1992-1996 Toyota Camry Review

Toyota's most popular model was redesigned for 1992, with new sedan and wagon models gaining a standard driver-side airbag. The Camry's wheelbase grew by less than an inch, but the body was now six inches longer and two inches wider. The 4-door models were offered in base Deluxe, LE, SE, and new XLE trim levels. Standard engine was a 135-horsepower, 2.2-liter 4-cylinder. Optional on all models was a 185-horsepower, 3.0liter V6. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the Deluxe model and unavailable elsewhere. Antilock brakes were optional on all models. Like the previous Camry, the new one shared most of its front-drive chassis components with the ES 300. Year to Year Changes 1993 Toyota Camry/Solara: Entry-level DX (Deluxe) Camrys get standard color-keyed bodyside moldings and an oak-color interior. Bronze-tint glass is newly optional for all models. 1994 Toyota Camry/Solara: Toyota makes big news for '94 by adding a new 2-door coupe body style, a standard passenger-side airbag, and a more muscular V6 engine. Except for a slightly lower height and different roof, the coupe's notchback styling is the same as the sedan's. Model choices for the coupe include DX, midlevel LE, and sporty SE. It also features the same 130-horsepower 2.2-liter standard on the entire Camry line. New 1994 Camrys equipped with a V6 now come with a new aluminum block 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 188 horsepower. 1995 Toyota Camry/Solara: The 2-door and 4-door sedans have minor appearance changes, and all Camrys now meet the government's more stringent 1997 side-impact requirements. Antilock brakes are now standard on the top-line XLE sedan. Also, the DX 4-door wagon has been dropped, but the rest of last year's lineup returns. The mainstay 2.2-liter engine, which drops 5 horsepower (to 125) from new tuning implemented to meet stricter emissions limits in all states. 1996 Toyota Camry/Solara: The popular front-drive Camry sees few changes after getting a mild facelift last year. Toyota unveiled an all-new Camry for '97. 1992-1996 Toyota Camry Road Test Pros Cons Antilock brakes (optional) Acceleration (V6) Ride Quietness Passenger and cargo room Consumer Guide Road-Test Evaluation The 4-cylinder engine is smooth and responsive, giving the Camry sedan adequate acceleration and passing power, even with the automatic transmission. We averaged 10.9 seconds to 60 mph in our test and nearly 23 mpg. The V6 is much quicker, but uses more fuel (we averaged about 18 mpg in our test). However, the V6 is perhaps the most polished engine in this class and works in concert with a highly refined automatic to deliver virtually vibration-free performance. Camrys feature a soft, absorbent ride that soaks up most bumps and ruts quite easily. It also corners with good stability and has good traction on wet roads. While the Camry's 103.1inch wheelbase put it in the compact class, it has more interior room than many midsize models. Note, however, that the rear seatbacks tend to be stiff and too reclined, making them uncomfortable for some people. The trunklid opens at bumper level to a wide, flat floor that reaches well-forward. Split rear seatbacks fold down to add cargo space. Value for the Money There's a lot of the Lexus ES 300 in the Camry, which we believe set the standard for refinement among midsize and compact family cars. It's smoother, quieter, and built with higher levels of quality than some luxury sedans costing thousands more. New Camrys generally sold for more than its compact rivals, so expect preowned 1 Fuel economy (V6) Rear-seat comfort

models to also be priced a bit more, given Toyota's generally high resale value and strong reputation for reliability. Consumer Guide Road Test Ratings Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-liter Rating Performance Fuel Economy Ride Quality Steering/Handling/Braking Quietness Controls/Materials Interior Room Room/Comfort (rear) Cargo Capacity Value within Class 5 4 6 5 5 6 5 4 3 6

