The 1995 Toyota Camry is a reliable, sensible family sedan that is perfect for someone that wants to get from here to there without a lot of fuss or worry.
Total score: 70 out of 100.

Disclaimer
I have either personally owned or lived with on a daily basis each vehicle I review. My reviews are slanted towards living with the vehicle; therefore, comfort, convenience, reliability, and safety are very important. However, I also like to drive, so performance aspects are more important than the number of cup holders. Each category is rated on a scale from 1-10 and the final score is the total of all ten scores (maximum of 100 points).

Background:
We purchased our 1995 Toyota Camry LE V6 sedan used from a relative back in mid-2001, to pair with our existing 1993 Toyota Camry LE V6. The following review is about the 1995 Camry, but most of the comments apply to any Camry from 1992 – 1996, which differed mainly in minor details and styling.


Performance:

1. Engine: 7
The 1995 Toyota Camry was available with either a 2.2 liter 4-cylinder, rated at 125 horsepower (130 in 1992-1994) and 145 lb-ft of torque or an aluminum block 3.0 liter V6, rated at 188 horsepower (185 in 1992) and 203 lb-ft of torque. Our car had the V6, which is powerful and smooth, especially compared to other brand’s V6s at the time. Back in 1995, Nissan Altimas weren’t even available with a V6 and Honda Accords had to make due with a 2.7 liter V6 from the old Legend rated at 170 horsepower. Note that the 3.0 V6 remained basically unchanged from 1992 – 2004, and was installed in a number of Toyota vehicles, including the Camry, Sienna, Solara, Highlander, and even the Lexus ES300. It was finally replaced by a 3.3 liter V6 starting in 2004 in Camry SE models. The V6 has plenty of power to get up hills and merge onto freeways, while consistently delivering 22-23 mpg in real world driving. One annoying trait that affected both of our Camrys was that when it was started early in the morning, both engines would rev high (2-3,000 rpms) in park. The revs would drop when you put the car into gear, but it was still annoying.

2. Transmission: 8
The four-speed automatic transmission is excellent, with smooth shifts and minimal “gear hunting” when going up and down hills. Perhaps this was due to the new electronic brain that supposedly “learned” the driver’s driving style. Either way, it was a very smooth transmission.

3. Suspension, Wheels, and Tires: 6
The Camry had a relatively cushy suspension, befitting its family car role. Sports car handling is definitely not the case here. The V6 comes standard with 15” wheels (ugly steel ones with hubcaps, or same size alloys like our car) with 205/65R15 tires. At the time, the wheels and tires were about right, although now they look kind of small.


Interior

4. Features: 6
The Camry’s interior is roomy and comfortable. Ergonomics are typical Toyota; which is excellent. Everything is where it should be, from the well laid out dash, to the HVAC and radio position. The upgraded CD/speaker package radio does have a lot of little buttons, but the sound is excellent.

5. Passenger Room: 6
There is plenty of room for four adults, five in a pinch. The seats are supportive and the cloth fabric has a high quality feel to it.

6. Cargo Room: 6
There are several storage areas in the cabin and a good-sized glove box. The trunk room is decent. The rear seat back folds 60/40 (though not flat) for more cargo room. There was also a station wagon version of the Camry with more cargo room during these years, although it never sold well.


Exterior

7. Exterior Styling: 7
Although some people consider the Camry very generic looking, I think the 1992-1996 versions were the best looking Camrys. The newer ones are a bit too bulky looking in my eyes.


Other

8. Reliability/Quality: 9
The Camry has been very reliable, only needing routine care and maintenance. The only Camry trait we have noticed is that the leading edge of the dash cover (where it meets the front windshield), tends to puff up as the car gets older. Something to look for when buying a used car.

9. Safety: 7
All 1995 Toyota Camrys meet 1997 crash standards and have two front airbags. Anti-lock brakes are optional on all trims besides the XLE (where they are standard), so if buying used, be sure to ask if it has it.

10. Value: 8
Camrys were never cheap, and they have held up well on the used car market. However, you get what you pay for, and a well-cared for Camry will not disappoint.


Summary

Total Score: 70
Pros: Reliable, sensible
Cons: Lacks excitement
”Wow feature”:
Amount Paid (US$): 4000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1995
Model and Options: V6 LE