Best & Worst Toyota Camry Years-[Reviewed 1990-2024 Models]
The goal of our team for this review is to furnish you with a thorough comprehension of the Camry lineage, ensuring a detailed insight into its evolution.
The Toyota Camry stands as an automotive giant, yet it’s important to acknowledge the variances among different model years. Our team of mechanics and car enthusiasts has dug deep to find the most relevant data on the internet.
Using expert techniques, real-life experiences, and authentic user data, we’ve conducted an in-depth analysis of each model year.
This examination entails classifying periods in the Toyota Camry’s history into the best, neutral, and worst, providing a nuanced perspective.
Within this exploration, we delve into the distinctive strengths and issues of each generation, shedding light on the challenges encountered and the advancements achieved.
First Introduction
The Toyota Camry was introduced on the market in 1982, and right off the bat, it became one of the most popular vehicles on the market.
Let’s dive in and talk about different generations of Toyota Camry.
Advantages of Exploring a Vehicle by Generation
Proper Aesthetics:
Typically, vehicles belonging to a specific generation exhibit a consistent visual identity.
While there might be occasional updates to the front and rear (referred to as a refresh), the overall appearance of the vehicle remains stable from the initial to the final year of that generation.
This aspect is particularly advantageous for enthusiasts who appreciate the aesthetic continuity of a specific generation.
Consistent Dimensions:
Cars within the same generation maintain identical sizes, both internally and externally.
If you find the dimensions comfortable in a 2012 Toyota Camry, you can expect the same level of comfort in a 2017 model. Likewise, if a 2002 Camry fits perfectly into your garage, a 2006 edition will be similar as well.
Similar Equipment:
In general, there are no drastic alterations to engines and transmissions within a single vehicle generation.
While there might be minor adjustments, such as horsepower tweaks, the debut of a new powerplant or gearbox is usually reserved for new model releases.
This understanding assures you that vehicles of the same generation from different model years have similar performance characteristics.
Toyota Camry Generations (Wide Body)
In this review, we will emphasize more on the 4th, 5th, and 6th generations. To be honest, anything above 25 years old will be prone to wear and tear from age and parts issues.
Years | Generation | Known For |
---|---|---|
1992-1996 | 1st Generation (XV10) | The first Toyota Camry, also called the wide-body model, was Toyota’s second global car, following the Corolla. |
1997-2001 | 2nd Generation (XV20) | The fourth-generation Camry featured eenhanced Power and Safety |
2002-2006 | 3rd Generation (XV30) | The third-generation Camry (2002-2006) marked a renewed focus on design and performance. |
2007-2011 | 4th Generation (XV40) | The fourth-generation Camry featured enhanced Power and Safety |
2012-2017 | 5th Generation (XV50) | The fifth-generation Camry sparked a resurgence in Camry sales in Japan, thanks to the introduction of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. |
2018-Present | 6th Generation | The current iteration of the Toyota Camry, the sixth generation stands as a testament to the evolving automobile industry. |
Best and Worst Years for the 1st Generation of Toyota Camry
The first Toyota Camry, also called the wide-body model, was Toyota’s second global car, following the Corolla. It changed things up for midsize sedans.
Top Years: 1995-1996
The 1995 and 1996 Camry years were the best of the first generation. They had a strong engine known for being reliable and durable.
These models were advanced for their time, with cool stuff like a fancy transmission and an electronic fuel injection system.
Safety was a big deal too, with features like anti-lock brakes and twin front airbags. People loved the 1995 and 1996 Camrys because they were dependable, had cool tech, and were safe.
Okay Years: 1993-1994
The 1993 and 1994 Camrys were fine but didn’t stand out in any special way. They kept up the good performance and slowly got better with technology, safety, and design.
These years continued the Camry’s reputation for being reliable and comfortable, making them okay years.
Not-So Good Year: 1992
Even though it kicked off the first Camry generation, the 1992 model had some big problems. Lots of structural issues hurt its reliability and performance, leading to many customer complaints.
Troubles with the transmission and engine failures put the 1992 Camry in the not-so-good category.
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The Best and Worst Years for the 2nd Generation of Toyota Camry
In the years 1997–2001, the Toyota Camry really stepped up its game, becoming known for being dependable and consistent performance-wise.
Best Years: 1998-2000
Among these years, 1998 and 2000 were standouts. They brought improvements like better interior quality, enhanced powertrain performance, and improved fuel economy, giving drivers a smooth ride.
Toyota also added optional side airbags during this time, making passengers safer in case of accidents.
The 2000 model featured a reliable 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivered great performance without guzzling too much gas.
Okay Years: 1997–1999
The Camry models from 1997 and 1999 were solid performers without any big breakthroughs.
The 1997 Camry, as the first of the second generation, set the pace with good performance, improved fuel efficiency, and better safety measures. The 1999 model kept up the steady performance, making small improvements in technology and design.
While they offered the reliability and comfort associated with the Camry brand, these years didn’t bring any major changes, putting them in the okay category.
Worst Year: 2001
Despite the overall success of this generation, the 2001 Camry faced challenges. This model had various issues, especially with the engine and transmission systems.
There were many complaints about oil leakage, engine problems, and transmission hesitation, leading to a surge in NHTSA complaints.
The Best and Worst Years for the 3rd Generation of Toyota Camry
The third-generation Camry (2002–2006) marked a renewed focus on design and performance. While generally well-received, it faced a mix of challenges and triumphs, leading to a combination of best, neutral, and worst years.
