Toyota Camry Comes in at # 1 in the “Doenges Top Ten” for December 2008

There are two major reasons that the Toyota Camry is not only the top selling new car in the U.S. nine of the last ten years, but is also a staple atop the used car sales list; quality and luxury. If those are high priorities in the used car you are in the market for, then I’d suggest that a pre-owned Toyota Camry is very likely the car for you.

Of course, many cars offer quality and luxury at different levels, but the Camry is a car that can truly appeal to just about everybody. With the diverse model lineup, Toyota has specifically designed a car meant to attract a broad base of car enthusiast. Toyota has incorporated various degrees of luxury and performance features into the Camry line to suit virtually all levels of driving and lifestyle. From families to speed demons, there is a Camry that has been designed with your style in mind.

2002 was an especially good year for the Camry with the release of the new line up of sixth generation models: the 2002 Toyota Camry LE Sedan, Toyota Camry LE V6 Sedan, Toyota Camry SE Sedan, Toyota Camry SE V6 Sedan, Toyota Camry XLE Sedan, and the Toyota Camry XLE V6 Sedan. This broad and diverse lineup made the Camry stand out as a car determined to stretch the boundaries of its class. Even the base model, the 2002 Camry LE, is stocked full of luxuries you don’t normally see in your average everyday entry-level vehicle. Toyota says it was an effort to deliver as many features as possible in order to raise the bar against the competition while making sure they didn’t stretch consumer pocketbooks in the process. The effort paid off.

Along with other models, the 2002 Toyota Camry LE is packed with standard amenities such as cruise control, power door locks, dual power outside mirrors and air conditioning that employs a filter to keep road dust and pollen out of the passenger cabin. Clear, rich sound is delivered by the six speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player and the rear seat folds down to provide trunk access and more storage space when needed. The Camry hits the mark when it comes to fuel economy as well, providing a quite respectable 25 to 31 mpg, depending on the model.

Once you get it out on the road, you’ll quickly notice that although the handling isn’t exactly sporty, it drives very well and the soft suspension delivers a smooth quiet ride even on less than desirable road conditions. Some may notice that the brakes can feel somewhat soft and, though the steering feels precise, it seems a little light. For a more stable ride and better acceleration you might want to look at the V6 models, although the 2.4L four cylinder delivers plenty of power for everyday driving and offers noticeably better fuel economy. Overall, driving the Camry is a pleasure providing abundant comfort and convenience.

Safety is also a real bonus with all Camry models. In NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2002-2003 Camry received five stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger with the 2004 model receiving four stars for both. The 2005-2006 Camry did even better receiving five stars for both the driver and the front passenger. Earlier models (1997-2001) scored similar ratings as well.

Some consumers may complain of sticker shock when shopping for a used Toyota Camry but the good resale value is actually a testament to the quality of the vehicle. Due to its value, features, reliability and popularity the Toyota Camry retains its value exceedingly well. Bottom line: If you are looking for a fuel-efficient, yet luxurious sedan, the Toyota Camry should be on the top of your list.

For more information please contact Brad Doenges of Doenges Ford Lincoln Mercury Toyota in Bartlesville Oklahoma at (918) 333-0900.

Popularity: 7% [?]