The low angle DOHC and SOHC cylinder heads excel in low-mid torque and power, making the VZ series well-suited for various uses in cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Forged steel crankshafts, and cast iron main bearing support girdles became standard with the 3VZ-FE.

It uses an SOHC layout with a cast iron block and an aluminium 12 valve head.

It retains the same bore and stroke, and has a forged steel crankshaft and cast connecting rods.

The upper intake plenum is of the split-chamber design with Toyota's ACIS variable-intake system feeding three sets of runners for both heads.

Because the VZ series was originally for pickup truck and SUV use, the 3VZ-FE happens to be a physically tall motor.

This "tilt" is so severe (approximately ~15 degrees) that reaching the rear bank of cylinders is nearly impossible without first removing the intake plenum.

The 3VZ-FE was used on the Camry platform from 1992 to May 1997 depending on the market: North America saw the engine only in 1992 and 1993, while Australia and New Zealand had it from 1992 to 1996.

The Scepter (the Japanese version of the XV10 Camry) retained the engine until its discontinuation in December 1996.

The 3VZ-FE is fairly common in most parts of the world, having a long lifespan in popular models.

This engine also sometimes features an oil cooler (depending on application) and a wasted spark ignition system with three coils.