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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  I didnt get a lemon, no Sir - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Rudy L - May 19 - 1:27 am

  I bought my 6 cylinder camry in 1999 with 57000 miles I still have it unbelievable 258000 miles on it now it runs like the day I bought it I have the timing belt changed when its required and change the oil when required other than that I literally cant believe how smooth it runs this car has been a blessing Iam keeping it I also had it painted the original white very clean car lots of compliments cant say enough about this car Iam amazed Iam afraid if I sell it and buy another car I might get a lemon Iam keeping it.

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  I didnt get a lemon, no Sir - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Rudy L - May 19 - 1:27 am

  I bought my 6 cylinder camry in 1999 with 57000 miles I still have it unbelievable 258000 miles on it now it runs like the day I bought it I have the timing belt changed when its required and change the oil when required other than that I literally cant believe how smooth it runs this car has been a blessing Iam keeping it I also had it painted the original white very clean car lots of compliments cant say enough about this car Iam amazed Iam afraid if I sell it and buy another car I might get a lemon Iam keeping it.

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  Good Car, Great Value - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By MD Customer - May 17 - 8:46 pm

  This is a great car. It is very reliable and has low cost maintenance. Great for a family or a single person. I purchased my car used and it was the best car purchase. I sold it at 93,000 miles but it is still a great car with a lot of life left. I also learned the resale value is great which was another bonus.

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  Best generation of Camry, in my opinion - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By loneranger07 - May 13 - 3:47 am

  Always liked this generation the most, later they declined in build quality and too many electronic refinements: drive-by-wire throttle, automatic climate control. Also they stopped offering V6 with stick. Mine has leather, alloy wheels, sunroof. Bought used in 2009 with 64,000 miles for around $7500, probably could have negotiated dealer down but really wanted this car because of rarity. And besides regular maintenance and some worn out parts: suspension springs, clutch, and evap. charcoal canister, have had no unexpected issues. Engine is one of the best Toyota has ever made, great compromise between power and fuel economy. We have 123,000 now, happy that we bought it. K&N air filter too

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  WHAT A FEELING>>TOYOTA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Barry Townley - May 11 - 4:46 pm

  I was looking for a car that would last me a long time. Retirement is just a few years away. I was also looking for comfort, roomy and dependability.

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  Gone but not forgotten - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By zronbo - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 19,000 in 95. My wife then I drove this car until last week. Gave to 16 year old daughter and she totalled (not hurt)this week. Had 198,000 miles and drove and rode better than my 2000 & 2001 Camrys. Only regular maintenance timing belt oil and tires till replacement of distributer at 190,000 (stalling problem like previous reviewer). I miss this car.

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  I love my camry! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jasonjb - May 9 - 2:48 pm

  I drove a 1991 Toyota pickup from 2005 to ~2011; after that I was given my grandmothers 1999 Toyota Camry. At the time it only had around 43k miles on the odometer. Since then Ive put around 30k on the odometer; driving to and from work/school in Connecticut as well as driving from South Carolina to CT and back 5 times. It still runs great; the engine air filter is miraculously still clean and in good shape despite being 3 years old. The only problem Ive been having lately is the motors for both the front driver and passenger windows dying...although thats likely due to age. All in all, its a great car and I bet mine will last for years to come.

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  Hope it Lasts - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By twistedf8 - May 8 - 2:27 pm

  First Camry purchase. Not impressed with the cheap carpet in the SE (shines like cardboard after the first vacuum) the seat material is sub-par as well. Gas mileage is 23.8 MPG. I bought the car at a discount like so many other posters have mentioned. I wont complain about the price. For a 4 cyl, it does have the ability to accelerate well. I wish I was getting the mileage many other folks are reporting and Id overlook the cheap interior. I live on a 50 MPH road and the car rarely sees a traffic light. Buyer beware on the mileage and interior. Otherwise it is a nice car. Im hoping it lasts as long as people say they do.

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  Its Like a Tank - A Plastic One - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Devadatta - May 5 - 10:00 am

  You cant go wrong with getting it for it never gives any problems except after 110k miles, when the A/C dies out completely, and expectedly. It is NOT a sporty car, NOT a good-looking one either. If you are around 40 years old its OK. Dont think that the paint job will stay on for a while. It will get eaten alive in the snow. Try to think of the positive -- you dont have a 1979 Ford Pinto.

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  Comfy Commuter - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Mikescar - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 99 Camry for two years now. I bought the car with 56,000 miles on it and I purchased a 100,000 mile warranty, which I only used once on a $300 repair(I paid $1200 for the warranty). I would say that I am fairly rough on my car but it has withstood the test. My Camry now has 106,000 miles on it and there is not one thing, repair wise, that I can complain about. Some people say that it is a luxury car but I wouldnt go that far. It definately is more luxurious than other cars in its class though and has a much quieter ride than Accord or Altima.