Impala has better NHTSA side star ratings than Camry and IIHS categorizes Impala as a large car so it has a clear safety advantage.
There is no "clear safety advantage" between vehicles of differing weights in the NHTSA side-impact crash test.
Furthermore, the weight difference between the two vehicles is under NHTSA's 250 lbs class differentiation limit for front-impact tests. So there is no clear safety advantage based on weight either.
From NHTSA:
Depending on the weight of a vehicle, it can be compared to other vehicles in its class. Since a frontal crash test into a fixed barrier is similar to a crash between two vehicles of the same weight, the frontal crash test results can only be compared to other vehicles in the same weight class and those plus or minus 250 lbs.
Side crash test results can be compared across all classes because all vehicles are hit with the same barrier and at the same force.
Such measures are heavily influenced by driving behavior. Aside from the safety issue, the Imapla is a fine car, but it just isnt as good as a Camry or an Accord. And as was pointed out, the Impala lacks pretensioners, AND the availability of side and side curtains. The Camry ALSO includes electronic brake distribution on all models with ABS, and the availability of vehicle skid control. I dont understand where you are going with your arguments about Impala safety- its not a Volvo, buddy, and I dont feel its much safer overall than a Camry- ESPECIALLY a Camry with the side SRS/side curtains. ~alpha
"You also get stuck with an old-tech OHV engine, an unsophisticated ride, plasticky materials and the least attractive interior design of the group."
Final ranking, 4th out of 5. Comparison won by the Camry.
Car and Driver, Dec. 2001:
"The dash has that same first-draft look, a clutter of shapes that never make friends with each other."
"The driver's seat gets poor marks..." In the back seat, "Space is reasonably generous, comfort is scarce."
"Over the road, this is a heavy-footed car, making clops and clunks rather as if it was wearing boots. Body structure feels less rigid than the others' "
"Lows: The driver seat, the back seat, and the showcase of mold parting lines on plastic parts."
"The Verdict: GM has learned how to make money, and it shows."
Final score: Impala 6th out of 8, Camry 2nd, comparison won by Accord.
So in these two reviews from major auto publications, the Camry had the Impala for lunch, and still had room for dessert.
If one looks at the market figures for the past 4 or so years, both the Accord and the Camry sales are many, many times more than those of the Chevy Impala. As a former owner of a '85 GM mid size car, and then a '93 and a '96 Camry, I can honestly say that there is no comparison between anything GM produces and a Japanese car! There is a certain intangible goodness that someone who has owned a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan, or any Japanese car knows about. It's something that up to now, GM, Ford, or Chrysler can't seem to approach. We now own a '01 Altima and a '96 Corolla and I smile every time I drive either of them. That intangible feeling of goodness that one gets. Can anyone else out there understand this or help me phrase it better?
You apparently haven't seen the Consumer Reports 2003 New Car publication, put on the news stands late last year. This is special separate publication they put out annually. Camry has slipped to "average" reliability mostly due to integrity issues related to "rattles". So, if you are going to compare reliability, Camry has slipped a notch.
I imagine this data will also show up in their annual March magazine issue which will be out in a month.
What do rattles have to do with reliability? I'll agree that it is a fit and finish issue but it has nothing to do with how reliable the car is. Further, had you been following this topic over the last year, you would know that Toyota became aware of some of these issues and corrected them. The most serious problem was the roof trim. Those issues are the ones that CR found in its surveys but are also the most easy to fix.
I'm just pointing out CR's most recent report. You can argue that rattles are minor, however they are not always easily fixed. Maybe you are questioning CR's survey, data analysis methodology, and what their criteria are. However, it seems plenty of people are quick quote CR proclaiming the merits of their car, so they shouldn't be so quick to dismiss them when CR's results begin to disagree with their own opinions.
And, I have been following this board and others for quite some time, and am aware of the issue, and have also seen some posts, here and in the maintenance and repair boards where the Camry rattle issues have gone unresolved for some people.
