Have to personally say, I was originally liking the Gen 4.5, since they have the stylish tail lights, but not so much now... There is a V6 Touring model (in a Cherry/ Red Pearl colour) that looks absolutely to die for though... Very nice

The original Gen 4 doesn't look too bad. Front-end is definitely the best part. Tail lights are cool at night (non-modded)

 

the 4.5 definitely looks "fresher" with its quad headlights and the newer looking tail lights.

Strangely if you put them side by side the gen 4 looks...moresolid, can't put my fingers on exactly why but just my observation.

We got the 99 back in 99 so we have no regrets. Would have been nice for Toyota to not cheap out and put in the H4 lights though, those poor 3 year years of orphan Camry's with the cheap headlights...(97-99). All Camry's made in and after 1992 had quad headlights except those three. :facepalm:

 

Would have been nice for Toyota to not cheap out and put in the H4 lights though, those poor 3 year years of orphan Camry's with the cheap headlights...(97-99). All Camry's made in and after 1992 had quad headlights except those three. :facepalm:

x2 this, not sure what they were thinking except increase their profits at the expense of their customers.

i would have loved to buy a 4.5 instead of the 4 just from the exterior refresh but i couldnt swing the extra $1000+ premium sellers were asking.

 

I like the facelift, only because the headlights lend themselves better to blacking out, and the grill can be changed.

Like this:

Other than that the differences dont matter to me.

 

I refused to buy the Gen 4's. Hated the taillights that much. I do have a Gen 4.5 however. :thumbsup:

 

I personally, can't stand the Gen 4.5 taillight shape. But other than that, I couldn't tell you which one is better. They have a few minor differences that most people wouldn't even notice.

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I currently have both a gen 4 and a gen 4.5.
Now it's a bit different in my case, with the european model.

I like the fog-lights better on the gen 4.5.

I like the front lights better on the gen 4 (ONLY because the dual-reflector on the gen 4.5 isn't glass, but plastic. Making it look butt ugly as soon as it starts to get worn. Not to mention the fact that it gets worn a LOT faster then the glass)

I like the automatic climate control better on the gen 4, because it only turns on the AC when needed to defog. On the gen 4.5 AC is always on when on "auto".

I like the tail lights better on the gen 4.5.

I like the hood support on the gen 4.5 (gen 4 in Norway at least only have a stick holding up the hood)

I don't know why, but the starter engine sounds completly different on my gen 4 and 4.5, even with the same engine.

 

I like the front lights better on the gen 4 (ONLY because the dual-reflector on the gen 4.5 isn't glass, but plastic. Making it look butt ugly as soon as it starts to get worn. Not to mention the fact that it gets worn a LOT faster then the glass)

Damn lucky Euros, all the Gen 4 headlights in the US are plastic. :facepalm:

 

this is a hard one actually.

- Gen4 had (seemed) to have softer chairs and different fabric versus the 4.5. the Gen4' I've seen has a different color texture fabric, looks better versus the plain fabric (harder) in the Gen4.5.

- Gen4 (earlier) models had 14" wheels (standard) on the I4 versus the Gen4.5 having standard 15" wheels and 16" on V6 XLE models. Earlier 'CE' trim Camry (gen4) had option for manual windows and cheaper interior. No built in antenna in glass (had a rear antenna)

- Gen4 (1997) had a funky design with the front passenger arm rest on the door (power window switch in front of door lock?) same design from 98-01 though.

- Gen4 (1997-1999) I think the chair gear wears out (at lease my friends with the earlier ones Gen4 has this issue) where chair may go recline randomly. I have not seen this with a Gen4.5, but maybe time will start having it wear out too.

- Gen4 had a one piece headlight versus the day light saving/highbeam + headlight on Gen4.5

- Gen4.5 had soft touch button for circulation air (inside or out) versus the Gen4 on the LE trim Camry (I believe)

- Gen4.5 had option for JBL. I have not seen a Gen4 (97-99) with JBL yet.

- Gen4 has aftermarket clear 'turn signal'. I have not seen a Gen4.5 with aftermarket clear 'turn signal'

- Gen4 had the anniversary edition which had chrome trim on the side plastic modeling. Inside was the same, basically an LE with very minor changes, leather steering wheel, and it's own set of alloys (15" I believe) . The Gen4.5 had the 'collector' edition w/ two tone/XLE that had it. I've seen the Gen4.5 as the 'Gallery' edition with special rims and two tone.




All in all, I like the Gen4 rear tail lights and overall side look. The Gen4.5 has a better front bumper but I don't care for the larger headlights but do like the DLR w/ headlight design. Gen4.5 in Asia and Europe market had a factory installed fog lamp, looks like the ES300. Gen4 had fog lamps too but seem a bit smaller and not clear (similar to the earlier ES300 Gen3 to Gen3.5). Interior is pretty much the same except for the frabic.

Either one would be nice though.

 

gen 4.5 do have clear corners
http://www.ebay.com/itm/00-01-Toyot...Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model:Camry&hash=item2a222a0732&vxp=mtr

however the gen 4 rear clears are really hard to get makato autotrends had them for 80$ but only had a few left idk if they still have any, I got free shipping when I got them since they were running a special at the time

http://www.makotoautotrends.com/product_info.php?products_id=9617&osCsid=7f75g7fi1504qu0ikvi2sv75u2

heres their gen 4.5 as well
http://www.makotoautotrends.com/product_info.php?products_id=9140&osCsid=7f75g7fi1504qu0ikvi2sv75u2

if they still have them (you need a dremel tool to shave the sockets a little) and I can post pics of mine tomorrow when I get home from work if you guys are interested

and I noticed the passenger side front arm rest style was kinda like the back but on mine its flat (although it has the buldging issue from heat which I've noticed the leather isn't as prone to as badly)

 

I think he meant clear front corners. I wish they had them too.
The lack of those is the ONLY thing better with the Gen 4s and that is not even Toyota's fault.

I have had XLE V6 in both and the 4.5 is better hands down. Some of the points mentioned in favor of the 4s are moot for most of us since they are different in the states.

 

I was meaning the rears but fronts too be nice

Didn't know they had me. At lease last time I checked on line s long time ago didn't see my. Very nice find.

 

They have front clear corners for both gens

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So much hat on the Gen 4 Tails, I actually think its a sleeker looking car than the 4.5 all around tails included.

 

I guess you are right but only out of Aus. I wish they were not so much to ship.

 

You can get a set of the rears for less than $50.

 

So Jan, my question to YOU is............when are you gonna be a trooper and send us all some front bumper covers with the fog lights in them?

 

A bit off topic i guess, but. I've checked now, and it seems they cost about $210-250 at the junkyard (in OK condition with no cracks, some might need to be sanded and repainted though).
Then the shipping to the US comes in addition. Shipping could be a bit pricy due to the large size, so probably worth shipping more then just one at the time if more then one is wanted.

Unsure how many i could get a hold of though, as it's not too many Gen 4/4.5's in the junkyards around here.

 

Hehe. I surly wouldn't mind shipping a coupple of them.
But the prices here in Norway are very high though, even in the junkyard - where they're for sure going to need a repaint before you can use them with pride...

 

I like the mid-gen refresh in general, so I like the gen 4.5 better. Just looks newer and nicer. Same with the gen 3.5 and 5.5. Plus the 4.5 was the start of standard 15" rims even on the I4 which is a nice touch.

 

I wonder who has the molds for those bumpers and why nobody if pressing replacements?

Same thing goes for the lip kit.