There is indeed something about the Toyota Camry that makes it one of the most-loved vehicle models of all time, especially in North America, where it has been leading sales for the past decade. Is it the power of its name? Camry is derived from the Japanese word from crown, which is kanmuri or kamuri. Having a crown symbolizes supremacy, a royal reign. That perhaps might add to the model’s power, but that’s not all.
The Camry has been in the automotive market since 1982, and throughout the years it has undergone several redesigns and upgrades to maintain its status as a best-selling, trusted car. There have been nine generation releases of the model; let’s take a look at the last three. If you’re in the market for Japanese used cars, choosing from the latest generations will surely give you plenty of reliable and fuel-efficient car options.
7th Generation
By the time the seventh-generation Camry was released in September 2001, the model was already being marketed in over a hundred countries worldwide. Camry users applaud the vehicle’s high performance, stylish trim, riding comfort, engine quietness, and safety features. According to Toyota, the model’s €claim to global excellence€ was based on packaging, performance, and safety and ecology€”three €world sedan€ features that the Toyota Camry possesses. For packaging, the Camry has a wide cabin space with the seats designed for ease of passenger entry and exit. For performance, the seventh-generation Camry has a new platform and newly-designed suspension, a Super ECT system, and a 2.4-liter VVT-i engine. For safety and ecology, the model has been equipped with SRS front and curtain shield airbags for both front and rear seats along with a redesigned body structure that conforms to GOA collision test standards. Ecologically, the Camry was able to reduce emissions by 75% in compliance with 1999 standards.
8th Generation
When the Toyota Windom (Lexus ES) was discontinued, the eighth generation Camry stepped up to take its place, increasing its body’s dimensions as it did so. The Camry also had an optional four-wheel drive layout in addition to the standard front-engine, front-wheel drive layout. For North America, buyers can opt for a 3.5-liter V6 engine or a hybrid version. V6 models can also have an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. As of September 2005, the cumulative Camry sales worldwide have reached over 10 million units.
9th Generation
The ninth-generation was released in September 2011, and the Japanese domestic market said hello to the Toyota Camry hybrid. The all-new Camry has a THS II hybrid system that makes use of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine. As a result the hybrid has great fuel economy, reaching at least 26.5 km/l and producing at least 151 kw. The low fuel consumption can be likened to a compact car’s, and the power output is similar to that of a car with a bigger engine, such as a 3.0-liter luxury car or SUV. The new Camry has been redesigned to have a more aerodynamic body and has been equipped with the most advanced safety features such as whiplash injury-lessening seats.
