What's the difference?

[Donutgonuts]

I've heard a lot of talk going on about Japan-built Camry's and US-built Camry's. Other than where they were built, are the cars any different?

[Tobeit]

Originally Posted by Donutgonuts

I've heard a lot of talk going on about Japan-built Camry's and US-built Camry's. Other than where they were built, are the cars any different?

No obvious differences, but for some replacement/aftermarket parts their are different part numbers depending where it was built. But I could not see any real differences in the parts until now despite that. Their are some well known parts, which are supplied by different suppliers for Japan or US - like the headlight assembly.

[CharmCityES]

with a gen 5 -
the front bumper has a small square cutout piece in the bumper on the pass side near the tag holes, which is where the tow hook is.
the VIN on a japan made (TMM) camry starts with a J, where a kentucky made (TMMK) made camry will have a VIN starting with a number (ex. 4T)

[Archosman]

Also there are removable covers if your car didn't come with fog lights. Mine was made here and the bumper is one piece.

[CharmCityES]

^ yes i forgot about that one...im used to looking at my SE which has fogs

[TRD VVTi]

Japan built Toyotas have a better build quality than US built vehicles.

[Tobeit]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

Japan built Toyotas have a better build quality than US built vehicles.

I guess that counts as an educated opinion....

[njerald]

Originally Posted by TRD VVTi

Japan built Toyotas have a better build quality than US built vehicles.

+1, based on my experience and the experience of my neighbor with a Kentucky made '08.

[mn011890]

Originally Posted by CorCamrySE

with a gen 5 -
the VIN on a japan made (TMM) camry starts with a J, where a kentucky made (TMMK) made camry will have a VIN starting with a number (ex. 4T)

how bout with the gen 6?

[Tobeit]

Originally Posted by mn011890

how bout with the gen 6?

Kentucky is still 4T and my US built Camry has no issue until now - lets hope it stays that way.

[marc780]

I have a 2002 Kentucky camry. the paint is way too soft. It scratches unbelievably easily. I have seen many camrys my same year and color and the japan built (J in the VIN) have much much better, harder paint.

[leejinwen]

Originally Posted by njerald

+1, based on my experience and the experience of my neighbor with a Kentucky made '08.

lexus emblem

[JustAnotherAsian]

Originally Posted by Archosman

Also there are removable covers if your car didn't come with fog lights. Mine was made here and the bumper is one piece.

^common myth. some camrys made it out of the kentucky plant with removable covers for the LE. i had the popout covers on my us-made vin-starts-with-a-"4T" camry. and no, it was not a freak japan bumper for i didn't have the tow-hook square.

Originally Posted by marc780

I have a 2002 Kentucky camry. the paint is way too soft. It scratches unbelievably easily. I have seen many camrys my same year and color and the japan built (J in the VIN) have much much better, harder paint.

^i have to agree with the soft paint- especially around the rear bumper.