with enough cushioning to make passengers feel comfortable. The steering is light but not sloppy. Those who like 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 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 activates a sensor connected to a computer, just like the controls in modern aircraft. One advantage of this arrangement is that the optional Vehicle Skid Control system can take over the throttle in an emergency and apply just the right amount of throttle and braking to keep the vehicle on a more stable path.
Toyota Camry Lineup
The Toyota Camry comes in three trim levels: LE, SE, XLE. Each comes with a choice of engines, a four-cylinder or a V6. Most models come standard with an automatic.
The basic four-cylinder LE has long been the most popular Camry. It retails for $18,970 with a five-speed manual transmission and $19,800 with a four-speed automatic. Either way, it comes with air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, power locks and remote keyless entry, a 60/40 split rear seat, and visor vanity mirrors.
SE is a sportier version of the LE. Higher-rate springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars contribute to crisper handling, along with higher-effort steering and bigger wheels and tires. Outside, black trim at the front end, a spoiler at the rear, and unique black pearl badging distinguish the SE. A three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and lots of bright trim add zing to the interior. SE lists for $20,310 with the manual gearbox, $21,140 with the automatic.
The cushiest Camry is the XLE, featuring luxury appointments such as wood-grain trim, power driver and passenger seats, automatic air conditioning, an alarm system, a cargo net, and a rear-window sunshade. Prices start at $22,295 and the automatic transmission is standard.
The Camry's four-cylinder engine is a 2.4-liter, 16-valve twin-overhead-cam unit rated 157 horsepower at 5600 rpm, and 162 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. But buyers can also choose a 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6. All-new last year, the V6 develops 192 horsepower at 5300 rpm, and 209 pounds-feet at 4400. Both engines are all aluminum for light weight.
The LE V6 lists for $22,260; the SE V6 for $23,700; and the XLE V6 for $25,405. V6 models are offered only with the four-speed automatic transmission.
Camry's list of option packages is amazingly long, enabling savvy buyers to order exactly the right Camry to suit their taste and budget. We highly recommend opting for anti-lock brakes (ABS), brake assist, and vehicle skid control, all of which can help you avoid a wreck. We also recommend the optional side-impact and curtain airbags to protect you in a crash. V6 Camrys and all XLE models come standard with four-wheel-disc brakes with anti-lock (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD), but skid control and the side-impact airbags are optional.
Toyota still builds the Camry Solara coupe and convertible based on the previous-generation (pre-2002) Camry sedan. Look for an all-new Solara to debut as 2004 model.