Faults:

Nothing but maintenance and wear and tear items replaced. No major issues.

Rear windows a bit hesitant to work.

Original radio stopped working - replaced with something more modern.

Serious paint fade on exterior, but acceptable for its age!

General Comments:

I inherited this Camry from my Grandparents during the covid pandemic. They gave up with driving around that time. I just needed a reliable second car. And for the last few years, it has been exactly that!

Was unsure what to expect at first - I had always heard about this cars "legendary" reliability, but I am a realistic person with any car - I expect problems, certainly on a car that is over 20 years old.

But according to the history and my Grandparents stories about the car (they had it since nearly new in 1999) the car has been trouble free. Sure it's had the exhaust, brakes and many suspension parts replaced, and some minor electrical issues, but never any breakdowns. The car was serviced to the letter, all oil changes and belts as required going back to the late 1990's.

2.2 petrol engine with the auto box is smooth in operation, but nothing special in regards to performance or economy. Keeps up with modern traffic just fine, and does around 30 mpg. I only use it it sparingly so it has been affordable despite how expensive fuel is these days.

Interior is very dull but also very comfortable. Seats are good, the car has all electrics inside.

I rather like the style of the exterior, I do not think it is dull at all. Perhaps a nicer color would be better, light beige is doing it no favors. I do like the Toyota alloy wheels however and the sharp rear tail lights.

Boot space is huge, this is a practical car. Rear seats are also good for any passengers.

In short, this Camry surprised me. Despite its age, it has been a reliable and comfortable car to use every now and then; I would daily drive it with no problems if it was my only car. I am that confident with it!

Faults:

Normal wear and tear.

Some O2 sensors.

Gas cap lid release cable.

General Comments:

Nothing is more reliable than a 90s - 2000s Toyota.

The car's powertrain (3.0L V6 + 4-Speed Auto Combo) is smooth as glass, more so than many cars 10 years newer.

The car is fast. Yes, it’s faster than your new Civic, yes, it’s faster than your ‘98 V6 Mustang. No it’s not as fast as the new WRX or the new Camaro Daddy just bought you. If I’m paying for insurance, the V6 Camry is the best in the speed/insurance cost ratio.

The car handles well, despite what the auto magazines say. No, it’s not a BMW M5, but compared to a Buick LeSabre, or any SUV, it might as well be.

The car is comfortable for longer drives. Is it a Lincoln Town Car? No, but I could sleep in this thing.

Very reliable with basic/routine maintenance. This car never had a problem (other than the gas cap lid release cable breaking early in the car's life). Sure, a burnt-out headlight, a dead battery after the lights were left on, but that is basic wear and tear, or user error.

In 2010, a non-car person thought this 98 was my "new" car.

The car happily took the abuse of a teenager. It withstood the minor fender-benders and the stupid, wreckless things its teenage driver put it through.

This car got me home when I was lost. It was a sanctuary when I wanted isolation. It took me on my first date, first day of college, first job, first everything. It always did what I asked.

The synthetic oil was always the color of gold. A pure, clean engine, even at 16+ years old and ~240000 miles.

The audio system in this Camry had deeper bass than many cars a decade newer than it as well, even higher trim models.

The interior quality was on-par with the class of the vintage, maybe slightly above average.

If I had to complain about something, it would be the headlights at night. The low-beam lights seem to light up about 10 feet in front of the car, and that's all. Very dim compared to the newer cars. The high-beams are adequate though. I think many older cars had poor headlights.

This review was written in 2017, and I still see these vehicles on the road. Who knows if in 20 years we’ll still see the 2017/2018 Camrys.

If you’re still looking to buy a 97-01 Camry, 99-03 Solara, similar Avalon, or Lexus ES300, I would recommend searching for a low mileage creampuff. This will get harder and harder as time goes on, as the supply gets smaller every day. In my opinion, these vehicles could probably go another 20 years with consistent care/maintenance. Just do your test drive, make sure the car drives well, and ensure you can get comfortable in it. When you’re shopping for cars this old, how the previous owner treated/maintained the car matters much more than the badge.

Still, I’m a Toyota fan 4 life because of this car, even if I grudgingly admit that the new Toyotas just seem to be missing some undeterminable element of quality compared to these old ones.

The car treated me very well. I figured leaving a good review on CarSurvey.org was the least I could do.

As an unrelated aside: I do wish new cars today were simpler. Wish I could find an untouched, mint, 0-miles Camry, ES300 or similar of this vintage hidden in a garage somewhere, just so I could drive a simple but excellent vehicle for the rest of my days.