1997 Toyota Camry LE review from North America
"This car has proved to be a mechanical nightmare"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The engine threw a rod and had to be entirely replaced after only 48,000 miles.
At the same time the dealer replaced the engine, the dashboard died. The dashboard was replaced twice before a wiring problem was found in the firewall.
At 60,000 miles the front struts had to be replaced on both sides, along with the front brakes.
General comments?
I purchased this vehicle believing it was one of the most reliable sedans on the market---that belief has disappeared.
The dealer service has been horrible. The service department has failed to earn any confidence.
The wear and tear on the vehicle does not match the usage. I've never heard of a vehicle needing an engine, or struts replaced after only 60,000 miles.
Recommended reviews
| Comfortable, reliable, relatively fun family sedan |
|
| These Camry's are built like tanks! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 45000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 60000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan 300ZX |
| Date of Entry | 7th February, 2002 |