Overview & Reviews

The Toyota Camry quietly debuted late in the 1983 model year, when Toyota replaced its old rear-wheel-drive Corona with the front-wheel-drive Camry, a car aimed specifically at the U.S. market. From these humble beginnings, the Camry would go on to dominate the midsize family sedan segment for virtually all of the next quarter-century, as consumers immediately embraced it for its high build quality, comfortable ride and impressive durability.

New or used, the Camry comes pretty highly recommended. As the Camry sells in such high numbers, finding one that matches your criteria should be pretty easy. It is worth noting that the family segment has improved greatly in more recent years. Many competing sedans have matched or outpaced the Camry in terms of quality and desirability, particularly in comparison to the sixth-generation model. The latest version of the Camry, however, has largely shored up the car's reputation as a go-to choice.

Current Toyota Camry
The five-passenger Toyota Camry is offered in L, LE, SE, SE Sport and XLE trim levels with a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, while the available (depending on trim) 3.5-liter V6 makes 268 hp and 248 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and sends power to the front wheels.

The Camry L's feature highlights include air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a touchscreen display and a six-speaker sound system with a USB interface. Stepping up to the LE gets you a few more features, while the SE spices things up with a sport-tuned suspension and sporty styling treatments. The SE Sport features bigger wheels, a sunroof and a power driver seat. The luxurious XLE reverts to a softer suspension and adds a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats and leather upholstery (V6). A premium audio system with a larger touchscreen and upgraded navigation system can be added to XLE models.

It should be noted that halfway into the 2014 model year, the Camry's standard equipment was revised. As such, the rearview camera became standard across the board, the upper trims picked up some enhanced audio features and the Entune name was expanded to cover all of the car's infotainment systems (not just the one with smartphone integration).

In reviews, we've praised this Toyota Camry's interior, which provides roomy seating, admirable outward visibility and well-placed controls. What the cabin design lacks in cohesiveness, it makes up for with generally good materials quality, especially the handsome stitching on the dash and door panels of upper trims. Toyota's Entune system is also praiseworthy in the way it easily adds enhanced audio, information and navigation features, although the touchscreen's virtual buttons can be a little frustrating to use at times.

Overall, this Camry provides the comfort and the quiet and smooth ride that should please a wide swath of midsize sedan shoppers. Power and fuel economy are excellent with either engine as well. The only major downside is the car's handling, which isn't as lively or engaging as that of other top family sedans, such as the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima.

Used Toyota Camry Models
The latest (seventh) generation Toyota Camry debuted for 2012 and has a number of significant improvements over the previous one. The interior is significantly nicer than before, and the four-cylinder engine is more powerful. Yet the car is still unmistakably a Camry, with a focus on pragmatic appeal and convenience. Changes since have been minimal. For 2014, the SE Sport trim level joined the lineup, while halfway through that model year saw some minor equipment shuffling that included the rearview camera becoming standard across the board.

The previous sixth-generation Camry was produced for the 2007-'11 model years. In reviews, we commented favorably about the Camry's spacious cabin, powerful and fuel-efficient optional V6, plush ride quality and top crash test scores. Unlike older Camrys, though, this one was let down by disappointing interior plastics, inconsistent fit and finish and uninspiring driving dynamics for non-SE models. It's a respectable choice for a used family sedan, but we thought more highly of competing models, such as the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima.

For most of its production run, the Camry was offered in LE, SE and XLE trim levels. The entry-level model was labeled as the CE trim, but only for the first year. Base and LE models came fairly well equipped, while the SE brought with it a sport-tuned suspension. The softer-sprung XLE included items such as a premium sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power passenger seat, reclining rear seats and leather upholstery (V6). Most of the features on the higher-trimmed models were offered on supporting trims as options. Other major options included a sunroof and a navigation system.

This Camry was offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine, with improvements made over the years. The initial base engine was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produced 158 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque (slightly lower in California and other states). A five-speed manual or five-speed automatic was available, though four-cylinder XLEs were automatic only. The 3.5-liter V6 produced 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and was paired to a six-speed automatic only.

In 2010, the base engine was increased to 2.5 liters and power output was boosted to 169 hp. The SE was further pushed to 179 hp. Both manual and automatic transmissions were also upgraded to six speeds. Other 2010 changes included a restyled grille and taillights, and standard stability control, satellite radio and Bluetooth for all models.

Previous to this was the fifth-generation car that was produced from 2002-'06. As expected, it was a comfortable sedan that offered a roomy cabin, a choice of inline-4 or V6 power and, depending on trim level and optional equipment, most of the latest safety features such as stability control and side curtain airbags. However, prior to 2005, the base Camry did not come standard with antilock brakes. As with other Camrys, we generally found this generation to be very good in terms of room, comfort and feature content.

Three engines were available for this generation. The first was a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that made 154 hp (145 with PZEV emissions controls). It was mated to either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission (four-speed prior to '05) and should be powerful enough for the majority of buyers. A 3.0-liter V6 that generated 190 hp was also available (18 hp less prior to '04) on the LE and XLE trim levels, while a 210-hp, 3.3-liter V6 (introduced for 2004) was available on the SE model only. These six-cylinder Camrys came with the automatic only. In previous years, these power numbers were higher because of a change in measurement that occurred in 2006, although actual output never changed.

