The Toyota Camry is a legacy on wheels, but not all years are equal. Some shine, while others stumble.
We’ve done the research, crunching figures and gathering real-world experiences to give you a comprehensive breakdown of Camry model years.
We’ll guide you through each generation, highlighting strengths and exposing weaknesses. You’ll learn which years to embrace and which to avoid. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to make a smart Camry choice.
Whether you’re a Camry fan or just browsing, this guide will help you find the perfect balance of reliability, performance, and value in your next ride.
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Toyota Camry (Wide Body) Generations
The Toyota Camry took a bold step in 1992, introducing its wide-body version. This wasn’t just a size upgrade – it was a game-changer that redefined what a midsize sedan could be. The wider stance and beefier build set a new benchmark, making competitors sit up and take notice.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the six generations that followed this groundbreaking shift:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (XV10) | 1992-1996 |
| 2nd generation (XV20) | 1997-2001 |
| 3rd generation (XV30) | 2002-2006 |
| 4th generation (XV40) | 2007-2011 |
| 5th generation (XV50) | 2012-2017 |
| 6th generation (XV70) | 2018-Present |
Each of these generations brought something new to the table. From technological leaps to safety innovations, the evolution of the Camry is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to continuous improvement. For many buyers, these generational shifts are the make-or-break factors in their decision-making process.
Toyota Camry Best, Neutral and Worst Years
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. How did we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to Camry model years? We didn’t just pull these rankings out of thin air. Our team dug deep, considering a wide range of factors:
- What owners are saying (because who knows a car better than the people driving it?)
- How much it’ll cost you to keep it running
- How well it’ll protect you and your loved ones
- What the experts at Consumer Reports have to say about reliability and satisfaction
- The number of times the government has had to step in with recalls
- Ratings from respected sources like Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory.com, and Cars.com
We’ve examined all these numbers and opinions into one comprehensive score for each model year. Take a look:
But we didn’t cease there. We’ve broken it down further, categorizing each model year as Best, Neutral, or Worst within its generation:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 1995 | 1993 1994 1996 | 1992 |
| 2nd generation | 1998 2000 | 1997 1999 | 2001 |
| 3rd generation | 2004 2005 | 2006 | 2002 2003 |
| 4th generation | 2010 2011 | N/A | 2007 2008 2009 |
| 5th generation | 2014 2017 | 2013 | 2012 2015 2016 |
| 6th generation | 2022 | 2018 2019 2020 2023 | 2021 |
A quick note on those “Neutral” years: these are the steady Eddies of the Camry world. They didn’t set the world on fire, but they also didn’t leave owners fuming. Think of them as the reliable middle ground.
Remember, when a car model racks up recalls and complaints, its reliability score takes a hit. More issues mean lower reliability, which translates to a lower overall score.
Ready to plunge deeper?
Let’s break down each generation and see what makes some years shine and others… not so much.
Best & Worst Years for Toyota Camry 1st Generation (1992-1996)
The 1992 Camry wasn’t just a novel model – it was Toyota’s declaration that they were ready to take on the world. This broad-body Camry was designed to turn heads and win hearts across global markets.
The Best Years: 1995, 1996
If the first-gen Camry were a TV show, 1995 and 1996 would be the season finale – all the flaws worked out and everything running effortlessly. These models boasted:
- Engines that could outlast your patience
- Cutting-edge tech (for the ’90s, that is)
- A transmission system that shifted like a dream
- Electronic fuel injection that squeezed every mile out of a gallon
- Safety features like anti-lock brakes and dual front airbags
No wonder these years were fan favorites. They took everything good about the early ’90s Camry and cranked it up to 11.
The Neutral Years: 1993, 1994
The middle children of the first generation, 1993 and 1994, didn’t rock the boat. They kept the Camry’s reputation for reliability and comfort intact, making gradual improvements without any showstopping changes.
These were the years when Toyota was fine-tuning their approach, setting the stage for the exceptional ’95 and ’96 models.
The Worst Years: 1992
Ah, 1992 – the year that proved even Toyota isn’t perfect right out of the gate. Despite being the trailblazer for this new Camry era, the ’92 model hit some serious speed bumps:
- Transmission troubles that had drivers grinding their gears (and their teeth)
- Engine issues that sometimes left owners stranded
It was a classic case of first-year teething problems.
