The year was 1997. For our household, it was a time of automotive transition. We were emerging from the shadow of a troublesome Ford Taurus and had just concluded our experience with a leased Acura Integra. While the Integra was enjoyable to drive, the looming end of its lease and a desire for something larger and more dependable led us to consider our options. Reliability was paramount; the goal was to avoid becoming overly familiar with the service department.
Initially, the Honda Accord was a strong contender. Familiarity played a role, as my parents had a history with a dealership in Ohio and a positive experience with Hondas. However, the Accord was nearing the end of its current generation, and the allure of something new and different was strong. Uncertainty about the upcoming Accord design, coupled with a lingering negative association with a past Civic, pushed me to broaden the search. The logistics of purchasing from out of state – the drive back to Maryland and the added mileage – also factored into the decision.
Toyota, as a brand, was synonymous with reliability, even if their cars were sometimes perceived as less exciting. My father-in-law’s high-mileage 1994 Corolla, a former service loaner that had endured considerable use, stood as a testament to Toyota’s durability. Loaner car experiences, particularly a Corolla received during Integra body work, further solidified this perception of solid construction. Even an unfortunate towing incident with that Corolla loaner car didn’t diminish its performance, highlighting Toyota’s robust build.
The previous generation Toyota Camry (XV10, 1992-1996) had already caught my eye. Its attractive styling, well-appointed interior, and solid build quality were appealing. The coupe version was particularly desirable, even as coupes were becoming less common. Some even drew comparisons to Lexus in terms of build quality and features. However, the perceived higher price point of these models initially placed the Camry outside my considered budget.
Front exterior view of a 1997 Toyota Camry LE sedan in silver, showcasing its classic design.
The introduction of the fourth-generation Toyota Camry (XV20) in 1997 changed the equation. Toyota strategically reduced production costs without compromising visible quality, focusing on less expensive components beneath the surface. This cost-saving measure resulted in a price reduction compared to the previous generation. The 1997 Camry LE sedan listed at $19,868, less than the $20,168 price of the 1996 model, and crucially, anti-lock brakes became standard for 1997, an $1100 option in 1996. This significant price adjustment, combined with enhanced standard features, made the 1997 Toyota Camry a compelling option, prompting a visit to the Toyota showroom despite some initial family skepticism. (My mother’s aversion to Toyota stemmed from a dislike of the logo, highlighting the subjective nature of car buying decisions!)
Like the Accord, the 1997 Camry offered a base CE trim, which made features like anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and air conditioning optional. Interestingly, a CE V6 with a manual transmission was available, hinting at a surprisingly sporty, budget-friendly performance variant. However, the mid-level LE trim, with its standard air conditioning, cruise control, and ABS, was more in line with practical needs and preferences. The thought of that CE V6 did linger, though…
Stepping into the Toyota dealership experience was a new lesson in car buying tactics. The chosen dealership, while not the closest or most welcoming, became the venue for the purchase. Navigating the trade-in of the Integra lease required careful negotiation. The dealer employed the common tactic of holding onto the trade-in keys to pressure a purchase, a practice met with firm resistance and key retrieval. This experience marked the beginning of a personal car buying strategy: test drive, discuss numbers, and then leave to deliberate before committing, a method that allows for more considered decision-making away from sales pressure.
The chosen vehicle was a 4-cylinder, 4-speed automatic LE sedan. By this time, the Camry coupe was discontinued, predating the Solara coupe, leaving the sedan as the sole body style. The exterior color was “Antique Sage,” a point of ongoing debate between my wife and me – green or gray? (The photos offer a visual clue). The interior, also “sage,” mirrored the brochure images, featuring the same cloth seats and stereo.
Interior of a 1997 Toyota Camry LE with sage green cloth seats and dashboard, highlighting the spacious and comfortable cabin.Our Camry included port-installed accessories from Baltimore – a first encounter with this practice, as accessories were typically dealer-installed. A rear spoiler with an LED brake light, seamlessly integrated by replacing the package shelf brake light with a blanking panel, added a touch of factory-like customization. This Camry was also the first car I owned with a car alarm, a Toyota system with a unique oval key fob. Dealer attempts to upsell gold or black pearl emblems were declined, but a front end mask, deemed a necessary addition, was included.
Front angle of a 1997 Toyota Camry in 'Antique Sage' color, featuring the front grille and headlights of this reliable sedan.In line with previous Hondas, the 1997 Toyota Camry proved reliable and, while not exhilarating, a competent vehicle to drive. The build quality was notably high, with a well-appointed interior and tight exterior panel gaps. Details like the swiveling cup holder lids and soft-touch dash materials were appreciated. The primary drawback was the 4-cylinder engine (133 hp), which felt somewhat underpowered for the 3100-pound car, prompting a wish for the V6 upgrade. However, the Camry excelled in its core function: dependable transportation requiring only routine maintenance. After the Taurus experience, this reliability was deeply valued.
This 1997 Toyota Camry marked the beginning of a lasting relationship with the Toyota brand. Its reasonable price, favorable lease terms due to strong resale value, and overall durability made it a smart choice. It was one of the few vehicles I retained for the full lease term. The 1997 Toyota Camry solidified its reputation as a dependable and sensible sedan, a legacy that continues to resonate with drivers seeking lasting value and reliability in a vehicle.
