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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  Pings - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By palka - April 21 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 Camry has been good. The Ride is nice, its comfortable and roomy but I get a pinging type sound when I accelarate. You can only hear it when the drivers side window is open not inside the car. It doesnt effect accelation but the noise is annoying and I dont know what it could mean down the road. Ive been to two dealership who agree there is a noise or pinging type sound but dont know what to do about it. I would be curious if any one else hears this noise on their 2003 Camrys

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  Still Looking Good - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By New2Camry - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Camry for over 3 months now, and I am pleased. Aside from a minor cosmetic touch up (flaw on the dash), the cars performance has been exactly what I was looking for. After hearing comments from 03 Accord owners about rattles and apparent design flaws, plus news of the Nissan Altima having major problems with its engine, I believe I made the right choice.

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  I WISH I COULD JUST TAKE IT BACK - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By SAD CAMRY DAD - April 20 - 10:09 pm

  I purchased this really sporty looking XSE three weeks ago and love everything about it from the outside, but that quickly changes once I get in it , I absolutely HATE the navigation and apps programs that requires me to plug my phone into the car to use the Pandora/Spottily music or its horrible Scout navigation system. I did test drive it, but it took me several days to get around to programming the horrible so called infotainment system. so for now I have a small Garmin Nuvi stuck to the windshield of my brand new car with a useless seven inch display that I cant use for anything but the radio. As a comparison one of my other vehicles is a five year old Ford FX4 crew cab pickup that has a ford factory navigation system that blows this Toyota afterthought away.

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  My 2007 Camry XLE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By joe - April 19 - 2:26 pm

  I am a 72 year old white male. After driving this Toyota for 3180 miles, I am more than pleased with handling, economy, fun of driving, ease of parking, quiet ride and excellent vision to the outside. Appx. 2000 miles were on a trip north on I-95 the rest of the mileage was in Daytona Beach, FL and surrounding area. on my 2000 mile trip gas mileage in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina was 32.7, as I edged into the mountains of NC and Virginia, the mileage fell to 30.9. In town driving the mileage has been 20.1. I have used 87 octane fuel. I would still select this automobile knowing what I have now experienced. The new semi manual gear shifting added pleasure in the mountains.

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  05 LE-V6 Improved? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Neil T. - April 17 - 5:16 am

  A loyal toyota camry owner, I traded my 2000 LE-4 banger with 150,000 miles on this 05 V6. I can say that I am happy with the car...typical toyota, rides smooth, quiet, good service from the dealership, and a price that does not require a second mortgage. The V6 is peppy and takes the car down the road quickly. Careful tho, its easy to break the speed limit. Is it better that the 2000 overall? Probably not. This one has a rattle in the drivers side door. Aggrevating!!.. The 2000 was a tank, even at 150K miles...never rattled, probably never will for whoever has it now. Biding my time for a new 07. Dont be afraid to buy a camry...

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  Best car ever - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By stacey - April 16 - 2:20 pm

  We got it as a used rental car in late 1999 and have driven it to death ever since. It now has almost 150000 miles and weve never had a big problem. We change oil regularly. Only repairs were the right window motor and we did all the belts etc. My husband drives it daily around 50-60 miles. We will drive it til it drops.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By DL118 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Rock solid dependable. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this model to anyone else. Gets great mileage on the highway. Smooth and comfortable ride.

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  Camry LE 4cyl 2011 - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By mkrahn - April 15 - 3:40 pm

  Pick her up back in 8-10-10. As of 12-30-11 she as 77400 miles on her. Owned a 2007 Camry LE V6 drove her up until 185K before trans went out. So for just bought 4 new tires around 62k and shes still running strong with no problems. Im gald Toyota changed the 4 cyl to 2.5 L and changed the old trans from 5 spd to 6 spd. Sure its not as fast as the V6, but still gets up and moves.

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  2008 Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Dennis Lauterbach - April 15 - 3:36 am

  So far after 100+ miles of driving, the Camry has the comfort, quietness and pep that the Camry is known for. There is no question that this car is rock solid. Toyotas quality with the unibody welding rather than the rivets by their competitors will make this another hit for Toyota.

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  Toyota cover-up tactics - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 2009 LE and from the start I felt that there was something wrong in the brakes. A booster valve was replaced twice, but the pedal remained soft and many times when pushed, went to the full extent of my leg. I constantly needed to pump the brakes to get firm response. Toyota brought their big gun techno guy to the arbitration, along with engineering specs. I was the dumb consumer. ALL testing that they did to determine that my Camry was fine, was done out of sight. After buying many other Totota models over the years, I am very disappointed in their tactics.