Used 2002 Toyota Camry Consumer Reviews
It's a keeper
Our toyota camry was the first foreign? car to come into our household. it wont be the last. My husband is so impressed by the workmanship and reliability. The only negative was the tires that came on it new. They only lasted about 12,000 miles. Not enough for our sedate type of driving. We replaced them with michelins and have had no further problems.
Best Used Car Ever
I could not be more pleased with my purchase. It is very fun to drive, smooth and quiet. When I first drove it I couldn't believe the engine was running! It has great pick-up, tight handling, and very comfortable seats (front and rear). This is by far the best used car purchase I have ever made!
- XLE SedanMSRP: $3,50087 mi away
- XLE V6 SedanMSRP: $2,999161 mi away
- XLE SedanMSRP: $6,995188 mi away
Transmission problem
I put up 245000 miles on my previous 1987 Toyota Camry. I did not have any problems, except for regular wear and tear. On my 2002 model, at 119000 miles, It has developed transmission problem. It takes long time to change to higher gear and jerks. If you accelerate, it makes noise and slips. Speedo meter does not work. It stays most of the time at zero and suddenly shows the speed and goes back to zero. I changed sensor, but no use. It needs all the engine mounts to be changed.
More fo your money
I would highly recommend the 2002 Camry if you are in the market for a new car. When I first started looking at new cars a few months ago I was almost certain I would purchase the new Nissan Altima. Before I made my final decission I thought I should also test drive the Camry.It took me only a few moments to be glad I did. While the Altima is a fine car, the Camry is more spacious, quieter, smoother, more comfortable and has a much richer feel. This is the fist Toyota I have owned and I love it.
This car is great!!!!!!! From 2002-2004!
We just brought a 2002 Toyota Camry LE V6 not to long ago, and its great. The trunk is huge, interior is very comfortable, and the exterior is very stylish. I love my brand new Camry. Well, not really brand new, but you know what I mean.The interior is very quiet, the sound system is better than 2 home surroundsystems put together. No, it's not bose. Its JBL brand, 8 speakers in six places, and lots of other featues. This Camry hardly requires no maintanace, uses very little gas, much better than all the competetors, such as: Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Altima, Kia Amanti, Mit. Galant, Ford Tarus, and mostly the Chevy Malibu. We tested them all.
Sulfer Smell
I purchased a V6 2002 Camry LE. Every now and again I get this really bad sulfer smell. Has anyone else had this problem? I have taken it back several times but they can't seem to find anything wrong. If anyone has any information, please e-mail me at jstinfo@aol.com. Other than that and a rear defroster that works slooow.. the car rides great.
2002 ToyCam SE V6
I LOVE IT! Great vehicle overall. Great fuel economy, power, luxury, reliability, and a pleasure to drive.
goooooooooood
the best car i had ever seen
Toyota Crushes Honda/Nissan
Well! We love our Camry. Hands down the best in its class for the money. Few problems exterior paint and interior/exterior trim) all fixed by dealer. Unfortunately, it must be a QC problem at the US plant (Go For better appointments you will have to go to the Lexis ES300. But I will match it with my Camry head-to-head performance wise. You just pay more ($10,000 roughly) for the better standard features, options, interior styling and better service (free loaner cars). Anyway, for the money you cannot beat this family Sedan.
Once I Got Rid of the OEM Tires...
An excellent car from Toyota. I'm a Camry vet from '92 and '96 (skipping the horribly de-contented '97-'01 model), and after 18 months I am still in love with the car. Unfortunately, Toyota spoils the experience with inferior tires at the start - avoid the Bridgestone RE92's if you can. They lasted all of 30K miles. I now have Yokohamas and have an even quieter ride - and incredible wet and snow traction missing from the first 18 months. Another picky gripe is that the nav system is far too nannyish about not allowing the driver to use when in motion (although you can press touch-screen radio buttons to your heart's content at 80 mph).
18 years and still loving my 2002 toyota camera xl
my toyota camery is 18 years old.people ask me why I don't get another car . l tell them mine still looks and runs great we are together until one of us dies
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Don't buy it
It is extremely difficult to find a comfortable driving position. Blind spots are huge. You get neck strain trying to make sure there are no cars around you. Acceleration is slow and the wind plays with it like a kite. This is a car that is just no fun to drive. I feel very unsafe. It is very little car for much too much money. The controls are very difficult to get to. Don't buy it!!!!!!
