The Camry has been around for a few decades, and is one of the best selling cars thanks to its reliability, comfort, and price. In this article, we'll go over how the Camry has changed over the years, as well as some of the top features to look for in a used Toyota Camry.
Key Takeaways
- If you're looking for something sporty right off the lot, then you'll need to look for a TRD that entered in the eighth generation.
- If you're wanting a safe daily driver for you and your family, then look for something after the seventh generation as this is when more safety features started to become standard.
- AWD was added in the eighth generation, making it the only modern Camry to come with it.
- If you're a fan of the way manual transmissions feel, then you'll need something from the sixth generation and before since paddle shifters on automatic transmissions took its place.
Third Generation XV10 (1991-1996)
While the Camry was out before this model hit the roads, this is the bodystyle that we know it as today. When this model hit the North American market, it cut the number of trims that had access to a manual transmission. Automatic transmissions were the only option for most trims besides the Base, and the Sport models.
When 1994 came around, it saw the introduction of the coupe version of the Camry. While it did look similar to the regular Camry, it didn't sell well, resulting in the model being dropped in the generation after.
Fourth Generation XV20 (1997-2002)
This year saw some shifts when it came to the lineup. The SE trim was dropped, while the Base trim was renamed to the CE. The LE and XLE remained the same from the generation before.
If you're wanting a manual transmission from this generation, much like the last, you'll need to look for CE or LE V6 models. When 2000 came around, the Camry brought a convertible with it.
This generation saw it being awarded one of Car and Driver's Ten Best Lifts for 1997, giving you even more reason to get a Camry. The IIHS also gave this model a “Good” rating for frontal offset crash tests.
Fifth Generation XV30 (2003-2006)
For this generation, the CE model was dropped, but the SE sport model came back. The SE came with either a 3.0 or a 3.3-liter V6 engine, as well as having access to a five-speed automatic. Even if the automatic isn't your thing, you'll have access to the five-speed manual, or a four-speed automatic.
While this generation didn't see too many changes thanks to it being a short one, in 2005, it did bring some new things to the road. The changes are mostly cosmetic, like new chrome grilles, as well as a blackout grille for the SE. The XLE also came with leather seating that helps give the interior a better feel.
When this generation came out, the five-speed automatic was an option, but in 2005, this became the standard feature. This was because it replaced the four-speed automatic. The last new feature is ABS becoming a standard feature.
Sixth Generation XV40 (2007-2011)
This new generation came standard with a 2.4-liter engine that came standard with a five-speed manual transmission for both the CE and SE trims. An automatic transmission was standard on LE and XLE trims.
This generation made sure to bring even more safety. The Camry came with dual frontal airbags, side torso airbags, front and rear row side curtain airbags and driver's knee airbags.
Seventh Generation XV50 (2012-2017)
This generation was the first Camry to come without a manual transmission, but in its place are the paddle shifters that allow for manual shifts.
Some changes came to the lineup this generation. The new “L” trim joins the family while the SE, XLE, and Hybrid still remain the same price.
Eighth Generation XV70 (2018-2024)
For the first time since 1991, the Camry will be available with AWD, giving you another option to pick from when looking at used models. Some other changes for this generation was increased safety tech. This outfitted the Camry with a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a full-speed radar cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beam assist.
The trim levels for this generation at release were the L, LE, SE, XLE and XSE. In 2020 a new TRD trim joined the family. This brought a sportier suspension, as well as sports exhaust, body kit, trunk spoiler and red seat belts.
For the TRD, Car and Driver noted that the TRD “is the first of Toyota's long-standing bread-and-butter mid-size sedans that one could actually construe as ‘sporty.’” While other trims claimed to be sporty, that was only because of the V6 engine that was put in it.
When the 2021 model arrived, it brought a refresh with it. The L trim was dropped, now making the LE the base trim. Android Auto was added to both new 7-inch, and 9-inch displays.
Ninth Generation XV80 (2025-Present)
Being that this is the most recent Camry, it may be hard to find one used, but if you do manage to find one, you can look for these features. For the first time, the Camry comes with a hybrid powertrain across all trims. Toyota also upgraded their screens, now coming with a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Final Thoughts
With so many Camry models to keep in mind, we think it'll be easier to see the changes in person. If you're wanting a Camry, or just want to browse our stock, we can help with both. Come see us at Car2Sell today!