Toyota Camry
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Toyota Camry | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Production | 1983–present |
| Predecessor | Toyota Corona |
| Class | Compact (1983-1991) Mid-size (1992-present) |
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size car assembled by Toyota in Georgetown, Kentucky, USA, as well as Altona, Victoria, Australia, and the original factory in Toyota City, Japan. In some markets, the top range Camry models are seen as executive cars. The Camry has been the best selling car in the United States for nine of the last 10 years starting in 1997. The United States is the Camry's largest consumer market, where it mainly competes with the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Saturn Aura, Chevy Malibu, and the Ford Fusion. The Camry also sells very well in Australia, Canada and a number of Asian markets. It has not sold as well in Europe and Japan—many criticize its design as ill-suited for European and Japanese tastes. An upbranded luxury version of the Camry is sold in Japan as the Toyota Windom, and under the Lexus ES nameplate in the United States.
The Camry name was first launched in 1980 with the Toyota Celica Camry, a sedan that was essentially a Japan domestic market Toyota Carina, with a Celica-like front.
The first model line independently named the Toyota Camry was launched in 1982 for the 1983 model year, originally as a compact car. It is primarily configured as a four-door sedan but at different times has also been available as a five-door hatchback, two-door coupé, and a station wagon. An offshoot of the Camry, the Toyota Camry Solara, has been available as a coupe and a convertible.
The Camry underwent major redesigns and upgrades in model years 1987, 1992 (1990 in Japan), 1997, 2002 and most recently in 2007.
Other than the original Celica Camry, the Toyota Camry has always been an FF layout vehicle. This means the engine is transversely mounted to drive the front wheels. Some models have been offered with all-wheel drive.
The second and third-generation Camrys were rebadged to be sold as the Holden Apollo in Australia. The Holden equivalents were not successful even though they came from the same factory as the Camry. Since 2000, Daihatsu has sold a Camry twin named the Altis.
The name "Camry" comes from a phonetic transcription of the Japanese word kanmuri (冠, かんむり), which means "crown", as did the names of the Toyota Crown and Toyota Corona. The word "Camry" is an anagram for "My car."
[edit] Awards
- Motor Trend named the Camry 2007 Car of the Year
- Edmunds.com named the 1983 Camry as one of its Most Significant Vehicles, 1966-2006[1]
[edit] Market
The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car in the U.S. market since 2002. In recent years, it has perennially taken the top spot in U.S. passenger car sales, ahead of the second-ranked Toyota Corolla. The Camry's sales have been exceeded in recent years only by the sales of trucks from American domestic manufacturers.
| Year | Camrys sold in US | Rank among cars | Rank among all vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 448,445 | 1st | 3rd |
| 2005 | 433,703 | 1st | 3rd |
| 2004 | 426,990 | 1st | 3rd |
| 2003 | 413,296 | 1st | 3rd |
| 2002 | 434,145 | 1st | 3rd |
| 2001 | 390,449 | 2nd | 4th |
| 2000 | 422,930 | 1st | 3rd |
The Camry is consistently ranked as one of the most popular vehicles in the North American market. It is Toyota's "bread-and-butter" vehicle, so its marketing and sales strategy is cautious, aimed squarely at the center of buyer demographics, as most Camry buyers are not car enthusiasts.
The Camry is positioned directly below the Toyota Avalon (since replaced by the Camry-based Aurion in Australia) and the Lexus ES in its two largest markets, Australia and North America. It is considered a sub-luxury mid-size sedan. The Camry is rarely optioned above the Avalon or ES 330, but a fully equipped Corolla slightly overlaps with the base-model Camry.
The Camry was less popular in Europe, where the design was considered bland and incompatible with European driving habits. Toyota positioned the Camry as a BMW 5 Series rival, yet it lacked the cachet to compete. Following long-term poor sales, the Camry was withdrawn altogether from Europe in 2004, leaving the smaller, British-built Avensis as the top-of-the-line sedan. Because there is no station wagon version for the fifth generation Camry, the Camry sedan and the Avensis station wagon are sold side by side in markets like New Zealand.
After the introduction of the fourth-generation Camry, sales in Japan dipped. Prior to the fourth generation, Toyota adapted the Camry's design to suit Japanese tax laws and domestic market requirements. These versions of the Camry are bounded by a certain set of dimensions which would otherwise be unsuitable for export markets. These modified-for-Japan models were called the Vista, which became separate from the Camry in 2000.
