Going from Gen 4 to Gen 5 - my review

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This is the base 2002 LE version, with 2.4L and 5 speed manual transmission.

I just upgraded from Gen 4, 2.2L also with 5 speed and wanted to share my comments.

First, it seems like a completely different vehicle. The difference is most obvious in outside looks, they did a major redesign of course and inside there is much more room, including the trunk.

The HP difference between generations is not that great, on paper about 20 hp, but does feel much more energetic. You have to rev it. The power difference is obvious. 2.2L was such a weak engine I often had to downshift all the way to 3rd on a steep hill. With 2.4L, I only have to downshift to 4th. Nice engine, 2.4L - and I would say the minimum power I would want in a vehicle of that size.

The under the hood layout seems pretty similar. Instead of 2 belts, only 1 is used and it's much wider.

The body panel fit is much better, ideal as far as I can tell. The prevous 2000 CE had obvious misalignments, one of the rear doors was obviously not fitting right. FWIW, my 4th Gen. was made in KY, and this one is a J VIN code which means it was made in Japan of course.

5 speed manual: It took me about a day to get used to it. What I knew with my 2000 CE model did not apply.You have to hit the gas much more than before to get moving. I stalled it a few times before I got it right. There is just more distance for the gas pedal to travel.
Even if you know M/T well, there is some differences across makes.

Drive-by-wire. 2002 is the first year that used this technology, and it's very hard if not impossible to tell apart from the old throttle by cable. DBW is here to stay and has some significant advantages. I did not experience any delay in acceleration that apparently exist with DBW in automatic tranny vehicles. It's obvious even more stuff is controlled by the ECU in Generation 5: Not just throttle but also power windows, cabin lights, etc.

Downside: Apparently some of the paint on the hood is questionable, I saw the previous owner touch-up the spots where the paint flaked off, right above the headlights where the bugs and stones usually hit. My previous 4-Gen was worse though, there was a big chunk of paint missing on the bumper.

All in all, a totally different car. 2.4L is a good economy engine, decent power while hopefully it will get nice MPG. I am really glad I got the 5 speed M/T.
I would think V6 would totally kick some @ss.

[TRD VVTi]

It seems that you are pleased.

I have an automatic and don't experience any delay with DBW.

Welcome to the world of the Gen 5 Camry.