Worth every penny
Car sometimes jerks after I put it into gear. There is a loud engine noise that worsens when I turn the a/c on-I'm about to take to dealer for service.
This is a great car! Aside from the engine noise, the car drives comparably to my M-B 190E! The ride is super smooth.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th February, 2004
Would by again. Wife picked Iris as color (Not my choice) Paid $24,900 New
Front Struts @ 37,000 miles. Dealer replaced free (under warranty)
Slight smoke at start up in the morning at 90k miles. Dealer fixed free (extended warrenty).
Water pump leaking (slightly) 90k miles Dealer replaced free (extended warr)
Third battery (Arizona heat not Toyota fault)
Third set of tires and brake pads (rotors turned as needed) at 93k miles 2nd set at 37k (normal) for my driving.
Front speakers/radio replaced, normal for my listening style, all other speakers still stock.
Radio replaced due to buttons coming loose.
Door cluster coming loose at seam where one would close door.
Paint chips on hood.
Mirrors and rear bumper fading a bit.(Arizona Sun)
Toyota Camry:
My wife (orig owner) drives the car mostly and she still loves it after 5 years.
Alloys, Sunroof, and Rear Spoiler still make the car a joy to drive.
We drive the car from Tucson to Phoenix monthly and all enjoy the comfort (even rear passengers)
Remote entry/alarm still working 5 years later (batteries changed as needed and was dealer installed).
100k mile extended warranty just paid for itself. 93k miles and still going strong.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th February, 2004
I love this car just wish I was rich enough to afford the high repair bills
The 2nd and 3rd gear went without warning.
The paint is chipping in the rear end.
Battery quit recharging.
There is noise from the front passenger wheelhouse, but no problem can be found.
Check engine light coming on.
Front passenger power window regulator faulty.
Air-conditioner has always smelled dusty.
Center console cup holder broke.
The rear driver side brake lights went out.
I have spent a fortune on this car maintaining it. I use synthetic oil and keep the oil changed every 3 months. I have already given this car 2 tune-ups, changed the brakes twice and get new tires every year. The timing belt has been changed, a new battery and a new clutch. I have had the fuel injection system treated due to the loss of power. The font end of the car has had a noise in it since the first year, yet they can't find out what is wrong with it. I drive constantly and have put a lot of wear and tear on this car. It has been dependable, but whenever something goes wrong it is a real hassle to get it fixed. For instance, my check engine light kept coming on for 3 months, finally the dealership asked me if I changed my gas cap and sure enough that was the problem. During any long distance driving, an hour or more, it can become a very uncomfortable ride. The seats are horrible. Plenty of room in the car. Engine is easy to work on, plenty of space in the engine compartment.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th January, 2004
High value car
I have had no problems with this car since I purchased it.
This car is very reliable. It has been great!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th January, 2004
A few minor problems, and one not so minor
Brakes started grumbling when applied. I thought it was the anti-lock brakes, but it turned out a thorough cleaning of the rear brakes fixed the problem.
Rear cup holder lasted about a year.
The throttle had a ‘catch’ in it due to a loosened throttle choke plate. This was rather exciting at times on starting from stop sign, as it wouldn’t release initially.
Ignition switch was replaced.
Periodically the trunk lock fails to work.
One design glitch is that there is not enough ground clearance under the front bumper. It rubs the concrete on normal height curbs.
The only failure of significance are the valve stem seals leaking, causing smoking for a few seconds on startup. Although I don’t know for a fact, I have read where the seals have been a problem with the 4-cyl engine. Dealer cost is nearly $1000 to replace.
The pluses are the car is quiet and comfortable. Visibility is good. Fuel economy is very good for a car of this size, around 32-34 on the highway, 28-29 overall. 4 cylinder engine has adequate power for most driving, although when driving in the hills, the 6-cylinder would be a plus.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th June, 2003
I have three toyota camrys 1998 and all of them have a problem with smoking on starting up. Additionally, the door arm rest becomes malformed over the years and leaves a gap between the electric window/lock panel and the rest.
Your valve guide seals leaking is more of a common problem than you might think. I am certified with several manufacturers and have seen this from all of them. The difference in the petroleum based oils can cause the seals to dry out and crack as well as carbon build-up can push the seal away from the valve itself allowing oil to leak in the combustion chamber when the car is not running.
I have had great success in using Top Engine cleaner available at the GM dealer. I do suggest allowing the technician to do it because there is a chance you could hydro-lock the engine. But I really do swear by this process and have seen it do amazing stuff. And I am very opposed to mechanics in a can.
2nd Feb 2004, 17:29
My rear cup holder is history, as well. Not very sturdy, durable or even functional when it was not broken.