1997 Toyota Camry LE 2.2 Liter 4 cylinder
Summary:
Good riding and comfortable car that will not make 100k miles without an engine rebuild
Faults:
During the entire life of the car, it has had a problem with oil and oil sludging in the engine. It hasn't mattered that I've changed the oil every 3,000 miles, and driven it with care. This has lead to an engine tear-down and rebuild at 94,000 miles. This came to a very expensive $2,600 from the dealership, in which was shady, deceptive dealership.
The interior has some minor quirks, like the door lock on the passenger side front door won't work unless you use the power door lock button.
The steering wheel squeaks when you turn it.
General Comments:
This car was purchased based on Toyota's reputation. This car has NOT lived up to the so-called reliability standards of Toyota.
The Camry is a comfortable car, with a very comfortable ride.
Handling is typical of a mid-size car. Capable, predictable, but I wouldn't take an off-ramp at 80.
Fuel economy is no better - if not worse - than my V6 Malibu. About 25 mpg average.
Interior room is very good, and the same goes for trunk space.
The interior is very boring.
Overall, it's a good car with substandard reliability problems.
If you really like the Camry, insist on an extended warranty and make sure the oil sludge problem is resolved, so you're not stuck with a $2,600 repair bill! Poor quality on Toyota's behalf.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 24th March, 2005
27th Mar 2005, 17:46
You guys over in North America get it so bad. Down here in Australia, Toyota really does live up to its reputation of superb reliability. I have two Camrys, a 1994 model which has done 116000km/72000miles and a 2002 run-out model with 28500km/17700miles, both CSI models. There have been no major problems so far. The only costs incurred are the usual oil changes plus the cost of replacing parts due to normal wear and tear. Well, our 1994 model had to have the radiator replaced, a premature timing-belt replacement (at 80000km/49700miles) and a new head-gasket due to maintanance neglect, but since then, no problems.
With regard to dealership service, I would say it has been a pretty satisfying experience thus far, at least at the particular dealership where my family gets the 2002 model serviced (although I am quite confident that this kind of service is consistent throughout Toyota Australia). The people there have been friendly and honest. They even steam-clean the engine after the servicing has been done!! I couldn't help, but think "Wow."
What are Subaru and Mazda like over where you are? I know they generally also have a good reliability reputation. I could also mention Honda, but I get the feeling after reading some of the reviews in the Honda section that at least with the Accord, there have been some quality issues over where you are; please correct me if I am mistaken about this.
I don't want to act as though I'm a guru or anything, but this is what I know and believe to be true.