I never questioned CR's results. I only pointed out that their data is based on the first model year of a new body style and that corrections have been made.
That was actually an ancillary point to the main one which was that rattles do not constitute a reliability issue. Unless that rattle is your piston jumping out of the cylinder, rattles have nothing to do with how the car runs.
Air conditioning has nothing to do with how a car runs, but I still wouldn't want it to break. Same goes for power seats, radio etc. etc. ; ^ )
The reason that squeeks and rattles that show up in first year cars bring down their reliability is that not much else goes wrong when a car is that new. A 2 or 3 year old car with the same squeeks and rattles could still be rated as excellent reliability. I think that the 02 Camry will be rated better next year as the competition ages, and starts to also develop some squeeks and rattles. The 03 has alsoprobably addressed most of the problems.
Badgerfan is correct in that the Camry has slipped to average reliability in CR and Taurus has improved to average reliability. Rattles may not disable a car, but CR has always considered "body integrity" as a problem area. As much as I admire the CR data, a valid criticism of it is that a piece of loose trim counts the same as a failed transmission.
Historically, Toyota products have ranged from average to much above average reliability. Ford products have ranged from much below average to average reliability. Or in other words - the most reliable Fords are about as reliable as the least reliable Toyotas.
I think Toyota definitely has some problems in assembly quality with the new Camry. Because the Toyota Motor Corp builds the best assembled, lowest defect cars in the world (Lexus), they certainly know how to improve assembly quality, which they probably will do with the Camry.
Okay, I was on the Toyota website, and I noticed that the Camry SE has an optional rear spoiler, is it no longer standard?
Alpha, Mackabee, Cliffy and other Toyota buffs help a brotha out
I hope it's no longer standard, because I hated it anyway. Loosing the spoiler would be one more reason for me to buy the Camry SE.
The price of a loaded SE drops by about $900 now since the moonroof is standard. It's now cheaper than the Accord or Altima. Toyota is winning my favor.
Thanks in advance
I don't know what I am going to do. The Camry is now cheaper, the Altima is about to get an updated interior, and a new Galant is on the way.
I am excited to hear in a prior recent post that there corrective measures for the rattle issues. I know Toyota issued a statement 'saying' they recognized problems in 2002, correct them and in fact improved 2003s but thus far my dealer has no solution to my dash rattles and door pillar rattles. When pressed, and after quoting the Toyota press release on the subject, a Toyota rep could not quote one area of trim change in 2003s or any TSB or alternative definitive solution to the door and dash rattle issues.
If anyone at your dealership can reference in any way a solution to the common dash and door pillar rattles please make a post in the Camry Rattles forum.
I really want to love this car but the rattles are a constant irratant. Also, irregrdless of the criteria a CR average rating will be noticed...especially by Nissan/Honda competitors and the Ford vultures (perhaps to harsh) who can't wait to jump on this. Toyota is making a big mistake if they think this is going away. I want my the rattle free above average Camry that I paid for and if a few trim corrections will resore that image then I say Toyota should give them to us!
I believe that the actual cost drops by a bit more than $900 dollars- dont forget that SE models got pwr. driver's seat standard around the same time as the sunroof, and keyless entry std. starting at the beginning of the 2003 model year. I'm also pretty sure that the spoiler has been dropped as standard equipment, but I could be wrong. There's always the bonus, if you are looking at V6 Camry models, of the added 18hp and 11lb. ft. torque.
If you are looking at the 4cyl. please splurge and get the alloy rims-the plastic hubcaps that are standard really dont do anything for the car. ~alpha
Too many people live and die by CR ratings. They are flawed as are any group or person. I will give you an example of how their reports can be flawed. Not auto related but still something to consider. They recently rated 25 and 27" tv's for reliability, and Sanyo and Sharp brands came out on top, the best. I have been in the electronics sales and service business for 28 years. Those are 2 of the worst built brands on the market, and what CR leaves out of the equasion is the purchase price of those sets are so cheap now a days that when they break, they are not worth repair. Thats why they rate them as being the most reliable. They never see a service dept.In fact most consumers throw them away when they fail. Just advice, never count on one source for anything.
