2002 Toyota Camry LE Automatic Vs. Toyota Camry SE Five-Speed

Though it seldom makes the short list for most die-hard enthusiast drivers, Toyota's ubiquitous Camry has long managed to exact the sweetest kind of revenge upon detractors and competitors alike. For the best part of a decade, this genuinely purposeful, relentlessly reliable, and heretofore blisteringly bland front-drive sedan has either led or challenged for the top spot in U.S. passenger-car sales. With its all-new fifth-generation offering, Toyota sought to push the envelope in yet another way, by bolstering the rational side of this hardy perennial with a well-measured infusion of style and performance.

To better gauge the success of that mission on a grassroots level, we gathered two variations on the '02 theme: one, its volume leader; the other, its most affordably priced sport version. For those of you not up to speed on Camry obscura, we're talking the now-entry-level LE with a four-speed automatic transmission and the newly resurrected, sportily flavored SE model fitted with a five-speed manual. Both can be had with the carryover 3.0L V-6. However, since some 70 percent of all Camrys sold are four-cylinder models, and we've already tested the V-6, we ordered both with the new 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder base engine.

Shared with the Highlander SUV, this lightweight, compact powerplant is one the most praiseworthy elements of the Gen V Camry's design brief. Smoothed by balance shafts and fortified with VVTi (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) on the intake side, it tops the old 2.2L four in both output and efficiency. Developing 157 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque-gains of 10 and 15 percent, respectively, over its predecessor-the new engine substantially improves the four-cylinder Camry experience, regardless of trim or transmission type. Equally notable, it nets budget-minded 24/33-mpg EPA marks when paired with the manual box and 24/32 mpg matched with the autoshifter.

Before comparing empirical data, however, a quick player profile is in order. Expected to account for about half of all Camry sales, the LE now anchors the lineup following the departure of the slow-selling CE. Nearly three-quarters of LE buyers will pair the I-4 with Toyota's equally new, electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission in a combo that starts at $19,800. Complementing the Camry's bigger and even-better-appointed passenger compartment is an impressive array of standards led by air-conditioning, power windows/locks/ mirrors, and cruise control. Our tester also had anti-lock brakes, side/side-curtain airbags, floormats, and Package 2 (keyless remote, power driver's seat, and premium sound system with CD), as well as the $830 autoshifter. It bottom-lined at $22,109, including destination.

The SE level's exterior cosmetic touches include foglights and a rear spoiler. Inside, it nets unique fabric, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, brushed faux-metal accent trim, and titanium-face gauges. More important, the SE gets stiffer springs/shocks/anti-roll bars, higher-effort power steering, and 215/60VR16 performance tires in place of the LE's 205/65TR15 rubber. This one had the same extras as our LE plus alloy wheels, items that bumped its as-tested figure from $20,310 to $23,029.