Great purchase
I bought this vehicle brand new in 2002. It has been the best car. It currently has ~130,000 miles and I have had no major issues. We kept up on routine maintenance, replaced tires, and brakes and that's about it. It is so reliable, even in the snow. I've never seen a FWD vehicle do so good in bad weather. I feel like we have been extremely blessed to have such a good car. The radio in the SE is awesome and we have tons of room even with 3 kids, plus it looks great. My 10 year old tells me frequently how much she really likes my car...it will probably last 6 more yrs. so she can drive it! Hope she still likes it as well then!
Ugly but beautiful
I always thought the 02 Camrys were ugly as sin, but I don't care about that when I buy cars anyway. In every other way this car is absolutely superb. I'm at 112k miles with no significant problems. Only major expense so far was timing belt swap but that was a maintenance item not a repair. With the 4 cylinder engine the pickup is acceptable and the mileage is extremely good considering it is a pretty decent sized car. I'm going to go to about 200k on this one and then buy another new Camry - I suppose I'm due around 2011 or so. Engine light just went on last week and the code says its the catalytic - that will be a little expensive but can't complain at this mileage.
Not Worth The Money
The car ran....that's about it. After spending $4,000, I find out that it needed a new transmission and breaks all around, plus some additional repairs. So, long story short, have vehicles checked out by a reliable mechanic before purchasing, even if they are from a notable auto dealer.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Just won’ t die!!
We have a 2002 camry that just won’t stop. I want to trade it in but hard to justify since it still looks new with no major problems. It only has 215,000 on it!
A lot of Miles, still strong
Great car, I have over 256,000 miles on it and have had only one major problem to date, with a sensor. I now have a problem passing my states emissions bull, but other than that, its great. Sure, it's not a burner with the 4 cylinder engine, but I'm not expecting that. I'm most concerned about staying out of the garage, and I have. I put 40+ per year on a car, and I would greatly recommend this one.
2002 Toyota Camry
The car has been good until last year (2007) when I had to rebuild the transmission. Don't like the fact you can see the muffler hanging down - looks like its falling. Now springs and then struts went. Don't think I will be buying another Toyota. Should be able to get more than 6 years out of a transmission!
Amazing car
The first owner was my dads friend. with no care for his car. barely any oil changes or checkups gave it to us at 140,xxx. Had one accident already. and went through 3 more. 1 from the back, 1 in the front. got it fixed and kept on going the car died 4 months ago at 189,xxx but dont think yours will too since the car was in the last accident which caused it. so after we got it from him. we kept it in top condition and i know for a fact we could have pushed it to over 250k. so my opinion? its one tough s.o.b. i honestly recommend it.
better than expected
nice car,decent seats,smooth drive train,great on the highway.No complaints with the car so far,I purchased it with 7k on the odometer I've put 26k on it so far with 2 trips down south.The original bridgestones wore out after 20k miles and were replaced with an all season kelly VR- 225/55 series tire.This made it handle way better although the ride is not as soft as before.The black paint and alloys still looks good,JBL premium system sounds good and over all the car is wearing well.Window tinting and the fat tires give it an agressive stance,it also gets a lot of stares. Someday I'll add leather seats,it also looks great next to my black Highlander. (No more GMs for me)
Dollar for Dollar - World's Best!
You want speed? The car will do 130 mph all day, all night guaranteed by Toyota. You want quiet? Be careful because you might turn the ignition key while the engine is running because you CAN'T hear it. You want value? Just talk to any Toyota Camry owner. The reason it is so hard to find used Camrys is because nobody will trade it in for any reason. You want comfort? My own son parked cars for summers at a hotel and said: "They took the Lexus design and no car matches the Camry for interior comfort. Not at that price, anyway." I could rave all day but I asked a mechanic - "Which is better, Lexus 300 or Camry?" "They're the same car - I can't tell, the Camry is so good."
low cost E 320
Our third camry V6 XLE, A huge improvement over the 1992 model. The navigation system is great. Gentle ride to the point where you don't feel like you want to race this car. Roomy interior.
Oh what a feeling!
