Can You Have Fun Driving Fast In A Slow Car? 2001 Toyota Camry LE - Hot Take
Today, we take a look at a 4 cylinder automatic Toyota Camry. We push it to the limit and explore the concept of slow car fun. Or, in this case, really slow car fun.
For those of you wondering what color this is, Toyota calls the interior and exterior color sage.
Follow me @prayedfish: / prayedfish
Score Sheet: docs.google.co...
V6 Manual Variant POV: • A Unicorn In Disguise:...
Specs:
Model: 2001 Toyota Camry
Mods: None
Engine: 2.2 liter Naturally Aspirated inline 4 (5SFE)
Driveline: Front Engine FWD
Power: 136hp @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 150 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: 4 Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 3,120 lbs
MPG: 20 city/29 Highway, 24 combined
0-60: 11.5 Seconds
2024 Prices: ~$5,000
2001 Base MSRP: $20,415
Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:08 Exhaust Clips
1:25 Initial Impressions
4:36 Spirited Driving
7:34 Maintenance Needed
8:53 1st Gear Pull
9:07 Slow Car Fast
11:14 Power Test
13:07 Hot Take
14:02 Score
Пікірлер: 78
I love my 1999 Camry with 222000 miles. The 4th generation Camry is the only generation I like. I drive mine as a highway cruiser so smooth, reliable, and good on gas.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
It does have a sort of classicness to it. This was THE CAR for many years.
Here in Nigeria this car is what someone like me would save up for. Your sister rejecting it makes me realise life is of different phases
I upgraded my 01 camrys head unit to an android auto / apple carplay screen. speakers too. was super easy and it works great! basically a modern car now!
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
I might look into that for mine! The cassette deck doesn't work, which is kinda a bummer.
Seeing you happy makes me happy bro. You got one of those faces that just makes ppl happy. Keep smiling buddy. -- Fellow Michigander
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Haha thanks, that made my day. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 🙂
@farz1as
6 ай бұрын
@@M-t3ch Thank YOU for making my day. Haven't seen a lot of high quality POVs of 90's cars with good storytelling.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
@vajd I am finding that I fill a sort of niche with these odd ball cars. I'm very thankful for the owners who let me drive a lot of them!
I love this generation of the camry, my dad owned a 2000 from the time I was 1 to nearly 13 years old. He got over 300,000 mi on the original power train, it was still running when he sold it. It was the family car, so many miles we spent together in this car. It held up very well. The seat material is great, it hides stains well, it had zero rips or wear in general through the interior. These are very very reliable cars if they were maintained properly. If they weren't maintained, they were known for oil sludge buildup on the 2.2 and 3.0 from 97-01. Due to my dad's Camry experience, I bought a 99 Camry that didn't have many maintenance records. They claimed it was maintained , and I was in a pinch so I bought it... It blew the engine after 3 months at 145k due to sludge 😂. I still want another one of these Camrys, I know my Camry wasn't at fault for the prior owners negligence. It was a bummer situation, because it was mint. Looking back, I should have just replaced the engine instead of selling it for a grand. I feel like this was genuinely the pentacle of Toyota build quality. They're very solid cars! I do want another, I just have to find one that has been maintained, which is hard to find/prove with an almost 30 year old car 😭 great video!
@M-t3ch
2 ай бұрын
I agree! The build quality was very good on these back in the day. The interior is my favorite part; it's so utilitarian and simple. And the seats feel like sitting on a couch haha. Perfect daily driver for me. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
@camryuser
Ай бұрын
@divineoracle4809; Hey I have this generation of Camry. I recommend you use 'Marvel Mystery Oil' on any Camry you buy to remove the sludge build up. Watch CarCareNut on this generation Camry, he has a deep dive on all the quirks.
“Can you have fun driving fast in a slow car?” Any manual Miata: “Hold my soju.”
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
For real lol. Although I think this car makes a Miata look fast.
@Wildbillcooper
6 ай бұрын
@@M-t3ch as an NA owner, I completely agree.
The 2001 and older Camry were made in Tsutsumi, Toyota Aichi Japan 🇯🇵 among the finest build quality and reliability in the world, only a few batches of 2002 Camrys are made in Japan before production moved to Georgetown Kentucky USA for 2003 and newer Camry’s which the quality isn’t nearly as good as the 2001 and older, true made in Japan Camry’s, my 2005 Camry has few issues while family friend’s 1999 made in Japan Camry with double the mileage almost 200k miles still runs like new!
Actually, I think the early 90's to mid 90's Camry's were the ones that started the trend to having it become a popular consumer car, if not the late 80's. My family owned a red 1993 Toyota Camry and it had been in our family till 2023 when I rear ended it on a low speed on the road. I wish my family had the money to fix it but we didn't. We also own a 1999 version which is gold just like yours (body style wise) and that is why when it came time to replace that car I ruined, naturally I went with a 2000. I've owned it for a year and some months now. It runs great for it's age and I just love the simplicity like you said. I was 16 when that body style became available. I love cars and learning about them and I learned to drive in this model of a car.
