The Toyota Camry was little changed for the 1998 model year, since it has just gone through a total overhaul the year before. The most significant changes included the availability of side-impact airbags in all models and an improved anti-theft system.

The 1998 Toyota Camry came in three trim levels: the base CE, the midlevel LE and the higher-end XLE. All came standard with a four-cylinder, 2.2-liter, 133 horsepower engine and were available with a V6, 194 horsepower engine. Fuel economy is about 20 to 30 miles per gallon, depending on the engine.

The Toyota Camry was once again the top seller for 1998. Once again, major complaints about the 1998 Toyota Camry include a lack of power, especially with the four-cylinder engine, and a bland, conservative look. Drivers are enthusiastic, however, about the Camry's value, noting that a Camry has the same mechanisms as the Lexus ES without the high price tag.