Total: 49 Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating. 1992-1996 Toyota Camry Reliability Trouble Spots Consumer Guide's Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturersuggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems. Air conditioner: A problem with the expansion valve causes the air conditioner to gradually lose efficiency. (1992-93) Automatic transmission: A-40 series automatic transmissions may shift harshly because rubber check balls become smaller, blow through the plate, and get dislodged. (1992-96) Coolant leak: Head-gasket failures on 3.0-liter engines allows coolant to get into the cylinders. (All) Hard starting: Hard starting after cold soak is due to ignition-coil voltage leaking to an inappropriate ground. (All) Suspension noise: Front and rear sway-bar bushings were redesigned using a self-lubricating material. (199295) Trunk latch: If the trunk won't stay open on sedans with a spoiler, the support torsion rod must be adjusted. (1992-96) Water leak: Water leaks on the passenger side come from two sources: the SRS wiring-harness grommet and the fresh-air intake plenum. (1992-93) Consumer Guide Estimated Repair Costs This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing 2

information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher. Item Name A/C Compressor Alternator Automatic Transmission or Transaxle Brakes Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing Constant Velocity Joints Exhaust System Radiator Shocks and/or Struts Timing Chain or Belt Repair Cost $865 $375 $1,067 $145 $600 $500 $550 $580 $800 $220

NHTSA Recall History 1994-96: Insufficiently tightened steering-wheel nut may cause steering vibration and looseness; nut could eventually come off, leading to separation from shaft. 1996: On some cars, when taillight bulb is lit, its holder can deform. 1992-1996 Toyota Camry Prices Prices Good Average Poor 1992 Camry sedan Camry wagon 1993 Camry sedan Camry wagon 1994 Camry coupe, sedan Camry wagon 1995 Camry coupe, sedan Camry wagon 1996 Camry coupe, sedan Camry wagon $1,300-1,900 $1,400-1,800 $1,500-2,100 $1,600-2,100 $1,800-2,600 $2,000-2,600 $2,100-3,200 $2,300-3,000 $2,600-3,800 $3,000-3,600 $800-1,200 $900-1,200 $1,000-1,400 $1,100-1,400 $1,200-1,800 $1,400-1,800 $1,500-2,200 $1,700-2,200 $1,900-2,800 $2,300-2,800 $200 $200 $200-300 $200-300 $300-400 $300-400 $400-600 $400-600 $500-800 $700-800

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels: Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair. 3

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well. Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region. 1992-1996 Toyota Camry Specs & Safety Vehicle Dimensions Specification 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 4-door wagon Wheelbase, in. Overall Length, in. Overall Width, in. Overall Height, in. Curb Weight, lbs. Cargo Volume, cu. ft. Standard Payload, lbs. Fuel Capacity, gals. Seating Capacity Front Head Room, in. Max. Front Leg Room, in. Rear Head Room, in. 103.1 187.8 69.7 54.9 2910 14.9 -18.5 5 38.4 43.5 37.4 103.1 187.8 69.7 55.1 2932 14.9 -18.5 5 38.4 43.5 37.1 103.1 189.4 69.7 56.3 3263 74.8 -18.5 7 39.2 43.5 38.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.0 35.0 35.2 Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. Powertrain Options and Availability The standard engine is a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, which Camry shares with the Toyota Celica sports coupe. It provides 130 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 145 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Optional on all models is a 3.0-liter V6, the same engine Toyota uses in the Lexus ES 300. It delivers 185 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the Deluxe model and unavailable elsewhere. New '94 Camrys exchange their old V6 for a new aluminum-block, 3.0-liter V6 that delivers three extra horsepower--188 at 5200 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. As did the previous V6, this one also powers Camry's more expensive brother, the Lexus ES 300. Starting in '95, the 4-speed 4

automatic provides standard electronic controls that adjust shift patterns to match how the car is driven. Finally, the mainstay 2.2-liter engine drops 5 horsepower in '96 due to new tuning implemented to meet stricter emissions limits in all states. The reconfigured engine produces 125 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 145 poundfeet of torque at 4400 rpm. Engines Size liters / Horse- power Torque Transmission: Consumer Guide Observed cu. in EPA city/hgwy dohc I4 dohc I4 dohc V6 2.2 / 132 2.2 / 132 3.0 / 180 130 125 185 145 145 195 5-speed manual: 22/30 4-speed automatic: 21/28 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 21/27 5-speed manual: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 18/24 5-speed manual: -4-speed automatic: 22.9 5-speed manual: -4-speed automatic: -5-speed manual: -4-speed automatic: 18.5 4-speed automatic: 17.5 1996 Camry 4

dohc V6 3.0 / 180 188 203 4-speed automatic: 20/29 Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. NHTSA Crash-Test Results Test Front Impact, Driver

Front Impact, Passenger 3 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and sideimpact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crashtest numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%. Built In: Japan, USA Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel driv