@M-t3ch
3 күн бұрын
@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858 This was the car that started the trend in 1997! These were the golden era of the Camry. Like you said, everything is so simple, easy to use, and perfectly placed for the driver. Love the story. Appreciate the comment!
@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858
3 күн бұрын
@M-t3ch Hmm, could have sworn it was the early 90's version, but alright if you did your research. My family came over from the Philippines in 1991 and my family's first car was a 1988 Gray Camry. I didn't like it and called it a "Monster" because I was kinda small for my age, lol. But don't get me wrong, we had money to go here as we were above middle class at the time. I remember the first ever time I tried to park this style of Camry (when I was learning to drive at 16 back in 2000), I parked it diagonally in the shopping center near my house lol. It's a good thing there were hardly any parked cars there at the time. 😛
@M-t3ch
3 күн бұрын
@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858 Haha, Camrys are awesome. That is how a lot of them get the "Camry dent." It's that blind spot in the rear. 1997 was the first year of them being the best-selling car every year, I believe! 2001 is the only exception.
@SVAsianPhilippinesGo6858
3 күн бұрын
@@M-t3ch Actually, I drove a 1995 Honda Civic for 20 years (from 2002 till 2022-ish), but in 2019, I inherited our Red 1993 Toyota Camry that I mentioned earlier, so by then, I had TWO cars to drive to work haha lol. I had my choices...Unfortunately, as mentioned, I rear-ended a small truck with the 1993 one. If my family just had the money, I would have loved to fix the 1993 one. I'm usually a careful driver and because of my many years of experience, that's been my only "big" accident since 2001 when I got my license. The fact that the old Camry's have HUGE windows makes it a lot better (in my opinion) for changing lanes than the new cars with huge head rests! Granted I've never driven a newer Camry (my mom has one, but she won't let me drive it for some sad reason). Anyway, thank you for the lovely chat! 🙂
I love my 2015 6 speed manual Corolla, but I had a 2000 Camry with the small engine option and the automatic, and I miss that car.
@M-t3ch
Ай бұрын
@PenguTT44-sh2oe They are great cars! I love mine. A newer manual Corolla sounds cool too though.
It’s actually one of my favorite generations of Camry, in regard to design. Just enough round and straight lines. I’ll agree, when I had my 14 Mustang GT Premium, it was an absolute blast going on the highway or getting up to speed, especially from a stop. But the most fun car I think was the 99 Civic EX on the back roads. It’s very nimble and the handling is light. Also with a slower engine, you really get to use it all, real quick, unlike the Mustang.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
I agree 100% with all of that. It’s a different kind of fun.
Have a 99 Camry v6 auto XLE model. Replaced original struts with KYB replacements and rear springs with stiffer Moog cargo type, these firmed it up pretty well. Pretty fun car.
@M-t3ch
Ай бұрын
@@gwrider2146 Maybe I'll do something like that! Just to get a little more handling capacity out of it. How is the ride quality?
@gwrider2146
Ай бұрын
@M-t3ch If you're asking about the ride quality, I'm going to say you may end up wanting to stick to what you have as it does firm it up, especially with the stiffer rear springs.😅
@M-t3ch
Ай бұрын
@gwrider2146 I believe that. My e36 m3 has modified suspension, so I know the deal. I'll probably leave it stock then. This is the daily mobile, haha. The ride quality is actually really good for the price the car is.
Well I have a Genesis and an older 2003 Camry and I drive that Camry everyday and I enjoy driving that vehicle a lot, its very basic but something about it I really enjoy driving everyday.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Same feeling I have!
i love my 2001 camry but the worst part is the interior during summer 😭
Theses Toyota Camry model years are the best
@M-t3ch
3 күн бұрын
@@julioooz34 This was THE car haha.
I love my 98 Camry 4cyl 5 speed manual with 276 000 miles on it I was all around Europe in Ukraine Moldova Hungary Austria Italy Czech Republic and some city trips in germany greetings from Germany:)
@M-t3ch
4 ай бұрын
Love to hear it! A 5 speed manual would be pretty cool. Probably helps the acceleration a lot.
@thomaswagner3885
3 ай бұрын
@@M-t3ch Yes it hepls :)
I have an 05 camry running like a dream even tho its rusty and might not be in the best condition it refuses to die even with 300k kms only simple maintained required great beater cars the check engine light is just a reminder of that lol
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Haha yeah, they all do. Funny enough the CEL went off 2 days after this shoot. It kind of comes and goes as it pleases.
