2003 Toyota Camry XLE 2.4 I4 from North America

Summary:

Expensive disappointment

Faults:

The car pulls to the left and drifts constantly. It is also very sensitive to wind. The dealership was unable to remedy this problem in 4 visits and then suggested I request buy-back under the Lemon Law. Toyota prevailed in the arbitration and will not make further attempts at repair. I have gone to one independent garage for an alignment, but they have declined to attempt any corrective repairs as all the alignment specifications are within norms for the car.

General Comments:

This car is very tiresome on a trip. Constant steering correction make it impossible to take your eyes off the road for even a second.

Take a long test drive before you buy one of these cars. Treat is as if you were buying a used car, and you'll probably be okay.

Non-existent warranty support has made the purchase of this Toyota Camry a nightmare experience.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th January, 2004

28th Jan 2004, 18:59

This is a follow-up to the review. Since the time of the post, I embarked on a letter-writing campaign. I was recently contacted by Toyota Customer Service. They requested the opportunity to make another attempt to fix my car. I was advised that they had discovered a problem with the upper spring insulator causing the car to handle badly and pull to the left. I happily agreed, and they have corrected the problem. I felt it only fair to inform the public that they have corrected the problem--albeit 5 months late. The car drives perfectly.

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2003 Toyota Camry XLE V6 V6 3.0 Liter from North America

Summary:

Solid and reliable, but very bland (not exciting)

Faults:

The car has been problem-free.

General Comments:

It's my understanding the '04 Camry will have a new, more powerful, V6 engine offered. The new engine will definitely be offered in the Camry Solara as well as many other Toyota vehicles (such as mini-vans)...and Lexus is using it too in their ES300 and RX330 SUV. The new V6 engine is a 3.3 liter VVT-i producing 225 hp @ 5,600 rpm (some reviews say 230 hp) and 240 lb-ft torque @ 3,600 rpm. This is an increase of at least 33 hp over the old 3.0 liter V6 engine... and more torque too.

Many owners (wanting V6 power) have complained that the Toyota (and Lexus) V6 3.0 liter engine was much lower on horsepower and torque than their competition. Apparently Toyota (and Lexus) have answered this complaint with the new higher horsepower/torque engine.

I will likely consider trading my '03 XLE V6 (3.0 liter) for an '04 XLE with the larger 3.3 liter engine.

I wish Toyota offered window tinting as an option.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th July, 2003

22nd Jun 2005, 11:35

'04 and '05 Camry's do not have the 3.3L in all models. Only on the SE V6, and well, that is about it. The XLE V6 is still just the same engine just with 210hp, and 220lb.ft. If that is all you are getting, I recommend looking into the Malibu. It is cheaper, has just as good an engine, and is actually not rated that badly. Plus it is fairly quick, and practical.

2003 Toyota Camry LE 2.4L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great car for a good price

Faults:

Nothing. Great car. Only 1500 miles so far though.

General Comments:

I have owned my Camry for one month and could not be happier. The car's ride is incredibly smooth. It looks great and everything is working as it should. No problems, rattles, or anything.

Very quiet. Wind and road noise are practically nonexistent. Only downside is that it's difficult to shift the manual transmission by feel if the radio is on - you can't hear or feel the engine!

The 2.4 L engine is surprisingly responsive for a 4 banger. Cruises nicely at 68 mph / 2600 rpms. Gas mileage is coming in at around 29 mpg combined city and highway use.

They say Camrys are dreadfully boring, and they probably are, but I like the looks and comfort of my 2003.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th November, 2002

20th Apr 2003, 11:18

Your Camry rides smooth because of the "soft" tires on it. Will only last 24,000 miles.

3rd Apr 2004, 10:16

I've just had a 2003 Camry LE as a rental car from Enterprise on Long Island and wasn't disappointed with it at all. Plenty of room inside and comfortable. Had been expecting a Taurus or other US made banger, but the Camry was okay.

If I rented another car, I would be quite happy to get one again!

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