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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  XLE V6 - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Andrew - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The Camry XLE V6 is very comfortable and reliable. It has a good performance.

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  Its a tank. - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Heinen - June 25 - 7:13 pm

  I bought the car from my father in law who had the car since new. At that time it had 162,000 on the odometer. I now have 255,000. Yes, you read that correctly. I drive on average 100 miles a day, at least during the week anyways. I have had to do breaks several times but not due to a lack of quality. All the service since I have had it has been done by myself (a former Toyota mechanic) and rarely use anything other than factory parts. The car has been hit several times (mostly rear ended) but has never had to see a body shop. The car is a tank - indestrucible. I plan on driving it until there is no drive left in it. Who knows when that will be.

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  Great MPG - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By dakotaduffy - June 25 - 12:13 am

  This makes my 39th vehicle. My wife says that I have a problem! I just purchased this car in hopes to have a dependable, good MPG ride. Guess what, that is exactly what I have. Of course dependability is yet to be seen but from what everyone says I should not have to worry. Now, for the MPG. The sticker said I should get 31 on the highway. I travel rural roads (2 lane) to work 48 miles each way and so far I have been getting 33-37 MPG (wow). I fill it up until it is just to the neck so I know exactly how much is in there. The computer seems to be about 1 mpg off (on the high side) but actual numbers are still outstanding. I am 63" and have plenty of room. So far, LOVE IT.

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  Converter/trans Shudder 4cyl 2014 1/2 Camry SE - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By festus3 - June 24 - 11:34 pm

  after owning well over a dozen Toyotas, I decide to purchase a new 14 1/2 Camry. I drove it less than 400 miles and it was shuddering (vibrating) so bad the windshield was moving. Wrecker had to tow it. Ask for refund, was offered another Camry identical to the 1st one and I took it. I drove 2nd 64 miles and the same thing happened again, although not as severe. Dealer replaced converter and ? to transmission. Go for arbitration and/or Lemon Law is the Toyota Presidents position. Please Ukier or any other person who has had experience with this, post comments and suggestions from your exp.to help me through this ordeal.. I am a very sr. citizen and this is really a problem for me.

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  Problem car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dr. Wysiwyg - June 24 - 6:36 pm

  Its my third Toyota and the only one with the quality in the toilet. When just 200miles, it started to jerk/hesitate. Now with 700miles, the back seat starts to rattle. 1-touch power window behaves inconsistently-- sometimes 1-touch open it fully, sometimes I have to press it all the time. I will trade it for something better soon.

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  Camry for Life - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Ron - June 24 - 10:20 am

  I have 3 Camrys in my driveway. My 1995 was a gift from my parents for graduating college. I was a young 22 year old expecting something sporty, but instead got a "family car." That led me to neglect the car, often not changing the oil 10,000 miles several times. I raced the car, even doing donuts, high revving that would have probably killed the engine. Except for cracked exhaust pipe and usual replacements like battery, starter, etc, it gave me 13 years of trouble-free driving. When I got married, I bought my wife a 2001 Camry. And last year, we purchased a 2007 model. All 3 Camrys still sit in my driveway, the 95 being my most cherished.

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  My First Car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By colinmcguire16 - June 23 - 2:57 pm

  I can honestly say, I doubted this car after my father started sharing it with me. Since this summer, I really enjoyed the driving experience. Im only 16, but I pay for my own insurance, and since Im already covered for the rest of the year, I need to get a job. Oh wait, I have an orientation this Saturday! Anyway, the functions of this car is astonishing and it feels wonderful.

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  Best Car On The Road - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ga Boy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car gets 34 mpg. It rides great,handles superb. I was pleasantly surprised at the great inprovments Toyota has made to the new Camry.

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  Went in for a Scion out with a camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By sl2f - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I went into the dealership looking for my first new car as a graduation gift from college. I went in expecting to buy a Scion xA ended up test driving the new 2005 corolla and then was convinced to try the Camry. Long story short, the Camry at below invoice with 0.0% apr was actually only $30 more than the new 2005 Corollas with the 4.9% apr offered. Great car, very roomy and drives like a dream.

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  2010 Camry LE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Warren - June 22 - 3:55 am