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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  My 1st 4 Cylinders - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By cameralization - July 25 - 11:56 pm

  I have always drove V6 & V8. Since my new car is for business driving, i figured i go with the 4. I looked at Sonata, Optima, Altima & Camry and i am very pleased with my Camry decision. The SE V6 that i test drove was very fun to drive with lots of power however it was noisy and not as comfortable as the XLE mainly (i think) due to sportier suspensions and the low profile 18" tires. The XLE was much more comfortable ride and quieter. Even though i love my 4cylinders XLE, i wish i spent the extra money and got the V6 XLE. The 4 has ampul power and i know i will be happier at the gas pump with my 500 commuting miles a week.

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  Transmission woes! Beware! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck W. - July 24 - 7:50 am

  We looked at the 07 Impala and settled on the Camry SE. Gas mileage is terrific. Safety was #1 and mileage was #2. We love the ride with one exception.... the auto transmission is very poorly designed and Toyota hasnt decided what to do. When approaching a stop with little or no gas pedal pressure, the transmission downshifts normally until the car shifts gears and suddenly lurches ahead at a higher speed. This is very disturbing and perhaps even unsafe because now I have to apply much more of the brake to stop. It is a very surprising and unnatural experience. Will most likely be our last Toyota.

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  Great car! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Saugata Ghose - July 22 - 7:05 pm

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  Four trips to the shop so far. - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By aeroengr - July 22 - 8:10 am

  We love the Camry, upgraded from a 1997 V6 Camry with 150,000 miles. The 2009 is a big step up in quiet and smooth performance. Even with the small 4 cyl. engine, the performance in the mountains where we live is very good. Problem has been wheel bearings. Four wheel bearings have been replaced by two different dealers within 1000 miles. Great customer service from both dealers, but Toyota has no clue as to what is causing our problem.

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  Not a "Granny Car" - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Marie Alexander - July 19 - 10:06 pm

  This car looks good, rides good, corners well, and has a wide turning radius. It has Inki wheels, a spoiler, power windows, bose speakers, cruise, tented windows, cold, cold air, lumbar control, no leather, and no problems. I use about 40.00 in gas every two weeks. At this time July 2007, gas is 2.89 (city). My children and grandchildren call it a "fine ride." It serves me well. Did I mention no problems. It is however a bit sluggish when floored. Wider than expected. Took some getting used to. You dont have to be young to drive this young design.

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  New 2006 Camry Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By AllanL - July 18 - 6:33 pm

  I only have 500 miles on my new LE 4cyl. I have averaged 31 mpg with combination city/Hwy miles. Handles well, and looks great. Upgraded to leather and so far very happy with the decision. Enough power to be safe and respectable in traffic. Initial rating may be the best car I have ever purchased. I have owned two toyotas before with excellent results from both.

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  Runs great. - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By chicagocamry - July 17 - 10:13 am

  Traded in RWD sports car for this FWD sedan to deal with Chicago winters and never looked back. This thing just keeps going and going. Did some regular maintenance (oil, brakes, tires, battery, struts), but no mechanical problems for 8 years now. Has over 120k and drives like new.

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  Wow what a terrific car to own and drive - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Lin Bradley - July 17 - 10:10 am

  We looked at a lot of cars and drove some and this is the best one we were able to purchase. No other drove with such smootheness. This is the best year for this model. I like it even over the Altimas. Go get one! You wont be sorry. But, they are hard to find. Sorry maybe I got the last good one in Portland, OR. Good luck!

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  GREAT CAR!! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By amol - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on June 23rd, 1995 and I have already put on 200,000 miles, yet Ive only had to service the car ONCE!!! And that was about a week ago!!! A great car!!

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  My fav auto - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By shoemasterz - July 15 - 2:00 pm

  Great family car, large trunk comes in handy for those long road trips, reliable, handles well in poor weather.