We are looking for a second car (used) that will be quieter and more comfortable on long trips than our 1999 Corolla, with more space for carrying stuff to the cottage and to visit family. We rented a 2004 Camry LE 4-cylinder for a day as a test.
In Canada, the base model Camry LE is well-equipped, with several features that are missing from the similarly-priced base model Accord: 60/40 split on the folding rear seat back, full spare tire, outside temperature gauge, reading lights, sunglasses storage, cassette player, variable intermittent wipers. But Accord has better thigh support (longer bucket seats), and 5-speed automatic transaxle for slightly better fuel efficiency.
Camry seats are somewhat more comfortable than Corolla, with a neat height/lumbar adjustment lever that is a very useful feature for drivers of different heights.
Camry is quieter than Corolla, much quieter during acceleration. 4-cylinder power is adequate for us (1999 Corolla is OK). Both Camry and Corolla are very sensitive to crosswinds - an UNpleasant surprise on the much more expensive Camry.
The Corolla suspension is quite good, and the Camry suspension seemed to be about the same. But you feel every bump in both and also in the Accord.
The Camry brake pedal had a long travel before anything happened and then had to be pushed fairly hard to stop. That may be due to lack of service to the rental car. Discussion with a mechanic indicated that properly-serviced Camry brakes should feel same as Corolla, which has good brakes.
On some Camrys the exhaust pipe hangs low (noticed when following them on highway), but on the rental car the ground clearance was good, better than Corolla.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 37
Condition: Used Model Year: 2004
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