1997 Toyota Camry 220GL review from Australia and New Zealand
"Just another anonymous family car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The exhaust system needed to be replaced after purchase.
Interior upholstery is thin and tears easily.
General comments?
I bought this car at a low price due to the higher mileage. The car is more reliable than other cars I have owned with similar mileages. However the entire exhaust system needed to be replaced at high cost due to the warranty expiring in early 2000. Toyota parts are surprisingly expensive.
The interior fabrics are very thin and the fabric on the driver's seat needed to be replaced when it tore due to normal wear and tear.
The 2.2 litre engine gives adequate performance when fitted with the 5 speed manual transmission. The car has good handling albeit with plenty of body roll.
The interior is nothing but gray!
Surprisingly the 220GL and 220GX had optional airbags only at a time when other makers were selling cars with them standard.
As a car the Camry is OK, but it lacks the personality and pizazz of a European car.
I don't usually buy Japanese cars but the Camry has proved itself a reliable investment. It would be ideal for the unadventurous family.
Recommended reviews
  | Comfortable, reliable, relatively fun family sedan |
Confortable / Reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 159000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 163000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Passat GT |
| Date of Entry | 24th December, 2000 |