Gen 5 vs. gen 5.5 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

K.VO · 10-27-2006, 08:08 PM

So I've seen a variety of threads where the distinction between the generation 5 Camry and the generation 5.5 Camry is made. I understand that the gen 5 production ran from 2002-2004 and the gen 5.5 ran from 2005-2006. My question is what are the major mechanical differences between these two generations?

Mistabullet · 10-27-2006, 08:24 PM

I'm not 100% sure but I think the only difference between the two are the lights.

Avalonman · 10-27-2006, 08:31 PM

MECHANIAL not COSEMETIC

LE05 · 10-27-2006, 09:48 PM

here is a break down of the new features of the gen 5.5 compared to gen 5:
http://oregonstate.edu/~tongt/camry/05/05_NCF.pdf

from what i can see, nothing too major in mechanical difference, except maybe the transmission. its pretty thorough, so that should answer you question quite well

BlackCamSe · 10-28-2006, 09:41 AM

I have owned both a gen 5 and a gen 5.5, The 5.5 offers a little better acceleration do to the 5 speed trany which replaced the 4 speed. Also the 5.5 is a pzev aka 'Partial zero emissions" The cosmetic differences are the grill, front/back lights, plus a new front bumper. In the inside it looks a little bit better as well, new storage center in the dash, 2 tone plastics on the a/c controls, doors, ect. ect.

greylock · 10-28-2006, 10:42 AM

Suspension springs/seats are different also. Non-tapered (Gen 5) and tapered (Gen 5.5) coil ends on the springs.

Webb26 · 10-28-2006, 10:49 AM

Grey lock...you are correct...but the 04 which is a gen 5 changed their suspension to the gen5.5 style as i can not use gen 5 springs to lower. two completely different models and as you said the difference is the tappered springs and non tappered springs

aSiAnRiCk · 10-28-2006, 03:29 PM

Hi guys

I just got a gen5 camry. Can you tell me if I can just swap the headlight and taillight to the gen 5.5 or the wiring is different?

Thanks

LunarMist · 10-28-2006, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aSiAnRiCk

Hi guys

I just got a gen5 camry. Can you tell me if I can just swap the headlight and taillight to the gen 5.5 or the wiring is different?

Thanks

Do a search. This has been discussed many many times. In short, the answer is yes but there will be minor complications.

aSiAnRiCk · 10-28-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunarMist

Do a search. This has been discussed many many times. In short, the answer is yes but there will be minor complications.

Posted that before reading further down in the forum. Found a lot of interesting info so far

K.VO · 10-29-2006, 03:45 AM

Thanks guys!

Now I know...and knowing is half the battle.