But hey, you’ve got to break a few eggs to make an omelet, right?
Best & Worst Years for Toyota Camry 2nd Generation (1997-2001)
The second-gen Camry didn’t just continue the legacy – it amplified it. This was the era when the Camry became the sweetheart of American roads, topping the sales charts year after year (well, almost – 2001 was the party pooper).
The Best Years: 1998, 2000
1998 and 2000 were the years when Toyota really hit its stride with the Camry. These models brought their A-game with:
- Interiors that made you feel like you were riding in a much pricier car
- Engines that purred like contented cats
- Fuel economy that had you driving past gas stations with a smug smile
- Optional side airbags that added an extra layer of “just in case”
The 2000 model, in particular, nailed it with a 3.0-liter V6 that struck the perfect balance between “zoom zoom” and “sip sip” at the pump.
The Neutral Years: 1997, 1999
The 1997 and 1999 Camrys were the steady rocks of this generation. They didn’t reinvent the wheel, but they kept it rolling smoothly. These models:
- Set the tone for the generation’s reliability
- Improved on fuel efficiency (your wallet thanks you, Toyota)
- Beefed up safety features
They may not have been the stars of the show, but they played their supporting roles to perfection.
The Worst Years: 2001
Oh, 2001 – the year the Camry hit a bump in its otherwise smooth road. This model year faced some hurdles:
- Oil leaks that had owners checking their driveways daily
- Engines calling it quits earlier than expected
- Transmissions that seemed to have a mind of their own
These issues led to a spike in complaints and a dip in those all-important reliability scores. It was a reminder that even the mighty can stumble.
Best & Worst Years for Toyota Camry 3rd Generation (2002-2006)
The third-gen Camry was Toyota’s attempt to add some zest to their reliable recipe. They focused on jazzing up the design and enhancing performance. But as with any bold move, some years hit the mark while others… well, let’s just say they provided valuable learning experiences.
The Best Years: 2004, 2005
2004 and 2005 were the years when Toyota really got its mojo back with the Camry. These models brought their first-rate game:
- Side-curtain airbags that wrapped you in a cocoon of safety
- An optional Vehicle Stability Control system that kept you on the straight and narrow
- A beefed-up 3.3L V6 engine in the SE trim that gave you some serious pep in your step
These improvements made the ’04 and ’05 Camrys the go-to choice for drivers who wanted a mix of safety, comfort, and a bit of oomph under the hood.
The Neutral Years: 2006
The 2006 Camry was like that friend who’s always reliable but never really surprises you. It didn’t make any waves, but it didn’t disappoint either. Key features included:
- An Advanced Airbag System that took safety up another notch
- Improved fuel efficiency that was kind to both your wallet and the environment
- Solid reliability that kept complaints to a minimum
While it didn’t set the world on fire, the 2006 Camry kept the flame burning steadily.
The Worst Years: 2002, 2003
Unfortunately, the early birds of this generation didn’t catch the worm. The 2002 and 2003 models faced some serious challenges:
- 2002 racked up a whopping 1037 NHTSA complaints (yikes!)
- Issues ranged from unintended acceleration (scary stuff) to brake failures (even scarier)
- Oil leaks that had owners checking their driveways more often than their mail
These problems cast a shadow over the otherwise sunny reputation of the Camry, making 2002 and 2003 years to approach with caution.
Best & Worst Years for Toyota Camry 4th Generation (2007-2011)
The fourth-gen Camry came roaring in with more potent engines and a boatload of new safety features. Toyota was clearly aiming to keep its crown in the midsize sedan market. But as we’ll see, not every year was a home run.
The Best Years: 2010, 2011
The 2010 and 2011 models were when Toyota really hit its stride with this generation. These Camrys brought their top-notch game:
- Engines that were both powerful and fuel-efficient (have your cake and eat it too!)
- Safety features that would make a paranoid person feel secure
- Stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes that worked together like a well-oiled machine
- The 2011 model, in particular, was a resale value champion with great gas mileage and a V6 option that could really move
These years proved that the Camry could evolve without losing its reliable soul.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2009
Ah, the early years of the fourth gen. They say the road to success is paved with failures, and these years were… well, let’s call them learning experiences:
- The 2007 model alone racked up a staggering 3572 NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls (ouch!)
