Faults:

I bought this car with a broken radiator, CV boots, brakes, a worn out timing belt, and a sludgy engine. I replaced these items, tuned it up, and flushed the heck out of the engine and cooling system, and have had NO trouble since!

I am the third owner, and this car runs better than any car I've ever had. It's got excellent power on the original engine, and barely burns any oil, and then only at highway speeds, about a quart every 3,000 miles.

I get 31 MPG on the freeway and 26 in town... this is amazing considering the original engine and old emissions technology!

Awesome car... everything works, including original A/C and stereo, and rear defroster.

The car drives smooth and quiet. I would buy another!

Faults:

I lost the engine shortly after I bought it, but it had a ton of miles so the engine failure was not that surprising.

I had an oil leak from the cylinder head on a high mileage engine. Big mistake to ever repair the leak. Once a cylinder head gasket is replaced on a high mileage engine, the engine WILL BLOW in a few months due to all the pressure on the lower portion of the engine. The best way to resolve a cylinder head leak if you have high miles is to either live with the leak or just replace the engine.

After the 2.2 litre engine blew, I got a used JDM engine, which was a 2.0 litre, but it's the exact same block, so all the sensors and hardware mounted up exactly right.

Now the Camry is in its "second life". It runs perfectly with the newer engine and does not leak a drop of oil.

Every single switch and accessory is perfect. It looks beautiful even though the styling is slightly dated. My friends cannot believe the odometer shows 245,000 miles, and the car looks and runs exactly like when it was new.

Other than biting the bullet on the engine shortly after I bought it, it's been a perfect little car to buzz around in. Fun to drive, fast, great on gas and still pretty stylish. A true keeper!

General Comments:

Maneuvers great! I put on larger 16 inch wheels with fatter performance tires and it runs like it means serious business at any speed.

The cloth seats are OK. Toyota could have designed a bit more style into the interior, but once you drive it and realize how quick and nimble it is, you'll love it!

This one has 245,000 miles and runs like it's brand new. The replacement engine has about 50k on it, and the rest of the vehicle is all OEM with the high miles.

Faults:

New front suspension three years ago, gas lines, front brake caliper (twice), radiator just this year, everything else is original.

General Comments:

The dictionary definition of reliable. Drove like new when I bought it, and still behaves and runs competently.

The cabin is roomy, especially up front, the upholstery is high quality, and there are none of the electrical bugs that seem to plague old cars. Cruise control, signals, headlights, dashboard lights, brake lights, stereo, power door locks, windows and mirrors all problem free.

Mechanically, the thing is bulletproof. Never a problem with the starter, alternator, battery, or engine and transmission.

The 5-speed manual shifts smooth and precise, and the engine still runs quiet and smooth.

I can't get rid of this car until it one day dies on me. I've become too emotionally involved with it. You will too.

Faults:

I own the Camry american edition with the 3.0 L, it has 178,500 miles and is still going strong. Toyota engineering on this vehicle is exceptional. I am an Automotive service technician and I know reliability when I see it. I would take this old car on a trip from New York to California, I'm so confident, which is a shame too because my wife's parents gave us this car after they bought their new 2006 Camry and have had a few quality issues on it so far.

In the 20,000 miles, 2 years I have owned it I have only installed brake pads and rotors front and rear, a new LR brake caliper and basic oil changes and maintenance. Its too bad Toyota don't make them this good still.

General Comments:

I am amazed at the quality of its exterior as well. I seriously expected paint to at least chip or flake after 14 years, but it's still glossy and attractive.