I know I'm going to take abuse for asking...

[GrayGen4]

I know I'll probably get a beating for this one, but I didn't find anything from the search. I know Gen 4 is 99-01. What is the difference between Gen 4 and 4.5?

[Tom 2000]

gen 4 as broad term covers 97-01.

Specifically,

gen 4.0 is 97-99
gen 4.5 is 00-01

What's actually different on the cars?

gen4.5 has better headlights, taillights. More standard equipment like a CD player, larger standard tires/wheels combos on most trims, etc...

[GrayGen4]

Excellent, thanks for the info...and lack of general mistreatment.

[DrewsCam]

Originally Posted by Tom 2000

gen 4 as broad term covers 97-01.

Specifically,

gen 4.0 is 97-99
gen 4.5 is 00-01

What's actually different on the cars?

gen4.5 has better headlights, taillights. More standard equipment like a CD player, larger standard tires/wheels combos on most trims, etc...

how can you say better head and tail lights???
i think the 97 to 99 is a hell of a lot cleaner with the rear tails, and the only reason gen 4s are switching to 4.5 heads is to get the clear lens or the halo lights

all those things can come with any model also

[CamryOwner98]

So true, if the gen 4s had clear headlights, I'd be perfection. I like the rear of my gen 4 more than the 4.5

[CamNub]

The taillights are kind of jagged instead of straight for the 4.5.

[terrastrife]

the 4.5 rears are much easier to see if youre behind one.

[JetspeedCamry]

Originally Posted by Tom 2000

gen 4 as broad term covers 97-01.

Specifically,

gen 4.0 is 97-99
gen 4.5 is 00-01

What's actually different on the cars?

gen4.5 has better headlights, taillights. More standard equipment like a CD player, larger standard tires/wheels combos on most trims, etc...

I think the word your looking for there is "different"...

[AmanO]

I would rather have a 4 bulb setup than 2 if I have DRLs or auto headlights and retroing HID is a lot easier.

The tail of a 4.5 uses fewer bulbs, looks better (clearer housings nicer lines brighter reverse light (i think)

[Hajoca]

Styling differences are what's visible.
Differences are in the body improvements are mainly NVH, but that is an ongoing improvement (eg the 98 has quieter windscreen than the 97)

The 97 & 98 body had an external whip antenna for the base (CE) model, 99 and on, antenna is masked on the rear window, reducing the different parts count in production.

Weld points are updated so body welds are reduced for areas that do not need the better strength, rigidity and production speed. More asphalt sound deadening.

Inside differences, the gen4.5 has revised HVAC system that incorporates a pollen filter, if you want to put one in. Different layout of control module placements, I believe the 01 had LATCH points for car seats.
01 If I recall, had the VVTi engine for V6... but I am not 100% sure and also has a muffler with a spring loaded gate to allow higher through put of exhaust gasses by reducing back pressure at high engine rpms.

As you can see these changes are done little by little and carries over the next gen as well.

[Dave's]

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Personally, when the Gen 4's came out I told the dealer I wouldn't buy a new Camry until they widened the tail lights. I have an '01 but I wish it was wide all the way across.

[trickyazn]

Originally Posted by Hajoca

Styling differences are what's visible.
Differences are in the body improvements are mainly NVH, but that is an ongoing improvement (eg the 98 has quieter windscreen than the 97)

The 97 & 98 body had an external whip antenna for the base (CE) model, 99 and on, antenna is masked on the rear window, reducing the different parts count in production.

Weld points are updated so body welds are reduced for areas that do not need the better strength, rigidity and production speed. More asphalt sound deadening.

Inside differences, the gen4.5 has revised HVAC system that incorporates a pollen filter, if you want to put one in. Different layout of control module placements, I believe the 01 had LATCH points for car seats.
01 If I recall, had the VVTi engine for V6... but I am not 100% sure and also has a muffler with a spring loaded gate to allow higher through put of exhaust gasses by reducing back pressure at high engine rpms.

As you can see these changes are done little by little and carries over the next gen as well.

no vvti for ANYTHING 4gen or 4.5 gen.

[AmanO]

Is the pollen filter the same as a CAF?

[jhbhatia]

IMO, the best gen4 combo is the tails from 99-00 and those clear headlights from japan for the same model years (garcia's). Gen4.5 illuminte better cus of their clear headlights.

[Waghle]

i think the gen 4.5 heads and tails BOTH look worse than the 4..

but they are brighter.