A Crash Course on the History of the Toyota Camry

Spanning nearly 35 years and eight generations, the Camry is the flagship sedan of Toyota. From 2002 to 2015, the Camry was the top-selling car in the United States, adding to its legendary status. However, few people know the storied history of the vehicle that’s become a staple of the American automotive landscape. If you’re a Camry owner or you just want to learn more about one of the best sedans ever to grace the road, here’s a crash course on the history of America’s favorite car.

The First Two Generations (1983-1991)

While the Toyota Camry first came out in Japan in 1979, it didn’t hit U.S. markets until 1983. That year, limited quantities of a sedan and hatchback arrived on the west coast. During this time, the Camry was a compact four-door, offering three engine options that were designed more for fuel economy than anything else. In 1987, the Camry entered its second generation, replacing the hatchback with a wagon and adding a V6 option to the mix. It was also the only Camry to offer all-wheel drive, and the option has yet to return to the lineup.

Stepping Up the Size for the Third Generation (1992-1996) and Speed for the Fourth (1997-1998)

In 1992, the Camry upped its size from a compact four-door to a mid-sized sedan. This upgrade brought the Camry into competition with many of the other players in the industry. A year later, Toyota provided a coupe that only lasted until 1996, and it only returned in 1999 as the Camry Solara. Engine options for the third generation featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6.

The fourth generation didn’t change the body style, but it did provide a V6 engine that propelled drivers from zero to 60 in just 7 seconds.

The Solara (1999-2002) and the Fifth Generation (2002-2006)

In 1999, Toyota brought back the coupe model, calling it the Toyota Solara. More sporty than earlier versions and offering a convertible, the Solara branched out to find drivers who wanted a more pure driving experience. With a sports-tuned 3.0-liter V6, it also became the first Camry to break a 7-second zero-to-60 time.

The fifth generation didn’t add much in the way of new engine specs, but it did provide some looks that would propel sales into the future. In 2002, the Camry also began its run as America’s top-selling vehicle.

The Award-Winning Seventh Generation (2007-2011)

When the new Camry arrived in 2007, it was immediately given top marks. It became the first Camry to win the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year award. It could hit 60 mph in the low 6-second range, and it was also the first to offer a hybrid powertrain.

The Eighth Generation (2011-2017)

Today, the Camry remains in its eighth generation, and it’s never looked better. Featuring an active safety suite, an upgraded hybrid version, and stunning looks, it finished its run as the top-selling vehicle in 2015, although it finished fourth in 2016.

With such a storied history, the most intriguing thing about the Camry is where it will go next. The 2018 Camry is just that model. So strap on your seat belt and get ready for another exciting ride with the Toyota Camry.

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