For the fourth generation Camry, Toyota decided to split the Vista from the Camry. Both models still share a large number of components, but the fourth-generation split was more significant than the previous re-engineered splits. Though the Vista was sized according to domestic vehicle tax laws, the Camry (now called the Camry Gracia) was identical to those sold in foreign markets. This placed the Camry at a disadvantage as it was sized at the lower-end of a higher tax category, which included cars such as the Crown and Aristo, both aimed at a higher-end market than the Camry. The introduction of the A32-series Nissan Cefiro in 1994 may have prompted Toyota to change its strategy, despite the poor sales of the Scepter, basically a rest-of-the-world third-generation Camry, which was sold between 1992–1994 (only 4,885 units sold in total). The continued success of the Nissan Cefiro (and afterwards the Nissan Teana) meant that some customers were willing to pay extra taxes for a larger family car, and so this marketing strategy continued.
As of 2005, the Camry is produced at Toyota plants in Japan, Australia, and Georgetown, Kentucky, USA, with CKD assembly operations in Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand. It is also assembled from CKD-kits at Toyota's local partners in Malaysia and Taiwan.[2]
The Camry was imported into China as the Toyota Jiamei until 2005. In 2006, a new larger model based on the Australian-designed Toyota Aurion was assembled locally and marketed as the Toyota Camry.
Starting from May 2006, the newest global Camry will also be produced in China's Guangzhou Toyota Motor Company, and from December 2007, it will also be produced in St. Petersburg, Russia.
[edit] Current competition
The Camry's perennial competitor, the Honda Accord, is often described as sportier and has traditionally been equipped with a few more performance-oriented options. North American sales figures for the Accord and the Camry are usually comparable. In the US, most recent comparisons have placed the car against the Saturn Aura, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, Mazda6, Ford Fusion and the Chevrolet Malibu, and the Camry has done poorly in the comparisons. During a recent Car and Driver comparison the Camry ranked fifth out of sixth. [3] [4]
In most parts of Asia, the Camry remains competitive against the Honda Accord, with the exception of China and Japan. In China, both the Nissan Teana and Honda Accord (two of Camry's main competitors) are produced locally, and, until recently, had a price advantage against the imported Camry, as Camry was not produced locally until May 2006. In Japan, its only competitor is the Nissan Cefiro (and afterwards, the Nissan Teana), but Nissan consistently outsells Toyota in this market segment.
In Australasia, the Camry sells well in comparison to the top-selling family cars, the Ford Falcon and General Motors' Holden Commodore.
In Europe, the Camry's success was always limited due to excessive size (which put it into competition with the Opel/Vauxhall Omega and Ford Scorpio) when compared to the European-developed Carina E and Avensis. The Camry will no longer be available in Europe from 2006.
[edit] Model history
[edit] Celica Camry (1980–1982)
| Celica Camry | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Also called | Toyota Carina Toyota Corona Toyota Celica |
| Production | 1980–1982 |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR |
| Engine | 1.6 L 12T-U I4 1.8 L 13T-U I4 2.0 L I4 |
| Similar | Mazda 626 |
Originally launched as the Toyota Celica Camry in January 1980 for the Japanese home market, this model was essentially a second-generation Toyota Carina with updated body-styling and a front-end that resembled a 1978 Toyota Celica XX (known as the Celica Supra in export markets).
The car was based on the rear-wheel drive Celica (as were the Corona and Carina) and was powered by either a 1.6 L 12T-U engine producing 88 hp JIS (65 kW) and 128 N•m (94 ft•lbf) or a 1.8 L 13T-U engine producing 95 hp JIS (70 kW) and 147 N•m (108 ft•lbf). Towards the end of its model lifecycle, Toyota introduced a sports version of the Celica Camry equipped with the 16-valve DOHC 2.0 L engine from the Celica. This is the most sought-after version of the Celica Camry in the secondhand market today.
Although it has an identical 2500 mm (98.4 in) wheelbase to the Celica, the Corona, and the Carina, it is longer than the Carina but shorter than both the Corona and Celica. During its model cycle, over 100,000 units were sold in Japan. The Celica Camry was also exported to a number of markets using the Carina's name, and it replaced the second-generation Carina in those markets.
