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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  Many Design Flaws & Shabby Overall - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Neward Thelman - June 4 - 2:16 am

  This is a review of the 2016 Toyota Camry SE, but since the 2017 models are carried over unchanged, all comments should apply to 2017 models. As of this writing, Toyotas been running ads which say that Toyota has built the Camry with close attention to detail. "Tested, trusted, Toyota", the ad says. As an owner of a 2016 Camry I can attest that the detail to which theyve devoted their corporate and engineering attention is toward producing a car as cheaply as possible, maximizing profit, and little else. Starting with the engine, Toyota uses what its salespeople refer to as "chain drive", which means that Corollas and Camrys use a a timing chain rather than a belt [which can break, causing catastrophic damage to the engine]. Thats good. Its more reliable. Unfortunately, it also makes the engine noisy. Diesel engine noisy. Of course, the manufacturer can reduce that noise to inaudibility, but that costs extra money. I found that the Corolla engine noise was really loud inside the cabin. The Camry was less noisy, but theres more to the story. I tested four different Camrys. Three of them were tolerably quiet. The one that I ordered from the factory has turned out to be loud. Clattering, dieseling loud. Even worse, in cold weather, it takes a long time for the car to warm up. The colder the temperature, the longer it takes for warm up. How long? Five to ten minutes. Yep. Thats sitting, burning gas, not moving for ten minutes - like some 1952 Rambler. Of course, I took the car to Toyota service. They explained that the long warm up is due to the use of a timing chain. They said it takes that long for the oil to warm up enough to allow the cam shaft and the timing chain to reach operating temperature. And, yes, the noise levels were "normal". In fact, they found it all to be "withing normal operating standards and parameters". The lessons here are that [1] there seems to be considerable Camry car-to-car variability, and [2] whether a manufacturer gives you a one month or a ten lifetime warranty, they can get out of fixing a problem by simply claiming that an issues "within normal operating standards...". Heading into the cabin, youll find that the seats are cheap, hard, and uncomfortable. Dont plan on any long trips. I have cloth seats. The cloth is really slippery polyester. As a result, if you use seat covers, theyll slip and slide to the extent that theyll make driving unsafe. Even worse, Toyota seems to have the largest and widest head rests in the industry. Ive compared. Toyotas head rests seem to be made for Godzilla. They far wider than those used by Honda, Mazda, Hyundai - pretty much everyone. Forget about being able to see anything over your left shoulder. You cant. But, at least when you crash - which, sooner or later, you will - that massive head rest will give you 10% more whiplash protection than a 1976 Bonneville would. If you live a tropical climate, then you may skip this next section; otherwise, youd better have a high tolerance for cold. The heater takes a long time to warm up. Even after driving for 30 minutes on cold days the heat still hadnt come up to comfort. I found that it took almost an hour to get adequately warm. Still, the heating duct directed at your feet delivers a weak, tepid air stream, so your feet will remain cold, regardless of the cabin temp. After making cars all of these decades, Toyota still hasnt figured out heat. The stock radio and sound system are execrable. And I mean that. Not just bad. Really, really bad. Almost unlistenable. If you buy a Camry, pop for an audio system upgrade. The ignition switch on the steering column is poorly machined and of low quality. It was like that in all four Camry models I tired. Youll be poking the key clumsily every single time you want to start your car. The leather covering the steering wheel is thin and of low quality, but the same as I found in all of the competition. The Camrys electronic power steering has as much unit-to-unit variation as its timing chain characteristics. Three of the Camrys I test drove had reasonably weighted steering. Far worse, far less secure and solid than regular, old hydraulic power steering, but better than most [such as the scary unstable new Chevy Cruze]. Of course, the one I got is crazy slippery. Driving it always feels as though youre hydroplaning on a sheet of sheer ice. So, with all of these factors, plus which ever new negative characteristics are lurking, waiting to appear and make my ownership of this lump of sheet metal even more miserable, Id say that I fully regret ever buying a Camry. If youre thinking of getting one, make sure you really look it over before you part with your hard-earned money. If you do decide to get one, you may be better off with one from the dealers stock, since you can test it out before hand. It seems you never know what youll get ordering from the factory

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  Toyota camry the boss - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Paul Hyde - June 4 - 12:09 am

  My brothers toyota camry is at 345,000 miles and still runs with no major problems. Very little maintenance over the past few years. Did have an engine rebuild at 165,000 miles because of recall. The best car my family has ever owned.

