Overview & Reviews

Toyota plays the market conservatively with the all-new Camry, giving consumers exactly what they want; a roomy, attractive, feature-laden car with available V6 performance and the promise of excellent reliability as well as resale value. The 1997 Toyota Camry is the new standard for midsize sedans.

• Lower price than last year, contemporary design, Toyota dependability, future resale value, ultimate family sedan

• Cheap-looking front fascia detracts from otherwise rich styling, still priced slightly higher than main competitors

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 119.00

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  Very Trustworthy Car!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Mrs. Taylor - July 11 - 5:36 am

  My car was bought in 2003 while I was college. I still have the car. My husband and I both drive the car. Its not sporty but you can definitely depend on it. The only major repair was to only replace the transmission, but at 185,000 miles I didnt complain. Now at 201,000 miles, it continues to run strong.

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  My 2nd is Even Better! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By VCarvis - June 24 - 10:00 am

  My 1st was an 85 4-cyl and I still have it... 270,000 and going. Not as comfortable anymore, but very reliable. I drive about 3,000 miles a month so I need a car that will get me there. Every Camry Ive seen meets that description. I chose the 4-cyl 5- speed stick because I love to shift and they get the best mileage. The 97 CE is smooooth! In Texas there are lots of open roads and hills where Im at. This car is just plain fun to drive! I got it with 122,000 miles and it rides almost like new. Still getting nearly 31mpg and purrs like a kitten.

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  OK ride - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By mac - December 2 - 6:43 am

  Watch the strut mounts, they are making the noise, not the struts. Dont let the mechanic get away with just struts, needs the mounts too to stop the noise. I bought this from a friend who got it new, now have 163K on it and runs great. Love the engine and transmission, suspension is awful, front and rear. 50/50 highway/city 23 mpg, have gotten up to 27. Geared too low for good mileage but has good pick up due to this. Just change the oil regularly and timing chain, water pump, plugs and belts every 100K and drive it everyday, through the rattles from the suspension. Turn the radio up and drown it out. $2000 and 80,000 miles not a bad deal. Still going.

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  Bad brakes - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By JJB - November 5 - 11:33 pm

  Had the Camry for about 7 years and it ran well the whole time. I did have to replace the brakes two times in 4 years. Also the alignment was always getting out of whack. First gear was a little tricky too, but that could have just been my car. Another thing to think about is the gas mileage - not as good as you would think. Spent a lot more on gas than I should have. All that aside it was a very reliable car, and the only real work I had to put into it was the brakes.

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  Overrated as usual - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By jdowmiller - July 6 - 12:50 pm

  Purchased this car after a teenager totalled an otherwise perfect Nissan. Bought it based on the endless positive reviews here and elsewhere. I wasnt expecting much more than a safe commuter but it hasnt even lived up to that modest task. I have the usual problems: steering rack is broken - this is totally unacceptable, especially for a "high-quality" car; strut mounts rattle; rotors needed replaced and now brake pads squeal (regardless of brand or amount of adjustment). My belief is that Toyotas reputation for quality is based solely on their indestructible cars of the 80s and very early 90s. This generation of Camry is simpy an average car overall.

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  Unsurpassed Reliability - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By sarah - April 3 - 7:46 am

  I bought my 97 Camry a year ago from an old lady with only 35k on it. I figured it would be a smart investment because it would last a long time and I wouldnt have to take a loan out on it. One year later I havent had any real issues. It blows blue smoke after its been sitting awhile, but it clears right up. It also burns oil, but its understood these cars are known for that problem. It is in almost mint condition, the metallic paint is still glossy and shiny without any real signs of fading. The only real complaint I have about this car is that it has absolutely no balls. The 2.2 liter engine has no gusto. I heard that Camrys V6 rectifies this problem quite nicely. A

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  My Baby - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By BrockLanders - December 27 - 7:50 pm

  Got this car from my parents in high school and now I have it at college with me. Ive been waiting for this car to break so I can get less of a "Mom Car", but the car never has a problem. The only major repair in 9 years has been a strut replacement. Thats it! The interior quality is impeccable, and the ride and cab noise are as good as my dads lexus. Additionally, the spoiler, moon roof, and surprisingly powerful V6 do take a bit of the Mom Car edge off. Ive honestly gotten her up to 130mph, which isnt so much me bragging about being an idiot, but a testament to this cars transcendence above the typical family sedan stereotype. All in all, its a fantastic car worth more than its cost.

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  Amazing! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By pastordy - June 17 - 10:23 pm

  Just bought my 1997 Camry with 129k miles after doing a lot of research. The unsurpassed reliability of these vehicles speak for themselves. I bought from the original owner who only replaced it because he bought a new one. I love the extra power of the V6. Its got a lot of pep. Not sure about mileage yet, but guessing somewhere in the low 20s. All I know if Ive got a car with potentially another 150k or more to go. Cant beat that for what I paid. Thanks Toyota for making quality vehicles in a sea of mediocrity.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By DPO - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had 225,000 miles with no oil use or leaks. Extremely satisified with dependability, and comfort.

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  Good to Own - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Jamie Du - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet and Quicky Acceleration in Vechicle