[edit] First generation (1983–1986)
| First Generation | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Also called | Toyota Vista |
| Production | 1983–1986 |
| Assembly | Tsutsumi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | FF |
| Engine | 1.8 L 1S-L I4 1.8 L 1C-TL(C) I4 2.0 L 2S-ELC I4 2.0 L 2C-TLC turbodiesel I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed A140E automatic |
| Similar | Honda Accord Mazda 626 Volkswagen Quantum |
In 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Camry became an independent model line, and was sold as a compact four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. There were limited exports, predominantly to right-hand-drive markets. At this point, Camry was positioned above the Carina and Corona, two other mid-sized models made by Toyota. A twin was announced at this point: the Toyota Vista.
In North America, the Camry was available with a 92 hp SAE (68 kW) 2.0 L 2S-ELC engine, 1.8 L 1C-TLC or a 74 hp 2.0 L 2C-TLC turbodiesel engine, four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body style, and could be purchased with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. In contrast to the rear-wheel drive Celica Camry, the Toyota Camry was a front-wheel drive vehicle built on an all-new platform. In Australia, only the gasoline-fueled hatchback was sold.
The design of the first-generation Camry fit well within the box-shaped trends of the early 1980s. Additionally, the vehicle size and available options were characteristic of Japanese-designed cars of the time; the Camry was a small, inexpensive sedan with solid but spartan construction and competed indirectly against larger American counterparts.
The United Kingdom, and much of Continental Europe got the saloon versions: these were available in 1.8 GLi or 2.0 GLi trim levels. A 2.0 GLD turbodiesel was also offered, but this is rare nowadays. The hatchback version was not sold in the United Kingdom, but was in Europe.
[edit] Second generation (1987–1991)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Toyota Vista Holden Apollo |
| Production | 1987–1991 |
| Assembly | Altona, Australia Guangzhou, China Georgetown, Kentucky Tsutsumi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FF/AWD |
| Engine | 1.8 L 1S I4 2.0 L 3S-FE I4 2.5 L 2VZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed S52 manual 5-speed S53 manual 4-speed A140E automatic 4-speed A540E automatic 4-speed A540H automatic |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in |
| Length | 182.1 in |
| Width | 66.5 in |
| Height | 54.1 in |
| Related | Lexus ES |
| Similar | Chevrolet Corsica Honda Accord Mazda 626 |
The second-generation model debuted in 1986 for the 1987 model year, and included a station wagon but dropped the hatchback. At this point, it was still regarded as a compact car. In 1988, an all-wheel drive system (called All-Trac) and a 160 hp JIS (118 kW) 2.5 L V6 engine were added as options for the first time. The V6 was fuel-injected with 24 valves, and dual overhead camshafts, much like the upgraded 130 hp JIS (96 kW) 4-cylinder.
In 1991, ABS became optional on the V6, LE, and wagon models.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the first wholly-owned U.S. Toyota plant, began producing Camrys in 1988, where three trim levels of the second-generation Camry were made: the unbadged base model, the DX, and the LE. The 2.5 L engine and Camry chassis was repackaged as the upscale Lexus ES 250. The ES 250 was essentially the Japanese-market Camry hardtop.
The second generation Camry was extremely popular in the United States and it is not at all uncommon to see examples on American roads, even to this day (more than 15 years after production ended). The 1987 Camry marked the first generation of Camry to be built in Australia. In fact, it was the first Camry ever made outside of Japan. A 1.8 L 4-cylinder engine rated at 64 kW (86 hp) was standard on the base model, while a 2.0 L 4-cylinder rated 88 kW (116 hp) was available on all others. In 1988, a 2.5 L V6 was introduced. The V6 sat the very top of the range, and was the only model to be imported from Japan. Due to its positioning in the line-up, and the high import duty it attracted, it was very expensive and only sold in small numbers. In 1989, the 1.8 L engine was dropped, and was replaced with a carburetted 2.0 L engine, producing 88 kW (120 hp).
As with other Toyota models, the Australian built SV21 Camry shares common parts with the ST184 Celica. As such some parts from the Celica can be used to upgrade the Camry including bigger front brakes, plus exhaust headers. Possible engine and transmission swaps include the more powerful 3S-GE and a 3S-GTE turbo.
