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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  Excellent car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jo amore - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned.

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  Excellent car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Gus - November 9 - 5:26 am

  People who criticize this car dont know what they are saying. This car is excellent all around. This is my second Camry and I love it.

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  21,000 miles in - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By EricnLA - November 8 - 8:02 am

  After nearly a year and 3 months of driving my Camry SE. I love the fit and finish. Very quiet no rattles or squeaks, or road noise like my Prius. Complaints; at $26K this should have blind spot and rear air vents standard. I wish the back lights had, well more lights LED stripes or something. SE no longer has fog lamps and the LED lights only are available on the XSE and XLE. The halogen DRL look dated on a modern car. They should come standard on all models and SE needs fog lights. The ride is harsher on the SE model than the LE or XLE. My tires are the Bridgestone. The dealer said they had to replace early 2015s because the tires were wearing to fast. He didnt mention brand. Just now they are using Bridgestone. I think if I get the 2018 I will upgrade to the XLE for the softer ride since I am only city driving mostly. Not sure if I want a hybrid again, depends on gas prices in 2018. Other than that I really like the car for room comfort and mpg for a non hybrid (average 26.2mpg)

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  2015 Camry LE-Tragically uncomfortable front seats - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By spaderbabe - November 8 - 12:51 am

  I switched to Toyota after 28 years of Honda loyalty because my moms 1997 Camry LE is still running strong. I first bought a 2015 Corolla LE Eco Premium and traded it after 2 months because the ride got so rough after driving it is was unbearable, not to mention a dash rattle and other problems. Traded it in on a 2015 Camry LE. Didnt think too much about seat comfort during the test ride, it seemed OK. I drive 3 to 4 hours a day for work, and after spending some time in the car, my back hurt and I couldnt find any position to make it comfortable. Tried pillows, different cushions, then wound up getting a set of $135 Conformax gel seat cushions (back and seat) with air flow covers and that makes it much better. I went to the dealer and rotated the OEM tires as recommended then at about 16,000 miles the ride was very rough. Wound up replacing them at 18,000 miles with Goodyear Comfortred Assurance tires and that did the trick. I get great gas mileage, love the backup camera and hands free phone and listening to music via the USB port. The bluetooth for music has buffering issues and will speed up and slow down like a record. I talked with the accessory guy at the dealership and the bluetooth buffering is an issue in the Camry. I love the MPG, the highest was around 44 and I regularly get between 35 and 40 MPG so the weight of the car is a trade off. It drives tight and solid and the LE model has the right amount of technology for me. I got the midnight blue and body side molding, so this is the sharpest looking car Ive had. Its a love/hate thing. I think I can make it work, but I would not recommend one if you do any serious amount of driving, because of the horrible seats.

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  Dissatisfied owner - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Ramsey - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Camry for a little over 2 years now and heres what has gone wrong!!! Both drivers & passengers window motor went out & had to be replaced. Car has overheated, cigarette lighter & phone charger outlet has has been replaced once already and still does not work! Car was not starting properly for 4 months and dealership was trying to tell me it was normal operating procedure of the car....finally had to replace entire computer for car. Also, plastic lining around bas eor door is ciming off...I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A TOYOTA AGAIN!!!!!

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  Old reliable - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Lcbjr - November 6 - 2:00 am

  When it comes to reliability whats the first thing to come to mind? Toyota. I purchased my Camry (ce 4-cyl) May of 2001 and with 39,000 miles its running smooth like the day i drove it off the lot.

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  nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By joe parrino - November 5 - 3:16 pm

  Vehicle handled well on trip of 1400 miles. Comfortable seating with an excellent lumbar support. White is an excellent color for driving in the south. It stays a little cooler than other colors. Convenient controls,radio sound, cruise control, lights, wipers help in driving. Good trunk space for baggage and plenty of small places for soring items in drivers compartment.

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  Camry Seats - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By allen - November 4 - 6:06 am

  Overall quality and reliability is great BUT comfort is terrible. The seat cushions are way to small and there is absolutely no lower back support from the back rest. If you are over 59", buy something else, or you will curse yourself every time you have to get into this car.

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  Fun car with minor manufacturing defect - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Hon - November 2 - 6:06 pm

  It is fun to drive. Saves a lot of fuel comparing to driving my old 4.9L Cadillac. Unfortunately, it was very surprising to find out that the cruise control does not work. It is under warranty but need time to go back to the dealership.

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  superb car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By deb - November 2 - 9:06 am

  auto dimming mirror, rear sunshade, alloy wheels, nice stereo system, refined interior,outstanding reliability, good handling