1999 Toyota Camry LE review from North America
"The perfect mid-size sedan"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A couple months ago I started the car, but it would not stay running. This only happened once and has never occurred since. Putting in a gas additive seemed to correct this problem.
The brakes, even though they are in good condition, often squeak. However, I have been told cheap brake pads will do that. This is not the fault of Toyota.
General comments?
Forget what people say when they complain about the four-cylinder's "lack of power" (133 horsepower, or 130 if you live in a state following California's emmissions standards). It is adequate for the Camry's size, and can return 23 miles per gallon in the city, or about 27 in mixed driving. I have been recording fuel economy at each "fill-up", and personally I recommend skipping the V6 unless you like more refinement and/or want leather and traction control.
The Camry's ABS system has proven to be a life-safer on more than one occasion (a dog running out in front of me on a rainy day, and a car turning left in front of me for no reason). Just press the brake pedal with as much pressure as possible, and steer around the obstacle. The pedal does not jerk or groan that much at all.
The HVAC (heater/vent/air conditioning) controls are well laid out, and it's possible to know the controls like the back of your hand within a day or two. With three large dials representing temperature, vent position and fan speed, it is no problem switching settings (for example I can go from air conditioning on my face to defrosting on the windshield within seconds).
The seats are extremely comfortable, though I have gotten backache after about an hour of stop and go driving.
The interior is a nice shade of tan, and save for some black plastic on the center console, it has a very upscale, warm feeling.
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| I love my '99 Camry |
|
| 1999 - Camry SE 2.2L 133 hp I4 It is reliable and efficient, with plenty of room |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2L 5S-FE (4-cylinder) Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 92100 miles |
| Most recent distance | 100060 miles |
| Previous car | Hyundai Excel |
| Date of Entry | 11th June, 2006 |