In Japan there was a version using the older 3S-GE engine as used on the Celica. This particular model also had a factory strut brace similar to an AE92 Corolla and rode on the V6 model's 15 inch alloy wheels. This particular model also had an electronic instrument cluster.
[edit] Third generation (1992–1996)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Toyota Vista Holden Apollo |
| Production | 1992–1996 |
| Assembly | Altona, Australia Guangzhou, China Georgetown, Kentucky Tsutsumi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon |
| Layout | FF |
| Engine | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 3.0 L 3VZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed A140E automatic 4-speed A541E automatic 4-speed A540E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in |
| Length | 187.8 in |
| Width | 69.7 in |
| Height | 54.9 in |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 gallons |
| Related | Toyota Scepter Lexus ES/Toyota Windom Toyota Avalon |
| Similar | Honda Accord Mazda 626 Volkswagen Passat |
The third generation Camry (first sold in 1990 in Japan; in the US as a 1992 model year car) is regarded as the first to break into the large-car market, or what Toyota billed at the time as "world-sized". At the same time the Corolla was moved to the compact class, the Camry moved to the mid-size class. This model marked the transition away from an inexpensive four door vehicle into a larger, more luxurious family sedan. Since the demise of the Cressida in 1992, this incarnation was intended to compete with the Nissan Maxima until the Avalon was ready for the market. However, in Japan, the 1992 Camry was a different vehicle, which shared its doors and fenders with the exported model, but was limited to the 1700 mm (66.9 in) width required to fit into a lower tax bracket (the 'number 5' bracket). The wider export model was called the Toyota Scepter in its home market.
In the United States, an automatic transmission became the only option on all but the base and sport-model Camrys, whereas previously, a manual transmission was available on nearly all trim levels.
In that market, both the four and six-cylinder engines received upgrades in displacement and power: the four was upped to 2.2 L and 130 hp SAE 5S-FE (97 kW), and the V6 to 3.0 L and 185 hp SAE (137 kW). In addition to the DX (also sometimes called Deluxe) and LE trims, 1992 saw the addition of an XLE luxury trim and the SE sport trim—presumably introduced to compete with the Nissan Maxima SE.
Some other countries followed the 2.2 L and 3.0 L engine choices. Toyota in New Zealand sold these models as the 220 and V6 respectively, the smaller-engined car filling the gap of the departed Corona.
It shared the rounded body panel look of many imports of similar vintage: the Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, to name a few. This was a departure from the second generation models which, although they had many more rounded panels than the first generation Camry, were nevertheless generally slab-sided in shape. The third-generation Camrys had rounded features and a very curved silhouette.
The Vista continued in parallel, available in addition as a hardtop sedan. This is a similar car to the then new Windom, which formed the basis of the Lexus ES 300 in foreign markets, equipped with a 3.0 L V6 engine.
In 1994, Toyota released a coupe version of the Camry with styling very similar to the four door version. This vehicle would be dropped for the next generation, although it would later be replaced by the Camry Solara (discussed below).
The same year, the Japanese market saw a revised, 1700 mm wide Camry and Vista, with different sheetmetal, on the same platform. (The Japanese version of this page lists this as a 'fifth generation' model.)
The third generation Camry was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 and 1993.
In the US, the third generation Camry was facelifted for the 1995 model year. Minor exterior changes included a revised front fascia with different turn signals and more rounded headlights, reminiscent of those of the Geo Prizm, a rebadged Toyota Corolla. In addition, the rear fascia was updated, now with body-colored sheetmetal between the taillights (where it said "CAMRY"), instead of the plastic of the 1992 to 1994 models. The taillights themselves were also slightly different.
[edit] Australia
In Australia, the 4-cylinder Camrys consisted of the Executive, CSI and Ultima sedan models (automatic only). The V6 range was known as the Camry Vienta and also consisted of the Executive, CSI and Ultima sedan model. The Camry Vientas were available in automatic transmission only. In 1993, a new sedan model called the Touring Series was launched which was fitted with sports suspension. In 1994, the range was revised slightly, where the Executive model was renamed CSI and the CSI was renamed the CSX.
In July 1995, the facelifted model was launched in Australia and was now built at the new Altona plant. This also marked the beginning of the exporting of left-hand drive Camrys to the Middle East. The 4 cylinder range consisted of the CSI and CSX models. The V6 models were simply known as the Vienta. The Ultima sedan was renamed the Grande model, and manual transmission was now available in the CSI and Touring Series sedan models. Towards the end of the model run, limited edition Getaway and Intrigue sedan models were launched.
