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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  Nice - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Franky - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Its a reliable car. Not the flashiest, fastest, or most comfortable. I drive it HARD and I the only thing Ive had to replace in 70,000 miles is the brake pads (twice). I followed the maintenance schedule and have had no problems.

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  Do not buy it - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By alex - January 11 - 11:13 pm

  I replaced my 2003 Camry with this one and I am deeply dissapointed. First of all the engine is too weak for the mass of the new car. Second the internal comfort id awful. The previous soft seats were replaced with hard cheap ones which are very very uncomfortable and give me back pain. Third the visibility is much worse than on 2003 model. Indeed the engine is slightly quiter, but overal impression is the same as on old model. Inside there is a lot of CHEAP plastic and designer who made the design is obviously does not hold diploma and is amateur. In sum - bad car for the money. I have been Toyota owner for more than 20 years but latest Camry put a break of my loyality to the company.

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  bjwcamry06 - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By bw06camry - January 11 - 9:53 pm

  I traded in my tacoma for the camry due to rising fuel prices, and I got 24+ on first tank and been getting the same since, and in the tacoma got 17- 18, has good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. I am 6 ft tall and fit perfectly in it, I have yet to take it on a long haul but feel I would be comfortable in it for the long trips. Interior is made with good quality material. Rear seat has plenty of room even with front seat all the way back.

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  2008 Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Allen - January 11 - 6:33 pm

  Great commuter car for the wife. Good value for the price, with nice looks and fine (so far) fit and finish.

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  90,000 miles and just getting broken in - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Gandolf - January 11 - 2:42 pm

  I purchased my 2012 Camry SE last November with 90,000 miles on it. The car is tight, fast, handles fantastic and is beautiful to look at inside and out. They say a Camry is an old persons car. Well this old person is a spirited driver and the SE is hiding its true identity. It is an SE with all the XLE options.

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  My newest Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Janice - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 other used Camrys (1997, 1997 and 1999) and I wanted a newer model. Did some research and lots of test driving, and this 2005 is solid, sturdy and dependable. It is spacious and very user friendly, with all the push button controls. I really do love this car, and am happy every time I get inside to drive it.

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  Best car I have ever enjoyed - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Baz - January 9 - 10:09 pm

  I purchased the V-6 XSE which is getting me a very consistent 34 MPG (Imperial) or 8.3 l/100 km. I test drove every mid size sedan and some small sedans such as the VW GLI and Audi A3 Quatro. (while these two would have been my 3rd & 2nd choices, I could not justify their price & reliability ratings compared to the Camry. The Camry has been absolutely trouble free, with not so much as a rattle developing. I anticipate that this car will see the dealer as much as my last Toyota Corolla which saw the dealer only once to get a recall repair. Power of this auto is the most surprising and fun aspect.

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  Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Not the same from J - January 7 - 5:26 am

  Here is what Ive replaced during my 6 years of ownership: 1.) Circuit board regulating the airflow and AC 2.) Entire Driver window motor assembly (from a Toyota Dealership). 3.) Rust on side of door 4.) Power door locks does not function from time to time. Ive owned over 12+ cars in my lifespan, and this is the 1st car that Ive found myself facing with these items that should have lasted a lot longer.

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  Awesome car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Duke Chowdhury - January 6 - 2:16 am

  I have driven many cars from BMW to Mercedes but this is the only car that ran flawlessly even though it was much older than BMW 3 2.8 and Mercedes E320. It is fun to drive, comfortable and gets great gas mileage while being immaculately reliable no wonder Toyota will become the largest car manufacturer in the world in few years. The Detroit boys have a lot of work to do. Recommend to anyone.

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  250,000 miles and going strong - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Lauren - January 4 - 1:25 pm

  Great reliable car! I have had this car for 17 years and it has had minimal problems, besides the normal wear and tear. Cheap to maintain, but must be kept up to get a fantastic lifespan. The power is not the best, but if you are buying a Toyota sedan you are buying for durability not power. Only problem arising is that I am starting to smell a burnt oil smell. Overall, a great first car with a lot of storage!