The Toyota Camry has a long and storied history all across the world, and the one that came to the North American market is no different. Having been around for a few decades, this model has seen its fair share of changes. Here is what to check before buying a used Toyota Camry to help ensure you get what you want.
Key takeaways
- One of the most exciting Camry models is limited to 6000 a year.
- The 2005 Camry aimed at making the lineup more pleasing to look at while still being unique to one another.
- While the Camry is a reliable family car and daily driver, every once in a while, Toyota decides to flip that on its head.
- If you’re wanting a manual transmission, you’ll need something before 2011.
Third Generation (1991-1996)
While the Camry was around before this one, it was in the form of a narrow body. While this worked in other markets, here in North America. We saw that as a compromised model. Being that it wasn't doing well, the wide-body was introduced in 1991.
When this model debuted, it was available as an automatic for most of the trims, while the base and sport trims came with the manual. This was a big change from the generation before that saw the inverse.
Fourth Generation (1997-2002)
This generation saw some changes to the lineup, but the LE and XLE carried over. Only two engines were offered with this generation, one being the 2.2L I4 and the other being a 3.0L V6. If you're lucky enough, you may even be able to find a Japanese made Camry in the US. An easy way to tell is by looking to see if the vin starts with JT2.
This generation didn't come with too many changes that would last since the coupe, and convertible models that would ultimately be discontinued.
Fifth Generation (2003-2006)
While this was a short generation, it did come with a few new features to help set it apart from the rest. The lineup topping XLE trim came with alloy wheels, a JBL premium audio system, and even leather seats.
In 2004, the Camry saw the addition of two new trims for the North American market. These were the Standard Edition, as well as Limited Edition trims.
2005 brought some new looks to the Camry, most trims seeing the chrome grille, while the SE has a blackout grille. The interior came with a few new upgrades as well, there’s a storage bin in the door and standard leather seatings on XLE trims that are equipped with a V6 over the I4.
Sixth Generation (2007-2011)
Much like the third generation, this one came with a manual transmission for the CE and SE trims. While the others came with a five-speed automatic.
Being that the SE is supposed to be for performance, the trim came with a firmer suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and a sport oriented interior as well as exterior.
The XLE continues to build on what makes it great and adds even more luxury features. The first one being a six-CD JBL sound system that came with integrated Bluetooth tech. To help keep things looking like luxury, this trim came with a sunroof, automatic dual-zone climate control and even wood grain highlights.
Due to an increase in sales, Toyota had to open another factory here in the US. Making it even easier to find Camrys after this generation on the used market.
Seventh Generation (2012-2017)
This was the first Camry to be offered without a manual transmission. In its place were paddle shifters, but they can’t quite replicate the feel of a traditional manual.
Due to world events, the Camry was delayed for North America, making it the facelift even more important to usher in the new generation. Some of the features that were brought in the facelift were a new aggressive look, as well as a more premium interior.
To help make being inside a Camry even better, this facelift brought improved seals for the doors, and windows. This was done to help decrease the wind, and road noise.
The 2016 model saw something special for the US market. This was the Special Edition Camry that was limited to 12,000 units. This was based on the SE trim and it came with a unique black gloss and silver painted 18-inch alloy wheels, blue accents and stitching throughout the interior including the seats, white-faced gauges with aluminum trim, smoked taillights, Special Edition floor mats and trunk emblem.
Eighth Generation (2018-2024)
When this generation was introduced, it wasn’t too noteworthy. Coming in 5 trims at first with two having variants. In 2020 the TRD hit the market for North America, this came with a V6, as well as a sport tuned suspension, sports exhaust, as well as special TRD-badging. During its release, Car and Driver called it the “spiciest Camry of the bunch” If you manage to get behind the wheel of a 2020 TRD Camry, you’ll be lucky as Toyota only made 6,000 as per Car and Driver’s initial reports. This gives the Camry a much different feel than the family car that most people know it as.
Things were pretty bland up until 2021, as this Camry came with a new look thanks to a facelift. Some new features also hit the lineup, two being a pair of screens that were trim dependent. The smaller of which being a 7-inch screen, while the larger is 9-inches. Thanks to the new infotainment system, you now have access to Android Auto.
Ninth Generation (2025-Present)
For the first time, the Camry will come standard with a hybrid powertrain with no option for a V6. This was done in an effort to become carbon neutral.
Much like the last generation, this one also comes with a new pair of screens, also dependent on trim level. The smaller one being an 8-inch screen, while the larger is a 12.3-inch screen.
Final Thoughts
For the first time, the Camry will not be available in the home market of Japan. Will that be an omen for the American market? Or will the Camry carry on the legacy that was built in Japan? Only time will tell, but until then, come by Scarpa Motors here in Springfield Gardens, we have some of the best used cars on the market.