[edit] United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Camry range was more limited, compared to Japan, Australia and the United States. It was launched in October 1991. It consisted of the 2.2 GL and 3.0 V6 GX models in sedan and station wagon form. The GX version had automatic transmission only. Other changes to the line-up included:
- From October 1993, the base GL model was rebadged 2.2i 16v, this version got a new 16-valve 2.2 L engine.
- From June 1994, a new 3.0 V6 model was available. Like the GX, it had an automatic transmission only but was more basic.
[edit] Fourth generation (1997–2001)
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Daihatsu Altis |
| Production | 1997–2001 |
| Assembly | Altona, Australia Guangzhou, China Georgetown, Kentucky Tsutnami, Japan |
| Body style | 4 door sedan 4-door station wagon (non-US) |
| Layout | FF |
| Engine | 2.2 L 5S-FE I4 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed A140E automatic 4-speed A541E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 105.2 in |
| Length | 188.5 in |
| Width | 70.1 in |
| Height | 55.4 in |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 gallons |
| Related | Lexus ES/Toyota Windom Toyota Sienna Lexus RX Toyota Highlander Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Avalon |
| Similar | Mazda 626 Nissan Maxima/Cefiro Volkswagen Passat |
The fourth generation Camry was launched in Japan in December 1996. It continued as a sedan and station wagon (called the Camry Gracia in Japan), though the latter model was not sold in the United States. This generation was launched in the US for the 1997 model year. In 2000, the sedan models received a mid-model upgrade to the front and rear fascias, but remained otherwise similar to the 1997 to 1999 models. The Japanese Scepter ceased to exist as the Japanese Camrys adopted the 1795 mm wide platform.
The Vista began departing from the Camry, remaining 1700 mm wide and eventually forming the basis of the growing Corolla. In addition, the Vista's sheetmetal resembled a tall, formal sedan, while the Camry became sleeker. This "split" continues today.
This was the first Camry to be sold as a Daihatsu; the Daihatsu Altis was identical to the export version of the Camry.
The Lexus ES 300 was again built from the Windom, which uses the Camry chassis.
[edit] North America
New for 1997 model year, the Camry was offered in base CE, popular mid-line LE, and luxury XLE models. All models are available with either the 2.2 L I4 or the 3.0 L V6 engine. The sporty Camry SE was dropped. The V6 CE could be ordered with 5 speed manual transmission. Minor change was given for 2000 model year, noticeably with wider tail lights. The LE-based Collector Edition was new for 2001 model year.
Power was increased slightly to 133 hp SAE (99 kW) for the 5S-FE 2.2 L I4 and 194 hp SAE (145 kW) for the 1MZ-FE V6.
The Camry V6 was again on Car and Driver magazine's Car and Driver Ten Best|Ten Best list for 1997.
The Camry Solara was added in both coupe and convertible form in 1999. In contrast to the third generation Camry coupe, the Camry Solara was a significant styling departure from the sedan. The Solara was available in SE and SLE trims, corresponding roughly to the sedan's LE and XLE trims.
[edit] Middle East Version
Toyota Camry is one of the top-selling cars in Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia. Versions that are available: XL, GL, XLi, GLi & GTX V6 although in ‘07 Camry SE has been introduced to local market. Mostly people prefer Camry because spare-parts are more affordable than other vehicles.
[edit] Australia
In Australia, unlike the previous generation, the Camry name was also applied to the V6 variants, while the Vienta V6 range was revised as the "upmarket" models. The line-up of 4-cylinder Camry models consisted of the CSI, Conquest and CSX models (automatic transmission only), all three variants were available in sedan or wagon. The Camry V6 models consisted of CSI and Conquest, with the wagon models only available in automatic transmission. The Camry V6 Touring Series sedan model was launched in March 1999. The Vienta line up consisted of VXI and Grande sedan models and the VXI wagon. The VXI model was basically a V6-powered version of the 4-cylinder Camry CSX model.
In September 2000, the revised Camry was launched. The Vienta V6 range was discontinued due to the launch of the Avalon sedan in July 2000 and two new models were added to the Camry range: the top-of-the-range Azura V6 sedan and the Touring Series V6 wagon, both of which were available with an automatic transmission only. Towards the end of the model run, the limited edition Intrigue and Advantage sedans were launched.
