Driving Impressions

Transparent. That one word sums up the driving experience in the Camry. It's a compliment as it means there is nothing untoward or strange about the car -- it does everything just right. An enthusiast driver would complain that it lacks character, but for the average driver that's a positive comment as it means he or she does not have to think about what's going on. More than two-thirds of all Camrys sold will come with the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. It is inexpensive and fuel-efficient and provides plenty of power. Computer logic controls the automatic transmission; the car can tell when it is going up hill or down hill and shifts gears accordingly. It can hold a lower gear longer when necessary to avoid the annoying shifting up and down that occurs in some automatics. The ride is pleasant. In fact, it's merging on luxurious, with enough cushioning to make passengers feel comfortable. The steering is light but not sloppy. Those who like a sportier, more precise handling will notice that the different suspension setup and tires on the SE do make the car feel crisper, though it's still far from being a sports sedan. You'd never know from driving the car, but the gas pedal is a drive-by-wire affair. That means it is not connected directly to the engine by a cable; instead, it reacts through a sensor connected to a computer -- just as in modern airplanes. One advantage of this arrangement is that the optional Vehicle Skid Control system can take over control of the throttle in an emergency and apply just the right amount of braking and throttle to help keep the vehicle on a more stable path.

Final Word

Toyota admits that the Camry is a car that nobody aspires to own but it's one that everyone recommends others to buy. It's what's known as a safe buy. Toyota has tried hard to make the new Camry more exciting while at the same time make sure it is still a car that will get its occupants from A to B and back without any drama or worries about reliability year in and year out. The 2002 Toyota Camry is still not as exciting as the 2002 Volkswagen Passat or the 2002 Nissan Altima, both of which are new designs. If looks and character don't matter much, the new Camry should prove to be a great car. It's one we would have no hesitation in recommending to people who just want a solid, reliable car, something that offers a good ride, decent performance and comfort, and blends in nicely with the crowd. That's just what many buyers are after and the Camry fits the bill very nicely, thank you. It will likely continue to be America's most popular new car.