1999 Toyota Camry CE from North America - Comments

After 10,000 miles the check engine light came on. The dealer said it was nothing to worry about. He cleared the computer and told me to drive on. The service engine light soon came back on in a matter of days. I returned to the dealer and he told me I may have put bad gas in. They told me to put dry gas in to take out any water or residue. Over the next 10000 miles the check engine light came on at least 10 times. The car would smell like a sewage plant. The dealer told me nothing was wrong as the computer codes would show everything OK. Finally the northeast area mechanical tech looked at my lemon. He said they were having a problem with the computer board and replaced it. The lemon began to stink soon after. As I now was just outside of the warranty I called toyota to register a grievance. I was told to go away. I traded the lemon for a honda and have been happy. About a month or so after getting rid of the lemon I recieved a letter from toyota. They said that their cars were having a problem with something called oil sludging. Apparantly for no reason the oil in the car would gel killing the engine. I did not have that problem becauseI got rid of mine due to other numerous problems. My toyota did not experience oil sludging rather only cesspool smell and warning lights galore. I wonder what toyota executives drive?I did enjoy the peppermint candy the dealer left after each and every service. They smelled better than my engine.

Great review! Very funny. I am thinking whether to buy Honda or Toyota, I guess it's safer with Honda...

I had a similar problem with the check engine light in my 19999 Camry. It first came on at around 50 miles and I brought it in and it was reset. This happened several times until I just decided to skip giving the Toyota dealer whatever he was charging to fix it. Recently I planned to sell my Camry so I brought it in to get the check engine light turned off one last time. Even though there is nothing wrong with the engine just telling a buyer not to worry about it is not an easy sell. This time with the computer that sets off the check engine light past its warranty I was told that the device was defective and could be changed for $840.00. I can not help thinking it was always defective.

Same thing I had nothing, but problems with my 1999 toyota camery ce after I had it for 1 year a funny sound when I turn the steering wheel took it in was told it was nothing, replace my engine after the warranty expire replace motor on window, replace transmisson after all the finaly it was in a reck and was a done. won't buy toyota agian.

Sludging was a problem with a number of the model years. Toyota agreed to fix the problem, but put a time limit on their liability. From what I've read, it was poor engineering in those model year engines. The stench may have been the catalytic converter - smells like sulpher when it goes out. That is a pricey repair. Be cautious about the late 90's Camrys - have it checked out before you invest in it.

I have a Camry 99 CE. I have 300 000 km on it without any problem. The most expensive maintenance was changing shocks and stabilizers. I always put synthetic oil in every 5000 km and transmission oil every 100000 km. I don't push the car over 2800 rpm, never... This car has a better gas mileage than new GM and Ford cars with the same engine... It's incredible. I hope the new models have the same quality.