[edit] Indonesia
The Camry was planned to replace Corona in 1998, but due to the monetary crisis, it was delayed until 1999. This was the first Camry officially sold in Indonesia, and offered as 2.2 GLX and 3.0 V6 Grande. The V6 with manual transmission was sold in very small numbers, before finally discontinued. Minor change was given in 2001.
[edit] Fifth generation (2002–2006)
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Daihatsu Altis |
| Production | 2002–2006 |
| Assembly | Altona, Australia Guangzhou, China Georgetown, Kentucky Tsutnami, Japan |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF |
| Engine | 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (Australia) 3.0 L 1MZ-FE V6 (America) 3.3 L 3MZ-FE VVT-i V6 SE 2.5L L 2MZ-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed U241E automatic 4-speed U151E automatic 4-speed U140E automatic 5-speed U250E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in |
| Length | 189.2 in |
| Width | 70.7 in |
| Height | 58.7 in |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 gallons |
| Related | Lexus ES/Toyota Windom Toyota Sienna Lexus RX Toyota Highlander Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Avalon |
| Similar | Honda Accord Nissan Altima Volkswagen Passat |
In September 2001, the Toyota Camry was released as a larger sedan (taking styling cues from the successful Vitz, Corolla and Solara) only, but without a station wagon for the first time.
The front end of the car was relatively short, leaving a great deal of the length to the cabin, a technique adopted by compact cars. In contrast to the fairly squat fourth generation Camry, the fifth generation was a decidedly tall vehicle. It was 2.5 in (64 mm) taller and had a 2 in (51 mm) longer wheelbase than the previous model.
In the United States for 2002, the basic CE model was dropped but the SE sport model was reintroduced. Both the LE and SE models were available with a manual transmission when equipped with the four-cylinder engine. Any model could be equipped with a V6 or an automatic transmission, although the manual transmission was not available on V6 models. The Camry XLE had an engine that was equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle.
The 2002 Camry Solara remained on the fourth generation chassis, and received only minor styling upgrades to the front and rear ends. However, the Solara did receive the same 2.4 L 2AZ-FE VVT-i I4 engine that was available on the Camry.
In late 2004, the 2005 Camry was introduced with new upgrades such as a chrome grille (though the SE had a sportier grille), a new taillight design, and new wheels. A new base trim level was added, which was priced lower than the Camry LE. Interior upgrades to the Camry included a rear center head restraint, a storage bin in the door, Optitron gauges, and standard leather seating on V6-powered XLEs. The V6 engine had a new 5-speed automatic transmission, while the four-cylinder still had the four-speed automatic.
The second generation Camry Solara was introduced in August 2004. Again, styling from the Camry was radically different, taking design cues from the Lexus SC430. The 2.4 L VVT-i engine was still offered, however, a new 3.3 L VVT-i V6 was optional. The Solara also received the new 5-speed automatic transmission the sedan was given. In addition to the SE and SLE trims, a new SE Sport was offered. Unlike the first generation Solara, the SLE trim could be had with the four-cylinder engine.
Daihatsu continued with its twin Altis model for the Japanese market.
[edit] Australia and New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, the 2002 to 2006 Camry was available in four different trims: the Altise, Ateva, Sportivo, and Azura, . The Altise, Ateva, and Sportivo were available with either the 2.4 L four cylinder or the 3.0 L V6 engine, whilst the Azura was only available with the V6. Only the Altise and Sportivo models could be fitted with a manual transmission — all other models were equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. In 2003, the V6-powered Altise Sport model was introduced, which was little more than the Altise model with the sports suspension that was fitted on the Sportivo and Azura models and was available in manual and automatic transmission. The Australian and New Zealand Camry Sportivo corresponds roughly to the American Camry SE.
The Australian and New Zealand models were significantly different from the other Camry models around the world and had around 77% locally developed components to suit Australian and New Zealand roads and driving conditions. The brakes, body panels (which would only fit on the Australian made body and chassis), headlights, seats, radio antenna and suspension were all locally developed after 10,000 km of extensive testing in New Zealand under the supervision of Toyota engineers. Power output on the Altise Sport, V6 Sportivo and Azura models was 145 kW (194 hp) compared with the 141 kW (189 hp) of the standard V6 models due to a high-flow rear muffler.
