1992-1996 Toyota Camry: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-1996 Toyota Camry and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Ride
- Passenger and cargo room
- Acceleration (V6)
- Quietness
Cons
- Fuel economy (V6)
- Rear-seat comfort
Vehicle Highlights
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, 3.0-liter 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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-1996 Toyota Camry. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-1996 Toyota Camry.
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.
Our road test for the 1992-1996 Toyota Camry includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-1996 Toyota Camry and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-1996 Toyota Camry is right for you.
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 103.1-inch 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 models to also be priced a bit more, given Toyota's generally high resale value and strong reputation for reliability.
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 models to also be priced a bit more, given Toyota's generally high resale value and strong reputation for reliability.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 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.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Camry/Solara .
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 manufacturer-suggested
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. (1992-95)
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 information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $865 |
| Alternator | $375 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,067 |
| Brakes | $145 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $600 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $500 |
| Exhaust System | $550 |
| Radiator | $580 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $800 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $220 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| Camry coupe, sedan | $2,400-3,500 | $1,700-2,500 | $500-700 |
| Camry wagon | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1995 | |||
| Camry coupe, sedan | $2,000-3,000 | $1,400-2,100 | $300-500 |
| Camry wagon | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| Camry coupe, sedan | $1,700-2,500 | $1,100-1,700 | $300-400 |
| Camry wagon | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Camry sedan | $1,400-2,000 | $900-1,300 | $200 |
| Camry wagon | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Camry sedan | $1,200-1,800 | $700-1,100 | $100-200 |
| Camry wagon | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
|||
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.
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.
Specs for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | 103.1 | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.8 | 187.8 | 189.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.7 | 69.7 | 69.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.9 | 55.1 | 56.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2910 | 2932 | 3263 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.9 | 14.9 | 74.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 38.4 | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.5 | 43.5 | 43.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 37.1 | 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 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 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 130 | 145 | 5-speed manual: 22/30 4-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 22.9 |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 180 | 188 | 203 | 4-speed automatic: 20/29 | 4-speed automatic: 17.5 |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 132 | 125 | 145 | 5-speed manual: 23/31 4-speed automatic: 21/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 180 | 185 | 195 | 5-speed manual: 18/24 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.5 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Camry/Solara include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1996 Camry |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact 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%. Sideimpact crash-test 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-1996 Toyota Camry directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
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.
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