Originally Posted by Accord2005NJ

In my 02 Camry I switched to synthetics after 800 miles. Used synthetics ever since (50+ k now). Engine is INCREDIBLY smooth (4 cylynder) and poweful. I recently drove TWO other Camries (02 and 04) and my engine (smoothness and power) is at least two classes above the other two I camries I drove.

So, I think synthetics are fine. I think factories (for the US at least) don't put synthetics due to cost. In premium cars (lexus, BMW) you find them factory instaled. In Europe (at least my family and their friends) wonder why we still use mineral oils in egnines at all (because we are cheap.)

Even the gas we use is f.. up. In Germany and most europe they use 95 and 98 Octane. Ferraries (some models) and even VW sold in the US have to be slightly modified due to the fact that the gas we use is "raw" and low in octane.