1988 Toyota Camry DLX 2.0L 4-cylinder from North America

Summary:

Absolute junk!!!

Faults:

Too many problems to list!... but I will anyway.

The head-gasket and alternator were already replaced when I bought the car at 118,000 miles (those parts obviously don't last very long)

Numerous oil leaks... well over $1,000 worth!!!

Numerous brake problems including severe pedal pulsation and terrible squealing/groaning noises... loud noises!!!

Sunroof not only stopped working, but the glass shattered uexpectedly one day!!!

Water-pump failed, resulting in the car stalling and not restarting, which left me stranded at a busy intersection one morning!!!

The lock to open the truck broke!!!

Timing-belt has been replaced 3 times in 20,000 miles of driving!!!

The timing of the timing-belt was thrown off trying to jump start another car...yes, that can happen with these stupid cars!!!

Excessive engine pinging and black smoke pouring from the exhaust...that's what the car is in the shop to get fixed now!!!

The interior has an ridiculous amount of loose and squeaking/rattling pieces!!!

The transmission is starting to shift weird as if the computer is messing up... aaahhh!!!

General Comments:

I will definetly never ever again by a Toyota Camry! What a hunk of junk! Far too many things have gone wrong with the car, as listed above. It's simply an unreliable car! The reputation far exceeds what the car delivers. I've heard and read that older Honda Accords are the same way.

The insurance is also absolutely ridiculously high! Again, Accords are the same way. I almost bought a used Accord instead of my Camry but when I called for an insurance quote, the lady said "Oh, you don't want an Accord. The insurance is outrageous." It would have been several hundred dollars per year more that my previous vehicle, which was newer.

Repairs are also quite expensive. I've had to spend over $1,000 on fixing just oil leaks! Not to mention all the other various repairs made to the car.

If you want a reliable car, DO NOT CONSIDER ANY OLDER TOYOTA CAMRY!!! That's just a warning, but you don't have to listen to me. There are plenty of similarly sized American cars out there that are more reliable and much cheaper to own.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th June, 2001

6th Jul 2001, 14:24

Man, you need to learn how to take care of your car or find somebody that does!

88 Toyota Camry All Trac- 5 speed.

121000 miles, no leaks, excellent interior, stock ORIGINAL CLUTCH, NO RUST, starts perfectly, car functions like it has since I got it 2 years ago, only maintenance was timing belt (done at Toyota), brake pads and oil.

Purchased with 60000 miles so it is driven daily everywhere, also my struts work perfectly (excellent rebound and no bouncing), handles well when we go on dirt roads for fun!! And my interior still smells like a Toyota.

Have never had a belt fly off (how is that possible?)??

The car is the most rugged thing I've owned and I am pretty amazed at how it keeps bouncing back after all the times we go dirt drifting (4 wheel drive!!)

Anyways, sorry to hear about your bad experience.

I love mine!!

1988 Toyota Camry DX 2.0 liter 3SFE 4-cylinder from North America

Summary:

Buy a Camry, and prepare to have it around for a long time!

Faults:

Igniter failed at ~156,000 miles, causing the car to crank but not turn over.

Entire exhaust needed replacing upon purchase. Flex pipe fixed at 190,000 miles.

Rust just starting to appear on the rear passenger-side fender arch.

General Comments:

The Camry is a great car for anybody who wants reliable transportation. This was the reason for my purchase of the Camry and I am not disappointed.

However if I would do it over again, I would have to get the V6. The 4-cylinder gets loud under acceleration and performance is only adequate, worse if I have to use the A/C. It gets great gas mileage though, about 350 miles per tank.

The interior is roomy inside and very comfortable. It has a lot of space for a sedan of this size. I'm 6'1" and still have plenty of head and leg room. The only detriment is that it has no power windows or locks, but I can deal with it.

The A/C still blows very cold, even on the lowest setting, for a 13 year old Toyota. It also heats up well in cold weather.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2001

21st Apr 2004, 14:02

Good Review. I have a 1987 Camry that just turned 80,000 miles. Oil gets changed every 3k; plugs, rotor, cap and wires get changed annually, that's it. I had to have one panel on the left side of the driver's seat replaced and put in a CD player with new speakers just to get better quality music.

Great car, would buy another with no concerns at all.

Martin Wade

Virginia.