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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  dont buy this car get a 2004 and up - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By jlevitan - March 1 - 11:50 pm

  bought the car from a dealer. car needed the starter and fan system replaced 2 days after. car runs really hot. oil is seeping out of the engine. car has 103,000 miles on it for a Toyota this shouldnt be much. there is a known issue with camrys from 2002-2006 with the headbolts stripping off the engine block causing the engine to overheat and then blow at any givin time.and there is no support from toyota they could car less selling the car on name alone instead of quality. if i could go back in time i would tell the dealer to keep it and got into something else. purchased it for Toyota name and quality and got the worst car experience ive ever havve to deal with do not buy this car

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  2009 Braking system w/o TC option - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Paul - March 1 - 10:00 am

  After one year plus and visits to remedy my brake problem, Toyota service changed a valve that they felt was the problem. It was not. I took it to arbitration, which at that time, the technical people gave me a full explanation of the brakes design. And, admitted that all prior service work done was a waste of time due to the brake design. The brake pressure is proportional. To top it off, the Toyota experts indicated that if I had the traction control option, things would have been different with the brakes. In the 2010 model they all have traction control as standard. I guess Toyota dealers were unaware of the importance of traction control on the 2009, they did not stock this option.

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  Dashboard Sticky and Melting in Sunlight - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By ses4747 - February 28 - 2:53 am

  I bought this car used. In the 1st week my dashboard appeared overly shiny and sticky to touch. In the 3 weeks Ive had it my dash as begun st melt literally with small to medium size holes in it. If anyone has the same problem Id like to know. [HTML removed].

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  Barcelona Red V6 SE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By DEJ - February 27 - 4:10 am

  Great car! Traded in my 2001 Maxima. Loved that car, but I have NO regrets. This car is quieter than the Max. It rides almost as smooth. This is expected with the stiffer SE suspension. Performance nuts should have fun here. Not an Indy car but plenty of power. Leather seats were comfortable. My biggest pet peeve with all new cars is head room. There just isnt enough in todays cars. Not the case here. Lots of headroom (unless you get the sunroof). Leather interior very comfortable. Ask the dealer to throw in the all weather floormats. They look nicer than the carpeted ones. All in all, a great car!

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  2005 Toyota Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By laura - February 26 - 8:53 am

  I just purchased an 05 Toyota Camry SE. (Traded an 05 Chevy Trailblazer 4x4.) The Camry is sporty looking, has a smooth & quiet ride, and should be very reliable. I have ground effects on mine which adds a little pizazz! I love it so far! Its a big switch going from 4.2 inline 6 to a 2.4L inline 4 cylinder engine but Im hoping the savings in gas mileage is worth it!

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  Boring but reliable! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By DWRJR - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My Camry has been exactly what I was looking for. It is an extremely reliable vehicle built with quality in mind. I opted for the 4cyl, which offers pretty good mpg for a car that size (26-29mgp), but it makes it a bit of a dog to drive. Definetly is not going to win any performance awards, but its guaranteed to be there!

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Ann - February 24 - 7:53 am

  I live in the Texas hill country and I have been pleasantly surprised with how well my 4 cylinder Camry handles them. When I need to pass an 18 wheeler struggling up a steep climb on Interstate 10, the Camry has no problem. That wasnt the case with the Ford Ranger and Ford Escort we owned. I have been amazed the power that Toyota has packed in this 4 cylinder. The car handles so well. A joy to drive. It is my car but my husband and daughter love to drive it when I let them.

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  Static on Radio when using Rear Defrost since purchased - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By toyotaowner13 - February 22 - 9:36 pm

  This is our 2nd Toyota Camry, the first being a 2004 with 150k and still running well. The 2013 Toyota Camry has had issues with the radio having lots of static when using the rear defrost. Last winter the dealer looked at this and did not believe it was an issue however you only seem to notice it in the cooler months when using the rear defrost. Have any other 2013 Toyota Camry customers experienced that issue?

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  LOVE IT - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By mreyes6868 - February 22 - 5:07 pm

  It came time to get a new car and we wanted a bigger one but also wanted good mpg. The accord was nice but the 2012 body style was old. Then we saw the new 2012 camry so we went to test drive it and fell in love. We got the SE which makes the car look and feel very sporty but isnt too pricey. It is by far the best vehicle in its class. I am very happy with the decision I made about buying the camry. It now has almost 12k miles and the mpg is great. I took it on a road trip and after several hours of driving i averaged 44mpg!! On my daily commute it averages 27-32 combined. The interior of the camry does not look or feel cheap at all and is very nice with the mid screen and the sporty seats.

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  Great Mileage - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Roger - February 21 - 1:00 pm

  I purchased my Camry from a dealership with 39,000 miles. At the moment I have only driven it about 1000 miles, but so far it is an exceptional car. The car is functional, comfortable, quiet and roomy. The operational controls are all within easy reach. The overall quality is better than anything Ive ever owned. My city mileage is 23-25. Highway is 35.5 at 66-68 mph (2.4 auto), on my one and only road trip.