Did the Camry ever come in manual?
The short answer: yes. The Toyota Camry was offered with a manual transmission on some older models and in certain markets, though today the main Camry lineup in the United States and Canada is automatic-only.
This article traces when and where a manual Camry existed, why the option faded, and what this means for collectors and enthusiasts today.
Historical overview
To understand the manual option, it helps to look at how the Camry evolved across generations and regions. Below is a snapshot of where a manual transmission appeared and where it disappeared.
- Manual transmissions were available on certain early Camry models with four-cylinder engines in a variety of markets, including parts of North America, Europe, and Australasia.
- In several regions, the manual option persisted on some generations for 4‑cylinder Camrys even as V6 versions were typically paired with automatics.
- In the United States and Canada, automatics became the dominant configuration, and the manual option was phased out from the Camry lineup by the end of the 2000s for the mainstream models.
- Today, the Camry is generally sold with automatic transmissions in major markets, with manuals largely limited to older stock, rare regional offerings, or non‑U.S. markets where catalogues differ.
These patterns show a gradual shift away from manuals as consumer demand, fuel economy expectations, and manufacturing costs pushed automatics to the forefront.
Regional variations
Manual availability varied by country and generation. Here’s how different regions approached the option over time.
- North America (U.S. and Canada): Manuals appeared on some early four‑cylinder Camrys but are not offered on current models; enthusiasts typically look to older used cars to find a manual example.
- Europe: Manuals were available on certain generations, reflecting local market preferences, but Camry sales in Europe have remained relatively limited and regionally variable.
- Australia and New Zealand: Earlier Camry iterations could be found with manuals on select trims, with automatics becoming dominant in later years.
- Japan and other markets: Local specs sometimes included a manual option on specific generations, depending on demand and certification—variations that did not always translate to global availability.
The variation underscores how global supply chains, local tastes, and regulatory environments shaped whether a manual Camry could be found in a given country.
Current status and outlook
As of 2024–2025, Toyota’s flagship Camry sold in the United States and Canada is an automatic-only model, including hybrids that use an e‑CVT or multi‑speed automatic setups. In many non‑North American markets, manuals were historically offered on older Camry generations but are rarely, if ever, available on new stock today; future Camry developments are unlikely to reintroduce a traditional manual in the major markets due to shifting consumer preferences and cost considerations.
For anyone chasing a manual Camry, the practical path is usually to seek a well-maintained used example from years when manuals were offered, while recognizing that availability will depend on region and model year.
Summary
In summary, the Camry has indeed borne a manual transmission in the past, primarily on certain four‑cylinder variants and in select markets. Today, the most common Camry configuration is automatic, especially in North America, though manuals can still be found only in older or regionally limited examples. If you’re shopping for a manual Camry, awareness of your market and model year is essential.
