Toyota welcomed the fifth generation of the Toyota Camry with the redesign of the 2002 Toyota Camry. The body of the 2002 Camry grew a bit, and it was restyled to look rounder and more current. The base CE model was dropped, and the sporty SE, with performance suspension and steering, made its return. The popular LE and the fully-loaded XLE stayed put for 2002.
The Toyota Camry's engines were tweaked a bit for 2002. To qualify for ULEV status, the V6's horsepower dropped slightly to 192. The brand new four cylinder increased to 2.4 liters and 157 horsepower. Fuel economy is about 20 to 30 mpg, depending on the engine.
Car owners praise the 2002 Camry's roomy interior, well-laid-out dash, comfortable seats and quiet drive. They also love the fact that with regular maintenance, the 2002 Camry is relatively problem-free.
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.
Smooth ride. Handles well. Quiet engine. This one comes with CD player, cassette tape player and radio. Easy to use controls. Also has a sunroof! Love my Camry! Nov 22, 2024
by Kimberly M
Feb 09, 2024
Looks like a great car exactly what Im looking forFeb 09, 2024
by Daniel N
Dec 24, 2014
it is a spacy, smooth driving and very reliable car. nothing ever breaks. ideal for every day use. on ice i prefer an all wheel drive. you must do the regular mainenance such as oil, tire rotation filters, waxing. enjoy!Dec 24, 2014
User rating:
by Janelle H
Nov 22, 2024
Smooth ride. Handles well. Quiet engine. This one comes with CD player, cassette tape player and radio. Easy to use controls. Also has a sunroof! Love my Camry! Nov 22, 2024
by Kimberly M
Feb 09, 2024
Looks like a great car exactly what Im looking forFeb 09, 2024
by Daniel N
Dec 24, 2014
it is a spacy, smooth driving and very reliable car. nothing ever breaks. ideal for every day use. on ice i prefer an all wheel drive. you must do the regular mainenance such as oil, tire rotation filters, waxing. enjoy!Dec 24, 2014
by Aidan M
Jul 29, 2014
It never suited me, it'd do better as a 16 year old girls car...
The v6 came out strong and the engine is mostly quite, the driver and passenger seats were not very comfortable for a 6'1 guy
6.5 out of 10Jul 29, 2014
by Anonymous
Mar 01, 2014
Love my Camry!! has 180,000 miles and still gets around 30 miles to the gallon. I changed the catalytic converter at 150,000 miles (my mechanic tells me to get 150,000 miles out of the original converter was pretty good)... other than that just basic maintenance (oil changes, tires, etc)Mar 01, 2014
by SEB U
Jan 06, 2014
I like the fact that it is always ready to go. The engine is very strong. The height is just average so it can allow you pass through most bad roads. The acceleration is just ok just for the braking with is clumsy. Jan 06, 2014
by Andre Olivier G
Sep 14, 2013
The miles per gallon is a minus. Horse Power is a Plus. Excellent for traveling from state to state. The engine is very quiet and you can fit big luggage in the trunk. There is lots of space in the back seat for 3 people. I would buy it again.Sep 14, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 13, 2013
With three kids this has been a great family car that has now turned into my work vehicle to replace my 97 Camry V6 as I drive about 3,000 miles per month. We have done nothing to this car but add gas and change the oil.Aug 13, 2013
by Laurenne M
Mar 15, 2013
This is my first car that I got for my sweet 16 & I'm now 22 and this car still works like a charm. This car has truly been my partner in crime [figuratively speaking, of course ;)] I go thousands of miles without oil changes and it still runs smoothly. Although its not the sexiest categorized sports car, my Solara SLE packs some pep! Being an over zealous new driver my friend who drives a 2008(?) VW Jetta put her car into Sport Mode and we raced to see which car was faster, and my car was faster. This car has lasted through a high school graduation and a college graduation with no major breakdowns. In between those two graduations its lasted through running over curbs, backing into paved walls (yes, multiple times), commuting twice weekly to downtown LA, avoiding mysterious objects in the middle of the 5 and 405 freeways-- all while being a smooth comfortable ride. All in all, this makes an EXCELLENT first car if you're looking for reliability, pep and comfortable. It could be a little more stylish, but I've definitely seen uglier with higher price tags.Mar 15, 2013
by Humza C
Nov 05, 2012
This is an amazing car. If your looking for a reliable family car, that has both room and comfort look no further. We are the original owners and have yet to see a car come so close and competitive to the camry. You will not be disappointedNov 05, 2012
by Torin W
Apr 10, 2012
Yeah Wehn U Think Camry You Think Family Can I Do Believe My Car Is Overall A Five Star Vehical It Has All The Room I Need Lol And This Car Also Scored An Good N A Frontal Crash test So I Feel Safe When Im Driving It And I Do Believe My Car Is One Sexy Beast Lol I Dont Kno ABout The V6 But I Kno I Get Pretty Good Fuel Economy On Camron Very Conmfotable On Long Drives I Live In Iowa But From The Chicago Area So Driving There Often N A Comfortable Car Is Also Great Apr 10, 2012
by George K
Mar 23, 2012
Extremely reliable, low maintenance, very roomy and a great family vehicle, this Camry has is my third Toyota and I am strongly considering another. I would prefer a car with less road noise but the internal ride experience is excellent otherwise. Mar 23, 2012
by Max K
Jun 21, 2011
I'v had this car for almost 10 years and it has never had any problems. the only quality issue is the rust around the right door handle. Its not very fast though but it gets me where i need to be. Its looks ok on the outside but the inside is very bland. Its gets good gas mileage but its very boring to drive.Jun 21, 2011
