Faults:

4 different oil leaks, had to replace power steering pump, rear main seal, front cam seal, rear cam seal and oil pan gasket.

General Comments:

Car sets to low and has been one of the least reliable auto's I have ever owned. 26 MPG around town and 34 highway. Dash has cracked and gas door remote does not work correctly. Almost bought a Chevy Impala, but bought the Camry instead. Should have bought the Chevy. I have never put more money into a car I owned.

Faults:

At 20,000 miles: Throttle problem that caused problem starting the car = covered under warranty.

At 80,000 miles, driver side visor broke off.

At 100,000 miles, interior clock stopped working.

At 110,000 miles, fixed visor, but it broke off again at 120000 miles.

At 135,000 miles, rotors were warped and needed to be turned.

At 145,000 miles, front lower ball joints and front brake pads needed replacement. The rotors needed to machined.

General Comments:

I have driven this car since it was new in 1998 and still drive it.

I have done regular oil changes, major service at recommended intervals, replaced the timing belt, water pump and spark plugs (twice on spark plugs).

I think it's been pretty reliable given the above service history (although you judge for yourself and let me know since this has been the only car that I have ever owned).

Pros: quiet, reliable, comfortable, nice interior. Even though I maintain my car, it takes care of me more than I take care of it.

Cons: boring styling, handling and acceleration could be better, somewhat high maintenance cost for mid-size family sedan segment once repair/maintenance is required, easily chipped paint in front of hood, low back support on seats could be better.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is one of the milestone Camry models Toyota has produced. Excellent ride and build quality, handling and reliability. Though if you're looking for a stylish or sporty car, this probably isn't where to look.

Earlier this year, my previous car was a 2000 Holden Astra. It had all the features you'd want with European styling, yet being previously associated with the Toyota badge, it was all to no avail. It was perhaps my grandparents who influenced my Toyota passion. They had owned numerous Toyota's throughout their lives, and had proven that a Toyota will last the distance, and even beyond.

Their most recent car was the 1999 Toyota Camry Conquest. Its features included front power windows, cruise control, front SRS air bags, ABS breaks and a nice 3.0L V6 engine. As well as the standard fitments such as remote central locking and power door mirrors.

It was in this very car that I learnt how to drive, and that's when I truly started to appreciate what a good car it was. Although it spoilt me. I'd get into other cars expecting them to drive the same only to be disappointed. And that is perhaps why I chose to trade-in for a Camry.

The Camry I got is a 1998 2.2L 4 cylinder CSI, the same body shape, and overall the same car except less features. On the test drive I could have sworn I was driving a V6, but to my surprise, it was a humble 4 cylinder. The 'styling' was typical of all Camry's, but I wasn't really looking for a car that demanded attention, I was more interested in something that drove well. And that's basically what the Camry is, a practical, good quality and very reliable car.

So basically, I'm happy! Anyone who says this car is rubbish or not very good, has either not driven one or has had a particularly bad day! :-)