The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular midsize sedans in the world, known for its reliability, practicality, and affordability. The car has been in production since 1982, and over the years, it has undergone numerous changes and upgrades. The Camry has been through several generations, each with its unique features and design elements that have helped it remain a top choice among car buyers.
Each Toyota Camry generation has its own story to tell, with its unique characteristics and design elements. The first-generation Camry was introduced in 1982 and was a narrow-body compact car. In the 1990s, the Camry grew in size and became a midsize car, and since then, it has remained a popular choice among car buyers. Today, the Camry is in its eighth generation, and it continues to be a top-seller in its class.
This article will take a closer look at the different Toyota Camry generations, exploring the changes and upgrades made to the car over the years. From the first-generation narrow-body compact car to the eighth-generation midsize sedan, we will delve into the features and design elements that have made the Camry a popular choice among car buyers for over four decades.
First Generation (1982-1986)
The Toyota Camry was first introduced in 1982 as a compact car to replace the Toyota Corona. It was initially designed to be a narrow-body car, but in the 1990s, it grew in size to fit the mid-size classification.
The first generation of the Toyota Camry, also known as the V10, was produced from 1982 to 1986. It was available as a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback. The Camry was equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 92 horsepower and 102 lb-ft of torque. It was also available with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 96 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque.
During its first generation, the Camry received a few updates. In 1983, the Camry received a new grille, and in 1984, it received a new dashboard and a redesigned front end. In 1985, the Camry received a new engine and transmission, which improved its performance and fuel efficiency.
| Model Year | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982-1983 | 1.8L 4-cylinder | 90 hp | 104 lb-ft |
| 1984-1986 | 2.0L 4-cylinder | 96 hp | 106 lb-ft |
The first-generation Toyota Camry was praised for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. It quickly became a popular car in the United States and other countries around the world. Its success paved the way for future generations of the Camry, which would become one of the best-selling cars in the world.
Second Generation (1987-1991)
The second-generation Toyota Camry was produced from 1987 to 1991 and was the first to offer a V-6 engine option. The car goes for a more streamlined look compared to the previous generation. The bigger engine also replaces the previous inline-four engine.
The second-generation Camry was available in several trims, including the base model, LE, and SE. The base model came standard with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 115 horsepower. The LE trim added power windows, power locks, and cruise control. The SE trim was the sporty version and came with a stiffer suspension and a body kit.
In 1988, Toyota introduced the Camry All-Trac, which was the first Camry with all-wheel drive. The All-Trac was available in both sedan and wagon versions and was powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 115 horsepower.
The second-generation Camry was also the first to offer an optional anti-lock braking system (ABS). The system was available on the V6-equipped Camry models and was a significant safety feature for the time.
Third Generation (1992-1996)
The Toyota Camry’s third generation ran from 1992 to 1996 and was a significant upgrade from its predecessor. The 1992-1996 Toyota Camry was larger, more powerful, and more refined than the previous models.
The third-generation Camry was available in several body styles, including a sedan, coupe, and wagon. The wagon was especially popular among families, as it provided ample space for passengers and cargo. The sedan and coupe models were also well-received, thanks to their sleek styling and impressive performance.
Under the hood, the third-generation Camry featured a range of engines, including a 2.2-liter four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter V6, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel. The V6 was especially potent, delivering up to 188 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, although a five-speed manual was also available on some models.
The third-generation Camry also introduced several new features and technologies, including dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a keyless entry system. These features helped to make the Camry one of the safest and most advanced vehicles on the road at the time.
Fourth Generation (1997-2001)
The fourth generation Toyota Camry was introduced in 1997 and was produced until 2001. It was available in two body styles: sedan and wagon. The fourth generation Camry had a more aerodynamic design compared to its predecessor, giving it a sleeker and more modern look.
The fourth generation Camry was also equipped with several new features, such as side airbags, automatic climate control, and a JBL audio system. It was also the first Camry to offer a navigation system as an option.