by Anthony S
Mar 11, 2011
great gas mileage car, not very sporty. more family oriented, nice for a cruise down the road. about to crack 90,000 miles and no problems yet, not even rust. no real complaints to speak of, does everything i need it toMar 11, 2011
by Bryan M
Oct 17, 2010
nothing fancy but it was a great mid size sedan. real good on gas and never had any major problems with it. real cheap to maintain since it never broke down. this car had a real comfy and homy interiorOct 17, 2010
by Alexandra G
Jul 28, 2010
Handling is great in this car, build quality is good 8 years old still running like new, doing upgrades on it adding some features, appearance is alright for an everyday car for now. Appearance be completely redone by myself and a few others. Gas mieage is great. FUN FACTOR this car has balls.... doesn`t look like this car can boot but it can, and it will.Jul 28, 2010
by Mat M
Apr 08, 2010
I really do enjoy this car quite a bit. When it comes to performance the car handles, breaks and accelerates really well. I personally just think it needs a bit more "oomph" cuz I'm a sports car fan. No major problems with it at all, just a few minor here and there things that needed to be fixed. Really good on gas too, I need to get more about every 2 weeks or so. For me it's a pretty fun to drive car as well. I'd totally recommend one for someone looking for a well built car that you don't have to worry alot about.Apr 08, 2010
by Patrick F
Nov 21, 2009
I like my car, other than it's size. The body seems to be
bulky compared to the interior size's lack of space. I
believe this adds to the body roll when cornering. The
cost of ownership is relatively low, the gas milage is just
fantastic. I dont realy have to worry about gas to much
because $10 gets me a little over 50 miles. I out tinted
windows and got chrome imitating hub caps. Over all the
car is somewhat fun to drive other than some routine
mechanical conditions.Nov 21, 2009
by Jason N
Oct 31, 2009
its like the energizer bunny.....superior quality of build, looks great, handles great, gas mileage is fantastic. I used to own a jeep....the only thing that I miss is the ride height and of course the all terrain. thats itOct 31, 2009
by Aleksey C
Sep 29, 2009
best sound ever, better than monsoon.
really smoooth ride, its a toyota got 170k miles on it only 7 ish years old. no issues . best gas milage of all time. comfy seats lots of space . wood trim is sexy. toyotaSep 29, 2009
by Benjamin S
Aug 20, 2009
I love this car becuase fo its looks.its performance is average ,cause its a V4.Actually mine is a white colour 1.It has an ABS lock break system.It has leather seating.I drive my car once every week or 2 and its not bad its got god acceleration and handlingAug 20, 2009
by Grant A
Apr 01, 2009
It is a pleasure to borrow my Dad's car because it is not the economy car I am used to driving. It feels planted to the ground, and has torque that economy cars lack. However, I am always disappointed that it doesn't get the gas mileage as an economy car would. Can't have it all!Apr 01, 2009
by Margaret M
Nov 17, 2008
First of all it's a Toyota. Built to last, duh. The Camry has been my best car yet. I have had three cars so far, a Dodge Neon (p.o.s.), a 1997 Camry LE and this one. This one is maintained regularly and because of that it is very, very reliable and drives very smooth and it's quiet, which is what a car should be.Nov 17, 2008
by Emily W
Nov 06, 2008
It's a solid car with a nice build, but it lacks in appearance and performance. Sound system isn't too hot either. You can really feel the gear changes, making the ride much less smooth. It also has a slow reaction time. But it was cheap, so that's a plus, but I can do better.Nov 06, 2008
by Sean H
Jul 25, 2008
I love this car. It is so well built. It is so comfortable and it is really fast for the V4. We got it in August 2005 with 40,000 miles on it for not a lot of money. The car is so fun to drive when your going up a big hill and the over drive kicks in and you rev up to 5,000 rpm's. My friend has a 2001 Camry LE and loves it.Jul 25, 2008
by Nick K
Jun 28, 2008
Build quality is low compared to american cars for similar priceJun 28, 2008
by Ashley C
Jun 27, 2008
great car, good for the family,pretty good on gas,braking and handling good. maintenance toyota will keep you on track. cost of ownership is not bad depend on new or used. this is a fun car to driveJun 27, 2008
by Alexander B
Jun 21, 2008
The car was one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I brought this car used with 23,000 miles. After 5 years of road trips I put about 130K miles on the car. The car runs just as smooth when I brought it. I have had no problems with the car. All I did was change the fluids and tires (the factory tires wear quickly. I suggest replace them with Yokahamas). The 2002 Camry is as smooth operator on the highway and quiet to boot. The car engine is so quiet at idle that I've cranked the starter only to find that it was already on. The the ride is as luxurious as any luxury car out there. The 4 cylinder is adequate for most driving situation thought not a power house. My Brothers Altima (4 cylinder) is much faster. The interior is top notch with good materials (much better than Altima). Fuel Efficiency is great with the 4 cylinder. I averaged around 31 on the highways and around 23 mph in the city. The thing about the 2002 Camry is that it is definitely not tunned for sport. Comfort is it's strong suit. The steering gives no feedback and the brakes are a little on the mushy side but have good stopping power when you need it. The handling while secure feels a little square on turns.