When I bought my 2002 Camry in 2001, I bought a Toyota premium maintenance contract that covers all services up to 55,000. I bought it in California and moved to Florida. Florida dealers act as if they've never seen it before. Today, a Toyota Service Dept asst mgr said their only good for oil changes. This was in response to the 15,000 service. Can someone tell me I didn't get screwed? I'll be calling the maintenance program's customer service ASAP, but wanted to know if anybody else has run into this problem or knows a direct contact to resolve the issue.
What I want to know is if the silly spoiler has been deleted. I really want the SE, but I hate the spoiler. I saw that is was an "option" on the Toyota and Carsdirect websites. I HOPE it's optional
Also, if I get the Camry, I'll be getting the SE I4 5spd. manual. I would definately opt for the alloy wheels. The SE's wheels look the best IMO.
I get a questioneer each year from CR...regarding TV reliability, they do reccomend Sanyo and I suppose their reccomendation could be flawed because people just throw the thing away rather than 'report' a repair. However CR also asks how long the product was owned and did it break. I assume they factor all this in. Also, RCA/GE is rated horribly and I can personally attest that their TVs and VCRS are junk, I once even fell for the line about the ProScan models being superior. Since they are just about as cheap as Sanyo so why wouldn't RCA have great reliabilty too? Personally I rated the two RCA TVs and two VCRS that failed me in the 3 years I owned them poorly in CR....and yes I did junk them rather than repair them. I now by Panasonic. Anyway I still think if you stick with thier reccomendation be it TV or CAR reccomendation you come out ahead in the long run.
The plan you have covers much more than oil changes... probably. It depends on the plan you purchased. Look at the application. If the product code is SP9, it covered tire rotations, the 15, 30 and 45K service as well as the oil changes. If the product code is SPT, they are right about the oil changes.
Now, the reason you are having troubles is because dealers in the Southeast don't sell those plans. They sell ones backed by a company called JM&A. Being a Toyota dealer, they MUST honor the service coupons. Whatever the coupon lists, they have to do.
There probably were also some other coupons in your book that were dealership specific. Those are normally for discounts off things like front end alignments, transmission flushes and things like that. They were NOT the pre-paid items though.
When I referenced the changes, I was repeating the press release Toyota gave when that issue of CR came out. Unfortunately, I know of no specific things that are done. If I have a chance, I'll talk to the service guys.
I see the Edmund's consumer rating on the Camry went up from 8.8 to 8.9 today. I also noticed the rating went up on the Accord last week from 9.1 to 9.2.
...Consumer Reports does NOT count every defect in a car equally. In fact, their rating system has various weightings that give more emphasis to mechanical problems over cosmetic or trim issues. But to understand this, you have to pay attention to their very lengthy explanation of the ratings system in the annual auto issue.
On the other hand, many other reporting agencies, JD Power being the most prominent example, do indeed count every defect equally. This is one reason the annual JD Power results have to be taken in context with all of the other available data - CU's continue to be the absolute best, most widely available, and statistically significant data that a consumer has access to. The only better source would be the manufacturer's warranty data, which is more closely guarded than most nuclear bombs.
You're absolutely right. I reread a CR annual car issue several times. CR actually does TWO weightings of the reliability data.
First, they organize the survey results into "trouble spots" (engine, cooling, transmission, etc.) They filter the survey results at this point only counting defects "deemed serious on account of cost, failure, compromised safety, or downtime". The result is a coded circle for each trouble spot based on the percentage of survey respondents reporting serious defects for that trouble spot.
Then, they obtain an overall reliability score for the vehicle. Here, they do the second weighting (the one you point out) by giving extra weight to engine, cooling system, and transmission. Thus, the overall reliability score is some type of weighted average for the vehicle. The overall score, unlike the trouble spot scores, is not based on percentage of people reporting problems, but rather on how the vehicles overall score compares to other vehicles overall scores.
