Toyota Camry

TOYOTA Camry 1983 - 1987

After the second oil crisis in the late 70s, many customers started to look for more fuel-efficient vehicles. But unfortunately, most American cars were big. So, despite the CAFE agreement, they couldn't have been named as economical compared to most Japanese cars. Toyota noticed this advantage and introduced the Camry in 1983 with small, four-cylinder engines and enough amenities inside to get a bigger slice of the market.

Toyota couldn't have won any design contest for the wedged-shaped, first-generation Camry. It was a car that matched the "form follow function" concept, which was enough for many customers. The narrow front fascia with squared headlights and the slatted grille was just the beginning. The Camry's straight lines and flat panels were far from being everyone's cup of tea. But those shapes helped the carmaker keep the production costs low. And yet, it added a particular upscale detail: a small window behind the rear doors.

Toyota could create a spacious interior by using a front-wheel drive platform with a transverse-mounted engine. The motor didn't intrude in the cabin, and thus the front seats could've been moved forward. That led to increased legroom for rear passengers who were seated on a bench profiled for two occupants. The driver faced a squared-looking instrument cluster filled with all the dials and gauges they needed. Moreover, Toyota even installed an LED digital clock next to the tachometer.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a choice of two inline-four gasoline engines for the American market, while other countries also got two diesel versions. Also, for U.S. customers, Toyota offered a four-speed automatic transmission as an option.

1987 - 1991

Unveiled to the public for the first time in 1983, the first generation of Toyota Camry available as a sedan or a hatchback was designed to replace the rear-wheel-drive Toyota Corona.

Even if the previous model of Toyota Camry was greatly praised for its reliability, the Japanese carmaker didn’t settle and brought a new Camry to the market.

What started as a version of the Celica became a distinct lineup in 1982, when the first generation of the Toyota Camry appeared on the market.

For 1987, the Camry’s exterior was totally redesigned and became available as a wagon body style besides the compact sedan. The hatchback was dropped.

A new engine was offered with the Camry, a more powerful a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit that developed 115 hp and 125 Nm. The unit was mated with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or a three-speed-plus-overdrive automatic that was optional on all trim levels.

Inside, the Toyota Camry featured a simple and functional design, with large round analog gauges and logically placed controls that were easy to use.

Toyota worked to provide an even better insulated cabin with reduced noise and vibration levels.

Other goodies that came with the Camry included a four wheel independent suspension, variable assist rack and pinion steering, and tilt wheel with memory.

One year later, Toyota introduced a small V6 engine that developed 153 hp. The Camrys equipped with a manual gearbox became available with an optional all-wheel-drive system.

1991 - 1996

Member of the third generation of the vehicle, the 1991 Camry was initially available only on the Japanese market.

The US edition of the car was officially rolled out in 1992, the same year when the Japanese company unveiled an upgraded model of Camry. The 1991 version of the car had a four wheel steering system as well as a 2.0 liter V6 engine which was formerly known as Toyota Camry V6 Prominent 4WS. As mentioned, in 1992 Toyota came with a facelifted Camry which had a new grille and an improved air conditioning system. Moreover, the carmaker introduced the Camry Coupe, a special version of the car especially supposed to compete with Honda Accord Coupe.