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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  Great Car but easy to be stolen - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Mario - May 26 - 10:00 am

  My car was a great car in all ways. unfortunately My 1994 green toyota Camry le V6 was stolen this Wednesday in Inglewood, CA. if you really want one of these cars you better install an state of the art alarm and electronic locater. I hope the police will find it.

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  Great reliable car at a reasonable price - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By SmartCarFan - May 26 - 12:27 am

  You will not get these many features (touch screen blue tooth and audio, power seat) at this reasonable price. Ive owned it for three months and I can vouch for it. It changes gear fast so pick up is good and power is also good. On highway, it didnt feel as smooth as I wanted but its definitely less noisy. Headlights need some improvement. City MPG I get is 21-22 in the city and I live in congested city. Overall MPG is 3 to 4 miles less than stated but you dont get pick up without paying for the gas it seems. I own LE but Id recommend XLE or SE due to better aesthetics. Overall, Id recommend this car to anyone over Honda which is pricier and now has noisy CVT which I hate it. Also, ALtima has CVT and I hate NIssan car overall due its poor build quality. Closest competitor could be Hyundai Sonata but I fell in love with Camrys look and Toyotas reliability. I am happy with my car and family also love it.

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  rough shifting - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jean - May 24 - 12:03 pm

  Not many miles yet but like the ride. Interesting to read other reviews about rough shifting from first to second becasue I notice it too. Not encouraging to hear the dealers consider this normal. I figure Ill get used to it. Miss dual control air and memory seats but for the money its a great little car

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  Performance and comfort - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By herb joerger - May 23 - 9:33 am

  The Camry is a comfortable vehicle to drive. My wife is short but likes to drive it and has no concern about its performance or maintenance. I also use this car on various occasions and find it is comfortable. It handles well in all driving circumstances and is a reliable vehicle.

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  Wow! Awesome - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By BuckleUpSon - May 23 - 12:03 am

  Ive been driving this car for about five years, absolutely no problems. Which was a pleasant surprise considering 4 of the 5 years were from college driving, which was very tough on the engine Im sure. Other than regular scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter changes, etc.) I havent had a single problem with the car, not one. Also, I have the v6 model, and was quite surprised at how "peppy" the car was even at high speeds.

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  Priced right - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By ATL-GA - May 22 - 9:53 pm

  Decent car for the money. 1 year old, with only 1 real problem. Fuel gauge is flaky, when you fill up; it can take 15 minutes for it to register full. In the dealership for the 3rd time right now to try and fix. Need it fixed while it is still under warranty. Hopefully it will be fixed this time. Car is excellent on Gas, when people say 35 miles to the gallon, believe it. Between my Parent and myself (2008 and 2009 CamryÂ’s) weve both got 35mpg no trips. Lots of room, lofty comfortable ride. By no means exciting or sporty ride.

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  Best bang for your buck!! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By toyotacamry2x - May 22 - 2:56 pm

  The only reason to complain would be if you didnÂ’t know what you were buying. The Camry rides smooth, has enough power to take care of the day-to-day, and looks just as good if not better than its competitors (basically just the accord and sonata). ItÂ’s clearly not a sports car (even though the V6 feels like one) so if thatÂ’s what you are judging it against it will always fail. P.S. - Must have accessories: sunroof, premium wheels, dual exhaust (even if itÂ’s just for looks)

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  I Love This Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By flin1 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Camry to facilitate the needs of our four driver family. I think I got a good deal on it because it had been sitting on their lot for a couple months and was not moving because its a manual 5 speed. I made a low bid and they called me back a month later. I cant believe how much I love this car. Its simply the best car Ive ever owned and drives like a dream. The only thing I can compare it to is the BMW 320i I test drove 25 years ago. I loved my old Saab 99 but I think this even surpasses it. The previous owner mounted 16" 5 spoke wheels and Michelin 16/55/215 tires. It corners like its on rails and the 4 cyl engine is very quick and gave 31 mpg on the last fill up.

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  Great Car Need Better Leg Room in Front - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By jnealy87 - May 21 - 5:31 am

  purchased this car certified used with lifetime engine warranty and everything is so far great and have only one issue and its mostly due to me being 63 and my legs are quite long and during travel 10- 20 mins ride is cool but once I try to ride for 30 to 1 hour of driving my legs starts to hurt due to no resting area for legs and hands also starts hurting due to Constance input to the steering wheel the car drifts left to right when on high ways and its tough to keep it straight and thats due to the electronic steering that Toyota now places on the camry and thats a big issue for long driving periods other that those to faults everything is great love all the features including the blind spot monitor and its work it just miss all the rear feature that the 2007-2011 had that was great rear sun shade and reclining rear seats and adjustable heat rests that was hot but now the cut it all out but its a great car I have 71,000 miles on it and have no issues with engine or transmission so everything is great

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  Camry more than you would expect - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bruno R Valenti - May 19 - 5:15 am

  The camry has been a very impressive car, although I have a 2.5 simpler motor SE without the Entune, I have found the radio to be very good along with a decent bluetooth, it rides smooth and very quiet, It is very impressive and I have to admit I am impressed, I traded in an E 350, I miss the weight and AWD security option, but other than that it is simple, reliable and impressive