Toyota Camry Review

Customer Test Drive

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2003 Toyota Camry SE V6 (A5)

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Comments
Favorite feature:	JBL stereo rocks! Moonroof, brushed chrome, white dial gauges, full spare, element attenna, Exterior paint, quiet smooth ride
Least favorite feature:	the initial sticker price is too high, low gas mileage, no engine punch for a 210 HP, no standard traction control
Advice to buyer:	The local dealer has a rebate of $1,000 but ends June 30th so buy now before the 2004. Toyota will not deal on hot cars so expect to pay $500-1000 less sticker at the most. Try the Corolla S! Also look at the Mazda 6 and Altima.
Detailed review:	I just purchased my Toyota SE V-6, which was unexpected. I had a Solara SLE V-6 with 75000 and thought I should purchase a new vehicle. I was comparing Nissan Altima, Kia Optima, Mazda 6 and Toyota Corolla S. The Altima has classy exterior but the interior looked like a Pontiac or GM quality. I was disappointed. The seats were very comfortable but the ceiling had gaps and there was dripping glue from the ceiling to the back freakin seat! Engine was more powerful but the options killed the price tag. The Kia Optima looks like a mini-Mercedes from the front but the paint exterior was poor compared to others and the seat was so uncomfortable, it hurt my rear. I would need a personal Chiropractor to ride with me in this car. I did not get to sit in the Mazda but it looked sharp. Great engine but the paint selection was plain. The most surprising car was the Corolla S. It looked and rode like a mini-lexus. It was a looker. However, the 130 HP engine was noisy when pushed (more of a purr) and the car drifted a little on the highway. Funny thing was, I was not even looking at the Camry. The dealer had a late 2002 SE V-6 Moonroof, JBL 8-speaker with ABS breaks sitting on the lot (GM's wife's car with 2000 miles) The Camry SE suspension is tighter, crips, and smooth. The exterior is Lunar Mist Metallic which looks pearl, super sharp. The ride is awesome and quiet. The V-6 does not have punch because it is VVT and computered controlled, but it moves with no effort or sound! I do not feel any bumps in the road like I did with my Solara. The steering does not drift. The inside is quality! The SE has brushed chrome door panels and the Dial is white. The seats are comfortable although I prefer leather. The SE takes corners tight with little roll. I did not plan I buying a Camry but I am quite satisfied with the reliable of this car. I also considered the VW Passat but two of four people I know who have VW have had transmission problems within two years of purchase and the dealers raise the sticker $3,000 over the MRSP. Go figure. I got this Camry with a $1,000 rebate and for $2,000 UNDER invoice! I hope the care does not blow up or something! Advice to Solara owners...do not expect a good trade-in, the blue book for my 1999 (75,000) was $8125! That is like an American car! Camrys are reasonablly priced and the quality is unmatched with the exception of Honda Accord (I also checked out the Accord but the freakin front seat hurt my back, I hated the seat). Buy the Camry, it is a low risk high quality investment.
Also considered:	2003 Toyota Corolla 2003 Nissan Altima 2003 Mazda Mazda6
Vehicle purchased:	2002 Toyota Camry


About This Reviewer...
Location:	Englewood, Ohio
Other vehicles owned:	1999 Toyota Camry Solara
Review submitted:	June 10, 2003

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