If you are looking for sport feel this is not the car for you. However if you are looking for a honestly Good Car that is comfortable, fuel efficient, and will keep going for miles then this is your car. You will not be disappointed. Trust me on that. Jun 21, 2008
by Jordan E
Jun 13, 2008
It drives amazingly, has no problems, and has some fun bells and whistles but it is not exactly a "cool" car.Jun 13, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 10, 2008
It is quiet, reliable, easy riding. Good milage considering the cost of gas.Apr 10, 2008
by Hong J
Apr 05, 2008
pretty good build qualitiy, good interior material, ok sound quality, very soft brake, need more power, poor handling, soft suspension.Apr 05, 2008
by Matt W
Mar 16, 2008
I bought my 2002 Toyota Camry LE 4 cyl. Used w/ 74,000 miles on it. I knew I
was buying a grocery-getter that had mediocre performance and a non-
existent "fun-factor", but the up-sides are still plentiful. The interior has very
comfortable seats that border on luxurious and plenty of room for 4 full-grown
adults and 1 young adult. Also, the trunk has a seemingly bottomless 16.7 cu.
Ft. Of room, which I have only been able to fill once and that was with a drum
set that was packed up. At about 82K miles, I flushed the engine, transmission
and power steering unit and replaced all these fluids with Amsoil 100%
synthetic, and the car drove much smoother and I obtained an all-time high of
34.5 mpg, and I now average 33 mpg with 125,000 miles on the Camry 4 cyl.
The paint job sparkles when clean, and the build quality is still pretty good (my
Camry was assembled in Georgetown, Kentucky). This car has been rock-solid
for me in terms of reliabilty, functionality and low cost of ownership. Mar 16, 2008
by Carol B
Feb 22, 2008
If anyone wants a car that they don't have to think about, the Camry is for you. It practically maintains itself. You will have it well past the payments. Feb 22, 2008
by Lacey H
Feb 20, 2008
This model is bigger than the new ones. There is ample trunk and interior space. The leather interior is beautiful. Not to mention there is built in keyless entry. My grandmother hit a deer and it only mildly damaged the front bumper. The ride is quite smooth too.Feb 20, 2008
by Nicholas C
Feb 13, 2008
If you want to rev your engine and burn tons of gas, you'll love this car. If you try to drive to save gas, the transmission won't cooperate. Averaged about 20 MPG, even with a good amount of highway driving. The moment you're off the highway, your gas mileage plummets. The only highlight was the comfy interior and great JBL stereoFeb 13, 2008
by Ali A
Feb 12, 2008
Not much to say about this car. It's a Camry, it runs. It's not fast, it's not fun, but it's reliable and comfy.Feb 12, 2008
I had oil changed and tires rotated yesterday. This morning the VSC light/Trac off is on when the engine is running. I looked in manual and located a switch below the dash on the left of the steering wheel. When I pushed it, it said Trac On. The light still comes on and the car makes a noise when it starts up. Do I need to go to a dealer?
My 2002 Toyota Camry will not start nor will it even make a sound what is possibly wrong it's not the battery cause we tried to jump it and the battery is fine! What is wrong??!!
My o2 camry is throwing codes p0500 p1725 p1730. While driving the speedometer will drop to 0 and the rpms will rev to between 3,00/4,000. It feels like the transmission is going into neutral. The ATF levels are good. I have replaced the input and output speed sensors and the 02 sensor. I don't know what else to change except I have a vacuum switching valve that needs to be replaced. Can you give me any clues as to what is going on
Hi everyone, I have a 2002 Toyota Camry with 150k miles on it. Recently, I mentioned an engine oil leak which is pretty bad. The engine lost 5QTR in a week. The first mechanic told me it is valve cover gasket and I replaced it, but the oil leak did not stop, so it is not valve cover gasket. The second mechanic told me it is the head gasket that is leaking, but I don't trust his judgement as I have the oil leak even when the engine is off (I guess), because I see good amount of oil in the garage. Do you guys have any clue that what it might be that is leaking? All responses will be greatly appreciated.
Own a 2002 Toyota Camry and always followed Toyota maintenance recommendations. I retired early in 2017 and drive about 2600+ per year on errands and to recharge battery. Do I follow Toyota recommendations when parts should be replaced and fluids changed OR should I do so earlier? (Example: Last time Iridium plugs were replaced was 40,000 miles ago ... 06/14/13. No symptoms, just asking.) Any other suggestions? Thanks.