7th Oct 2008, 11:35

To 06:39, If you do research, its not hard to find that millions of the early 2000's Toyota vehicles had Tons of engine issues, including sludge, so don't start bashing Chrysler for that right away. As far as their transmissions, the main reason for failure was because of people using the wrong fluid. I have never had a Chrysler with a bad transmission. That goes for Ford too. I know numerous people with Ford Vehicles, Taurus/Sables/Windstars, No problems. While the One person I know who has had a 2003 Camry, has had noting but issues, and expensive ones at that. I have had some issues with GM's 3100 and 3400 engines in an Alero and Malibu, but almost any GM car with the 3800 engine is by far, more reliable than any Toyota, any simple research will tell you that.

8th Oct 2008, 00:10

"At 11:53: Where are your facts?" The entire comment is nothing BUT facts. I don't understand the point of the question.

8th Oct 2008, 16:34

6:39 remembers back in the 90's. So do I... but I buy new vehicles, drive more than most, and saw imports decline... dramatically since then. With engines and transmission issues.

I drive 50,000 miles plus in under 2 years. Let's talk 2004 to present; my GM's have been flawless. I can use the word junk as well and apply it recently with imports. 17 years ago my Hondas were better, not now.

I agree, see consumeraffairs.com on Honda/Toyota recent issues. It's not the 90's any more.

9th Oct 2008, 10:40

6:39 is basing his opinion on ONE Ford he bought two DECADES ago that had very high mileage, and ONE Toyota that is 17 years old. This is not a very sound basis. That is like basing my opinion of all domestics on my 1960 Studebaker.

9th Oct 2008, 22:35

Here are some facts, not opinions:

1. The Toyota Camry has been the best selling car in the United States for 12 years, trading off with the Honda Accord once.

2. The Camry has had far better ratings than any domestic car ever has concerning 'best buys', 'quality', and 'reliability'.

3. In J.D. Power's recently released study, they rated 19 different types of automobiles... large trucks, mid size cars, etc... Toyota took the number one spot in 11 categories, Honda took two, and Hyundai took one. Which leaves only FIVE for the ironically named 'Big 3'. Dodge wasn't even mentioned, which shouldn't surprise anybody who knows anything at all about cars and trucks.

You people can feel free to try and sell Grand Prix's or whatever other kind of sub-par domestic junk you want on here. Toyota owners are smart enough to spend their money on something that's proven to last. Anybody reading this that is swayed into buying a Grand Prix, or any other Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, before a Toyota, deserves the misery of owning and being stuck in one.

10th Oct 2008, 06:38

It's when I hear comments like "I've never had a domestic transmission failure in any of mine, nor do I know anyone who has." I know that someone is biased or are not telling the whole truth. During the nineties and up to recent time I was largely responsible for keeping my family's cars in running condition. Basically stuff from "big-3". It's not a time I think back on with fond memories although I learnt a lot about cars that's for sure in chronological order:

Four different Taurus V6 autos with that "famous" 3,8 engine. Spacious and comfortable, but just plain crap build quality. In the end I knew how to swap head gaskets in the blind. And the transmissions consistently blew before 100K or thereabout.

A Lumina 3,1 that generally was good but with a bad engine that needed replacement after 80K. Leaking head gaskets and a blown rod bearing.

Then a Voyager that we worked on endlessly with unreliable electrics. Dozens of smaller things as well as a transmission swap

A near new Probe with transmission problems, leaking compartment, bad electrics, stalling problems and gods know what. I sold that one after repairing replacing it with a Camry.

Then more Mopar junk buying a 300M that was a few years old but bought with a blown engine. We swapped that but the year later the transmission blew. The build quality on this car was just a nightmare: AC, emissions system, fuel pump, window lifters, starter, generator etc. Basically all electrics imaginable blew before 140K and in the end it was scrapped less than 7 years old.

The problems didn't stop until we started buying Toyotas and Hondas. We had a couple of Camrys that were seriously good. Bought second hand and run for many years with little problems. Now we have a couple of newer Camrys incl a 06 that so far both are looking good: No problems what so ever.

10th Oct 2008, 11:22

Having been "stuck" in several Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles for 250,000 miles or more with no mechanical problems at all, I'll take my chances with them any day over any import.

24th May 2009, 23:05

I agree with comment 2nd Sep 2008, 10:01. I rarely see Camry's with high mileage. I've even been on Ebay looking at different makes and such. If you look at all the Camrys for sale, you will find that at at least 80% of them say "Low mileage one owner" with all under like 50,000 miles. Meanwhile, you can look at domestics like Impalas, Taurus' and Intrepids (even ones with the dreaded 2.7 motor) with tons of miles on them. Not saying Ebay is a very credible source for car reviews, but that tells me that people don't tend to keep their Camry's very long, yet I hear of people constantly arguing on hear about how great they seem to be with 300,000 miles on them. Hmm. Just last week my 2002 Dodge Stratus rolled over 180,000. Do I want a gold star? No. But this is my second Dodge, and one of many domestic cars that I have owned that I will have had for well over 200K with minimal work. On the other hand, my wifes 2003 Nissan Altima, another one of those "bullet-proof" imports, is sitting in my garage awaiting a new transmission at about 75K. This will be the third time for the same repair, among numerous other wallet draining expenses for it. Moral? Imports are not always better. Period.