2002 Toyota Camry Review
2002 Toyota Camry Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Roomy, powerful engines, plenty of safety and luxury features.
Cons
- High prices for XLE, costly premium features.
What’s new
One of America's favorite cars is all new this year. Design goals for the 2002 Toyota Camry included larger interior packaging, reduced noise, more advanced safety features, better driving dynamics and, of course, a new standard of value.
Edmunds says
Toyota has succeeded in building a better mousetrap -- it's got more interior space, a more powerful base engine and a bevy of premium features for buyers willing to pay extra.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$182/mo for Camry LE
Camry LE
vs
$187/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
If you ever need confirmation that Americans are completely different from Europeans (besides German tourists' propensity for wearing black socks and shorts), look no further than the Toyota Camry. Here is a car that, for the past four years, has been the best-selling car in America and a near definition of the American passenger car. In Europe, Camry sales barely register.
The Camry's success in the U.S. lies in its ability to sensibly fulfill the needs of consumers seeking a roomy vehicle that sets a benchmark in quality, reliability and value. For 2002, the Camry enters its fifth generation with an all-new design, and Toyota has done everything within its power to make sure the Camry continues its success.
One question remains: How do you improve on a bestseller? Simple -- give Americans more of what they like. And the engineers at Toyota have done just that, simultaneously retaining all the things that make a Camry great while imbuing it with a new feel.
We Americans like a lot of room for our families and gear. Therefore, the Camry's wheelbase has been lengthened by 2 inches, resulting in a more spacious interior and 1.5 more inches of legroom for rear seaters. The trunk is bigger, too, expanding to hold a maximum of 16.7 cubic feet of cargo.
Outside, the previous Camry's clean and inoffensive (many people would add "bland") styling has been updated with an aggressive grille and sharp-cut headlamps. The cabin and doors feature sleek character lines, connected to a rear integrated bumper that is complemented with new jewel-like tail lamps. Aerodynamic drag is reduced, and sound deadening has been improved for reduced interior noise.
Few Americans would say that their cars have too much horsepower. So for 2002, Toyota has updated the popular 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 157 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, besting the previous engine's numbers by 24 and 14, respectively.
Remaining virtually the same is the optional 192-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. It now achieves ULEV certification, as does the 2.4-liter. Transferring power to the front wheels for both engines is a smoother shifting electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual (four-cylinder only).
Each engine is available with the three different trim levels this year: LE, SE and XLE. Last year's entry-level CE is replaced by the LE, which remains the core volume model but with a higher level of standard equipment, including power windows, mirrors and locks; air conditioning with particulate filtration; cruise control; and an ambient temperature gauge.
The XLE gets power driver and passenger seats, heated outside mirrors, a premium JBL audio system, climate control with rear-seat vents, steering wheel-mounted controls, a compass in the electrochromic mirror, a rear sunshade and 16-inch wheels. The new SE grade combines distinctive and sportier styling elements with chassis tuning that delivers a firmer ride, enhanced steering and nimble handling.
Optional for all V6 models is a Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) that corrects understeer and oversteer deviancy. Side and, for the first time, side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers are also available. Other add-ons to keep the Camry up-to-date include Toyota's excellent navigation system and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. Fully loaded, a top-of-the-line Camry XLE is a few hundred dollars more than a stripped-down Lexus ES 300. Unless your day depends on being the owner of a luxury marque car with real wood trim, we can't imagine that anyone would forego the Camry.
The all-new Camry is an enticing pick for 2002. It remains loyal to its original mission while still offering more features and better driving enjoyment. Unless Americans start wearing black socks with shorts, the Camry should retain its title as the best-selling car for another year.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Toyota Camry.
5 star(64%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(2%)
358 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Purchased in Kissimmee, FL with 179K miles
Darren Tomas Jackson, 09/23/2015
2002 Toyota Camry SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
If you locate a 2002 2.4 liter SE with more than 170k miles on it.., that has a condensation visual appearance exhaust, BUY IT! You won't go wrong. These motors are pretty much bullet proof, besides the normal replacement of worn engine parts, batteries, tires and struts. The owner of my Camry always kept 'Amsoil' in every sump the car had..., including the coolant. I truly appreciate … this, for this is why I made the purchase. The previous owner obviously knew the importance of quality lubes (synthetic) and other chemicals. I took a leak down test of the vehicle, before I actually purchased it, and without going through the technical part of things, both the compression rings and cylinder walls revealed that of practically a new car. I expect to get 500k miles out of this little transverse inline 2.4 liter work horse. The car as a whole, endured the punishing heat of Central Florida since 2002, when it was purchased new. The paint in nothing to write home about.., but that engine is build correctly. I'm a diesel guy! I own a 7.3 liter Ford Excursion with 236k miles on it. Hardly broken in.., for a diesel that is. I put the 2002 Toyota Camry longevity and reliability on the same platform as my Navistar 7.3 liter diesel. It just that darn dependable!!!! In conclusion, I will keep it on a steady diet of 'Amsoil 3000 Series HD Diesel motor oil.' The drain interval for me is 25k, so all you have to do is change the oil filter every 7k miles, religiously. This is a sound practice that I've used for more than 15 years, but with the 3000 Series Diesel synthetic oil only. I also own a 1986 Dodge 318ci pick-up with 617K miles on it, using the 3000 series Diesel only. If you come across a 2000-2006 Toyota Camry 2.4 liter..., BUY IT. It'll be the best investment you'll ever make.
Darren T. Jackson (Chicago, IL)
5 out of 5 stars
"Old Faithful" 285,000 miles & counting
omercy, 01/13/2016
2002 Toyota Camry XLE V6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Reliable, safe, no problems, handled amazing in a near head on, love love love! 345,000 miles and faithful as ever! My reliable ride for my many life responsibilities!
4.63 out of 5 stars
wow camry
jhise85, 04/28/2011
2002 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
when i bought my camry 4c 4a i was expecting to get a car that would need work done on it and engine repairs i am use to driving fords and chevys and after 100000 miles they start acting up i bought the car with over 110000 on it i bought it because it was a deal well since then i have had to change one wheel bearing and thats the only major thing i have done to it my camry now just … rolled over 245000 on it and still rides smooth i love my carmy i wish i would have bought a camry long ago i am now a toyota fan
4 out of 5 stars
Toyota Camry - Made in Georgetown, KY
Central Florida Man, 06/12/2010
2002 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
"Salsa Red Pearl" 2002 Camry LE, 2.4L, first year that it came with a timing chain, not a timing belt) and automatic transmission. I'm 6'1'' and fit comfortably. In daily commute driving, I average 28.5 mpg combined hwy/city on 87 octane gas (Melbourne, FL), and recently got 36 mpg Hwy between Warner Robbins GA and Melbourne FL (I strictly observe the 70 MPH speed limit). Some Camry … years are known for leaking valve guide seals at about 70K miles - this one is no exception. Valvoline's high mileage oil has virtually eliminated this after about 4,000 miles use though. Lastly, this is one of the easiest cars to drive that I have ever driven - steering & pedals require very little effort.
2002 Camry Highlights
LE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,970 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $182/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Camry include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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