2003 Toyota Camry Consumer Reviews

2003 Toyota

Written by: A on 04/24/2009

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Vehicle has been extremely reliable, at 107,000 runs stronger than when new, only maintenance other than fluid changes, have to install front brakes at 80,000 miles. Very, very reliable especially considering it has been driven by two adults and two youth operators.

Favorite Features

Trunk is huge, great fuel mileage, reliability, good interior space, JBL sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Improve suspension for better tire ware, install better quality tires as o.e., put more emphasis on changing cabin filter.

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I highly recommend this car

Written by: Navyguy on 03/31/2009

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry LE V6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

In 2003 I bought a new Toyota Camry LE and I recently sold it. I bought a 2007 Lexus ES350. Overall I loved the car it is very reliable. I drive 70- 75 mph and get over 30 mpg. I had no issues with the car all I had to do was basic things like replace the breaks, and get a 100K tune up. I highly recommend this car. Lexus and Toyota are just hands down better than the competition. I am a tall guy 6'3 and there is plenty of room for me to feel comfortable. The back has plenty of room and you can also store quite a bit of groceries in the trunk. Overall this is a solid car but after six years it was time for an upgrade.

Favorite Features

The car is reliable and the fuel economy is excellent. It is very low maintenance automobile which is great for your bank account.

Suggested Improvements

Make the car safer to drive in the snow and on those windy mountains. Other than that the car is perfect.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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380k and Still going

Written by: M.k. on 03/28/2009

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this Camry new in 12/02. I commute to work about 120 miles everyday, and this car has served me well for 380,000 miles. I change the oil every 3,000 miles. I've changed with suspension 3 times, brakes have been done 3 times. Apart from routine maintenance, the only problem this car has given me, was the A/C compressor went out at 210k. Not a big deal considering when it was replaced. I treat this car well, and it returns the favor. You can't get any better than that.

Favorite Features

Comfort, reliability, smooth transmission

Suggested Improvements

Improve stopping distance of brakes, steering is a bit light.

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Had it with Toyota

Written by: johnzorba on 02/16/2009

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry XLE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I've had several warranty repairs on this car. The motor for the Camry driver seat back went just after the warranty expired. I probably used it less than a dozen times. The electric driver's window can not be set to partial open. It's noisy. I keep thinking a window is open somewhat. Gas mileage is not what was listed. My A/C is intermittent and the dealer can't fix it until it is totally gone. If you drop something between the drivers seat and the console, good luck trying to get to it. Paint job needs improvement. I've always bought Toyoyas, but this may be my last.

Favorite Features

Nothing that stands out

Suggested Improvements

Extend the warranty

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love My 2003 Camry SE

Written by: Love my Camry on 02/10/2009

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry SE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned the car from 2003 until 2009. I have put about 80000 miles on the car. It is fun to drive and can boogey after an initial realization pause. The only complaint I have is that the tires and suspension are a bit of a worry because it causes the steering column to shake if tires aren't perfectly inflated and the weight on the axles isn't great; it'll cause you to almost wreck. The car also has a very loose suspension, causing it to "scratch." Most of the time I felt very safe in my Camry... when it was being stubborn, possibly due to a bad mechanic at the dealership.

Favorite Features

The rear blind, the speed of it, and the fact that it looks a lot better as the SE style.

Suggested Improvements

The suspension, the steering wheel column squeaks, the tires poke out far.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good car, but overrated

Written by: dsensing on 12/15/2008

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry XLE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is an incredibly well-built car that does most everything competently but nothing really well. Mine's a tricked-out XLE (4-cyl) with leather, roof, JBL system, heated seats, etc. I have nothing to complain at 60K miles, but can't really brag about it, either. Fact is, this car is dull as dishwater. The I-4 is a slug. The JBL sound system barely qualifies as "premium." I don't feel any connection to the road through the steering, which is over-assisted and much too light at all speeds. Build quality is outstanding, as is reliability. Good back seat room and seats are 7.5 on the 10 scale for comfort (our Volvo V70 is the 10). But the Camry is dull, dull, dull.

Favorite Features

Nothing favorite. Nothing stands out. I will say the leather has held up extremely well. I guess Toyota quality and reliability would be favorites.

Suggested Improvements

Man, build a car with some soul and that makes you want to drive it the next day! Also, fuel economy is not very good.

3 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Problems after 60k

Written by: charlie from boston on 12/08/2008

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry LE V6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We bought a Camry after many problems with our 1999 Mitsubishi Gallant. We bought on brand reputation and looks of car. The car ran great until the 36k warranty expired. First thing was that a fuel sensor went bad shortly after warranty expired. $450 Then the paint on the car started to peel.The seatbelts in front have always locked up while driving..Has never drove well in snow and back end tends to swerve in snowy weather. Changed tires because original tires did not grip the road well. Needed new struts at 45k. At 65k the oxygen sensor went and shortly after that the power steering failed. No next time!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

I think that Toyotas quality and brand reputation has dropped. They have loyal customers and now are cutting corners in building great cars. Not as reliable as before and the car is expensive to repair major problems.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Almost Six Years Old - Never a Problem

Written by: scott on 12/01/2008

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

After almost 6 years and 90k, this car just keeps going without a single problem. I just get scheduled oil changes and tuneups every 30k miles. Other than new tires around 65k miles, that's been it so far. I bought it for Toyota's reliability and my expectations have been exceeded. I love that it runs on regular gas and gets gas mileage (over 30 mpg at highway speeds). The large trunk and roomy back seats come in handy. I don't know if I'll keep this car for 211k miles like another reviewer, but I am looking forward to another 6 years.

Favorite Features

Great driving car.

Suggested Improvements

I might spend the money on leather if I knew I was going to keep the car this long.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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211000 miles and going strong

Written by: steve on 10/27/2008

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry XLE V6 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

At 211000 miles I am thinking of selling. AC compressor went out, at 140000, and timing belts at recommended intervals, other than that mechanically perfect except for the radio. It has never died anywhere, the V6 still runs as if it was new, though it has developed a front end rattle over bumps. The turning radius is amazingly good, and with the ABS it has saved me a few times in snow and wet weather. Gets about 25 mpg on the highway, which is tolerable with reg. gas. This is my 4th Camry V6, starting in 1986, and its the best of the lot, though the 93 is still going strong with my son in law at 275,000 miles. Why would I switch? To buy a new one, though this still looks great.

Favorite Features

Reliability, low cost to run, turning radius, 6 disc changer, heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Front end rattling, controls on steering wheel for radio/CD.

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beautiful car but...

Written by: L on 09/10/2008

Vehicle

2003 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had my Camry since August 2003, beautiful car, smooth ride, but the air conditioning had a leak inside the car 1 1/2 yrs. in and flooded the carpets, Toyota replaced the part but did nothing to repair the wet/ moldy smelling rugs. I had to pay a detailing company to clean and restore the interior of my car. The bottom of the car scrapes speed bumps at under 5 mph, and low driveways. Even with brand new tires it does very poorly in the snow, slides all over the road at very low speeds, cannot even back up off my flat driveway in a 1/2 inch of snow. Very scary to drive in winter weather.

Favorite Features

Moonroof and the pick up. You're doing 70 before you know it.

Suggested Improvements

Make it better and safer in the snow.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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