Toyota Camry 1997 - 2001 review

Toyota Camry 2001. Click for larger photo

Toyota Camry 2001 Interior. Click for larger image

The engine

Toyota Camry 2.2-liter 5S-FE engine The 1997-2001 Camry offered two engine choices: The standard 2.2L 136-hp 4-cylinder DOHC engine was fairly economical (8.1L/100km or 29 mpg on the highway), yet provided adequate power for most situations. The 3.0-liter 194-hp 24-valve V6 engine (model 1MZ-FE) was very smooth and quiet with plenty of power. Both, the 4-cylinder and V6 Toyota Camry's engines have a timing belt that must be replaced at regular intervals.

Strengths

- Good fuel economy (4-cylinder models)
- Smooth soft ride
- Comfortable, quiet interior
- Easy to maintain
- Good reliability history
- Easy to sell

Weaknesses

- Plain interior styling
- Front seats lack side support
- Rear cup holder design
- Body roll at cornering
- Steering wheel wears fast

Overall

The 1997-01 Camry with its comfortable quiet interior, smooth ride and good handling was one of the best choices among family sedans. Although not completely trouble-free, the 1997-2001 Camry was fairly reliable and long-lasting if maintained properly.
Check the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry review.

What to look for buying a used Camry

As a first step, check the used car history records. Even though it will not give you 100 percent guarantee that the car is perfect, it's well worth the money spent. It may turn out that the car is not even worth a look. A history report may help you to uncover some of the problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, rental use, etc.
Follow this link: How to check used car history
- If you notice blue smoke coming from exhaust, even if it's just a small puff of blue smoke at startup, avoid such a car.
- Look for oil leaks.
- Knocking noise from the suspension on bumpy road may indicate bad suspension components (e.g. bad strut mounts).
- Check the service records if available; it's very important to verify that the car was properly maintained and oil changes were done regularly.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have it checked before buying a car, in worst cases a problem could be very expensive to fix.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition.
Prior purchase, have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic of your choice, you want to know that the car has been properly maintained and doesn't have hidden problems.
Some models may be costly to insure. Check the insurance quotes first.

Maintenance tips

- To keep your engine in a good shape change the engine oil regularly.
- Regularly check your parking space for leaks, and if you find one, get it fixed as soon as you can.
- Try to avoid overheating the engine, it may cause serious damage to the engine.
- Change the automatic transmission fluid regularly with original Toyota fluid.
- Whenever your engine is serviced, ask to check the PCV valve. Clogged PCV valve causes increase in amount of carbon deposits (sludge) inside the engine.
- Use original Toyota parts, they are reasonable priced.
- Follow recommended maintenance schedule and keep all the fluids clean and topped up.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.
Check more car maintenance tips

Toyota Camry specifications (2001 model)

Links

If you want to know more about your car

If you want to find technical information about you car such as repair manual, check engine codes description, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins (TSB), recalls, etc. follow this link: Where to find technical information about your car

by Vlad Samarin