I have had my new 2002 Camry for two years now.I enjoy the stereo system, power seat, and smooth operation of the V6. This car is well built. It has personality style. The tranny and engine are smooth and well contolled. Drives great and is completely reliable. Also feel very safe due to the larger size of the car and being surrounded by airbags.
Excellent Car
Overall very pleased with my XLE V6. Especially glad I bought Navigation and upper side air bags. Forgot to have dealer exchange Bridgestone tires (which proved unsatisfactory) for Michelins. I replaced all 4 tires with Michelins at 12,000 miles after a blowout and repeated problems with hydroplaning at speeds above 50 mph.
I grin whenever I see it!
I've had my new Camry for 2 weeks, and I keep looking for excuses to go places in it. It's so smooth and quiet that my daughter-in-law was surprised when we started moving -- she didn't realize I'd started the engine! I think it's the most fun to drive of any car I've owned.
BEST FOR THE MONEY!
I noticed someone's comment about the fact that 2002 Camry does not have auto headlights. Well, its does, but not like before that wehen you open the driver side door, the lights go off. Now what happens is when you exit out of the car, about 30 sec later the lights will turn off automatically. So in fact they do!!!
"klonk" noise
When putting car in reverse and then going forward there is a "klonk" noise. Was told this was normal and nothing could be done to change it. It is very annoying and friends have asked what was causing the noise.
Dependable car
It is one of the best cars we have ever owned. LOVE the V6 interior very roomy. Like the seat control on drivers side. It allows my husband (who is 6 foot 5) fit in the car.
What's all the fuss about?
I don't get it. What makes this car so great? It is slower than anticipated, not great to look at, and the famed quality? Had the car back 3 times to get the moonroof fixed. Fit and finish? There is a gap inside the car, where the drivers side a-pillar meets the roof header that I could lose a ball point pen in. Reading the clock? Try doing it on a sunny day... I dare you.
2002 bad valve guides, expensive!
We bought this car new & expected to drive it 20 years. At about 100,000 miles valve guides are leaking oil and the estimate is $2,714.00 to fix it. Also front brakes are not that good for weight of car. We are considering selling it. We are really not happy with Toyota. They would not provide any compensation for an engine that should have had no major problems until at least 300,000 miles.
horrible and boring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just got the camry and it is horrible!!!!!! its back lights are ugly and big and the seats are the most unconfortable seats ever! the body is dullest eva and the interior is also dull. The controls are hard to reach and use!! the navigation system hides the radio forcing u to move the navi system to tune the radio!! the back seat is ok thats the only plus. their is no headroom. did i mention this car is ugly?
Boring
I would have bought a Camry, test drove one but got the Nissan Maxima GLE instead. I just stopped by this site to read Camry owner reviews. Boring reviews, no one is that excited about anything with the car. Must be a boring car to get boring reviews. Check the Maxima reviews. Now that is one group of excited and impressed owners. Glad to say thatI am part of that group.
thank God for chrysler sebring sedan
This car is horrible. its ugly,dull,and very inconvient and no headroom in front. the seats are all very unconfortable. the chrysler sebring we just bought is good looking hot looking actaully. its performs better then the camry and interior is more modern and covient then the camry. Get the sebring sedan if u want an affordable sports sedan.
Uncomfortable Front Seats
I'm wondering if anyone else has a problem with there front seats being uncomfortable. The seam in the middle of the back has a wire behind it, it's like leaning back with a 1 inch rope behind your back. It's very uncomfortable !
Pin Drop
I am a helicopter pilot here at Fort Rucker Alabama... as my wife and I were driving down the road we saw a helicopter come right over us... for those of you who dont know how loud a Huey is IT IS LOUD AS HELL... but we didnt even hear it until i rolled down the window...truly amazing...quite ride.
my 4th toyota
this is my fourth toyota,1990,1992,1999 and now a 2002.my only complaint a thumping sound coming from the rear suspension on bumpy road.took it to two different dealers and they cannot find anything wrong with it.maybe they hear it,but dont know how to fix it. except for this problem everything else works like a charm after over a year of driving it.
