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Past generations of Camrys have been respected cars, but the 90s' Camrys seemed to have been built to a magic formula. It has provided the benchmark for most of the new domestic competitors. Among its competitors were the Ford Taurus, Chrysler's LH cars, Honda Accord, Dodge Intrepid and Mazda 626. The Camry exuded quality and solidity, and was classified as quiet, roomy, and riding well. While it was not the gas mileage leader, on overall cost of ownership it was one of the best around.

Year-to-year changes[]

1992[]

Early in the 1992 model year, the redesigned mid-size Camry sedan had three equipment levels: DX, LE and XLE. A level-three trim level, the SE, was unveiled at the 1992 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 1992, and went on sale in February 1992. A slightly odd-looking station wagon was introduced as a late 1992 model on April 3, 1992. It came in DX and LE trim levels.

The DX had the Four coupled to a 5-speed manual or an optional automatic. Air conditioning was optional on the DX, standard on the others. 

1994[]

Introduced as a late 1994 model was the handsome coupe, but the sedan was the most popular by a wide margin. Also made available in all three bodies (sedan, coupe and wagon) was the V6, both lighter and more powerful than the engine it replaced.

LE models had a choice of either engine, but with a standard automatic. The SE and XLE models usually had the new V6, with automatic only, but the XLE had the Four available for the first time. 

1995[]

For 1995, the Camry got a mild exterior makeover and received a number of improvements to its options and passenger safety features, most notably a new nose and taillights. The base 4-cylinder engine had adequate power and slightly better low-speed torque than the V6.

A new power package, windows, locks, mirrors, seats, was available on the base DX. The DX also had its base price reduced by $300 for '95.

1996[]

Camry adds optional leather seat facings in the LE sedan, new seat fabric in the DX and available power front seats in the wagon. As Toyota's best seller, the Camry range is diverse, offering DX, LE, LE V6, XLE, XLE V6 and SE V6 sedans, LE and LE V6 wagons and DX, LE, LE V6 and SE V6 coupes. The 3.0-liter V6 produces 188 hp for brisk acceleration. All V6 models require premium-grade fuel and are hooked to a 4-speed automatic transaxle. The base-level 2.2-liter dohc 4-cylinder has been refined and now meets the tough transitional low emission vehicle (TLEV) standards coming down the pike. It takes either a 5-speed manual (which gets better gas mileage) or the 4-speed automatic transmission.

Though the Camry focuses on the middle-of-the-road buyer who wants good fuel economy, quality, longevity and a bulletproof drivetrain, Toyota has something for the liberal side as well. The SE coupe and sedan are outfitted with quicker-ratio steering, more aggressive tires on specific-alloy wheels and a firmer suspension than the rest of the line, plus a rear spoiler. Everything else is standard, save perforated leather seats and a sunroof. In fact, all Camrys have a high equipment content. Air conditioning is included in the list price across the board, except on the base DX models.

1997[]

The Camry is redesigned for the 1997 model year. Engine sizes consist of either a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder with 133 horsepower, or a 3.0-liter V6 with 194. A new CE trim level replaces the DX, and the SE is also discontinued altogether, as so are the coupe and station wagon, leaving behind just the sedan.

1999[]

The V6 engine option is removed from the CE, leaving behind just the 4-cylinder engine.

2000[]

Horsepower increases to 136 for the 4-cylinder engine.

2001[]

Final model year for this generation of the Toyota Camry sedan.

Retail prices[]

As of December 27, 1993:

  • $16,428 (1994 Toyota Camry DX 2DR Coupe)
  • $16,718 (1994 Toyota Camry DX 4DR Sedan)
  • $18,968 (1994 Toyota Camry DX 4DR Wagon)
  • $19,268 (1994 Toyota Camry LE 2DR Coupe)
  • $19,558 (1994 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Sedan)
  • $20,968 (1994 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Wagon)
  • $21,618 (1994 Toyota Camry XLE 4DR Sedan)
  • $21,588 (1994 Toyota Camry LE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $21,878 (1994 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $23,308 (1994 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Wagon)
  • $22,618 (1994 Toyota Camry SE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $22,908 (1994 Toyota Camry SE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $23,978 (1994 Toyota Camry XLE V6 4DR Sedan)

As of August 26, 1994:

  • $16,128 (1995 Toyota Camry DX 2DR Coupe)
  • $16,418 (1995 Toyota Camry DX 4DR Sedan)
  • $19,268 (1995 Toyota Camry LE 2DR Coupe)
  • $19,558 (1995 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Sedan)
  • $20,968 (1995 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Wagon)
  • $21,618 (1995 Toyota Camry XLE 4DR Sedan)
  • $21,588 (1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $21,878 (1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $23,308 (1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Wagon)
  • $23,208 (1995 Toyota Camry SE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $23,498 (1995 Toyota Camry SE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $24,398 (1995 Toyota Camry XLE V6 4DR Sedan)

As of January 26, 1995:

  • $19,488 (1995 Toyota Camry LE 2DR Coupe)
  • $19,778 (1995 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Sedan)
  • $21,198 (1995 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Wagon)
  • $21,858 (1995 Toyota Camry XLE 4DR Sedan)
  • $21,828 (1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $22,118 (1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $23,568 (1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Wagon)
  • $23,468 (1995 Toyota Camry SE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $23,758 (1995 Toyota Camry SE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $24,668 (1995 Toyota Camry XLE V6 4DR Sedan)

As of August 25, 1995:

  • $16,648 (1996 Toyota Camry DX 2DR Coupe)
  • $16,758 (1996 Toyota Camry DX 4DR Sedan)
  • $19,878 (1996 Toyota Camry LE 2DR Coupe)
  • $20,168 (1996 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Sedan)
  • $21,608 (1996 Toyota Camry LE 4DR Wagon)
  • $22,278 (1996 Toyota Camry XLE 4DR Sedan)
  • $22,158 (1996 Toyota Camry LE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $22,448 (1996 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $23,918 (1996 Toyota Camry LE V6 4DR Wagon)
  • $23,828 (1996 Toyota Camry SE V6 2DR Coupe)
  • $24,118 (1996 Toyota Camry SE V6 4DR Sedan)
  • $25,038 (1996 Toyota Camry XLE V6 4DR Sedan)

Gallery[]

Weblinks[]

1997 Toyota Camry

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