Im from Europe and currently own a 97 Skoda Felicia. Its a little tin can but its fun as hell to drive despite being incredibly slow. And when you have to floor it in 2nd gear just to keep up with a Rav4 that is normally just starting off a red light is so funny but genuiney fun. The thing weighs 900kg with a full tank which is nothing and it def feels that way. But yeah, so far ive only driven the Felicia and a Renault Megane 2017 which definitely had a lot more power that i couldnt really test cause i was taking driving lessons on it. Also the roads in Europe are waay tighter and more crowded so you can only really test it on weekends. And is genuinely only enjoyable that way. I hate driving through dense traffic.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
That's super cool! The only downside to living in the states is larger and less tight roads, haha. I try not to redline this Canry everywhere, but sometimes I have to.
@niksonrex88
6 ай бұрын
@@M-t3ch hahahahahaha id honestly say that the biggest issue with the states is not being able to walk anywhere unless you live in huge cities. The whole continent is very car dependent. And then you also get a lot of people who dont want to drive driving because they have to. Then you have bad drivers. Here people who dont want to drive just dont drive, they walk/bike or take the bus to work.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
@niksonrex88 100%, a lot of people here don't know basic road etiquette.
I have the same spec camry, same year and color too just in way worse condition lol. These things are basically cheating in terms of costs and reliability 😂 cheap & bulletproof. But with the trade off of being one of the slowest on the road, and albiet lack luster driving experience. You summarized it very well, especially the part about keeping up with modern traffic! Cars are just too damn fast these days lol!
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Haha, love to hear it. As a college student, the peace of mind in terms of cost is awesome. Nothing on this car is more than 100 dollars. The speed trade-off is real though. My friends make fun of the car haha.
@user-ex2hg5rv6p
Ай бұрын
I got the same camry and it blows the doors off most cars let alone keeping up with traffic, maybe you're just scared to press the accelerator lol
I drive a 98 corolla CE, looks almost identical to this car but just a little different so seeing you pov drive this is giving me major uncanny valley lmaoooo
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Haha, we drove a really rough one of those last year. Similar car, but it's a different flavor!
i have an Xv20 in the form of the ES 300! great first car that you know that’ll be easy to fix and cheap, a rear sway bar actually did a lot for me, and the body roll was kinda fun for an autocross. they’re a very utilitarian car, and make me enjoy my sports car more
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Maybe I'll look into a rear sway bar. I imagine it would help keep the rear end more in line with the front. I'll need to try it at Auto X at some point!
That's not Mexico on a closed course. Looks like mid Michigan where I grew up
@zerowater1645
6 ай бұрын
everyone knows that just some stupid lie to not get in trouble even though hes driving like an npc but its obvious lot of other youtubers do the same thing
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
👀
@farz1as
6 ай бұрын
NEVER SHARE UR REAL LOCATION ONLINE. But you're absolutely right, it does look like Michigan.
@niksonrex88
6 ай бұрын
How does sarcasm go this hard over your head?
Where was the fun part? You were way under the grip limit even for a 2001 Camry. Not saying you should wreck the car but I was expecting trail braking or e-brake or something on corners where you could see ahead.
@niksonrex88
6 ай бұрын
Just flooring a slow car feels fun. You dont have to do powerslides to have fun.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Video doesn't really show it well, but it felt a lot faster in the car, lol. The tires give out really soon on this car. For a lot of those turns, I was almost up to the limit. When it's warmer out, I'll do another one going a bit quicker!
@farz1as
6 ай бұрын
Trust me what he is doing is very fun without taking major risks. Camrys aren't built for cutting up in traffic and cutting corners, especially not one as old as this. Honestly old cars are so fun because they can't do all this but just gives you the feeling of going all out.
@niksonrex88
6 ай бұрын
@@M-t3ch this is honestly perfectly fine. This guy thinks a Camry is an Audi TTRS that can zip in and out of corners like nothing. This is having fun responsibly and i cant stress how important that is. I hate seeing guys totally risk it on the roads. Risk mortally hurting themselves and others when they can just go to a track and do it safely. Roads are for traveling and tracks are for racing.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
@niksonrex88 Exactly, I like to push cars, but you will never find me cutting lanes on public roads.
Does it have abs?
@M-t3ch
3 ай бұрын
Yes!
@laurenSmith-bf4fc
3 ай бұрын
Traction control? @@M-t3ch
@M-t3ch
3 ай бұрын
@@laurenSmith-bf4fc No traction control.
@laurenSmith-bf4fc
3 ай бұрын
@@M-t3ch ok was gonna buy one but I changed my mind safety first 🦺
Honestly, any car can be fun just by virtue of being a car. Show even a Mitsubishi mirage to someone in the 1930s and it would blow their mind... its all relative.
@M-t3ch
6 ай бұрын
Haha, very true.
Nothing special? It will go 400,000 miles!
@M-t3ch
2 күн бұрын
@zaffo757 True haha
This car is sickening boots the house down, mawma 👀🫦👀