This car was basically flawless except for the tires. I got a flat and the dealer did a poor job patching it up. This caused the same tire to burst on the highway while I was going 75. I lost control and hit the median before rolling over twice onto the shoulder. Luckily, I got out without a scratch.
All the Camry has to offer is reliability. Other than that, performance and comfort are only average. Acceleration with my four cylinder was terrible, and the cloth seats need much improvement. Road grip is basically non-existent and pays the price in icy conditions in the winter.
For more performance I would suggest a 5 speed manual transmission. As for the traction problem buy a good set of ice tires and slow down on the ice.
It's a medium size, 3241 pound, 4 door sedan...
AKA: V6 country, at LEAST. If you buy a I4 camry, do NOT expect bursts of acceleration - expect a highly reliable car which gets superb gas mileage and doesn't do ONE THING to soothe or swell your ego. Of COURSE it has miserable acceleration, it's a inline 4 automatic. A manual tranny would trick you into thinking it was quick, and the V6 auto would have you stop thinking about performance, period.
My father has owned a 1999 V6 Camry since new, and it now has 120 K+ on it. Its performance, in a word, is adequate. You will not feel like you're in a gutles piece of crap when you smash on the pedal in order to pass or merge, but you won't feel it in the seat of your pants. It is a COMPLETELY perfect car for someone who is willing to accept that a car is no more than transportation - reliable, economical, innocuous transportation.
I drive a 86 535i BMW 5speed. It's a BLAST to drive with a lot of guts, leather interior, great styling, and a floaty, luxurious ride: but if I wanted to drive across country tomorrow, I'd be asking to borrow the Camry.
Er, also, I find the cloth seats in the Camry to be just fine.
They provide decent lateral/ flank support for the twisties, WAY better than the Ls400 I drove the otherday, which had basically none whatsoever.
I own a 2000 model Holden Astra, but have driven a 2000 model Camry V6 automatic. If I had to compare the two I'd say the Astra looks nice (that's all). And I'd say the Camry is well built, durable and a very nice quality car. Toyota rules!
I own a Japanese-made 2001 Camry 4 banger. The reliability and build quality is outstanding. Not the best passing power, but great fuel economy and reliable engine. If you want performance, buy the V-6 version.
Never trust the tires from the factory. I have never gotten a set to last more than 40K miles and one set only lasted 27K. The next time I buy a car, I plan to negotiate for better tires. Wheels may look cool, but tires are what counts.
"All the Camry has to offer is reliability. Other than that, performance and comfort are only average. Acceleration with my four cylinder was terrible, and the cloth seats need much improvement."
I own a 2001 Camry LE 4-Cylinder Auto. Above you state my thoughts exactly, except comfort is FAR BELOW average.
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