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  2012 Camry LE - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By nicolasg - June 3 - 11:43 pm

  I bought a new Camry 2011 XLE 4 cyl in April 2011. Its a nice vehicle, not the best vehicle, but seems solidly built. On 2 separate occasions ive had (2) different new Camry 2012 LEs that I had by the dealer to drive. The whole interior feels extremely cheap much more so than the 2011, the center of the dash is just cheap plastic, also the steering wheel has a lot of cheap plastic as well. Its very difficult to see the gauges as the information seems to be in hard to see small letters. Braking is good, and the mpg was only 27 ok pick up as well. But what was Edmunds thinking when they said the interior was a higher quality than previous models. Very cheap and inferior feeling to it.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By stinkytofus - June 3 - 2:56 pm

  I have a camry 2010 LE 2.5L i slapped on michelin primacy mxv4 tires, what a difference, like riding on a cloud, only had to do oil changes, change brake pads, rotors, nothing else !! it is a 2010 model so comparing it to 2013 and 2014 models the interior and exterior is lacking but overall i am satisfied with this car, as it provides decent mpg and has ample room for my friends and family, can drive it for many many more years to come

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  Cant beat it - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Ross - June 3 - 1:06 am

  For what I payed for it you cant beat it. From taking the kids to school practice etc.. the Camry is an excellent car. It is hushed and smooth on the highway. In the city (chicago) it absorbs the numerous bumps with no problem. For all of the people complaining about the performance. IT IS A V-4. If you wanted fast buy a mustang. Perfect everyday car. I am averaging 25mpg. Majority city driving. It is a great family car without the big sticker. Very safe car also. Has 6 airbags standard. Has an I-pod jack with 3 gig of storage for mp3s.

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  Loved Our 2012 Camry SE Until... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Mrs. Juli Turner - May 31 - 5:51 pm

  We loved our Toyota Camry SE 2012 until this year (2015) when I happened to loose my keyless entry fob. The cost is approximately $500.00 to replace the keyless entry fob including the laser cut blade that inserts into the fob. We checked with other dealerships in our state (Connecticut) and found the cost was about the same. I feel this is OUTRAGEOUS! We were never told about this exorbitant cost of the keyless entry fob replacement when we bought the car. Buyer beware! People often loose their car keys. If they have a keyless entry system, it will be about $500 every time they do. I hope to see some consumer backlash about this issue. We will NEVER buy a car with a keyless entry system again.

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  above average - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By lewis bennett - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This has ben a trouble free car with good maintenance. a good portion of the mileage has been highway mileage.

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  camry97 - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By tomnlorna - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I loved my 97 Camry. Unfortunately, I lost it after an accident on I-90 when I was rear-ended by another 1991 Camry. I was hit at 65mph+ on my left rear bumper. I was impressed by how much damage the car absorbed and was almost driveable. The bumper was pushed up to the rear left tire after such an impact. I will definitely buy another one because of its structural durability & safety features.

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  Old Reliable... - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By sgarland85 - May 27 - 3:21 pm

  I wrote a review awhile back on here, which was positive, but I think I need to re-iterate. Ive had my Camry for 5 years and put on 65,00+ miles and it has not left me stranded once, period. Ive had to replace a few things here and there, but mostly just routine maintenance is all shes needed. After 17 years her metallic paint is still shiny.

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  Good cars for parents. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By BaylentheSky - May 26 - 5:46 pm

  Younger people, on the other hand, wont appreciate this car as much. The handling is awful, very bad around zig zag roads, I almost drove myself off the cliff (serious) because I was expecting it to be able to make a tight turn. Sure its my fault for driving so fast, but I would never have any problem with my main ride, a Nissan 240SX. A lot more comfy than my 240, not much wind noise, gas mileage is pretty good, performance is not bad, well built car that is very reliable. However its very boring :(