Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: A problem with the expansion valve causes the air conditioner to gradually lose efficiency. (1992-93)

Automatic transmission: A-40 series automatic transmissions may shift harshly because rubber check balls become smaller, blow through the plate, and get dislodged. (1992-96)

Coolant leak: Head-gasket failures on 3.0-liter engines allows coolant to get into the cylinders. (All)

Hard starting: Hard starting after cold soak is due to ignition-coil voltage leaking to an inappropriate ground. (All)

Suspension noise: Front and rear sway-bar bushings were redesigned using a self-lubricating material. (1992-95)

Trunk latch: If the trunk won't stay open on sedans with a spoiler, the support torsion rod must be adjusted. (1992-96)

Water leak: Water leaks on the passenger side come from two sources: the SRS wiring-harness grommet and the fresh-air intake plenum. (1992-93)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1994-96: Insufficiently tightened steering-wheel nut may cause steering vibration and looseness; nut could eventually come off, leading to separation from shaft.

1996: On some cars, when taillight bulb is lit, its holder can deform.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

The standard engine is a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, which Camry shares with the Toyota Celica sports coupe. It provides 130 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Optional on all models is a 3.0-liter V6, the same engine Toyota uses in the Lexus ES 300. It delivers 185 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the Deluxe model and unavailable elsewhere. New '94 Camrys exchange their old V6 for a new aluminum-block, 3.0-liter V6 that delivers three extra horsepower--188 at 5200 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. As did the previous V6, this one also powers Camry's more expensive brother, the Lexus ES 300. Starting in '95, the 4-speed automatic provides standard electronic controls that adjust shift patterns to match how the car is driven. Finally, the mainstay 2.2-liter engine drops 5 horsepower in '96 due to new tuning implemented to meet stricter emissions limits in all states. The reconfigured engine produces 125 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm.