Inline-four models utilize the SXV20 (gasoline) and SXV23 (CNG) codes, with MCV20 designating the six-cylinder (V6) versions.

The Vista began departing from the Camry, remaining 1,700 mm (66.9 in) wide and eventually forming the basis of the growing Corolla.

In addition, the Vista's sheet metal resembled a tall, formal sedan, while the Camry became sleeker.

As Japanese yen soared in the mid-1990s, the redesigned Camry had less content than the previous model under pressure to reduce costs.

[5] Styling ended with a winning design competition proposal "C" by Kawazu Masahiko being chosen in August 1993, 36 months ahead of scheduled production.

The final XV20 design was frozen by early February 1994, at over 30 months ahead of scheduled production start in August 1996.

Production in Thailand and Indonesia began in 1999, replacing Australia as the source of Camrys in Southeast Asia.

The name "Altis" is a variation of the word "altitude", implying a "high elevation" status as the top-level car for Daihatsu.

In Australia, unlike the previous generation, the Camry name was also applied to the V6 variants, while the Toyota Vienta V6 range was revised as the "upmarket" models.

Towards the end of the model run, the limited edition Intrigue and Advantage sedans were launched.

The suspension was tuned by former F1 driver Chris Amon and featured TS emblems on the cluster and on the leather seats.

It was offered in three different trims as a sedan: the low-end XLI and mid-range GLI that both carried the four-cylinder engine—and the luxury Grande with V6 engine.

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offered a supercharger kit for the V6 models, raising power to 247 hp (184 kW) and 242 lb⋅ft (328 N⋅m) of torque.

Toyota, in 1999, offered a four-cylinder, non-hybrid CNG-powered XV20 Camry in California to fleet customers.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Camry a "Good" overall score in their frontal offset crash test.

[16][17] The Camry received a four out of five star safety rating in Euro NCAP's test, due to its side airbags.