2002 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE

Now in its fifth generation, the new Camry is a roomier, quieter, safer, more powerful vehicle
with more standard equipment and sharper handling. It also gets a brand-new, 2.4-litre four-
cylinder engine that can be paired with a five-speed manual or new four-speed automatic
transmission. The 3.0-liter V-6 is still available, and there is a sporty new SE version with a
firmer suspension and 16-inch wheels.

By substantially reducing the cost to develop the successor to the best selling car in North
America, Toyota was able to add more equipment and still hold the line on prices. With the US
market absorbing the production of Toyotas Kentucky plant, Camrys sold in Canada are built in
Japan.

Roomy interior

The cabin is easy to enter and exit and roomier than in the previous generation. The wheelbase
has been lengthened 5 cm, and there 4 cm more rear legroom, 2 cm more headroom and a 2-cm
gain in width for front passengers. The front seats are very comfortable and though the driving
position is very good, it takes a bit more time to settle in than in the older Camrys. A telescoping
steering column would be a help in this respect. For tall people, headroom is still a bit tight with
the sunroof. The heated seats warm up quickly but have only one temperature.

The rear bench provides comfortable seating for two adults, and its 60/40 split seatback folds to
provide access to a very roomy trunk. The trunk hinges are recessed to prevent them from
squashing anything placed underneath.

Finish is excellent. We could hear the creaking typical of leather seats and trim in cold
temperatures. Such creaking usually disappears as the cabin warms up, and with the Camrys fast
heating system, it doesnt take very long. Once the interior is heated the system sends cooler air
to the windshield, which eventually feels chilly at shoulder level and gets uncomfortable after a
while.

Sound insulation is good but wind and some road noise can be bothersomenot the case for the
turn signals, however, which are almost inaudible.

Instruments and controls are well designed but two points need improvement. First, only the
drivers power window control is lit at night, and second, the numeric dashboard display is hard
to read on sunny days.

There is an abundance of storage spaces including a cavernous dual-level centre console and
pockets in all the doors and on the front seatbacks. The roomy glove compartment does not have
a light.

Safety features include dual front air bags, good headlights, big mirrors, and reasonably high,
locking front head restraints. In a less positive vein, the rear head restraints are too low, three-
quarter and rear visibility is limited and distances are hard to gauge when backing up. Side air
bags and air curtains are available only on the XLE.
On the road

The 3.0-litre V-6 develops 192 horsepower, 2 hp less than before, and 209 pound-feet of torque,
providing easy, authoritative acceleration. The engine runs smoothly and is quiet in all but hard
acceleration. The engine meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle standards but is a bit less fuel-
efficient than Toyota claims.

The new 2.4-litre four-cylinder develops 157 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque for brisk
acceleration and pickup. Performance is good enough to suggest reserving the V-6 for people
who haul heavy loads. A bit noisy in hard acceleration, this four cylinder is very well adapted to
the vehicle and meets the same ULEV standard as the V-6.

The new four-speed automatic transmission usually shifts very smoothly but you can sometimes
feel it change from first to second when accelerating normally. An electronic logic feature
reduces shifting between third and fourth on the way up a steep hill.

Suspension tuning is one of the new Camrys most interesting features. Firmer (or less
compliant, depending on the point of view) than before, the suspension provides a very smooth
ride on all types of pavement. There is a hint of firmness on some bumps but not to the point of
harshness. The firmly supple tuning holds up well in turns as well, providing very satisfactory
road holding that makes the Camry more pleasant to drive. For handling approaching the sports
sedan level, the SE version is more appropriate.

The well-weighted power steering is stable, precise and relatively quick, with a short turning
circle. Like the suspension, the steering system even provides a bit of road feel. Braking is
powerful and fade resistant.

At the CAA-Quebec Technical Verification Centre, the Camry got high marks for assembly and
attention to detail, such as carefully sealed joints, backing plates to shield the brake discs, and
cover guards for the wiring in the engine compartment.

Conclusion

Roomier and more generously equipped, attractively priced and even more fun to drive, the new
Camry should remain one of North Americas best selling cars. Safety-wise, however, Toyota
should make side air bags and air curtains available as options on the LE and SE versions as
well.

HIGHS LOWS
Comfort Perfectible soundproofing
Lively engines Non illuminated controls
Roominess Hard-to-read display figures
Big trunk Three-quarter rear visibility
Generous storage Inaudible turn signals
Roadability Side air bags and curtains on XLE only
 2002 TOYOTA CAMRY

Engine: 16-valve, 2.4-litre 4 cyl.; 24-valve, Horsepower: 157 h.p. @ 5,600 rpm; 192 h.p.
3.0-litre V-6 @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 163 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm; Transmission: 5-speed manual;
209 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm 4-speed automatic.
Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc (LE: rear drum)
Length: 480.5cm Width: 179.5 cm
Height: 149 cm Wheelbase: 272 cm
Weight: 1,435 - 1,545 kg Tires: P205/65R15; P215/60R16
Towing capacity: 907 kg Air bags: standard (side air bags and air
curtains: XLE)

Fuel consumption with automatic transmission and V-6 engine:

Transport Canada rating: city: 11.6 L/100 km (24 mpg); highway: 7.7 L/100 km (37 mpg)
Test result: 12 L/100 km (24 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h : 8.2 seconds 60-100 km/h : 5.5 seconds

Competition: Buick Century and Regal, Chrysler Sebring and Intrepid, Ford Taurus, Honda
Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima and Maxima, Oldsmobile
Intrigue, Pontiac Grand Prix, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat.

Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer):

Frequency: 6 months/8,000 km; total to 100,000 km: $1,319

Warranty:
Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000
Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage
Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km
(catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device)

Factory replacement parts:

Rear bumper: $561 Front brake disk: $95
Brake pads: $68 Muffler: $165
Front fender: $247

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free

insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $862-$926
Price according to trim line:
LE: $23,755 LE V-6: $26,995
XLE: $30,440 SE: $30,715
XLE V-6: $32,570

Main options:
Automatic transmission: $1,045 Option packages: $590-$4,225

Price as tested: $37,290

Freight and preparation: $1,095

Dealers: Quebec: 71; Canada: 251

CAA-Quebec, January 2002