The fourth generation Camry was launched around 12 years ago, but I’m still want to discuss about this car. This is a mid-large sedan, comfortable, enough engine power (especially for the V6 3.0 liter engine), low maintenance, easy to maintain, and plenty spare parts. Toyota have a very good workshop distribution, and for this car, even a local private workshop mechanics familiar with this car. In my opinion tis 4th generation Camry is also has a better handling and less body roll than its predecessor. This type of Camry become , the best-selling car in the United States for three years.
Technical Fact:
Production 1997–2001
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 133 hp
3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 194 hp
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
4-speed A140E automatic
4-speed A541E automatic
Wheelbase 105.2 in (2672 mm)
Length 188.5 in (4789 mm)
Width 70.1 in (1780 mm)
Height 55.4 in
Exterior
The Camry’s 105-inch wheelbase is 2 inches shorter than the rival Honda Accord’s, and the 189-inch overall length is the same as the Accord’s. But unlike the Accord, which comes in coupe and sedan styling, the Camry comes only as a sedan. The Camry Solara coupe and convertible, which wear different styling, is treated as a separate model by Toyota.
Interior
The Camry has ample space for four adults, and the driver’s seat has enough fore-aft travel to accommodate tall or short people. The dashboard layout is a typical Toyota design that is uncluttered, attractive and convenient, except for the climate controls, which are too low to operate easily while driving. Split rear seatbacks are standard on all models and supplement the 14-cubic-foot trunk.
Under the Hood and Fuel consumption
A 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 136 horsepower is standard on the CE and LE models. A 194-hp 3.0-liter V-6 is standard on the XLE and optional on the LE. Versions of the V-6 also are used in the Lexus ES 300 sedan and RX 300 sport utility vehicle. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the CE and LE V-6, and a four-speed automatic is optional. All others come with the automatic. When teamed with a 5-speed manual the 2.2 liter engine achieves an impressive city/highway fuel consumption rating of 10/6.8 litres/100 km. However for the V6 3.0 liter engine, City/highway fuel consumption is 12.3/8.1 litres/100 km. Traction control was also offered as an option on the XLE V6.
Safety
Side-impact airbags for the front seats are optional on all models. Antilock brakes are standard on V-6 models and optional on those with the four-cylinder engine, and traction control is optional on V-6 models with automatic transmission.
Performance
The Camry is as close to a blue-chip investment as there is in a family car. All cars lose resale value as they age, but the Camry loses less than most, and someone else will be happy to buy yours when you’re done with it.
Watch for coolant leaks around the cylinder head gasket on the V6, especially on the '97. A groan from the steering is likely to be a worn steering rack housing bushing. Recalls on the '97 include a non-functioning park/brake interlock solenoid on the transmission and at extremely low temperatures ice may form in the brake booster vacuum hose and eliminate vacuum assist to the brakes.
The '98 Camry also had a couple of recalls. A deformed accelerator cable-housing could cause the cable to wear away and eventually break, allowing the throttle to stick or return to idle. The steering wheel set nut may also loosen, causing a steering vibration, and if not tightened it may eventually separate from the steering shaft.
2 comments:
I have a 1997 Camry CE and although not the most exciting car the engine and overall reliability are bulletproof. 109k miles only, and I know people who have taken their camrys past 400k without a new engine. The car has good dynamics but is not a 5-Series Bimmer (1997-2003). I would go for a bit stiffer suspension to really liven things up, but not ruin the ride, as that is in its favor already. My steering rack makes that noise you are talking about, though. Is this easy to replace? What are the dangers of not replacing it?
hi cee_major,
the fourth generation camry as yours and mine is proved has a problem in the steering rack. The noise can be cause of: power steering system (especially when you make a sharp turn), steering shaft knuckle, or loosen bolt around the steering shaft. you should find first from which parts the noise is coming. Check also the CV joint rubber cover, if the rubber has torn you should replace it. FYI, my camry has experienced with all of that problems due to poor road quality in my country. Replace those parts are easy, however sometime toyota workshop can't replace partially, so i suggest to visit a local workshop and replace only the part you need.
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