I also agree that the CR data is the best and most statistically significant reliability data available to the public. Now that I understand how they do the two weightings of defects, I'm even more impressed. It never ceases to amaze me how often in these forums there are postings dismissing the CR data as misleading "statistics" and recommending annecdotal evidence (what Uncle Frank says about his Accord and what Aunt Martha says about her Camry) as a better guide.
All I know is that it would make sense. Now that that it's not really the "in thing" to get an SUV anymore, people are looking for the same advantages they'd get in a gas-guzzling SUV but fitting them in a car. The Jaguar X-Type is a perfect example--a RWD car, but adapted to AWD to appeal to more North Americans. Chrysler will also be coming out with AWD versions of their Intrepid once their redesigns are out.
Hi, Does anyone know what is the Engine and transmission warranty for 2000 V6 Camry? Toyota dealer told me 3 year or 36,000 miles. I thought it was 50,000 miles for both coverage. Thanks
As a former Ford owner...I had nothing against the Taurus and agree it got a rental car rep because Ford was so keen on turning it into one to get the #1 selling car. Still that did not make it a bad car. The fact that someone at Ford admits this was a mistake and admits the NEW Camry is better than the OLD Taurus amazes me. Perhaps Ford finally has someone in their who will be a straight shooter. One other note, I knew the Taurus was soon to be replaced and Ford has had no success with its most recent replacements: the Contour and the Focus. While both offered ergonomics, ride, handling and build quality on par with their foreign rivals, they were plagued with mechanical problems. I have seen nothing to convince me that the Taurus replacemnt will not follow the same route which is why I switched to the Camry. If this new Ford dude hangs in their long enough and has some power and can clear up the mechanical issues then and Toyota rattle/sludge issues continue then competitors beware. A lot of 'ands' I know... For now I am satified with my Camry except the numerous rattles which the dealer hopefully will have a cure for by spring...
Actually, the Camry has AWD models available in other countries. It's sort of funny because last year they made a mistake with one of our allocation "pipelines" one month that showed a model that we were not familiar with that was an AWD model of the Camry and there were a flood of requests for it, but it was a mistake on their part as they don't sell that model in the US. They may introduce it sometime in the future, but not in the next couple of years as far as I know.
If this guy in anyway represents Ford execs in general, this kind of honesty and refusing to duck issues says a lot about Ford. If I were Toyota I would find this statement slightly disturbing and I were GM I would find this statement very disturbing. This is the most positive thing I've read about Ford in a long time. Can Ford be on the way from #2 to #1?
You may not have an answer for this, but have you heard anything from Toyota about the current production,(ie) Jan, feb 03 vehicles having had any changes made regarding the rattle issues? Thanks, Nick.
AWD was introduced in 87-89 Camry as option (even on Corolla version). Toyota removed AWD option for all later models. Now they are going to have AWD version again. Does it make any sense ?
If there are people who want an AWD Camry, then it does make sense. IMO, today is a very different day and age, and correspondingly mindset and market for the Camry and competiting models. Toyota's profits on this vehicle are large enough such that it can afford to introduce an AWD Camry to test out a possible market penetration. This is especially true given the fact that Toyota already mates the 2.4L 4 and 3.0L V6 to the AWD Highlander.
Is anyone else sliding all over the place in wet or snowy weather with the Bridgestone Turanzas that came with my 02 Camry SE? Anything but dry pavement sends shudders up my spine. Any suggestions for replacements?
why would the execs at Ford and GM find those statements disturbing? I think all the Ford exec was saying is Toyota makes a superior product and Ford needs to get with the program. : ) Mackabee
At this time I do not have one. I was refereing to all the postings regarding the rattle issues in the 02 and 03 Camrys. I was under the impression that toyotaken was a sales person at a Toyota dealership and might know if these rattle problems were bieng addressed at the current build. I am very close to a purchase but was just trying to garner info before the purchase. Thanks, Nick.
