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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  Happy so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By fan1 - July 15 - 11:13 am

  Model: CE 4Dr 4 cyl, automatic, mfrd 01/07. So far I am very impressed with this car. The only thing the CE didnt have that I wanted was alloy wheels, which Im glad I added to the deal (just over $20k out the door). In a prior life I used to be a mechanic, and I went over this car and detail. Interior/exterior quality is very good. Quiet and refined ride, 4 cyl has sufficient power for everyday driving, and a smooth transmission that shifts well.

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  A second look 4 months later - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By dwarner - July 14 - 4:50 pm

  I reviewed this vehicle shortly after I bought it and gave high marks across the board, especially to the engine. I still like the car overall, but have a major complaint towards Toyota. After 3 months of driving, paint has chipped from the "running board" part of the passenger side doorframe at the edge between the vertical outside of the car and the horizontal ledge of the frame. The only logical prospective physical cause from my activity has been my shoes rubbing getting in and out. Toyota denied warranty coverage over this item, essentially suggesting I must have done something else. My shoes have been the same for 20 years with no prior problems of this type on any other car.

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  Almost a year now - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - July 14 - 12:33 pm

  Ive had my V-6 since 12-06. 13000 miles. The driver seat is still soft and mostly uncomfortable. MPG is great for a 6cyl. The tranny hesitates but not frequently and does not flare but we dont use the cruise control. I have tons of scratches and the paint does seem thin. The biggest complaints are the softness of the seat, the super cheap interior dash plastic and the location of the door pulls, they render the door arm rests useless. New problem showed up and my tires are more than half gone. Car has 13K on it, thats unacceptable. I cant sink $400 on tires now. Unfortunately I will trade this in on something in the next year or so, maybe a used TL.

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  Cool car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By yo - July 13 - 2:40 am

  This car is very neat in different ways. First, the trunk could fit almost anything. Second, its very loose and roomy. This is my first car and I look forward to the next Camry.

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  Just Finished A 1 Week Rental... - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By PapaBill - July 10 - 11:51 am

  I recently put 400 miles on a 15 SE in southwest Florida and Im impressed. Fit & finish are very good both inside and out. The slightly sportier suspension is evident on curvy on ramps at above normal speeds. The front interior room is almost as big as my old 04 Avalon XLS (now in my sons hands with 190K miles using synthetic oil). Bluetooth connection was easy - compared to my wifes 12 Avalon, which wont recognize my Droid Razr. The halogen headlights throw the light well. The 6 speed transmission with paddle shifters moves the car smartly from a stop. The A/C was more than adequate in a black car with black interior. Controls are easy to operate. In combined driving I averaged 28 mpg with at times a heavy right foot. The nit picks : The fuel mileage bar graph and ECO indicator are redundant as there is a trip computer. Some of the indicator icons are small but still readable. Red stitching in a black interior? The OE Michelins are a bit noisy. I suggest Kumho or Perelli P7s as a replacement. Both excellent tires in the snow. The back up camera guidelines dont turn with the wheel. Even GM products have that feature. The V6 option must move this car quick if my wifes heavier Avalon with the same motor is any indication. Its not my BMW 5 series but its decently sporty for a Toyota.

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  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Rod Farley - July 10 - 11:00 am

  Whats all the fuss? I now realize that the Camry is tinny, overpriced, and very expensive to maintain. I cannot get over 22 mpg. There are no dealerships in small towns, and they just love to replace my "cabin filter" even though I cleaned it minutes before I arrived at the dealership for service.

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  Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By fw - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my second camry. The first was a 1991 Camry which I traded in to get my 2001 Camry. We are a Toyota family and I love my 2001 Camry. It seem like the 2001 Camry rides a bit smoother, with a faster pickup. The sound coming from my stereo is awesome.

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  Ill tell them to keep it, honestly... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Frustrated by Toyota - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The brake pedal rattles when I depress it and also makes a noise. They told me this is normal and I have to live with it. I will take the car back and let them live with it. Also the dash rattles. The rear panel rattles and the plastic siding by the left passenger foot came off already. The right rear door stick and the trunk barely opens with the remote. I am soooo dissapointed. Its actually a 2003 LE but they did not have this option here yet. I hate thinking of paying for this piece of... for 5 years.

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  One Great Automobile - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Scott B. - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a well-designed car. The decision to buy this model was mostly influenced by Consumer Reports. The drive is smooth and quiet. The trunk is spacious and the rear seats fold down for longer cargo. The rear seat has air conditioning ducts the kids love. The 4 cylinder engine has ample power and accelerates quickly when needed. Finally, the XLE model has lots of great features.

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  This car is my baby - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jesse arzola - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car 4 years ago and ever since its still running. It cost me $1000 and I put over a grand into it. Im thinking of painting it. It drives better than my neighbors cheap Nissan altima 97 fo sho in yo face manny (my neighbor) Toyota beat your Nissan again