How much was a Toyota Camry in 1996?
In 1996, a brand-new Toyota Camry typically started around $15,000 for the base model, with mid-range trims around $17,000–$19,000 and V6-equipped versions topping out near $22,000–$23,000. Final sticker prices varied by trim, options, and region.
This article examines the pricing landscape for the 1996 Camry, the last year of its third generation in the United States, and explains how price varied by trim and configuration. It also places the numbers in historical context to help readers understand how the model fit into the market at the time.
Pricing by Trim and Configuration
Below is a snapshot of typical U.S. sticker prices for common Camry trims in 1996. The figures reflect the era’s standard equipment and option availability; actual prices could differ by dealer and location.
- Base model: approximately $15,000–$16,000 MSRP
- Mid-level trim: approximately $17,000–$19,000 MSRP
- V6-equipped or higher trims: approximately $21,000–$23,000 MSRP
Prices in the list represent common configurations for buyers at the time; regional taxes, dealership incentives, and optional packages could push the final price higher or lower.
Inflation-adjusted perspective
When adjusted for inflation to today’s dollars, these prices roughly translate to about $30,000 for a base model, around $34,000–$38,000 for mid-level trims, and approximately $40,000–$44,000 for the top-tier configurations. Inflation estimates vary slightly depending on the index used, but the general idea is that 1996 Camrys cost roughly twice their nominal price in today’s money.
Context and Model-Year Details
The 1996 Camry was part of Toyota’s fourth generation in the United States, with the next generation arriving for the 1997 model year. The pricing landscape reflected the Camry’s positioning as a reliable, mid-size sedan with a choice of four-cylinder or V6 powertrains, plus options that could push the sticker price higher for buyers seeking more features or performance.
Summary
For the 1996 Toyota Camry, buyers could expect a base price in the mid-teens of dollars, mid-level trims in the upper teens of dollars, and V6-equipped models in the low to mid $20,000s. Regional differences and optional equipment could alter final pricing. Viewed through the lens of today’s dollars, the era’s sticker prices sit roughly in the $30k–$44k range, depending on trim and inflation measures.