Toyota felt the need the need some time ago to issue a press release stating that initial problems with rattles were ralated to early model 2002s, that customer polling demosnstrated that affected cars were remedied and that corrective measures were taken in 2003 models. If anyone thinks I am mis-stating the release please feel free to post it as I no longer have it.
Let me say this, My model and many others are late 2002s with rattle issues. I was never: 'polled'. Mt dealer is unaware of any fixes for known door pillar and dash rattle complaints - other than rip the thing apart and try to put it back together. When I called Toyota they could not describe who was 'polled' and more impotantly why I was not. They could not describe one modification on the 2003 where a rattle issue was addressed. Basically the press release was smoke and mirrors trying to make best of a bad situation. It's too late now as they have dropped to an avaerage rating in CR. While the engine and tranny 'may' still be way above par overall the car's rating has fallen. I am still waiting to see what the Toyota reaction will be, this is like new territory for them...though you think they would have learned something from the sludge issue. If you are a long time owner you are likely so positive on the car you will over look, ignore or not admit to the rattles as you will be too pridefull and protective in your vehicle to admit them. I am not picking on these folks, for years they have consistently purchased some of the best made cars in the world and they should have this attitude. If however you are a domestic owner switching to Toyota realize it is a superior automaobile but not so superior as many on this board will have you believe. To me, I am still awaiting the day when Toyota issues a TSB to eliminate these annoyances and then perhaps I will see things in a while new light. Again, if rattles don't bother you the you can't go wrong.
Our Camry, a 2002, built 12/01, has been rattle free over its first 23K miles. We did have one issue with the lock mechanism on the glovebox, but that was easily fixed by our dealer of purchase.
I feel that no automaker is immune to first year quality issues, as evidenced by this COMPLETELY redesigned Camry (the first new platform since the 92 models), and numerous recent Honda intros, namely the Civic and Odyssey. (Time will tell how the Accord fares.)
In any case, I think after having gone through 1.5 model years now, many of the niggling trim issues are likely to have been worked out, and I'll bet that next year, the Camry will get a "better than average" or "much better than average" ranking.
Its easy for people on these boards to make statements that appear all-encompassing. Yes, the Camry has suffered trim quality issues since 2002. But I doubt it will affect the long term reliability of these cars.
just my take, as we are quite happy with our (American made) 2002.
Thank you both for your differing input. The issue is not as important as mechanical problems to me, and I have little problem with Toyota's reputation there. But rattles can be very annoying to me and I would not mind seeing some posts from some owners of 03 model year runs and build dates with their experiences. That might show everyone if indeed Toyota DID do something to correct the problems. I now have a newer Dakota pickup I will replace with the Camry because I don't need a truck, and am going for a comfortable reliable car. Dodge doesn't have the best reputation for build quality, but this truck is solid and rattle free. It can happen to any manufacurer. After test drives of the Camry, Accord, Sebring, Stratus, and Impala, I still prefer the Camry overall, but they all have their good points and goof-ups. I heard no rattles in any of the test drives of the 03 Camrys, but would like some input from some 03 owners with some miles on their cars. Thanks again to you all for your help. Sharing information as I have done on the Dakora boards over the past 4 years can be valueble. Regards, Nick
Actually, I said that the execs at Toyota and GM might find Ford's comments disturbing. The remarks from the Ford exec showed the kind of candor and perception that is rare in statements from large companies. The bureaucrats that run most large companies try to gloss over any and all mistakes and almost never accept blame. The one thing that GM does not need if better competition from Ford.
Comments
There is no "clear safety advantage" between vehicles of differing weights in the NHTSA side-impact crash test.
Furthermore, the weight difference between the two vehicles is under NHTSA's 250 lbs class differentiation limit for front-impact tests. So there is no clear safety advantage based on weight either.
From NHTSA:
Depending on the weight of a vehicle, it can be compared to other vehicles in its class. Since a frontal crash test into a fixed barrier is similar to a crash between two vehicles of the same weight, the frontal crash test results can only be compared to other vehicles in the same weight class and those plus or minus 250 lbs.
