2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.4L from North America

Summary:

Don't buy this car for Reliability

Faults:

I bought a Toyota because other family members were happy with theirs. All maintenance on my Camry has been done at Toyota dealerships except a few oil changes. I've had the rotors machined at approx. 26k kms, brakes replaced at 70k, some minor repairs between 30-90k, coolant leak detected at 97k, Lost engine at 104k, short block and cylinder head replaced at 104k, coolant leak at 129k and engine oil leakage from cylinder head gasket and oil at 129k, all problems as detected by Toyota dealers. After lengthy negotiation Toyota and dealership paid for the short block and cylinder head, but I had to shell over $600 for car rental during the repair period. Don't most of us buy Toyota in order to avoid all of the above? This after the fact that car was maintained at dealerships and all recommended maintenance was done.

General Comments:

- Car drives well

- Nice fit and finish

- Weird interior squeaks

- Poor reliability even after recommended maintenance

- Unsatisfactory response from the dealer on every problem issue, common comment: We have talked to Toyota Canada re, this and are awaiting a response.

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

Review Date: 4th March, 2008

8th Mar 2008, 18:51

Welcome to the "I should have bought a Ford" club. I think it is finally dawning on Americans that they've been led astray by ad hype.

9th Mar 2008, 09:18

I have a new GM and agree entirely... have had no issues and have a 100,000 mile warranty.

15th Jan 2010, 15:27

More details on your engine problem, that is the coolant leak. Appears to be a widespread problem now that they get closer to 100K miles.

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/camry/148454-camry-with-stripped-head-bolts/#post1242970

In reply to 8th Mar 2008, 18:51

19th Sep 2011, 10:48

I agree! 1997 Ford Taurus with 181k - bought new, only regular maintenance since Nov. 1996. It's been an awesome car! Ford is the way to go!

20th Sep 2011, 18:27

Our newest GM just turned 100,000 miles with not a single repair. It can't be distinguished from brand new. Our Ford turned 6 years old this month, and it has never had any problems either. Not one single repair of any kind.

Today I was looking at a co-worker's daily driver. He drives it to my office tower, and parks it near my car. It looks like brand new, and he says it runs like brand new. It turns 38 years old this month. It is an Olds Delta 88.

Japanese companies have spent billions trying to brainwash Americans that domestics are unreliable. 38 years of great service is hardly "unreliable". Of course that's still a little shy of our 100% original Pontiac. It turns 56 years old this month.

We did briefly fall for the myth and had horrible experiences with imports some years ago. Neither lasted to 100,000 miles without massive repairs. We won't even bother to look at them now.

2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Great choice for Family car

Faults:

The steering wheel was making a grinding noise, the dealer fixed it up quickly for me and the issue is gone now. I bought the car from a Honda dealer and they only gave me one set of keys and keep telling me they will get me another set, but I am still waiting. This is a Honda issue not Toyota though.

General Comments:

We needed a car that can fit a 2 child seats and an adult in the back seat. The Camry does the job very, also it's a good commuting car for me. Gas mileage is OK, but I think it'll improve as the engine gets broken in. Seats are comfortable for long drives and the trunk is huge. This was a great mini-van/SUV alternative. So 4 people and a large dog can travel with lots of space in this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th January, 2008

10th Jan 2008, 05:11

Broken in? This is a 2003 car with roughly 50k on board. So when you expect this to occur? Or maybe you changed the engine and forgot to mention...

10th Jan 2008, 14:56

I hate to break it to you, the mileage is not going to improve. The salesman "sold you a bill of goods".

10th Jan 2008, 16:34

14:56 Yes, the mileage will most likely improve as the car breaks in. My Tacoma's mileage improved almost 2 mpg after 70,000 miles. This is common with Toyota engines, or any other engine that's built tightly and precisely in the first place.

10th Jun 2008, 20:21

Update: car is at 65K now and the mileage did improve, I am glad I bought it with the gas prices the way they are now. No problems as of now and still handles smooth.

In reply to 10th Jun 2008, 20:21

31st Aug 2011, 14:05

Update - 180KM and still running great. I only replaced the tires, and yes the gas mileage improved.