Like the more recent versions, the 1997-2001 Toyota Camry sedan offered a quiet, stress-free driving experience. Many desirable modern features were also available, including side airbags and antilock brakes (which became standard on all trim levels except the base CE). It, too, was offered with four- and six-cylinder powertrains.

Although a Camry older than 1997 is likely to have quite a few miles on it, it is still something to consider for folks on a tight budget. Provided it has been faithfully maintained, a 1992-'96 Camry (which was available in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles) should be able to spin its odometer to nearly 200,000 miles without major problems. It's this final trait, more than any other, that has kept the Toyota Camry popular with buyers over the last two decades.

User Reviews:

• 

  Very Reliable, Excellent Quality - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By MistR Pardi - November 13 - 11:16 am

  As far as quality goes this car rates a 20. When I bought my 94 Camry I first thought it was a 97 or 98 from the looks of the interior. I know cars and this car is solid. No parts falling apart or ripping seats like others in its class. Only repairs I have had to do were fix the rear struts and a small oil leak so far. I also replaced the timing belt which made the car brand new. Keep up with oil changes and tune ups and this car will drive forever.

• 

  A Lexus for a Camry Price !!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Mogab - November 13 - 9:36 am

  Bought the XLE V6 with every option on it except heated seats... who needs heated seats in Florida. Car is fantastic. Exterior reminds me of a 530i and the interior is plush especially with the light woodgrain finish. The Nav is easy to use and figure out compared to other reviews I have read on other makers. I have had zero problems so far at 2000 miles and am averaging around 27mpg with city and highway combined. This is my first Toyota after driving Chrysler products for the last 15 years.

• 

  Good Old Lady - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sunday Driver - November 12 - 2:00 am

  It has been a reliable vehicle. Ive been good about maintaining it according to the owners manual. Had to replace the radiator a couple of years ago; has almost 110,000 miles on her. I was thinking about selling her cause little cosmetic things are breaking like the bezel on the drivers side cracked (had to open the door from the outside)and the center console lid hinge is cracked all the way down. Clear coat on hood is starting to peel. Thinking about buying an American made hybrid vehicle this time around. This good old lady has been a good ride.

• 

  Great car. - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Janice - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new and it has been a great car, reliable, good drive, roomy and comfortable. I purchased a new car in 1999 and wished I bought another Camry. I purchased an Accord which is reliable but not as attractive or fun to drive. I have 140,000 miles on the car and it still runs great.

• 

  THE SOFA ON WHEELS - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By j.d. - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I feel like I have just kicked back on my lazyboy recliner and went site-seeing. I paid a lot more for the car over the accord but it is so worth it. I had the best salesman (Jay thank you!) at Toyota World of Lakewood. Toyota knows how to treat customers which made it easy to buy this Camry!

• 

  Pretty happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Parker - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving a BMW that was braking down at least once a month, and after so much money spent to fix, I am Pretty shocked by some of the reviews Ive read. I have not had any problems with my Camry after almost 4 years and 95,000 miles. never the less I have never done anything to the car but oil changes every five thousand miles. It does have a small rattle on the dashboard and may have to change the rotors soon but after 95000 miles well id have to anyway. Now after reading this reviews I wonder if I should start looking into a different car before I hit 100,000 miles. I was hoping to get a V6 Camry but now Im hesitant.

• 

  Not like the old Camrys - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - November 10 - 11:33 am

  Rattles, creaks, wind noise, drivers door alignment have been issues former Toyotas Ive owned have never had. Im happy Im not having the trans issues the V6s have had. All in all Toyota has dropped the ball. Seems the companys quest to be #1 has caused quality issues. Ill think twice before buying another Toyota.

• 

  Just a wonderful automobile - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JRS - November 10 - 8:16 am

  Powerfull, quiet, good gas mileage, excellent workmanship, good audio system. Can even change CDs from the steering wheel controls by holding the track up or track down button for 1 second. NAV display is excellent.

• 

  Very Reliable Great Car!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bbarn60 - November 10 - 6:50 am

  I bought my Camry new back in 2006. I now have over 103,000 miles on this car and it is still going strong with barely any problems. I fixed all recall issues which include the floor mat and break pedal they were simple fixes. My water pump does need to be replaced. I already purchased the part and it will only cost $180.00 to have it put on. If you go to the dealer it will cost a little more. Other than that just regular, on time maintenance is all that is needed to properly maintain this car. Even though my husband is an aggressive driver it still has held up. Out of the four cars Ive owned the Camry is the most reliable.

• 

  Liked my 03 better in some way - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By New Camry owner - November 10 - 5:46 am

  Just picked up a new 07 Camry LE automatic with the base 4 cylinder. Traded an 03 of the same model in for it. New model is a tad quieter but still doesnt handle really well. The styling is ok in some areas and weird in others. The front end treatment looks like it has a buck tooth and the rear looks droopy. I like the style of my 03 better. The interior is nicer though. I would wish for more than 158 hp and a transmission that didnt react with a clunk when you take your foot off the accelerator to take a turn. Also why is every new Toyota being made without the door strips to protect from so many unforgiving motorists from door jams? Trunk is smaller than my 03 also.