That said it's been coming up in conversations for almost 20 years. The first generation Toyota Camry, launched in 1983 to replace the aging rear-wheel drive Corona, earned an unprecedented 99% customer satisfaction rating. As impressive, it has also won the CAA Used Car Performance Award seven times. One would expect it to show up on the CAA Top Ten Vehicles Ownership Satisfaction Survey as well. What's not expected is that it currently owns 3 of the top 10 spots, with the 1997 - 2001 model placed above two previous Camry generations, in fourth spot on the list.

The 1997 Camry broke from tradition in offering a rakish, sporty design - at least it was sporty for Toyota's conservative mid-size customer. Trim levels included the CE, CE V6, LE and XLE V6 in 4-door sedan body configurations only, as the wagon and coupe were discontinued. The coupe, however, showed up in 1999 as the Solara with a convertible to follow.

A new 133-hp 2.2-L 4-cylinder in the base CE and LE models improved performance while reducing fuel consumption. Just how miserly was it? Mated to the standard 5-speed, 10.0 / 6.8 L/100 km was achievable in city / highway driving respectively. Those numbers went up slightly with the 4-speed automatic. A 4-speed automatic transmission was the only choice when the 194-hp 3.0-L V6 was ordered, only this unit incorporated 'intelligent' shifting. Depending on the driver's style, either power or normal shift modes allowed the engines rpm to achieve its full redline potential or shifted early to save fuel. A conservative driver was capable of 12.3 L/100 km city or 8.1 L/100 km highway. The more aggressive driver would probably appreciate the optional traction control.

Other improvements included a wheelbase extension of 50 mm (2-inches), providing larger rear door openings and improved rear legroom. Of course interior quality moved up a notch, as did optional convenience items, pushing the XLE further up market.

On the safety front, standard driver and passenger front airbags were available, as were anti-lock brakes. In 1998, seatbelt pretensioners and an engine immobilizer became standard equipment.

The only significant changes introduced during Camry's 4th generation occurred with the 2000 model, which received mild cosmetic enhancements to the front and rear fascia plus a base engine output upgrade to 138-hp.

As good as the Camry was it couldn't escape problems completely. The 3.0-L engine occasionally experienced oil sludge accumulation in the cylinder head drain back passages preventing sufficient oil flow from the top of the engine to the oil pan. This may overwhelm both the valve stem seals and PCV system, causing oil consumption and occasionally emitting burnt oil vapor from the tailpipe. Also, 1997 cars experienced leaks in the V6 engine head gasket plus steering rack housing bushings were prone to wear.

The 1997 Camry's recalls point out two more infirmities, one of which included a malfunctioning key interlock solenoid that could ultimately allow the car to roll away after being parked. 23,281 cars were affected. Only 4,825 vehicles had the second problem, a brake booster vacuum hose that was prone to clog with ice in extremely cold conditions and only when the brakes were used infrequently. This would result in poor braking performance that could lead to an accident. The Camry's 1998 recall affected 21,454 cars but might be the most dangerous, considering it wasn't climate sensitive. It was possible for the steering wheel set nut to loosen and cause an abnormal steering vibration. The nut could eventually come off, separating the steering wheel from the steering shaft - not good. That said, cars available now should have these recall items rectified.

These problems aside, the previous generation Camry is a superb buy for the used car shopper. Mind you, you'll need to discard any inklings of getting a bargain. Owners and dealers alike know they can ask an extremely high price and close a quick sale without much haggling. That said there doesn't seem to be a lot of common sense in coming up with prices. In one case a dealer is offering a 1999 CE with 73,385 km for $18,864 while a competitive dealer shows a 1997 CE with 74,586 km for a stratospheric $18,495. This dealer is obviously feeling particularly optimistic, as the average 1997 Camry price is $16,700 including LE and XLE cars - albeit with slightly more on the odometer. Either way, expect to pay a premium price for a premium ownership experience.