Top Years: 2004-2005
The top two years of the third generation were 2004 and 2005. Notable improvements in safety, comfort, and performance were introduced during this period.
The addition of side-curtain airbags and an optional Vehicle Stability Control system significantly enhanced the Camry’s safety features. With an upgraded 3.3L V6 engine in the SE trim level, these models provided a more powerful and secure driving experience.
Okay, year: 2006
Considered a neutral year, 2006 brought advancements in safety technology, including an Advanced Airbag System, and improved fuel efficiency. However, it didn’t quite match the success of the 2004 and 2005 models.
The 2006 Camry received fewer complaints, maintaining Toyota’s reputation for reliability and performance.
Worst Years: 2002–2003
Despite the overall success of the third generation, the 2002 and 2003 models faced various issues, earning them the status of the least favorable years.
The 2002 model amassed a high number of NHTSA complaints, mainly related to vehicle speed control, service brakes, hydraulics, and engines.
Owners reported unintended acceleration, brake failure, and oil leakage.
The 2003 model continued these issues, with reports of problems with brakes and the engine, leading to recalls and a drop in reliability scores.
Check out the 2002 and 2003 recalls.
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The Best and Worst Years for the 4th Generation of Toyota Camry
Enhanced Power and Safety Features: The fourth-generation Camry, manufactured from 2007 to 2011, boasted more potent engines and additional safety features.
Top Years: 2010-2011
The peak years of the fourth generation were 2010 and 2011. Toyota made significant strides in engine efficiency during this period, improving both performance and fuel economy.
Safety enhancements, including better stability control, traction control, and an anti-lock brake system, contributed to a safer driving experience.
The 2011 model received acclaim for its strong resale value, excellent gas mileage, and powerful available V6 engine, earning high satisfaction ratings from owners.
Moderate Years: 2007-2008-2009
Despite notable improvements, the initial years of this generation—2007, 2008, and 2009—faced serious problems.
The 2007 model accumulated a concerning 3572 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls, mainly related to engines, vehicle speed control, service brakes, structural problems, and visibility issues.
The dashboard defect caused significant visibility problems, posing a major safety concern.
These years witnessed widespread issues with excessive oil consumption, leading to premature engine wear and failures.
Problems with the vehicle’s speed control resulted in unintended acceleration, presenting serious safety risks.
These problems hurt reliability scores, designating 2007, 2008, and 2009 as the least favorable years of the fourth-generation Toyota Camry.
Check out NHTSA for 2007, 2008, and 2009.
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The Best and Worst Years for the 5th Generation of Toyota Camry
The fifth-generation Camry (2012–2017) sparked a resurgence in Camry sales in Japan, thanks to the introduction of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. This innovation marked a significant shift for the Camry, especially in its home market.
Top Years: 2014, 2017
The standout years for this generation were 2014 and 2017. The 2017 model received praise for its robust engine, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features.
These models showcased improvements in fuel efficiency and overall ride comfort, earning high owner satisfaction ratings.
Normal Year: 2013
Considered a neutral year for this generation, 2013 didn’t reach the heights of the 2014 and 2017 models but also didn’t face significant issues.
The 2013 Camry maintained the tradition of providing a comfortable and reliable midsize sedan, with gradual improvements in interior quality, ride comfort, and safety features.
Worst Years: 2012, 2015, 2016
The 2012, 2015, and 2016 models encountered numerous issues, marking them as the least favorable years of the fifth generation.
The 2012 model year faced particularly problematic complaints about the vehicle’s brakes and powertrain.
Owners reported brake failure under normal conditions, along with excessive oil consumption, leading to a reduced reliability score.
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The Best and Worst Years for the 6th Generation of Toyota Camry
The current iteration of the Toyota Camry, the sixth generation (2018–present), stands as a testament to the evolving automobile industry, embracing advanced technology, improved safety, and superior performance.
However, like any product, it has experienced both highs and lows.
Top Year: 2022
The 2022 Camry model year has proven to be the most successful in this generation, featuring key improvements that set it apart from its predecessors.
With advancements in performance and reliability, it serves as a prime example of what the sixth-generation Camry can offer. Equipped with enhanced safety features like the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) package, the 2022 model takes the lead in ensuring passenger protection. Additionally, it offers more robust and efficient engine performance.
Normal Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023
The 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023 Camry models are considered neutral years in the sixth generation.
They didn’t bring groundbreaking improvements or significant drawbacks, placing them in the neutral years category.
Worst Year: 2021
In contrast, the 2021 model year of the Camry faced substantial challenges. It garnered the lowest consumer reliability and owner satisfaction ratings in this generation.
Owners reported problems with the fuel system, airbags, and brakes. Airbag issues included malfunctioning seat-occupant sensors and warning lights.
Furthermore, some 2021 Camry owners reported problems with the braking system, including unexpected activation of the brake assist and stability control features.
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Average Resell Value of Toyota Camry
After surveying the multiple offline and online car reselling platforms like Edmunds, Cars, truecars, Carfax, etc. we have made a comprehensive graph that shows the reselling Vale of Toyota Camry as per the model.
NOTE: The resell value is highly dependent on the milage, overall condition, color, and Body type of the vehicle.
Conclusion
The Toyota Camry’s six-generation journey reflects an evolving commitment to excellence.
While each era had its highs and lows, the current sixth generation, notably 2022, stands out for technological advancements and superior performance.
The Camry remains a resilient force, adapting to industry shifts and delivering a reliable driving experience.