Pros: Build quality, refined I-4 engine, refined powertrain, exterior appearance, gas mileage, ride and handling, value.
Cons: Highly functional but boring interior, non-ABS brakes.
The Bottom Line: This is one car that deserves every compliment said about it. The Camry LE has got style, and refinement, and resale value all in a decent price tag.
I had just recently rented a 2004 Toyota Camry LE equipped with the 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine and automatic transmission. I have never drove any of the current or previous generation Camry's, so I was very excited to see what's so good about this Toyota. As I understand, the Camry has been one of the most reliable and hard to fault sedans on the road today.
Outside of the Camry: The outside of the Camry looks very tall, and slab sided at times. Sometimes from certain angles, the wheel arches and wheels seem too small for the Camry's "bigness". Other than those minor issues, the Camry's exterior is both elegant, and high-end looking. The front of the Camry has these large wrap-a-round headlamps that provide the best night illumination of the road I have ever seen in any new car I ever drove! I also like the large Toyota chrome badge in the center of the nicely incorporated grille. The side profile of the Camry looks very tall and narrow. The rear tail lamps of the Camry adds a whole new dimension to the Camry's character. Careful attention to detail makes the Camry a very elegant and sophisticated looking automobile.
Inside of the Camry: I might say that the inside of the Camry LE is pretty plain. But in spite of its plain Jane look, the materials and fabrics used are premium, first class. The plastics used in the interior of the Camry are rich and didn't look cheap. The panels fit really tight, you can't even seem to jiggle any piece of plastic inside the Camry because it is so well built. The steering wheel may seem too small for some, but it is very functional and nice looking. The dash panel may seem a little high to some, making the stereo and HVAC controls seem highly placed. All gauges and controls were very easy to use and very logically placed.
The 2004 Toyota Camry LE meets the real world: The 2.4 Liter Inline four, offers very good power for everyday driving situations. When at idle, the Camry makes a silent hum, and upon gradual acceleration the cabin still stays very quiet. Push the 2.4 Liter four a little harder and it'll sound a little louder, but louder as in a good smooth way, not thrashy like some American four cylinders. Getting the Camry up to 60 MPH is no problem, even with a full load.
The power steering on the Camry is very light and easy to use. Some people say it's too light and hinders true road feel, but I think it's just fine, besides the Camry is made for comfort, not for driving enthusiasts.
The automatic transmission was very smooth and sleek, but I did think you had to encourage it to shift when you need to pass a car or semi on the interstate. In that sort of situation the Camry wanted to gain speed in a gradual manner, but I needed the speed right away, so I seemed to have to push further on the accelerator than what im used to in other four cylinder sedans.
The Camry's ride and handling is one of the best I have ever seen in a car of this size. The ride is polished and well controlled (potholes, what potholes?) and handling was very percise and not at all sloppy. If you want a stiffer suspension, you might want the Camry SE, which has just that to offer a more sporty ride at the cost of a more comfy one. Noise levels in the Camry were kept to a whisper at almost any speed.
The Camry's brakes was another issue I didn't like. The pedal was too soft and mushy feeling, and it nearly sunk to the bottom of the floor in a panic stop. It couldn't have been worn brakes, the odometer was only turning 1,000 miles when I got the Camry. I think the culptrit was that this Camry LE didn't have ABS brakes. I think it's an option that costs like $500 or so, plus I've heard non- ABS Camry's require longer stopping distances.
Safety: The Camry has standard dual airbags and seatbelt pretensioners and seatbelt height adjustments. The Camry also came with the remote keyless entry alarm system which I liked very much. I liked how it'll beep once and flash its turn signals once to lock and arm, and then it'll beep twice and flash lights twice to unlock and disarm. It's a very discrete beep, not a sharp honk from the horn.
Overall: I highly recommend the Camry LE to anyone who wants a reliable, solid, and hard to fault automobile. You can't go wrong with the 2004 Camry LE. In fact, soon I am going to buy a new car, and the 04' Camry remains my number one choice.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): Rented
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: Camry LE, AUTO.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.