However, the fourth generation Camry had some issues with reliability. According to Toyota Problems, it ranks 65th in reliability out of 81 generations. The most common complaints were related to engine problems, including oil leaks, engine failure, and excessive oil consumption.
Despite its reliability issues, the fourth generation Camry was still a popular choice among consumers. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency made it a practical and affordable option for families and commuters alike.
Fifth Generation (2002-2006)
The fifth-generation Toyota Camry was introduced in 2002 and was produced until 2006. It was built on the Toyota K platform and was available in three trim levels: LE, SE, and XLE. The fifth-generation Camry was larger than its predecessor, with a more spacious interior and improved handling. It was also the first Camry to feature a six-speed automatic transmission.
The fifth-generation Camry had a sleeker and more modern design than previous models. It had a longer wheelbase and wider track, which improved handling and stability. The interior was also redesigned, with a more upscale look and feel. The fifth-generation Camry was available with a range of engines, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
The fifth-generation Camry was well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and improved handling. The Camry also received high marks for its safety features, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration giving it a five-star rating for frontal crash tests.
Overall, the fifth-generation Toyota Camry was a solid entry in the Camry lineup. It was larger, more refined, and more powerful than previous models, and it set the stage for future Camry models to come.
Sixth Generation (2007-2011)
The sixth generation Camry was introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was built on the Toyota K platform and was available in four trims: CE, LE, SE, and XLE. The sixth generation Camry was also the first to be offered as a hybrid, an example of which we take on for a long-term test. The hybrid model features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 187 horsepower.
The 2007-2011 Camry was larger than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase and wider track. It also featured a redesigned exterior with a more streamlined and aerodynamic look. Inside, the Camry offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard was also redesigned, with a more modern and upscale look.
There were six drivetrain variations for the sixth-generation Toyota Camry. The base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 158 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine was also available, which produced 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Overall, the sixth generation Camry was a reliable and practical midsize sedan that offered a comfortable ride and good fuel economy. However, some owners reported issues with the engine, transmission, and brakes, which led to a lower reliability rating compared to previous generations.
Seventh Generation (2012-2017)
The seventh generation of the Toyota Camry, also known as the XV50, was produced from 2011 to 2019. This generation marked a significant departure from the previous models in terms of styling, as it adopted a more aggressive and assertive look with sharper angles and creases.
One of the most notable changes in the seventh generation Camry is the introduction of the SE trim, which is the sportiest version of the car. It features a more responsive suspension, larger wheels, and unique exterior styling elements. Additionally, the interior of the SE trim is upgraded with sport seats, paddle shifters, and a sport-tuned steering wheel.
The seventh generation Camry also offers a wide range of engine options, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain. The four-cylinder engine produces 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine delivers 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a total output of 200 horsepower.
The seventh generation Camry received high marks for its safety features, with standard equipment including antilock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags. Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking.
Eighth Generation (2018-present)
The eighth generation Toyota Camry was introduced in 2017 and went on sale in early 2018. It is built on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and features a sleeker, more aerodynamic design than its predecessor. The Camry’s eighth generation is available in five trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE.
The 2018 Toyota Camry offers three powertrain options: a 2.5-liter inline-four, a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-liter engine produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine produces 301 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 208 horsepower.
The eighth generation Camry also features a number of safety and driver assistance technologies. These include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
In 2021, Toyota gave the Camry a mild facelift, with updated front and rear fascias, a new grille, and new wheel designs. The infotainment system was also upgraded, with a larger touchscreen display and new features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Overall, the eighth generation Toyota Camry is a solid choice for those in the market for a midsize sedan. With its sleek design, powerful engines, and advanced safety features, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
When he’s not working his magic under the hood, Ethan Wilson is usually sharing his love for Toyota cars through his writing. Ethan’s got a special talent for breaking down complex car topics into easy-to-understand articles, making him a go-to source for Toyota enthusiasts everywhere.
