Well here are the differences...ready...One is built in america, one is built in japan. That's about it.

 

I've got a Japan built 92 LE V6.

One fairly significant difference is that the Japan version has replaceable strut cartridges, and the US version does not.

As far as I have been able to find out, engines are identical between the models.

I've heard of other minor differences, probably too insignificant to bother with.

 

^i thoight most or all gen3s had servicable struts. my 94 kentucky built did. even so, very few differances if sold in the US ther shouldnt be any problems swapping parts betweenb the two.

 

only the gen 3.5 camry's had sealed struts IIRC (in the gen 3/3.5 era).

And there is no advantage to the japanese parts whatsoever. It's not like the difference between a 240sx and a silvia or anything like that. the motors and all that fun stuff is the same between japan and american built. Although i heard there is a 1mzfe powered all wheel drive scepter model in japan...

 

^ well engine wise, the ones in the usa, are powered by the KA, and the ones in japan have the sr20 ...

 

Way to miss the point sparky. I know the 240SX is KA24DE powered vs the Silvia being SR20DET powered. I was saying the camry is NOT like that.:hammer:

 

If you refer to the Factory Service Manual, foot notes that identify TMC (Tsutsumi) Made and TMMK (Kentucky) did use parts with minor differences, such a s a screw instead of a bolt and nu, and connectors, clips or tabs. Often found in trim pieces.

These items can cause you fit-ment issues.

 

^ yea its early in the morning....

 

I've worked for Toyota as an engineer, here are my observations on the production line workers.

Japan:

Workers are younger, and exercise before each shift in Japan, and would be highly offended if their product line had a defect. A culture in which honor matters and attention to detail is important. Lifetime employment and workers and bosses (honchos) take care of each other. Wage difference between Engineer, Manager, and Worker are small (2-3) factor at most.

USA: Some very good workers who are dedicated to craftsmanship and build quality. Some workers who just punch in and punch out, no such thing as lifetime employment, so can you really blame the workers if they are apathetic and stressed because it's everyone for themselves ? Wage difference between Engineer, Manager, and Worker are massive (10-30 X) factor.

Lexus abandoned the US plant and moved it to Canada, even though cost of doing business in Canada is much higher for two primary reasons:

1. American workers are shafted by the government with no universal health care, pushing the burden on companies and employees creating unhappy workers.

2. US Education system is woefully inadequate and overpriced. High School in USA do not emphasize math and science skils. Americans do not pursue engineering or technical fields in community colleges or universities to the extent in other countries - even though America has the best universities in the world.

Most of my Toyotas have been Japanese production, and all were fine. The few that were American built had minor problems. The majority of the critical engine work is still done by Japanese production lines or transplanted kereitsu.

Having said that, I'd still prefer Japanese build quality. The irony is that in the 1960s and 1970s - any product made in Japan (when it was just becoming a major player) was considered cheap and of poor quality.

Sony was the first company to change that perception with the transistor radio, and then Toyota, Honda and Datsun with economical and reliable cars post the Arab oil crisis.

Forward to today, and anything made in Japan is considered a premium product - how much has changed in the last 35 years. There are no American electronics companies, even the iPod (the transistor radio of today) is made in China - a sign of things to come.

I concur with JJJJJJJ!!!!

 

According to my cars P.O. it has a Japanese transplant in it. 5SFE still though.

 

I would like to know if the Japanese made Gen 4 rear seat can be removed by just pulling up on the center .... The American version is described as being able to do this ....
However, there is a different procedure given in the online repair manual for the Japanese version ...
So is this actually the case ... anybody tried removing the rear seat on a Japanese version Gen 4?

 

dc_98_cam,

I have also a Camry from Japan and i have pulled out the seat many times...don't ask
Hold the front of/under the seat and just pull in upwards.

1 second job

success!

 

Yes ... But you have the Gen 3 ....right?
I have the Gen 4.

 

are you seriously asking the guy with a pic of his gen 4 in his sig if he has a gen 3?

 

... My mistake .... somehow I was thinking that JvR had a '96 model.

Nevermind .....

 

well even if it was built in America.. the parts are mostly based from Japan. Mine was built in America and it runs well after 11 years on the road.

I believe it's american verison as the VIN starts with 4T