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Best Family Sedan: Toyota Camry
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February 14, 2002: 10:43 a.m. ET
Always a great car, the Camry is now even better.
By Jerry Edgerton
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NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - Though I've never been a big fan of this unglamorous but comfortable and reliable group of sedans, I can't help but appreciate Toyota's many improvements to the 2002 Camry. The new, lower front end, bulging front fenders and indented hood help move it beyond the anonymous look of the previous generation. Handling is crisper, more responsive.
Under the hood, the popular four-cylinder engine got a power infusion, from 2.2 liters producing 133 horsepower to 2.4 liters and 157 hp. Gas mileage got a boost too, now rated by the EPA at 24 miles per gallon in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. The 3.0-liter V-6 optional engine is little changed, but if you like power, it's the one to choose. The V-6's gas mileage ratings are a respectable 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway.
On the safety front, the redesigned 2002 model has not been fully tested; the 2001, equipped with optional side air bags, got four and five stars on government front and side crash tests. Camry has even cut prices for some models. The top-of-the-line XLE is about $1,300 less than the 2001, starting at $22,295 -- and that's the list price. A good negotiator can get the XLE for about $20,825, $1,000 over the dealer's price.
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