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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  A Must Drive Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By NJJOE - December 26 - 5:56 am

  Purchased new/used with 1400 miles on it. Compared vs V6 Accord (less style room/performance),Turbo 4 Passat (less room/performance/reliability/premium fuel/price).The V6 is powerful. Car is extremely quiet and the SE has tighter handling.Trans is silky smooth w/no hesitation as I have read about. Car feels substantial and w/7 airbags, safe. Brakes/ABS are even/secure. Trunk is big and rear seat very comfortable for 2 and will seat 3. Headroom/body room comfort great for my 61" 250 lbs. Steering feel is good but not BMW road feel although this car beats the 3 series in many areas of "we need 1 car to do it all" types. Eats less gas than I thought at 27 MPG w/50/50 city/hwy driving. Give it a serious look.

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  A little Disappointed - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Blossom - December 25 - 5:43 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. I got almost 300K on my previous model before I had any major problems at all. The transmission had trouble. Unfortunately this one is not fairing as well. The vehicle is well maintained and serviced, but at 188,000 Ive had to replace transmission seals, gaskets,and there is an engine oil leak the continues to come back and now the power steering rack is leaking. Its starting to get very sluggish, too. I would still purchase another Camry, but this one has been disappointing.

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  Family hauler for 13 years, still going strong - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bond_fanatic18 - December 25 - 9:26 am

  My parents third Camry and our family hauler for 12 years until my dad bought a Honda CR-V last July. Our Camry has been all over Eastern North America including the Maritimes (PEI, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia). I learned how to drive on this car and my mother drove it to work for several years. Never any problems, except a small rattle that started 2 years ago, goes away when the engine warms up. This thing is a tank! It has 144K (about 89,000 American miles I think) and still has tons of life left in it, barely any rust. I drove it to high school and as a high school (university now) student I love it, fantastic first car, will last forever, is a beast in the snow, and reliable as hell.

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  My first Toyota...Love It - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jenni - December 25 - 6:20 am

  After my Honda was totaled and only ever driving an Accord I decided to look at the Camry and was quite surprised. It drives and rides like a luxury car, very smooth and quiet. The features that come standard are great: auto lights, passenger airbag sensor, radio controls on steering wheel, auto locks when in gear, and keyless entry. The back seat is very roomy for adults with the headrests and the truck is the biggest Ive ever seen. Theres also tons of storage so the car never looks cluttered. Ive only had the car for a few days, but think I made the best purchase ever. I love driving this car.

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  Even Used - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By BarryT - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine with 170,000+ miles from a friend. Never a minute of trouble. Still a reliable and fun vehicle.

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  the best - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By miguel - December 24 - 2:00 am

  if you dont have enough money to buy a lexus es300, dont worry just buy this camry and it will do the same job for a lot less cash.

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  V6 Magic - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Marv - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile with the utmost in reliability and performance. Just love getting on the freeway and opening up or passing when traffic is tough. The V6 engine is more powerful than I imagined. Comfortable, handles great too. Designed for California roads!!!

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  09 LE 3.5V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Joe P. - December 24 - 12:36 am

  I bought my Camry in Sept. This is my 1st foreign vehicle. What a surprise. This vehicle is the best. Im averaging 28 MPG in mixed city and hwy driving. It is a pleasure to drive. The power is great, it handles very nicely, has much interior room and the aesthetics are great. My wife has an 00 4 runner with nearly 300,000 miles on it. I can only hope that I have this car for that many miles. I really like this vehicle!

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  Very nice at 100K+ - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Derrick - December 23 - 9:36 pm

  I bought this car used with around 60,000 miles on it. Im now at just over 110,000 and not having any problems with it at all. I got fog lamps placed on it as well as aftermarket cruise control. I have a 5-speed manual and it responds great. It only has a 4 cylinder in it so in any race I end up losing but it handles very nicely on the highway for 16 hour drives and doesnt cost much in maintenance except for a few things that that have needed to be replaced, but doesnt seem bad at 110,000 and still runs clean and smooth. I wish it would hurry up and break down so I could justify going to get a Tacoma truck now.

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  Love my camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By kelly - December 23 - 4:46 pm

  I have had my Camry for almost a month now. The ride is awesome, fuel economy is great. Transmission is very smooth and quick! I had an 06 Camry and the 08 is far better in all ways! Suspension is much improved.