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:

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  Purchased in Kissimmee, FL with 179K miles - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Darren Tomas Jackson - August 3 - 7:25 pm

  If you locate a 2002 2.4 liter SE with more than 170k miles on it.., that has a condensation visual appearance exhaust, BUY IT! You wont go wrong. These motors are pretty much bullet proof, besides the normal replacement of worn engine parts, batteries, tires and struts. The owner of my Camry always kept Amsoil in every sump the car had..., including the coolant. I truly appreciate this, for this is why I made the purchase. The previous owner obviously knew the importance of quality lubes (synthetic) and other chemicals. I took a leak down test of the vehicle, before I actually purchased it, and without going through the technical part of things, both the compression rings and cylinder walls revealed that of practically a new car. I expect to get 500k miles out of this little transverse inline 2.4 liter work horse. The car as a whole, endured the punishing heat of Central Florida since 2002, when it was purchased new. The paint in nothing to write home about.., but that engine is build correctly. Im a diesel guy! I own a 7.3 liter Ford Excursion with 236k miles on it. Hardly broken in.., for a diesel that is. I put the 2002 Toyota Camry longevity and reliability on the same platform as my Navistar 7.3 liter diesel. It just that darn dependable!!!! In conclusion, I will keep it on a steady diet of Amsoil 3000 Series HD Diesel motor oil. The drain interval for me is 25k, so all you have to do is change the oil filter every 7k miles, religiously. This is a sound practice that Ive used for more than 15 years, but with the 3000 Series Diesel synthetic oil only. I also own a 1986 Dodge 318ci pick-up with 617K miles on it, using the 3000 series Diesel only. If you come across a 2000-2006 Toyota Camry 2.4 liter..., BUY IT. Itll be the best investment youll ever make. Darren T. Jackson (Chicago, IL)

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  I went with the Camry. - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By bach229 - August 2 - 12:21 pm

  After 1100 miles, I have to say this car is great. The SE handles better than the other Camrys and is fun to drive. Excellent transmission! No CVT, of which Im not a fan. Very comfortable seats, good sound system, feels fast for a 4 cylinder. Love the interior layout, very roomy. Averaging 31 mpg so far in mixed driving. I drove Accord, Altima, Sonata, Optima, and Mazda 6 but liked this best of all.

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  exceptional performance - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By chuns_chan - August 1 - 2:00 am

  it really fun to have a V6 engine wih 194 hps. the suspension is soft and high perfoem on the rough road!

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  I thought I was alone! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - August 1 - 1:36 am

  Im glad I found this web site. Just wish it would have been before the purchase of a 2007 Camry. As a previous Toyota owner, I thought it was a no brainer. However this car has serious throttle and shifting issues. Sometimes the car runs other times it cant get out of its own way. I called my dealer and Toyota. The dealer said he could reset the car to factory settings but that might make it worse. Toyota corporate would not admit there is a problem. I filed a complaint, whatever good that will do. I traded the car for a major loss. I will never buy another Toyota and will tell my story to everyone I know. As they say, buyer beware. p.s. the dash rattled!

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  Great car, but POOR quality - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Steven Daly - July 31 - 1:00 pm

  I have owned a 1993 Camry and a 2001 Camry, and this 2008 Camry is terrible compared to those two. I am so disappointed in the cheap plastic parts, the terrible squeaks and rattles and the horrible transmission. This vehicle is by far, the best looking Camry I have had, but the worst quality of the three. It has already been in the shop FOUR TIMES. My other Camrys were never in the shop for anything other than oil changes!!

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  Nothing but trouble - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Vic - July 29 - 1:10 pm

  Bought this car new in 2002. Has about 103000 miles now. Worst car I have ever owned. Had to have rotors replaced under warranty because of warping and have had them turned several times also. Have already gone through three batteries in less than seven years. The car recently started to run rough at around 40 mph. Dealers initial diagnosis was there is no code so no problem. Second visit for same problem and the diagnosis was a bent right front axle. On the third visit for the same problem the diagnosis is now the transmission O/D. To top it all off the radio is junk, and when you unlock the doors with the keyfob they stay unlocked for about 15 seconds and lock back up.

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  Great car? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jlahav - July 29 - 3:46 am

  After 14000 miles: 1. Paint is substandard. Worse paint of any car. 2. Standard stereo system. Bad sound quality. I could not turn the radio on. Replaced speakers with Sony speakers, sound quality improved. 3. Car is hesitating on acceleration. Takes 3 seconds for the car to respond. It is annoying and dangerous. 4. Squeaking noises from right side of front panel. Also clicking sound of something loose from the front panelÂ’s right side. 5. Loud popping noises coming from the rear left shock absorber area every now and then. 6. Uncomfortable seats. After long drive, I could not move for few minutes. Wife complaining of lower back pain. 7. Rattling noise from rear dashboardÂ’s right side.

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  Vanilla, Reliable - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - July 28 - 7:20 pm

  Boring car, but drives forever with no maintance. I have driven this car for two years and have had no problems what so ever. All I have done is oil changes. Awesome, but boring.

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  SATISFIED WITH TOYOTA - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By HAPPY CAR OWNER - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW OVER 5 YEARS AGO AND HAVE 110,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR IN FOR SCHEDULED SERVICE AND HAVE NEVER BEEN DISSAPOINTED BY MY TOYOTA. I WILL ONLY PURCHASE TOYOTA IN THE FUTURE.

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  inexpensive best car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By eagle28m - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in July 2002. It did not give me any trouble since then. It is the quitest car I ever driven. Everything is just perfect.