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:

• 

  About to put on 4th SET of tires and only have 72,000 miles on car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lucy123 - October 15 - 1:07 am

  I bought my camry off the showroom floor. It is a 2007 SE. Less than one year from the date of purchase I found myself back in the dealership to purchase NEW tires. The dealer gave me a "discount" and said the factory tires were "softer" therefore wearing out faster. Since then, I have put on 2 more sets of tires, ONE set per year and I in less than a month, I will have to purchase my 4th SET of tires! These tires are not cheap! I bought the camry because of the low maintenance reputation. I was wrong! Did I mention that I have had the two front bearings go out and a water pump? YES....my 2007 Camry SE is a LEMON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  Its a keeper - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pat - October 12 - 1:10 pm

  Our toyota camry was the first foreign? car to come into our household. it wont be the last. My husband is so impressed by the workmanship and reliability. The only negative was the tires that came on it new. They only lasted about 12,000 miles. Not enough for our sedate type of driving. We replaced them with michelins and have had no further problems.

• 

  100K and still going. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Kloth - October 12 - 6:36 am

  We bought this car because of its reliability reputation. We bought it new. We just turned 100K miles and have had no major problems. New battery at 3 yrs. New brakes and tires at about 86K miles. Thats it. We still get just over 30 mpg on the highway with one passenger, full trunk and A/C on. The front seats could be more comfortable and we really dont like the throttle-by-wire system. The excessive lag can be dangerous if you are not planning for it. Also, the five speed trans sometimes hunts between 1-2-3 resulting in a sudden downshift with a clunk or an up shift and surge. The readouts for the radio and temp controls are hard to read in sunlight.

• 

  Disappointed - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Josie - October 12 - 4:33 am

  I traded in a 2004 Camry LE when the extended warranty ran out at 100K miles; The 2009 feels smaller inside and out. I feel cramped and like Im in a fishbowl - and I am a small lady. With the seat arranged for short person comfort, I have no visibility to check for traffic in my blind spot on either side. Maybe it doesnt have a blind spot? Ha! Im looking at the post when I look over my shoulder. I cant see over the hood to park it and keep missing the lines - yes, I know how to park a car and Ill adjust til I figure it out. Ive only had the car for 3 days and now Im not sure what to do - and Im really concerned that Ill miss another car sitting in a blind spot.

• 

  Couldnt Be Happier!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - October 10 - 9:03 pm

  The car has run outstandingly well from the day I bought it. Theres been no mechanical or noise problems with it. Id highly recommend anyone buy this car if they are seeking an affordable, comfortable, reliable vehicle.

• 

  Good Economic Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Tipp City Ohio - October 10 - 2:06 pm

  This car is not for someone that is looking for style or fashion. Its a work car. Great gas mileage, great reliability, and performance for a 4 banger. The steering column needed to have telescopic function or sat closer to the driver. The interior is boring as a Buick, and the exterior looks like a granny car. But this car is built with quality and economy in mind. Blast them for making a Lt Blue version. My wife fell in love with it and now I feel weird driving a baby blue car. Oh well, its hers anyway.

• 

  Rock solid - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Carlove - October 8 - 4:30 pm

  Just purchased it with 82k. Excellent car. It still drives and looks perfectly new. I highly recommend it. This is the 3rd camry i am driving and its better than ever.

• 

  Not your Moms Camry ! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By redrobert - October 6 - 5:10 am

  Purchased my car as a Demo and absolutely love this car. Drove a BMW 3 series before and looked at many cars before pulling the trigger. Acceleration is SICK. Interior is very nice and quiet. JBL system owns. Shocked that this car has "Camry" on the trunk. Rides great, expect solid reliability. Upgraded rims to 18" BBS/Michelin tires and it sets the car off! I am surprised at how pleased I have been so far. Lexus ES 350 at a Toyota price. When I got the car I wanted to open it up to see what it was capable of. If you buy this model be careful, I was crusing smooth and fast, looked down an was going over 100 mph. WOW!

• 

  Smoothest car ever driven - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Import car lover - October 5 - 10:50 pm

  It has 108,000 miles and runs like a brand new car! This is amazing! the only problem i had was that the the engine oil was leaking!!!! Bummer! But after fixing that, it is AN AWESOME CAR!

• 

  Worse than my mother in law - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Ramses the Great - October 5 - 3:48 pm

  smells horrible-worse than tuna and garlic breath. I hate this car, unreliable and doesnt work. the only working thing is the A/C but the knobs fell off. It keeps dying and it took me three green lights to get through an intersection. Not the best way to attract the ladies acts as women repellent. Should be driven off a cliff and lit on fire and thrown up on. If you own one give it away as a gift or use for target practice.