Used 1998 Toyota Camry Consumer Reviews
Just won't die
Engine was replaced before I got it, needs new struts and I broke off the passenger side mirror but who cares, they're $20 online. This is my second camry (upgraded from a 1997). Only reason I had to replace the car was my previous camry got rear ended. V4 runs better than the v6 (at least the camrys I had). I'm not sure why it's listed as having only 20mpg - I fill my tank up once every 10 days driving 40 miles 5 days a week. I get as much mileage if not better than my 06 elantra did. Car insurance is low, car taxes are low (yes, I'm in one of the states that taxes cars) and I haven't had a car payment in 4 years. I've done 0 repairs on this car in 10 months, just spent about $30 on oil (bit of a leak I suppose). Meanwhile my husband's hyundai needed $800 worth of work at 80k miles. Cons: the moon roof allows for leakage when it rains, which really sucks. Large coconut smelling yankee candle scented thing covers that, though. Seat is so old it hurts so I had to get a seat cushion. And the tape player has a loud rickety-rack (this was in both my camrys) - it doesn't play tapes that well, but a tape adapter + smartphone works just fine. But these are superficial issues and once I get the strut and mirror fixed that'll be $600 of work I've had to do in a year (compare that to a $200+/mo car payment!!)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
fundamentally sound, but...
Boring, but reliable. Disappointed to find a problem with the left turn signal and a significant rattle somewhere in the right front portion of the car. Both defects are chronic for this model and year. No driver's lumbar support. No map lights. Remote does not open trunk.
best of many
I bought this car new in 98. My only real gripe with the car is seat comfort, the seat bottoms are too short and I have never fit the car. I guess I should have paid for a power seat, maybe I could have found a comfortable position. Durability has been terrific, 92 thousand miles, orig brakes, only replaced battery, gas cap, tires and tail light bulbs. It has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. The V6 engine has excellent power and is smooth. I'll buy another Toyota, but one that fits me next time.
Best Car I've Ever Had
This car is a dream to drive. It's so reliable, so smooth on the road, so quiet, and the V6 accelerates in and out of traffic like no car I've ever owned. I've never had any problem with it, just do regular maintenance. I love all the XLE features. And it's a black beauty. You think you are driving one of the more expensive cars, but you don't have the sticker shock. All cars should be made this well.
Super Reliable
This is my fourth Toyota. Have never owned anything but Toyotas. While it's not my favorite (options, luxury), it has been my most reliable. Bought it with 41,000 Has 192,000 on it now. This one has needed the least amount of repairs compared to my others. Still going strong, still gets excellent gas mileage (it's a manual, which helps)! Other than a few rattles, this one has lots of miles left in it!