Toyota Camry: Exterior Modifications

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2011).

The Toyota Camry has built a solid and well-earned reputation as the go-to mid-size sedan for families and individual drivers. It is reliable, offers excellent gas mileage (21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway) and is equipped with comfortable seats all around. If you wish to modify your Camry by adding a few extra bells and whistles to your particular model year, it's recommended that you focus your attention on the exterior. This guide will give you a rundown on what you can do to go about achieving your modification goals. Keep reading to learn more about getting noticed a little more often when behind the wheel of your Camry.

Exterior Modifications

For the 4th, 5th and 6th gen Toyota Camry models, you have four main options to modify the exterior of your vehicle: skirts, exhaust tips, front lip/rear lip and grilles. To strengthen the overall impact of these modifications on your vehicle, it's recommended that you budget for a fresh coat of paint to complement your vehicle's new bells and whistles.

Skirts

DIY Cost – $90-600

Professional Cost – $250+

Skill Level – Moderate; This job requires drilling in your car.

Side skirts are the perfect way to add a little extra "oomph" to your Toyota Camry, particularly a 4th gen vehicle in need of a well deserved face lift. This will come by way of changing how your vehicle appears to sit in proximity to the ground. In other words, side skirts are used to make a vehicle appear to look lower to the ground. When the right side skirts are chosen, your vehicle will appear stunning and up-to-date. Added benefits include somewhat increased fuel mileage and increased stability while traveling at high speeds. With a range of body kits and side skirt rocker panels available for 4th, 5th and 6th gen vehicles, Duraflex is the go-to brand for the Toyota Camry, regardless of the model year. Recommended for those who wish to add the final piece to an existing aftermarket front and back bumper combo.

Exhaust Tips

DIY Cost – $120-150

Professional Cost – $300+

Skill Level – Easy; This job requires no special skills.

This is the coolest way to change the look of your Camry without breaking the bank. Exhaust tips are available in a range of attention-grabbing styles, including dual, oval, round and square. When it comes to the actual material used in the makeup of these cool accessories, you have three main options: chromed steel, mild steel and stainless steel. You'll need to choose the inlet and outlet size of the exhaust tip, as well as the length. Gibson is the go-to brand across all model years and is well reviewed. A word to the wise: be careful when backing up or navigating your Camry near a high curb! Your exhaust tips could become crushed upon impact, which will require a replacement. Recommended for those who wish to add subtle aggressive flair to the rear of their Camry.

Front/Rear Lip Spoiler

DIY Cost – $140-350

Professional Cost – $900 including installation

Skill Level – Easy; A curing process of approx. 6 hours or so is required.

Let's face it, you have a lot of options when it comes to this modification. For 4th and 5th gen vehicles, Pure is the go-to brand, while Remin, T5i, JKS and Dawn are the brands everyone is talking about when it comes to the 6th gen model year.

If you are a 6th gen Camry owner, you might want to consider investing in a custom style front or rear lip spoiler as a way to complement your vehicle's new front fascia and revised rear tail lights. Recommended for those who wish to add more aggressive styling without having a full bumper change.

Grilles

DIY Cost – $75+

Professional Cost – $250 including parts and labor

Skill Level – Easy; Setup is straightforward and requires little time.

This is the cheapest and easiest way to modify your Camry. If you wish to get the most expensive version out there, you can get a chrome fine mesh grille offered by E&G Classics; you'll be in the pocket for around $400 (retail). Otherwise, a standard aluminum (or chrome, which is pricier) billet grille or grille skin is an excellent bet; chrome plated options are also available. Grilles are ideal across model years. Recommended for those who want to add a new nose to their Camry.

Related Discussion

• Camry Side Skirts - Camryforums.com