2004 Toyota Camry Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

It won't win any design awards or run circles around its competitors, but when it comes to practicality, value and refinement, few midsize sedans can top the 2004 Toyota Camry.

Pros

Roomy, comfortable, plenty of safety and luxury features, high resale value, strong reputation for reliability.

Cons

Premium optional features are pricey, V6 isn't as powerful as others in the class.

What's New for 2004

For the 2004 Toyota Camry, a new 3.3-liter V6 is standard on SE V6 models. Relative to last year's 3.0-liter V6, this engine offers 33 more horsepower and an additional 31 pound-feet of torque, boosting ratings to 225 and 240, respectively. Fortunately, Toyota has also boosted the 3.0-liter engine's output -- it now makes 210 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque in V6-equipped LE and XLE models. Both V6 engines come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission this year. In other news, a new trim has been introduced; the Limited Edition Camry comes in an exclusive crystal-white color, and offers a unique front grille, standard foglamps and champagne-color exterior badging.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

2004 Totyota Camry Beware

Written by: Dan on 10/25/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	2	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2004 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I started experiencing shifting problems, but the dealer couldn't fix it. While turning on a busy 4 lane highway, the transmission went out. I do not abuse this car (I am too old to beat any car up). Now I have a $4000 bill for a new transmission. I have found out that this has been a problem for other owners but Toyota will not acknowledge or take car of their problems. Other than that the motor ran well and I got good mileage, but I would never buy another one.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

better transmissions

Report inappropriate post

Cool Camry

Written by: Ashleymae on 07/05/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

I bought the car 9 months ago with 34,000 miles. It now has 68,900. So far I have just had to replace the front brake pads. It does have a couple of rattles in the dash that I can't find. I turn up the radio and that takes care of that. The paint job could use a little improvement no shine, dull. The sunroof has a wind whistle and I have to tap the close button and it closes all the way. No leaks so far. Stinky smell coming from the AC vents. A trip to the dealer for the AC refresher treatment cured that little problem. My Camry has the 4 banger and gets around 24/26 city and 28/34 highway. I have a lead foot so this is good. I also like the fact that it has a time chain instead of a belt.

Great fuel economy. Quick pick up. Easy to drive and a great sound system.

Paint job my biggest complaint. Cannot get it to shine. Paint looks flat. I've had it clay barred and had high speed wax job, nothing helps. Next step is to have it repainted a high gloss Chevrolet white.

Very Good, But With Problems

Written by: BigBird on 07/04/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

2004 Toyota Camry XLE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Not the "bulletproof" Toyota I expected, but still a very good car for the price. The intermediate steering shaft went @ 36K and the water pump was leaking slightly @ the block. Both fixed under warranty. The front driver's seat has a squeak when you sit down and the wipers squeak against the window (tried both after market and Toyota replacements). Unlike others, no problems with the paint, rust @ the trunk lid, odors from the A/C or heater, or the auto transmission (shifts fine). Makes you wonder if Toyota has "built on Monday" problems like GM used to have. Got 60K out of the original Potenza tires -- I know, that's unbelievable. Rotated them often and watched the pressure.

The 4-cylinder engine is all the power you need. Took 2 adults w/luggage and the A/C running up and down the Great Smoky mountains with no problems (regular 87 octane gas). Car is nice & quiet @ 80 mph, too.

Do NOT trust the computer to calculate your mileage. Calculate it manually. You'll be surprised to see that the computer is OVERSTATING your mileage by 20%!! This is very deceptive on Toyota's part, I think. The computer knows EXACTLY how much gas you are using.

Better late than never?

Written by: Rick Wunder on 06/09/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	9

It's been 4 years since I picked up my Camry. It now has 99,000 miles, and I have had zero problems with it. I replaced the original Michelin tires at 75k miles, along with the rear brakes. Front brakes were done at 98,000 miles. I'd like to see improved instrument panel lighting. It is difficult for my 59 year old eyes to see the gauges (including the speedometer) at night. From what I've seen, this has been improved in later model years. Although this is a lot of car for the money, I would have gladly spent a bit more for traction control, but it was not available with the 4 cyl. engine.

I love the passenger room and storage space in the passenger compartment. I also love the large trunk.

Improve instrument panel lighting. Offer traction control for all models, not just the V6.

Still enjoy the car after 2 1/2 years

Written by: Dan Alsup on 05/18/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	7

We bought the car as a certified used car with 38,000 miles on it and now have 97,000 with no problems whatsoever. On a recent trip to Houston we drove between 60 and 65 MPH and got 35.5 MPG! (New tires and wheel alignment prior to the trip.) Love the lumbar support and the quiet ride. The only complaint is the easily scratched exterior paint. Much less road noise than the Hondas we have owned.

Lumbar support. Quiet ride. Confidence the car will get us wherever we want to go and in comfort. Great gas mileage.

Better paint.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

2004 Toyota Camry Consumer Ratings & Reviews