Used Toyota Camry review: 2002-2006

Toyota is generally regarded as setting the industry benchmark for build quality, reliability and durability, and it's the Camry that is often held up as the car that best illustrates Toyota's high standards.  Beyond those admirable qualities, though, there isn't a lot to write home about with the Camry.

Like all Toyotas it gets the job of providing reliable and efficient transport done with little or no fuss, but it falls well short of the benchmark when it comes to excitement.  But most buyers who stump up the cash for a Camry couldn't care less about the thrill of motoring; they're perfectly happy with a car that doesn't cost the earth to own and rarely if ever lets them down.  Above all else the Camry is a safe and sound motoring choice.

MODEL WATCH

The Camry is a much-maligned name. Over the years it has come to be the very definition of boring, at least in motoring terms.  No passionate car person would be seen dead driving a Camry, but to heaps of people the Camry is the best car in the world.  They're the people who value reliability, durability and low cost of ownership above all else. They couldn't care less that petrolheads sneer at their motoring choice.

Toyota has worked hard to inject some character into the Camry of late, to make it more appealing to those who value their motoring experience, but its efforts have really come to naught. The Camry has been regarded as boring for too long, and nothing will change the perception.

The Series 30 Camry that was launched in 2002 was a much more attractive car. Its lines were much tauter, its shape more aggressive, it was a far more appealing car than any of its predecessors.  Buyers could choose between a 2.4-litre four and a 3.0-litre V6.

The double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine was packed with up-to-the-minute technology like Toyota's VVTi variable valve-timing system that gave it decent flexibility from low speeds right through to high revs.  At its peak it would deliver 112 kW at 5800 revs and 218 Nm at 4000 revs.

The V6 was also a double overhead camshaft engine and produced 141 kW at 5200 revs along with 279 Nm at 4000 revs.  Most Camrys were sold with a four-speed auto, but it was also available with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Underneath, the Camry was conventional. It had struts at the front and rear, but work by Toyota's local engineering team ensured it was well tuned to our roads. As a result its ride and handling were widely praised.

Its power steering was well weighted and precise, and the combination of ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, backed up by ABS, was solid.  One thing the Camry has always been noted for is its roominess, and the Series 30 was no exception. It was designed as a family car and fits a family of five nicely.

There is a plethora of models in the Camry range, starting from the Altise and working up through the Ateva, sporty Sportivo, Azura and finally to the luxury Grande with all the bells and whistles.

IN THE SHOP

The Camry does it tough so be careful when choosing a car.  If they've been a family car they've been put to the test in the supermarket parking lot and the school run.

Alternatively they've been a company car and driven by people who couldn't care less about their cars.  Check for a service record and make sure the engine oil has been regularly changed. Nothing kills an engine like a lack of fresh oil.

The four-cylinder engine has a cam timing chain so there are no worries about replacing it, until it rattles. The V6 does have a belt that requires changing at around 150,000 km.

IN A CRASH

A capable chassis, powerful brakes with ABS make for a strong level of active crash protection.  A solid structure, dual front airbags, plus side airbags add a solid layer of secondary protection.  ANCAP gave the Camry four stars in its crash testing.

AT THE PUMP

With a full-sized body the four-cylinder engine has to work hard, hence the fuel economy suffers. Expect 10-11 L/100 km round town, and single figures out on the highway.  The V6 will consume a little more; expect 10.5-11.5 L/100 km around town, and seven to nine L/100 km on the open road.

OWNERS' SAY

Eric Deakin bought his 2005 Camry Ateva V6 seven months ago having done 97,000 km, and reckons it's the best car he has owned in more than 60 years of motoring. He says it is a well built, well appointed and very roomy car, which has excellent performance. So far he has found no faults at all with it and would happily recommend it to anyone.

Rex Manuel bought his 2003 Camry Ateva four-cylinder second hand in 2005. He is happy with the Camry's roominess and its generous boot, but misses the performance of the Ford Fairmont he owned previously.

LOOK FOR

Reliability
High build quality
Roomy interior
Smooth drivability
Good resale

THE BOTTOM LINE

Well engineered and well built, with renowned reliability and good resale, the dull-as-dishwater Camry is a good choice for family transport.

RATING

72/100

COMING UP

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