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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  Going, Going, Still going - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bill knab - December 11 - 8:20 pm

  Toyota means reliability, not flash or gadgets. Do you want a dependable, efficient, safe car or a home entertainment system on wheels with ignition systems that can take your life like GM?

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  Its good But - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By flodog - December 11 - 5:36 pm

  Fuel mileage is GREAT comfortable ride, BUT That new gas pedal and the 6 speed transmission will drive you crazy while driving around town. Feels like the brakes are locking up when slowing down

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  For the $$$$ - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Wytpny1 - December 11 - 12:10 pm

  Just cant beat the $$$ to the quality and performance. If you want a smooth ride with plenty of performance for a family car, GET A CAMRY!!!

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  Best car I have ever driven - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - December 11 - 7:03 am

  This is the first foreign car I have had, and I couldnt be more impressed without a hybrid engine. Once you learn the responsiveness of the gas pedal, you can get either the performance or mileage you want out of a 2.4L 4-cylinder. I get a consistent 22mpg in suburb driving and have hit 26+ on nothing but freeway at speeds of 70-75ish. The steering and controls are awesome. The sound system looks great and sounds great, plus it has a hidden power and audio in jack for iPods or satellite radio. The folding back seats allow extra room when needed (help a friend move). The climate controls are very simple yet adjustable. I like them more than my moms Avalon. Overall, an awesome car.

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  2002 bad valve guides, expensive! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By NANCY W - December 9 - 2:56 pm

  We bought this car new & expected to drive it 20 years. At about 100,000 miles valve guides are leaking oil and the estimate is $2,714.00 to fix it. Also front brakes are not that good for weight of car. We are considering selling it. We are really not happy with Toyota. They would not provide any compensation for an engine that should have had no major problems until at least 300,000 miles.

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  Great Mileage! Great Car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jim - December 9 - 12:30 pm

  This is a great car. I drove it the first year in DC. I now live in Germany. It is rock-solid at autobahn speeds and quieter than the Audi 80. We drove to Paris last weekend and, not wanting to have to buy gas at French prices, we kept the speed at 63MPH (100 KPH). We got 34 miles per gallon! This is not the only time that I have confirmed the advertised MPG. Mine is a 5 speed w/ the 4cyl engine. The only complaint I have is the rear spoiler. It makes backing up difficult; cant see over the darn thing. If I had the choice I would have left the spoiler at the showroom. The only maintenance problem was an elec lock on one of the rear pass doors. Toyota dealer fixed it at no cost.

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  Reliable but boring - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By CamryGuy - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, especially if youre not a mechanic. Truly a very reliable car w/great gas mileage. Major things to watch out for is soft suspension and brakes.

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  Squeaky - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Hearmecoming - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Squeaky brakes since shortly after break-in. This is considered "an acceptable level of noise" according to the Longo Service Manager. I wonder if they are telling all the new prospective buyers about the noise to come. Ill be listening for you! If you buy a Toyota product, get it in writing...They should fix this problem at their cost!

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  perfect blend - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Zipit - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Accord is too conservative on the exterior design, but built solid; Altima is bit agressive on styling, but little thin on interior layout. The SE is just the right touch, Lexus styling, foglight, spoiler, quiet engine as what you expect from Toyota, what a blend! Manual 5sp would have been ultimate, because I have never driven any 5sp shifting so smoothly close to automatic as SE. Dashboard design is suprisingly more American, spacious cabin and trunk only sustain the point. SE just makes it stands out of Camry family with all the right touches. Proud to own

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  whine in 4 cyl engine - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By w gale - December 8 - 10:00 am

  great car--beware of noticable engine whine around 1600-1650 rpm-dealer says Im the third one this month to complain about it --says they dont know what to do about it-whine is quite noticable and very annoying in such a quiet car. I would probably have paid the extra money for the v6 (assuming that it wouldnt also have the whining noise) I intend to contact toyota and see what they have to say about it. very distressing in an otherwise great car.