Side crash test results can be compared across all classes because all vehicles are hit with the same barrier and at the same force.
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ictl/ictl_4dr.htm
~alpha
Motor Trend, May 2002:
"You also get stuck with an old-tech OHV engine, an unsophisticated ride, plasticky materials and the least attractive interior design of the group."
Final ranking, 4th out of 5. Comparison won by the Camry.
Car and Driver, Dec. 2001:
"The dash has that same first-draft look, a clutter of shapes that never make friends with each other."
"The driver's seat gets poor marks..." In the back seat, "Space is reasonably generous, comfort is scarce."
"Over the road, this is a heavy-footed car, making clops and clunks rather as if it was wearing boots. Body structure feels less rigid than the others' "
"Lows: The driver seat, the back seat, and the showcase of mold parting lines on plastic parts."
"The Verdict: GM has learned how to make money, and it shows."
Final score: Impala 6th out of 8, Camry 2nd, comparison won by Accord.
So in these two reviews from major auto publications, the Camry had the Impala for lunch, and still had room for dessert.
There is a certain intangible goodness that someone who has owned a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan, or any Japanese car knows about. It's something that up to now, GM, Ford, or Chrysler can't seem to approach. We now own a '01 Altima and a '96 Corolla and I smile every time I drive either of them. That intangible feeling of goodness that one gets. Can anyone else out there understand this or help me phrase it better?
The Sandman :-)
: )
Mackabee
I imagine this data will also show up in their annual March magazine issue which will be out in a month.
And, I have been following this board and others for quite some time, and am aware of the issue, and have also seen some posts, here and in the maintenance and repair boards where the Camry rattle issues have gone unresolved for some people.
That was actually an ancillary point to the main one which was that rattles do not constitute a reliability issue. Unless that rattle is your piston jumping out of the cylinder, rattles have nothing to do with how the car runs.
The reason that squeeks and rattles that show up in first year cars bring down their reliability is that not much else goes wrong when a car is that new. A 2 or 3 year old car with the same squeeks and rattles could still be rated as excellent reliability. I think that the 02 Camry will be rated better next year as the competition ages, and starts to also develop some squeeks and rattles. The 03 has alsoprobably addressed most of the problems.
Historically, Toyota products have ranged from average to much above average reliability. Ford products have ranged from much below average to average reliability. Or in other words - the most reliable Fords are about as reliable as the least reliable Toyotas.
I think Toyota definitely has some problems in assembly quality with the new Camry. Because the Toyota Motor Corp builds the best assembled, lowest defect cars in the world (Lexus), they certainly know how to improve assembly quality, which they probably will do with the Camry.
Alpha, Mackabee, Cliffy and other Toyota buffs help a brotha out
I hope it's no longer standard, because I hated it anyway. Loosing the spoiler would be one more reason for me to buy the Camry SE.
The price of a loaded SE drops by about $900 now since the moonroof is standard. It's now cheaper than the Accord or Altima. Toyota is winning my favor.
Thanks in advance
I don't know what I am going to do. The Camry is now cheaper, the Altima is about to get an updated interior, and a new Galant is on the way.
If anyone at your dealership can reference in any way a solution to the common dash and door pillar rattles please make a post in the Camry Rattles forum.
I really want to love this car but the rattles are a constant irratant. Also, irregrdless of the criteria a CR average rating will be noticed...especially by Nissan/Honda competitors and the Ford vultures (perhaps to harsh) who can't wait to jump on this. Toyota is making a big mistake if they think this is going away. I want my the rattle free above average Camry that I paid for and if a few trim corrections will resore that image then I say Toyota should give them to us!
If you are looking at the 4cyl. please splurge and get the alloy rims-the plastic hubcaps that are standard really dont do anything for the car.
~alpha
TIA ... Chris H
Whenever they don't say what you want them to say.
When they say what you want to hear, then they are gospel.
Also, if I get the Camry, I'll be getting the SE I4 5spd. manual. I would definately opt for the alloy wheels. The SE's wheels look the best IMO.
