Kelley Blue Book ® - 2003 Toyota Camry Overview

One year after its complete redesign, the Toyota Camry continues to sell like hotcakes. The Camry is now longer, wider and more spacious than any Camry before and it continues to offer the unbeatable combination of excellent build quality, comfort, power and above all, a projected high resale value. For 2003, Toyota has added some new colors and wheel options. In addition, the keyless entry option is now standard on LE and SE grades while the top-of-the-line XLE gets standard fog lights and a six-disc CD changer.

We think you'll find that the Camry's size, styling and high content level make it the ideal vehicle for impressing both business clients and relatives. The Camry has a solid feel to it, one usually associated with much more expensive sedans. You'll notice what we are talking about the first time you slam the doors. The ride is equally impressive, distancing the passengers from road imperfections and sudden dips that can leave lesser cars bobbing and bouncing. On LE models, the suspension is heavily biased toward ride comfort, prompting us to advise those with sporting intentions to consider the racier SE. The Camry's standard engine is a marvelously smooth 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Rated at 157 horsepower, the 2.4 has sufficient torque to move the large Camry without strain. Even more impressive than the engine's near-silent operation is its fuel economy ratings; 23-mpg city and 32-mpg highway (with the four-speed automatic transmission). LE and SE models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission; the XLE comes equipped only with an automatic.

For those who prefer the power of a V6, Toyota offers one of the best in the industry. Displacing only 3.0-liters, the Camry's V6 produces a healthy 192 horsepower. The powerful V6 engine option is available on all three trim levels and even qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) under the EPA's guidelines. The V6 is well suited to the demands placed upon it by the larger Camry and its power is confidently handled by an electronic four-speed automatic transmission; no manual transmission is offered with the V6.

Take a look inside the Camry and you'll find a roomy, tastefully appointed interior with fabrics and plastics that have the quality look and feel we've come to expect from Toyota. The controls are laid out across a broad dash that while easy to view places some controls out of reach of smaller driver's (the radio tuner requires a bit of a stretch for example). Below the radio and ventilation controls resides a generous storage area for holding CDs, spare change or just the everyday odds and ends we all seem to acquire in our cars. The front seats do a good job fitting occupants of all sizes, though taller drivers may wish for a longer seat-bottom cushion. New this year on models with automatic transmission are optional power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals that allow the driver to find the optimal driving position relative to the steering wheel. Rear seat passengers should be equally happy with their accommodations, thanks to the generous legroom, excellent visibility and supportive foam cushions.

As good as the Camry is, there are some features that you'll find on cars like the Passat and the new Accord that are missing from the Camry's build sheet. The steering wheel, for example, tilts but does not telescope; except for the driver's auto-down switch, none of the power window nor the cruise control buttons are backlit. These may seem like minor nit picks, but they are worth taking note of as you shop the many choices now available in the family sedan market. This is not to imply that the Camry is Spartan. Indeed, the base LE model comes standard with air conditioning, rear-window defroster, power door locks, remote fuel door release, auto off headlamps, cruise control and power windows. The sportier SE model adds fog lights, 16-inch wheels, sport suspension, titanium faced gauges and blackout grille treatment. The XLE gets automatic air conditioning, ABS, illuminated entry, garage door opener, heated outside mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror and a rear sunshade.