The Toyota Camry was birthed in 1983 with a 2.0L engine. The platform has matured over the years. The vehicles now have much more passenger and luggage space, and the top of the line Camry is now equipped with a 3.5L VIN K engine. Growing up has not changed the main reason people like Camry’s: quality.

When a Toyota Camry engine fails, most mechanics will immediately suspect abuse. The thought of a Camry engine failing for natural reasons just doesn’t click with experienced mechanics unless the engine in question is one with very high miles. My sister, for example, drives a 1996 Toyota Camry with a 2.2L 5S-FE engine. Her engine has over 250,000 miles on it, and it drives like a top. Besides regular oil and spark plug changes, I have only had to change her timing belt and water pump once. If I felt like there was any danger in her becoming stranded, I would buy her another car, but the fact that she is in a Camry sets my mind at ease. Even with the high miles on her engine, she has 180 compression straight across on the engine and around 50psi on the oil pressure at idle. In other words, this engine has a lot of life left on it.