When the revised range was launched in Australia and New Zealand in September 2004, the Grande model was reintroduced which together with the Azura model, were the top-of-the-range models. The Grande however was fitted with the standard suspension rather than the sports suspension as fitted on the Azura model. The Grande and Azura models have Satellite Navigation (GPS) as standard equipment (Australia only), and were the first Toyota models in Australia to be fitted with the new Toyota Link system. The Toyota Link system is a state-of-the-art satellite and mobile SMS GSM communications system that gives the driver access to roadside assistance and emergency help via the electrochromatic rear view mirror. In August 2005 the Altise Sport model was reintroduced (V6 auto only) together with Altise Limited (four-cylinder and V6) that has additional features. The Ateva model had an interior upgrade to leather trim and rear passenger air conditioning vents. The Altise was repositioned as a fleet model and manual transmission was no longer available on V6 Sportivo models from January 2006 production. Unlike the USA, the Australian fifth generation series of Camrys continued to use the older four-speed automatics.
A number of milestones were achieved with this generation's Camry in Australia. The one millionth Camry (Black Azura) built in Australia and 10 millionth Camry worldwide rolled off the production line at Altona in September 2004. In May 2006 Toyota Australia exported the 500,000th Camry to New Zealand, in recognition of the relationship between Toyota Australia and Toyota New Zealand. More than 90% of Australian Camry exports are left-hand drive vehicles to Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The overseas demand for the Australian-made Camry is still running at record levels, despite the release of an all-new model in August 2006. The current Australian-made Camry remains one of the top-selling passenger vehicles in Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East, the fifth generation Camry is available in 4 trim levels: XLi, GLi, Touring, and Grande V6.
[edit] Taiwan
The Camry in Taiwan of this generation looked very similar to other versions, but the front end had a "thicker" grille and larger, all-white, differently shaped headlights [5]. The reverse lights were moved onto the trunk and were somewhat similar to the lights on a second generation Avalon's trunk [6]. The older models (2002), had tail lights with a white streak across them [7], while some later models (2004 and later) did not [8].
[edit] Sixth generation (2007-present)
| Sixth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Daihatsu Altis |
| Production | 2007–present |
| Assembly | Georgetown, Kentucky Lafayette, Indiana Aichi, Japan Melbourne, Australia |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF |
| Engine | 2.4 L 2AZ-FE I4 2.4 L 2AZ-FXE I4 (Hybrid only) 3.5 L 2GR-FE V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed U250E automatic 6-speed U660E automatic 6-speed P311 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in |
| Length | 189.2 in |
| Width | 71.7 in |
| Height | 58.2 in |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 gallons |
| Related | Lexus ES/Toyota Windom Toyota Sienna Lexus RX Toyota Highlander Toyota Camry Solara Toyota Aurion |
| Similar | Honda Accord Hyundai Sonata Volkswagen Passat Nissan Altima |
The sixth generation Camry is a significantly redesigned model and is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, Kentucky as well as at Toyota Manufacturing in Aichi, Japan, in Melbourne, Australia by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, and in China (for the Chinese market only). The length remains unchanged from the previous model, and the wheelbase is longer than the previous model. Effective March 9, 2007, the Camry is also being manufactured at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana, about 100,000 units per year. In Subaru's plant, Toyota will set up its own machinery and assembly line to manufacture the Camry. A Camry manufactured in Japan is denoted with a VIN starting with "J", as well as a small hatch on the passenger's side of the front bumper containing equipment that is compatible with Japanese towing systems; US-made models are denoted with a VIN starting with "4". It was released as a 2007 model making its first introduction at the 2006 North American International Auto Show [9] along with a version using Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. The redesigned Camry went on sale in March 2006. Toyota have no plans to sell this car in European markets.
The new Camry has the same 2.4 L VVT-i I4 as the previous generation (rated at 158 hp (118 kW)), and has 4 trim levels: CE, LE, SE, and XLE. It also has an optional 3.5 L VVT-i V6 making 268 hp (200 kW) with three trims: LE, SE, and XLE. The V6 is available with a 6-speed sequential transmission. A split-folding rear seat is not available on the SE trim. A navigation system with Bluetooth and heated leather seats are available for the SE and the V6-powered XLE. A keyless entry/remote starter is optional on the V6-powered XLE. The US Models typically feature JBL branded radios. Higher end models have the JBL radios that are "satellite receiver ready" for Sirius Satellite Radio or XM receiver ready; this must be reflected on the Monroney sticker (US window sales disclosure sticker). The CE and LE have hubcap designs similar to the previous generation models. The rear of the car features the controversial "Bangle-butt" design first seen on the 2002 BMW 7 Series, as well as certain elements previously seen on recent Hyundais and Mazdas, notably in the headlights and grille.
