2002 Toyota Camry LE review from North America

Nothing significant has gone wrong with my car, but there are some peeves described below that I'd like to share with others and get your input on.

General comments:

1. Oil. Although the owner's manual doesn't say it (and don't trust the Toyota owner's manual), I use synthetic oil only (Mobil 1) every four months or 2000 miles (whichever comes first), with a Bosch oil filter ($6.50 at Auto zone), and I change oil at an independent mechanic where I can watch him drain all the oil. Have no trust in Toyota mechanics.

2. Overdrive. Again, although the owner's manual doesn't say it, I switch off the overdrive when I drive (I drive mostly in or around New York City and there is a lot of traffic). It helps avoid transmission hesitation in the beginning.

3. Rattle/Shakes. I got them all right, but am paying no attention to them. I have not visited a Toyota dealer and have no desire visiting them. Had enough of experience with dealers when I owned my Taurus.

4. Braking. Breaks vibrate when pressed on uneven surfaces (braking is OK on even surfaces). Thanks to drivers on this website, I know now that this is a problem, but will have to live with it.

5. Skirt. I have 15 inch wheels so that the car is pitched low. The plastic skirt (or shield) underneath the car is attached to the body with only two screws. When parking, I managed to pull the front of the skirt (and one of the screws) off. An independent mechanic added a few screws and the skirt is in place.

6. Safety. Overall, Camry '02 is made entirely off plastic, and has no protection if anyone hits you (who knows if the airbags will deploy; Camry '02 has no side airbags). The car walls are very thin. When driving over hardened snow, the noise is quite loud. My 1988 Taurus seemed like a tank.

7. Theft Protection. A friend recommended a Multi-Lock transmission lock (pick the model with a key hole at 45 degrees) attached to the body of the car. Cost me $200 with installation (I definitely overpaid it), but it's worth the money. If you go for it, get the one made in Israel, not in Taiwan/ China. For the steering wheel and the air bag, I got a Multi-Lock cover for about $30 at Aid Auto stores and it's working all right.