1997 Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

This car has proved to be a mechanical nightmare

Faults:

The engine threw a rod and had to be entirely replaced after only 48,000 miles.

At the same time the dealer replaced the engine, the dashboard died. The dashboard was replaced twice before a wiring problem was found in the firewall.

At 60,000 miles the front struts had to be replaced on both sides, along with the front brakes.

General Comments:

I purchased this vehicle believing it was one of the most reliable sedans on the market---that belief has disappeared.

The dealer service has been horrible. The service department has failed to earn any confidence.

The wear and tear on the vehicle does not match the usage. I've never heard of a vehicle needing an engine, or struts replaced after only 60,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th February, 2002

9th Jan 2003, 13:13

I agree with this post 100%. I have a 1996 Camry up here in Toronto, Canada. I only have about 59,500 km (that's only about 27,000 miles) and just got the bad news today that I have to replace the front struts. Total bill is $720. I bought this Camry brand new and hardly drove it. My previous car was a used $4500 Ford Tempo. The struts on the Ford lasted until the car hit 240,000 km (110,000 miles).

1997 Toyota Camry 220GL 2.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Just another anonymous family car

Faults:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th December, 2000

14th Nov 2007, 00:38

The SXV20 Camry 220GL did have a standard drivers airbag (in NZ), with the passengers as an option; The higher spec 220GX did have dual standard I believe, which was pretty much standard fare 10 years ago, and as such it was a 4 star Aus NCAP car in its day (with the dual airbags that is)

22nd Nov 2007, 15:18

..unless your car is one of the last of the SXV10 series, then you would be correct about the airbags. The crossover to the SXV20 was around mid-late 1997.

1997 Toyota Camry CSi 2.2 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Economical and dependable

Faults:

LS mirror vibrated - fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

Not as well assembled as Japanese Toyota's I have owned in the past, but still very good.

Seats need redesigning - very 'Japanese' -uncomfortable for Europeans on long runs.

The 2.2 L has ample power - I would not bother with the V6 unless buying for towing.

Some last minute addons/accessories are of poor quality - ie. load area cover and driver's foot rest.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th November, 2000

1997 Toyota Camry LE from North America

Faults:

I have had nothing go wrong to date, however I have had to put new tires on the car at approx. 39K miles.

General Comments:

I love my Camry. This is the second one I have owned. My last car was a 1994 Camry. They are the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I will probably never buy any other make of car!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 1998