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:

• 

  What a Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - March 26 - 12:53 pm

  This is a wonderfully designed automobile, fun to drive, quiet, responsive. Cant say enough about the styling, looks totally European. Kudos to Toyota, they have their hand on the pulse of the public.

• 

  Gas mileage WOW!! 54-60 MPG - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By metaz123@yahoo.com - March 26 - 3:18 am

  I love my vehicle, I am a lead footer and the more you push her the better the gas mileage :) I am completely in LOVE!! story of how awesome Toyotas are I had a 1994 Toyota Corolla DX 4 dr sedan, it had 310,000 on it, I checked with dealer ship and found out the tow capacity it could haul, I bought a pop up camper that if it would have been 2 more LBS would have been over for the vehicle, the Seller on the lot told me that I would not make it home with it since was hauling it with my vehicle oops I did and took it anywhere and everywhere I wanted I traded my Corolla in it had 455,000 miles on it and the lady that bought it traded in her 1997 Ford Focus on it. TOYOTA Awesome Vehicles :)

• 

  Thanks Toyota! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Jade1149 - March 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought my wagon used from a private party and am extremely happy I did. With 5 kids its hard to find something to fit our family, but this does, love the mileage it gets. I also love the fact that as long as you change the oil and tune it up when needed itll last forever! I will be sad the day it finally dies, but for now Id take this car across the country if I had to, I trust it more than our other car thats a 99, other than the usual brakes and exaust work occasionally, I havent had to do anything major. If I could find another one Id buy it again.

• 

  Disappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By minera5 - March 24 - 4:04 am

  I spent a tremendous amount of time researching and comparing vehicles before purchasing my 2007 Toyota Camry 4dr. I bought it new. The viser immediately was broken and I have been to the dealership for recalls several times. The brakes have been squeaking for at least a year every time I back up and so far the three places I took it to cannot fix them. The car also squeals when turning corners and this is after new tires. The biggest hazard is the inability to see out of the back widow. The rear end is too high and impossible to see out of the back. This was my first and last Toyota.

• 

  Reliable car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By tomsw210 - March 23 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car brand new in 11/8/06 with 107 mile on the odo. Never did anything to the car except for oil change and tires. Replace brakes, spark plug at 100,00 mile and I replace the serpentine belt at 155000 mile. Now my Camry se have 175256 mile on the odo and still counting. im waiting to hit 200,000 mile then i will be replacing the water pump, do tune up, brakes all around + rotor, trans flush + filter and coolant flush. then go for another 200,000 miles lol

• 

  Reliable transportation spruced up with Aftermarket GPS radio - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By johnpatty2014 - March 22 - 4:10 am

  Ive had my Camry for 6 years now. It has never broken down, and Ive never had any problems. I feel safe in the car and its got quite a lot of pick up. The build quality is pretty good. The one upgrade I did do an was worth it was add like stock after market GPS radio, you can find a review of the model I used here: abrandao.com/2014/07/23/review-generic-toyota-camry-car-radio-navigation-head-unit knowing how reliable my Camry is, Im definitely considering another Toyota.

• 

  Great ALL AROUND CAR - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By tada - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I found this car to be great for an average joe. Yes it doesnt do 0-60 in 5 sec, and it doesnt cause head turns, but if you want something to get you from A to B, and have your proud, this is the car. Ergonomically it is ok as well, I have no complaints in that realm. Personally I would get the 6 cyc, the 4 has enough for a single person driver, but if you add on more than 1 more passenger things can feel sluggish.

• 

  Still a Great Car Eleven Years Later - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By YSSMAN - March 19 - 8:36 am

  What can I say about the Camry that has never been said before. When my Mother was looking for a car back in 1995, it was easily one of the best cars sold in America, and thus she made the purchase. It has been a real gem for most of its life, really only showing trouble now (eleven years later). It is a great family car, and the car has been across the country several times. But, the car is dreadfully boring. It is boring to look at, boring to drive, and most certainly boring to ride in. But, for most people, boring is a good thing, and it should not drive them away from buying one of the better cars made in the 1990s. But, she needs replacement, and it looks like we are going with a VW.

• 

  2003 Toyota Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DeltaCS99 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is great for the price. FOr only about $25,000, you get everything you would need. I really enjoy using the Temperature Control where you just set the temperature, and it will control the movement air in the car and it will decide whether to use A/C or Heater. On the exterior, it looks more like a Mercedez now. Its also a very quiet car, especially when youre on the freeway, you can hear everything without having to shout in the car. On the rear view mirror, a compass is provided so you always know where youre going!

• 

  Blown Away - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Field - March 12 - 1:53 pm

  Wow, I upgraded from a 2002 LE V6 and I have been blown away with the difference. This car is great; great ride, great quality and great performance. The SE V6 is the only way to go. I compared it to the Accord and even the Acura TL and the Camry was by far the best bang for the buck. Very happy with my new car