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2004 Toyota Camry

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$19,045

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

5

Seating capacity

189.2” x 58.3”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(96 reviews)

The good:

  • Ride comfort
  • Interior space
  • Quietness
  • Reputation for reliability
  • Resale value

The bad:

  • Uninspiring styling
  • Sticker prices
  • ABS not standard on all models

6 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2004 Toyota Camry trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • New 225-hp V-6
  • Five-speed automatic
  • Four-cylinder/manual-shift model available
  • Optional navigation system
  • New Limited Edition model

2004 Toyota Camry review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Toyota totally redesigned its midsize front-wheel-drive Camry sedan for the 2002 model year. The Japanese automaker hoped that the fifth-generation Camry would broaden the company’s image and appeal beyond the “big middle” of the car-buying population.

A 157-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is installed in the majority of Camrys, and a new 225-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 is available in the SE sedan for 2004. A five-speed-automatic transmission is now offered. A new Limited Edition Camry features crystal white paint, champagne-colored badging, a unique grille and fawn interior fabric. Models include the standard LE, upscale XLE and sporty SE, which has different suspension tuning and 16-inch sport tires.

Exterior
Toyota asserts that the current-generation Camry has crisper, bolder, more upscale styling than its predecessor. With a 107.1-inch wheelbase and measuring 189.2 inches long overall, the Camry is about the same size as the Honda Accord. The sporty SE sedan features fog lamps, a rear spoiler and a black grille with chrome trim.

Even though Honda offers its Accord in both coupe and sedan forms, the Camry comes only in a four-door body style. Toyota’s Camry Solara coupe, which was redesigned for 2004, has different styling and is treated as a separate model.

Interior
The Camry’s interior space is ample for four adults and acceptable for five. The driver’s seat has enough fore and aft travel to accommodate tall and short people. Standard 60/40-split rear seatbacks supplement the load volume of the trunk, which holds 16.7 cubic feet of cargo.

Additional equipment on the XLE model includes power front seats, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, an engine immobilizer/alarm, keyless entry and a rear sunshade. The sportier SE sedan gets unique sport fabric upholstery, brushed-chrome interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, and sport gauges. Models featuring the automatic transmission may be equipped with optional power-adjustable pedals. Toyota’s navigation system is offered as an option.

Under the Hood
Toyota’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 157 hp and teams with a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. The 210-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 comes only with a five-speed automatic. A new 225-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 is available for the SE.

Safety
Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain-type airbags are standard in the XLE and optional in the other trim levels. The driver-side front airbag deploys in three stages. Antilock brakes are standard on the XLE and on models equipped with the V-6 engine and are offered as optional equipment on four-cylinder LE and SE sedans.

Driving Impressions
If the Camry has been criticized for anything, it’s been for bland styling. Most Camry consumers aren’t seeking flashy looks but rather Toyota’s reputation for reliability, high quality and excellent resale value.

All of the desirable Camry attributes are here, and they’re probably better now than ever before. Owners get a pleasantly comfortable ride, ample interior space, blissful quietness and reasonably energetic performance. Acceleration reaches well past the acceptable mark with the four-cylinder engine, which is about as quiet as models powered by the V-6.

Only a little penalty in ride comfort is evident in the sporty SE, which promises somewhat tauter handling than other Camry models; but the differences are less than dramatic. The manual transmission in the Camry performs admirably, and its lever clicks crisply through the gears.

Consumer reviews

(96 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.6
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.4
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.1
  • Reliability 4.7
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Toyota is The Best

My 2004 Toyota Camry 2.4L it’s been the best reliable car a ever had , originally purchased to fix the crank shaft sensor on it do to gears not shifting properly, and resale after that , but after fixing it my self , I ended up Loving it , it now has 280,000 miles and still running with 0 problems or lights on the dashboard, and for sure will go over 300 k miles , it’s just and AMAZING car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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great if you love saving money

im just a 20 year old college student who knows absolutely nothing ab cars but man do i love this one, reliable and the way the dash lights up at night is the best. i dont like how busy new cars are, this one is spacious and perfect! plus i fit a mattress in the trunk

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Love my 04 Camry SE

This car is amazing I have SE with the 3.3 V6 and that engine out performed in everyway I thought it wouldn't not only would I recommend this car if you can find a 2004 SE with the 3.3 V6 buy it you won't regret it let me say one more thing it's fast😁

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 96 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2004 Toyota Camry base trim.
Frontal driver
4
Frontal passenger
4
Nhtsa rollover rating
4
Side driver
4
Side rear passenger
3

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Toyota
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
7 years/less than 85,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12, 000 miles
Powertrain
7 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
160- or 174-point inspections
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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