If you’re shopping for an economical, used, midsize sedan, you’ve no doubt seen a 2004 Toyota Camry. If you don’t remember seeing it, that’s ok. It’s easy to overlook as its unremarkableness is its only drawback. But, on the other hand, a used Camry has a lot to offer if you ignore its blandness. 

2004 Toyota Camry specs

The 2004 Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that features seating for five, three trim levels, and a choice between a four-cylinder or a six-cylinder engine. Autoblog says the base LE trim, equipped with the four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, is the most popular Camry model. 

The Camry LE is also available with a V6 and automatic transmission. In addition, the Camry LE comes with air conditioning, power windows, power side mirrors, power door locks with keyless entry, a 60/40 split rear seat, and vanity mirrors in the front sun visors. 

The Camry SE also provides a choice of I4 or V6 engines and manual or automatic transmissions. As a sport-oriented model, the SE features “higher-rate springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars” that impart the Camry with better handling requiring more driver input. 

In addition, the Camry SE comes with black trim on the front end, a rear spoiler, and unique black pearl SE badging on the exterior. Sporty touches inside include a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and bright trim pieces that “add zing to the interior.” 

The most luxurious Camry XLE features an automatic transmission as standard equipment behind your choice of the I4 or V6 power plants. While the XLE won’t have any of the SE’s sporty exterior touches, inside, it features high-end touches like:

• Wood-grain trim
• Power driver and front-passenger seats
• Automatic air conditioning
• An alarm system
• A cargo net
• A rear-window sunshade

The two engine options for the Camry include the following:

• 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder with 157 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0-liter V6 with 192 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque

Overall the 2004 Camry provides incredible reliability, adequate power, decent handling, and a comfortable, quiet ride in a fuel-efficient package. The problem is that the Camry doesn’t stand out from the crowd in any category that raises the driver’s pulse rate.

The 2004 Camry’s big problem

As stated, the 2004 Camry’s big problem is its lack of excitement-inducing features. The bottom line is that it’s incredibly dull and unremarkable to look at and drive. 

Even Toyota admits that “few people aspire to own a Camry.” Still, it’s hard to argue with the number of units sold every year when it’s time to redesign what Kelley Blue Book describes as “the most popular sedan in America.”

A few exciting alternatives to consider

While it’s hard to argue with the Camry’s success, there are more exciting alternatives that hover around the same price point but offer better styling and more performance. Topping the alternative list for improved style is the 2005 Chrysler 300, and the 300C adds more performance at a higher price.

Economical alternatives with better performance and style include the 2004 Nissan Altima and the 2004 Mazda6.