Now, the reason you are having troubles is because dealers in the Southeast don't sell those plans. They sell ones backed by a company called JM&A. Being a Toyota dealer, they MUST honor the service coupons. Whatever the coupon lists, they have to do.
There probably were also some other coupons in your book that were dealership specific. Those are normally for discounts off things like front end alignments, transmission flushes and things like that. They were NOT the pre-paid items though.
I hope this helps.
On the other hand, many other reporting agencies, JD Power being the most prominent example, do indeed count every defect equally. This is one reason the annual JD Power results have to be taken in context with all of the other available data - CU's continue to be the absolute best, most widely available, and statistically significant data that a consumer has access to. The only better source would be the manufacturer's warranty data, which is more closely guarded than most nuclear bombs.
First, they organize the survey results into "trouble spots" (engine, cooling, transmission, etc.) They filter the survey results at this point only counting defects "deemed serious on account of cost, failure, compromised safety, or downtime". The result is a coded circle for each trouble spot based on the percentage of survey respondents reporting serious defects for that trouble spot.
Then, they obtain an overall reliability score for the vehicle. Here, they do the second weighting (the one you point out) by giving extra weight to engine, cooling system, and transmission. Thus, the overall reliability score is some type of weighted average for the vehicle. The overall score, unlike the trouble spot scores, is not based on percentage of people reporting problems, but rather on how the vehicles overall score compares to other vehicles overall scores.
I also agree that the CR data is the best and most statistically significant reliability data available to the public. Now that I understand how they do the two weightings of defects, I'm even more impressed. It never ceases to amaze me how often in these forums there are postings dismissing the CR data as misleading "statistics" and recommending annecdotal evidence (what Uncle Frank says about his Accord and what Aunt Martha says about her Camry) as a better guide.
~alpha
Does anyone know what is the Engine and transmission warranty for 2000 V6 Camry? Toyota dealer told me 3 year or 36,000 miles. I thought it was 50,000 miles for both coverage. Thanks
: )
Ken
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/Camry/mechanis- m/index4.html
~alpha
: )
Mackabee
: )
Mackabee
Let me say this, My model and many others are late 2002s with rattle issues. I was never: 'polled'. Mt dealer is unaware of any fixes for known door pillar and dash rattle complaints - other than rip the thing apart and try to put it back together. When I called Toyota they could not describe who was 'polled' and more impotantly why I was not. They could not describe one modification on the 2003 where a rattle issue was addressed. Basically the press release was smoke and mirrors trying to make best of a bad situation. It's too late now as they have dropped to an avaerage rating in CR. While the engine and tranny 'may' still be way above par overall the car's rating has fallen. I am still waiting to see what the Toyota reaction will be, this is like new territory for them...though you think they would have learned something from the sludge issue. If you are a long time owner you are likely so positive on the car you will over look, ignore or not admit to the rattles as you will be too pridefull and protective in your vehicle to admit them. I am not picking on these folks, for years they have consistently purchased some of the best made cars in the world and they should have this attitude. If however you are a domestic owner switching to Toyota realize it is a superior automaobile but not so superior as many on this board will have you believe. To me, I am still awaiting the day when Toyota issues a TSB to eliminate these annoyances and then perhaps I will see things in a while new light. Again, if rattles don't bother you the you can't go wrong.
I feel that no automaker is immune to first year quality issues, as evidenced by this COMPLETELY redesigned Camry (the first new platform since the 92 models), and numerous recent Honda intros, namely the Civic and Odyssey. (Time will tell how the Accord fares.)
In any case, I think after having gone through 1.5 model years now, many of the niggling trim issues are likely to have been worked out, and I'll bet that next year, the Camry will get a "better than average" or "much better than average" ranking.
Its easy for people on these boards to make statements that appear all-encompassing. Yes, the Camry has suffered trim quality issues since 2002. But I doubt it will affect the long term reliability of these cars.
just my take, as we are quite happy with our (American made) 2002.
~alpha