The Camry has been one of America's favorite cars for several years and the 2002 Toyota Camry promises to continue the trend. The Camry successfully gives the American family what it wants in a family sedan: a roomy interior, quality, reliability, and value. It comes in three different trim levels, each offering an optional V-6 engine. The V-6 models also get an optional Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) that corrects steering deviance.
The Range
Body Styles: sedan
Engines: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 3.0-liter V-6
Transmissions: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic
Models: Toyota Camry LE, Toyota Camry SE, Toyota Camry XLE
What's New
The redesigned 2002 Toyota Camry gets a larger interior, reduced road noise, more safety features, and a better drive and handling.
Exterior
According to Toyota Project Manager Dan Hargitt, the 2002 Toyota Camry has crisper, bolder, and upscale styling that shows “a move from sensible to sensual.” With that said, the 2002 Camry doesn't appear dramatically different from previous generations. It measures two inches longer than previous models, now with a 107.1-inch wheelbase and 189.2 inches overall. It features sharply styled headlights and an assertive grille. Sleek lines lead the eye to the rear integrated bumper embellished with taillights reminiscent of jewels.
Interior
By increasing the wheelbase by two inches, the 2002 Toyota Camry designers give it a roomier interior. Rear seats show a small increase in legroom and passenger hip points are higher. This makes the interior space and ride comfortable for four and acceptable for five. The driver's seat has enough movement to accommodate drivers of many heights. The standard 60/40-split rear seatback helps support the trunk volume which totals 16.7 cubic feet.
The standard LE starts out with electronic air-conditioning, programmable automatic door locks, power windows, and a full-size spare tire. It also gives you a four-spoke tilt steering wheel and a center console with a bi-level storage box. Move up to the XLE and you get the addition of power front seats, automatic climate control, keyless entry, an engine immobilizer and alarm system, and a rear sunshade. The SE represents the sportier sedan and features sport fabric upholstery, brushed chrome interior trim, and a leather-wrapped gearshift lever and sport gauges.
Performance & Handling
The 2002 Camry draws power from a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine which puts out 157 horsepower and pairs with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The three-liter V-6 offers 192 horsepower and pairs with the automatic. Acceleration in the 2002 Toyota Camry passes acceptable with the four-cylinder engine and remains almost as quiet with the V-6. Most owners seem perfectly satisfied with the four-cylinder as a result. Shifting feels smooth with the manual transmission. Owners enjoy a pleasant, comfortable, and energetic ride.
Safety
The 2002 Toyota Camry features upgraded safety features. Curtain-type airbags come standard on the XLE along with side-impact airbags for the front seats. Depending on crash conditions, front airbags deploy in three stages. Anti-lock brakes remain optional on the four-cylinder LE and SE sedans and come standard on the XLE and V-6 models.
EPA Fuel Economy
Toyota Camry LE: 21/30 mpg city/highway
Toyota Camry SE: 21/30 mpg city/highway
Toyota Camry XLE: 21/29 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Roomy interior
- Powerful engine
- Plentiful safety features
You Won't Like
- High-priced XLE
- Costly premium options
Sum Up
Increased interior space, a powerful base engine, and plenty of options to choose from if you can pay for them.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Audi A4
- Honda Accord
- Mazda 626
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan Maxima
- Saturn L-Series
- Subaru Legacy
- Volkswagen Passat
- Volvo S40