Above average
This car is sporty looking,but overall its a nice car. Great mileage and i enjoy the motor. So far i had o get a new motor costing around 1800.00 . Hate the breaks and hate the plastic on the front. Love the car tough
Automotive Excellence
The Toyota Camry XLE provides the owner a wonderful driving experience. The fifth generation Camry design is stylish yet practical. It has a roomer interior that adds to the refined sense of the car. Everything inside is easy to master. The 2.4-liter, twin-cam powerplant with 157 horsepower provides smooth power. The interior is quite with little or no noise from the outside. Overall, it is a great value!
Former Nissan Fan
Traded in my 1999 for a 2002 Camry. I initially had my heart set on a 2002 Nissan Altima until I test drove a 2002 Toyota Camry SE V6. The newly designed exterior of the Altima is sharp. Altima's drawback: noisy ride. The Camry's quiet (shhhhh) ride, roomy cabin and interior fit and finish left the Altima in the dust. That, added to the car's solid feel, handling and excellent reliability made the Camry an easy choice. I know I would have had regrets if I had purchased the Altima.
Moving up to a Camry
I have had the Camry LE for a month. I moved up when my Corolla was totaled in a flood. I am quite well pleased with the smooth quiet ride and the ammenities. The 4 cylender does not feel underpowered and gas millage is good for a midsize. I am not real crazy for Toyota's cruise control, it seems to forget where I set it when I re- engage but other than that I have no real complaints.
Not what they used to be
My hood doesn't line up on my car,and there is a rattle coming from the right side door
Love my XLE 6
Like the previous Camrys we bought it for its ride, reliability and value. Have also owned Accords and chose the Camry over the Accord because of better ride, bigger trunk, and towing capacity. Glad the we didn't wait for the new Accords as the back end is unattractive. Like some previous reviews I've read have had intermittent problems with the transmission jerking slightly between 40 and 50 both during acceleration and deceleration. Of course it did not do it when I took it to the dealer. . Love the car overall and would recommend it to anyone. Liked the Avalon also, but couldn't justify $2500 difference in price.
White XLE
I hate this car, I will never every buy a Camry again, After leaving the dealership, transmission issue, check engine light, brakes, leather seats, my new car was in the shop for the first complete month, and after 7 more times for the same issues. I hate this car, will never ever buy a Toyota again
Camry SE
This vehicle has it all. Good looks, good ride, and best all Toyota reliability. I can say i drove alot out there and almost settled for a taurus but the the new Camry come along and changed all that. The ride is a little on the firm side but it is the sport model and bang for buck it by far beat the rest.
Fabulous Camry
Toyota has really outdone itself with the all new 2002 Camry. The car rides wonderfully, handles well, and is extremely quiet in even the four cylinder model. The Camry has lots of room and luggage space. The gas mileage is great.
I must have bought a lemon!
I have had my Camry in the shop 8 times. 5 of those times for the same thing. Finally got Toyota involved and they found the reason the engine light kept coming on was because the 2nd and 3rd cylinder was creating metal shavings. Toyota replaced my engine but since then my CD player has gone out and now it is in the shop again for the engine.
Very quiet car
I have been extremely impressed with how quiet the car is. On rough roads as with all cars that I have driven road noise increases. On smooth roads this car is as quiet as any car on the road- no engine noise even at 80mph. having driven the 2002 Nissan altima and the VW passat the toyota is clearly the most quiet car. The interior trim is much more refined than the Nissan. The new 4 cly. engine is smooth and refined. All in All a great car!
Don't buy this car.
I bought camry se v6 to replace my 92 camry. this one has too many problems, i am already thinking about my next car. they had to replace airbag, front brake roter, pad. front hood release cable got loss. molding on the roof had to be changed. it rattles from driver and passenger doors. went back to the dealer 9 times in 11 months. this one will be my last toyota.
MY 2002 CAMRY
When my Corolla was starting to get too small for me, I decided to get something larger. I purchased and extended warrantee, and have yet to use it. This vehicle made it through two years if freezing Toledo, Ohio without a single problem. I just turned 54,500 miles, and the car drives like new. This will most certainly be my last vehicle. With this low mileage, the car will outlast me.
camry from 9/12/01
mine is japanese.seem to have less rattles than others.reliable except for a tracking problem on the highway especially in a cross wind;still working on this with the dealer. posible the cheap potenzas are at fault; they're also noisy and wear poorly.