2003 Toyota Camry LX 2.4L from North America

Summary:

The best car on the road -- for every reason!

Faults:

This car has been a dream car.

I got exactly what I wanted from the dealer at the price I had in mind in 2002 (after walking away and going home 3 times!) that is.

I got everything from the moon roof, leather interior, and spoiler -- I didn't like the colors though so wound up with black, silver interior.

The only negative we would say is the paint job alligators -- it never looked that great from day one.

General Comments:

I bought this car for the ease of handling and leg room, because I have tall kids.

The cassette tape/single CD player sucks but...

I've driven in rain, snow, desert... never any problem.

Most importantly, I've never had any kind of A/C, tranny, or engine trouble, and I drive in Houston traffic daily.

The only thing I've ever needed on this car was tires -- having put all but 41 of 77k miles, I'm on my third set.

No timing belt to change, so I don't expect future engine problems either.

Because of the seats laying down and open to the trunk, I have carried lots of things we never dreamed, i.e., carpet, tables, chairs, etc.

We are looking again because my 20 YO is getting this Camry now, but I'm afraid to get another car because this one has been so perfect.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2010

1st Aug 2010, 22:27

"We are looking again because my 20 YO is getting this Camry now, but I'm afraid to get another car because this one has been so perfect."

It sounds like you would be interested in the contents of a website named TrueDelta. It gives odds that a car you buy would be a lemon (more than 3 repairs per year) or likely would be 0 repairs per year. To see those results though you need to sign up with your vehicle information, as that is how they collect the statistics. These kinds of statistics are quite different than the type reported by Consumer Reports for instance.

If you are like most Camry owners I know, I think you will be surprised to learn that there are many other makes of vehicles that have similar or better reliability to the Camry. It does seem to be true that the new Camries are not quite as good as the old ones, although they are still good, with the four cylinder ones being better than the six cylinder ones.

2003 Toyota Camry SE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Headbolts strip out of the block!

Faults:

Design flaw in this motor. The headbolts strip out of the block. Toyota is not standing behind this failure. It is a very costly and time consuming repair, requiring removing the head, drilling and tapping the block and installing inserts. It affects 2002 to 2006 Camry's with the 2.4 motor. Do not buy a Toyota with this motor!!!

General Comments:

The car for the most part is a good running, comfortable ride, but ONLY consider buying with the V6 motor. Avoid the 2.4 4 cyl!

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

Review Date: 2nd February, 2010

2003 Toyota Camry LE from North America

Summary:

Expensive repairs and not reliable for me

Faults:

Within one month of buying this, it's an expense. When going on the freeway at 60mph, there's a rumbling noise from the front left tire side. Got it checked and it was bearing that dealership replaced. Still the same noise, now they FEEL it's the tires, which are worn unevenly and it's a $600 expense.

Also, the steering makes a squeaking noise on turns, which is diagnosed to be spiral cable or clock spring. It's $400 of work at the dealership.

So overall it's like putting more $1000 to get it repaired, which is disappointing.

I also get a jerk when I accelerate the car, and it appears to be transmission job.

General Comments:

I am scared owning or even considering any car from Toyota in future.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th November, 2009