- Dashboard defects that turned visibility into a guessing game
- Engines that treated oil like a fine wine – consuming it way too quickly
- Speed control issues that gave “joy ride” a whole new, terrifying meaning
These weren’t just minor hiccups – they were significant roadblocks that dented the Camry’s reliability rep. If you’re eyeing a used Camry, you might want to steer clear of these years.
Check out the NHTSA reports for 2007, 2008, 2009 to see the full story. A little homework now could save you big headaches later.
Best & Worst Years for Toyota Camry 5th Generation (2012-2017)
The fifth-gen Camry marked a return to form for Toyota in its home market of Japan, thanks largely to the introduction of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. This generation was all about combining efficiency with performance, but as we’ll see, not every year hit the perfect spot.
The Best Years: 2014, 2017
2014 and 2017 stood out as the shining stars of this generation:
- The 2017 model, in particular, was a tech-lover’s dream with advanced features galore
- Engines that found the perfect balance between power and fuel efficiency
- Ride comfort that made long drives feel like a breeze
- Safety features that gave helicopter parents one less thing to worry about
These models proved that the Camry could keep up with the times without losing its reliable core.
The Neutral Years: 2013
The 2013 Camry was like that friend who’s always invited to the party but never really stands out. It didn’t wow anyone, but it didn’t disappoint either:
- Gradual improvements in interior quality that made the cabin a nicer place to be
- Consistent reliability that kept the Camry name strong
- A comfortable ride that neither impressed nor offended
In the world of cars, sometimes being consistently good is, well, good enough.
The Worst Years: 2012, 2015, 2016
Unfortunately, not every year can be a winner, and these three had their fair share of challenges:
- The 2012 model year was particularly problematic, with brake and powertrain issues that had owners gritting their teeth
- Reports of brake failure under normal conditions (yikes!)
- Excessive oil consumption that had drivers checking their dipsticks more often than their social media
These years serve as a reminder that even the mighty Camry isn’t immune to the occasional misstep.
Best & Worst Years for Toyota Camry 6th Generation (2018-2023)
The sixth-gen Camry burst onto the scene ready to prove that sedans could still be cool in an SUV-dominated world. With a focus on cutting-edge tech, top-notch safety, and lively performance, this generation aimed to keep the Camry at the top of its game.
The Best Years: 2022
The 2022 model year is the current heavyweight champion of the Camry world:
- Packed with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ package (because you can never be too safe)
- An engine that delivers both punch and efficiency
- Reliability scores that make other car manufacturers green with envy
It’s like Toyota took everything they learned over the years and poured it into this model. If you’re in the market for a recent Camry, the 2022 is tough to beat.
The Neutral Years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023
These years are the reliable performers of the sixth generation:
- No major breakthroughs, but no significant drawbacks either
- Steady improvements in tech and comfort features
- Reliable performance that kept the Camry name strong
Think of these as the dependable workhorses of the Camry lineup – they may not win any races, but they’ll get you where you need to go without fuss.
The Worst Years: 2021
Even in its latest generation, the Camry isn’t immune to the occasional hiccup:
- The 2021 model year saw the lowest consumer report’s reliability and owner satisfaction ratings of this generation (ouch!)
- Issues with the fuel system that had some owners fuming
- Airbag and brake problems that raised safety concerns
It just goes to show that even the most reliable car models can have an off year. If you’re shopping for a sixth-gen Camry, you might want to think twice about the 2021 model.
Toyota Camry Average Resale Value
Want to know how much cash you’ll need to shell out for different Camry model years? Take a look at this handy graph:
Conclusion
There you have it – a whirlwind tour through the Camry’s highs and lows. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to hunt down the perfect Camry that fits your needs and budget. Remember, steer clear of those problematic years and aim for the stars (or at least the best years we’ve highlighted).
But hey, we’re curious – what’s your take on the Camry’s journey?
Got a favorite year that treated you right? Or maybe a Camry horror story to share?
Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation rolling. After all, the best car advice often comes from those who’ve been behind the wheel themselves.
