Faults:

Replaced plugs, wires, cap and rotor shortly after purchase.

Engine has a collapsed lifter. I live with it.

Valve cover, oil pan and distributor leak oil. I live with it.

Steering rack leaks lots of power steering fluid. I do without power steering.

A/C compressor seized due to running with no freon. I live with it.

Ignition switch issue fixed with a $5 relay from Radioshack.

General Comments:

There are a few things that have gone wrong with the car, BUT it still runs, drives and stops just fine. You can't expect much from a $350 car. It isn't very quick. It does 0-60 in about 12 seconds. However, it passes on the highway fairly well.

The seats are comfortable with good side support. I wish it didn't have electric seat belts, but oh well.

The headlights do not have the best reflectors.

Servicing the engine is a dream.

The car gets 27 MPG average, four more than the new EPA estimates.

Faults:

Power steering high pressure line began seeping (after the car had not been driven for five years).

Replaced water pump.

Replaced timing belt.

Intermittent dome light.

Minor wear on driver's seat.

Master key has become worn with use.

General Comments:

Pros: build quality, acceleration with the V6, quiet ride noise, comfortable, anti-lock brakes, power sunroof, power seat height & tilt adjustment, spacious trunk.

Cons: gas mileage, running costs at 23 years old.

My aunt purchased this car new in 1990 with all the bells and whistles. She drove this car from New England to Florida and back with no trouble several times during the 1990s. In 2005, she was involved in a serious accident with the car, which had hopped a curb and gotten the car airborne. After picking up several parts that had fallen off, she was still able to drive it to a local garage. Much of the undercarriage had to be fixed following the accident, but most of these repairs would not typically have been needed at 70,000 otherwise. Shortly afterward, my aunt lessened her driving and the car sat in her garage for five years, undriven.

I recently inherited the car and recently sunk some money into it (due to several parts that needed replacement from not being used for five years). At 23 years old, there is less than 1 square centimeter of body rust on the car and the V6 engine still runs strong. The car is also surprisingly quiet for a V6, due to the large amount of noise dampening cloth under the hood. Granted, the accident has left some minor scratches and oil leaks, but this car has held up well. As a student, it gets me from point A to point B. Being owned by an elderly woman, this 1990 Camry is in much better shape than those that are still on the road today. I like the interior fit and finish much better than the other family cars (a 2004 Sienna and a 2008 Prius). The car is solid and heavy, giving the driver a sense of security. My Camry was also equipped with automatic seat belts and optional anti-lock brakes, which are safety bonuses.

My only complaints are that the car has no airbags and gets poor gas mileage (19 city, 25 highway) due to the heavy materials and V6 engine. I am willing to sacrifice gas mileage for build quality and acceleration. I enjoy this car much better than the Prius that I learned to drive on. The car is built much better than newer Toyotas. If you can find one for sale, I recommend purchasing it.

Faults:

Torn boot, thermostat, ignition coil, dome light, and rear left window stopped working. That's it, other than normal wear and tear items during 22 years of original ownership.

Rust at wheel wells and side fender corners, but then it's gone through heavy Chicago winters with constant snow and road salt.

General Comments:

Bullet-proof car. Built like a tank.

Not exactly a car to pickup chicks with, but its bland looks fit my unpretentious personality.

Best car purchase I ever made.

Original owner for 22 years, and it's still going strong.