The sixth generation Camry is currently being built and sold in Australia by Toyota Motor Corporation Australia. There, it went on sale on August 20, 2006. The model range consists of the Altise, Ateva, Sportivo and Grande. For the first time in 18 years, the Australian-market Camry will revert to a single 4-cylinder engine with a simplfied model range. Reviews have universally been of the opinion that the engine is not sufficiently powerful enough for the car. The Toyota Aurion competes in the six-cylinder market with a powerful 3.5 L V6.
The Grande model is the first Australian-made Camry to be fitted with rain-sensing wipers, stability control, traction control and Bluetooth connectivity. The Toyota Link System, fitted to the previous Camry Azura and Grande models, is not available, but is available in the Aurion.
The sixth generation Camry won AJAC's 2007 Canadian Car of the Year awards in both Family Car categories: "$22k-$30k" category (Camry LE) and "over $30k" category (Camry Hybrid). In the US, the sixth generation Camry (all models) won the 2007 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.
Also, the Camry was announced to enter NASCAR Nextel Cup & Busch Series competition in 2007. The car made it's debut on February 10 in the Budweiser Shootout with the Camry of Brian Vickers placing 8th in the race.
In certain markets, a different version of the Camry will be sold based on the Toyota Aurion.
[edit] Camry Hybrid
For 2006, Toyota created a hybrid gasoline/electric Camry called the Camry Hybrid that was introduced alongside the redesigned 2007 Toyota Camry. It uses a Hybrid Synergy Drive setup similar to that of the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, which mates Toyota's 3MZ V6 with an electric motor. However, the Camry Hybrid utilizes a 4-cylinder engine as opposed to a V6, a setup that will produce 192 hp (143 kW).
Standard features include remote entry and start, side torso airbags, knee airbags and side-curtain airbags. Although the first Camry Hybrids were initially built in Japan, the Camry Hybrid is currently built at the company's Georgetown, Kentucky plant, with about 45,000 projected per year. The Camry is currently the largest available car in the North American market with an available hybrid powertrain. [10].
The Toyota RM3200 VIP Alarm system is not standard on the base Toyota Camry Hybrid. The entire Hybrid system must be shut down to accommodate a realatively simple plug and play module and a glass breakage microphone. JBL Radios are standard on the Toyota Camry Hybrid and are Satellite radio receiver ready (Sirius Satellite Radio or XM) and have hands-free bluetooth capability for cellular telephones.
[edit] Crash safety
Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) publish crash information for Camry. The third-generation Camry was tested only frontal (NHTSA) and frontal offset (IIHS) crashes. NHTSA gave the vehicle four stars for the driver and between three and four stars for the passenger, depending on the year.[11] The IIHS scored it acceptable overall, with three out of six categories listed as good and the other three listed as acceptable. [12]
[edit] NASCAR
Starting in 2007, the Camry will run in the NASCAR Nextel Cup series. Toyota will become the first non-USA based manufacturer to field a car in NASCAR's top series since the 1960s. Although NASCAR's rules state that cars entering have to be built in the USA, the Camry qualifies, as it is assembled in Kentucky, although it comes from a Japanese headquartered manufacturer.
[edit] Awards
- The 2007 Camry won Motor Trend Car of the Year Award.
- The 2006 Camry won ConsumerSearch's Proven Reliability Award in Best Family Sedans in June 2006. [2]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- 6th Gen Gallery
- In depth review of the 2007 Toyota Camry
- Toyota Camry Specs from AutoUsa.com
- Camry Photo Gallery and Specifications
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| Sports | Supra | Supra | Supra | Supra | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | MR2 | MR2 | MR2 Spyder | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![[5]](http://www.toyota.com.tw/upload/CTContent/%7b09950701-99D6-492F-AE0F-0205E2B78E26%7d/camry_2005_01_800.jpg){kind=link}
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