How Many Generations of Camry Are There?
5 Answers
The Camry has a total of eight generations. The introduction and the role of the transmission are as follows: Introduction: The exterior is stylish and imposing, with a strong sense of premium quality. The cabin atmosphere is harmonious, youthful, and tech-savvy, with impeccable craftsmanship and materials. The front seats feature 8-way electric adjustment, paired with a telescopic steering wheel for an excellent seating position. The groundbreaking near-flat rear floor provides great convenience for rear passengers. Various control buttons in the cabin are rationally placed and easy to use, with top-notch ergonomics. The powertrain is highly refined, making driving effortless. Role of the Transmission: To change the gear ratio, interrupt power transmission for neutral, and enable reverse driving.
I remember the first-generation Camry was launched in 1982 with a boxy design, and now it has evolved to the eighth generation. I've driven three generations of Camry, and my favorite is the 2006 XV40 model with its 2.4L engine paired with a 5AT transmission—it was exceptionally smooth, and the trunk could fit three large suitcases. Last year, the latest eighth generation switched to the TNGA platform, significantly improving the driving feel, though the interior space became slightly smaller, something I noticed when installing a child safety seat. The hybrid version, introduced from the sixth generation, is particularly fuel-efficient—a colleague's hybrid can travel over 900 kilometers on a full tank.
As a mom who frequently shuttles kids, I'm most concerned about the safety evolution of the Camry. Since the third generation in 1991 introduced its first airbag, it has continuously upgraded. Now the eighth generation comes standard with 10 airbags and the TSS (Toyota Safety Sense) system. When the sixth generation adopted the GOA body structure, I specifically visited the dealership to examine the steel panel construction. The new PCS (Pre-Collision System) once helped me avoid a rear-end collision on a rainy day. But the most comfortable feature was the seventh generation's rear seats - even elderly passengers didn't feel fatigued during long trips.
Having been in the used car market for ten years, I've handled at least 200 Camrys. The first-generation V10 is basically nowhere to be seen now, while I've occasionally come across a few collector's editions of the second-generation V20. The most value-retaining model is the 2012 seventh-generation mid-cycle facelift, with the 2.5L+6AT combination still fetching around 80,000 RMB after ten years. For those considering the sixth generation, I'd advise avoiding the 2.0L version due to the higher failure rate of its 4AT transmission. Currently, the most dreaded scenario when acquiring a car is encountering a flood-damaged eighth-generation model, as repairing its 90 sensors can be painfully expensive.
As an auto repair professional, I'm most familiar with the evolution of the Camry. Starting from the third generation, it adopted maintenance-free timing chains. Remember to frequently replace the cylinder head gasket for the 2AZ-FE engine in the fifth generation. After the 2014 seventh-generation facelift, the electric power steering tends to throw fault codes - last year I repaired one with a sticking steering gear. The new hybrid version now achieves 41% thermal efficiency, but battery pack repairs cost over 20,000 yuan. For durability, nothing beats the old fourth-generation 5S-FE engine - it can run 400,000 km without major repairs.
