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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  Camry V6 LE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By rs - November 2 - 3:16 am

  Bought this car new 6 years ago because I loved the lexus ES300 but did not want to pay $35k. Has the same engine and transmission which has been a pleasure to drive. Smooth, powerful, quiet, and very smooth shifts. Every time I drive a rental car, I cant wait to get back in my Camry. The original General tires were garbage. Try a set of Dunlop Sport tires for much better handling and wear. 89k miles now and never, ever a problem. All I do change the oil and do very little scheduled maintenance. Other than some wear on the steering wheel, still runs and looks like brand new. Had an Accord which I drove for 100k miles but this car has been even more reliable.

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  2010 Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Rick - November 1 - 11:06 pm

  After driving a 2009 Honda Accord EX-L and the new Camry, I just made a deal on my 2010 Camry LE a few days ago. I love the new styling and with the added leather seats, sunroof, small spoiler and metallic gray color...it really looks great. The ride and engine are both silky smooth and the new upgraded stereo system with satellite radio and bluetooth works great. The new 2.5 4- cyl really adds some spunk and provides strong smooth acceleration. Only complaint is a bit of hunting on the part of the transmission in low speed driving...but seems to be improving as the car is getting broken in. I am keeping my fingers crossed there are not transmission issues as in some earlier Camry models...

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  2002 Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By flgatorgal - November 1 - 10:00 am

  After buying previous vehicles that seem to break down before they are paid off, we wanted to end that cycle and invest in a car that we could keep for awhile. Thats how we chose our used 2002 Camry LE! We have found it delightful to drive (after driving a minivan for years!), powerful (its a 4 cylinder) enough to scoot out into traffic, roomy to hold 5 adults comfortably and quiet ride on the road! It looks like a smaller car on the outside, but all of our Honda- owner friends are amazed at the roominess the Camry has inside! As you can tell, we are VERY pleased!

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  First new Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By John - October 29 - 3:16 am

  After 2,000 miles, the car is a pleasure to drive, does all the things I expected a Toyota to do. This car has hand controls and a braun chairtopper on the roof for my wifes wheelchair. The back seat has adequate room for my chair. The trunk is large. The controls were installed without a problem no cutting of interior plastic, the knee airbag was bypassed. The chairtopper creates a lot of drag and a fuel economy penalty. I get 18.5 mpg city and 22 highway with this setup with midgrade fuel, which got rid of the knocking problem and improved performance. If you need a lot of passing power on the highway or plan to modify the car in any legal way spend the extra money and buy the V6.

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  Love to own it - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Charlotte Branch - October 28 - 5:56 pm

  I have never owned a toyota before, but had heard how reliable it was, so I bought one. Not only is it reliable, it is beautiful, and a vehicle proud to own. I only wish it got better gas mileage, but everything else tends to balance that out. I do love it.

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  Superb !!! Except for the JBL Premium sound. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Andy - October 28 - 9:29 am

  The XSE V6 is an excellent car. Super impressive Engine, performance and handling. I cannot fault anything on the car EXCEPT the JBL "Premium" Audio. It is utterly unacceptable and poor. The rear speaker has barely anything going to it, almost no bass, (or any sound at all) comes from the lower door speakers, I would say upwards of 90% of the sound, (bass included) is directed to the high in-dash speakers. Volume? With volume set at Max, you can hold a normal conversation in the front seats without raising voices. It is utterly pitiful. No power, no volume, no bass. During preparation for production, one person, somewhere in the Toyota organization, would have probably been responsible for making the decision to go ahead and include this system, and to label it as "Premium Sound". This person should be fired. Then the fact that somebody in Quality didnt listen to it and check it afterwards, baffles me. EVERYTHING about this car is excellent, except the music. Absolutely, buy the car (XSE V6), but be prepared to immediately get a stereo shop to rip out the pitiful, impotent sound system, and replace it with something louder than your average bedside clock/radio alarm clock. Premium sound? Really, Toyota? Premium?? Not even on the same map.

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  Superb !!! Except for the JBL Premium sound. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Andy - October 28 - 9:29 am

  The XSE V6 is an excellent car. Super impressive Engine, performance and handling. I cannot fault anything on the car EXCEPT the JBL "Premium" Audio. It is utterly unacceptable and poor. The rear speaker has barely anything going to it, almost no bass, (or any sound at all) comes from the lower door speakers, I would say upwards of 90% of the sound, (bass included) is directed to the high in-dash speakers. Volume? With volume set at Max, you can hold a normal conversation in the front seats without raising voices. It is utterly pitiful. No power, no volume, no bass. During preparation for production, one person, somewhere in the Toyota organization, would have probably been responsible for making the decision to go ahead and include this system, and to label it as "Premium Sound". This person should be fired. Then the fact that somebody in Quality didnt listen to it and check it afterwards, baffles me. EVERYTHING about this car is excellent, except the music. Absolutely, buy the car (XSE V6), but be prepared to immediately get a stereo shop to rip out the pitiful, impotent sound system, and replace it with something louder than your average bedside clock/radio alarm clock. Premium sound? Really, Toyota? Premium?? Not even on the same map.

• 

  Superb !!! Except for the JBL Premium sound. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Andy - October 28 - 9:29 am

  The XSE V6 is an excellent car. Super impressive Engine, performance and handling. I cannot fault anything on the car EXCEPT the JBL "Premium" Audio. It is utterly unacceptable and poor. The rear speaker has barely anything going to it, almost no bass, (or any sound at all) comes from the lower door speakers, I would say upwards of 90% of the sound, (bass included) is directed to the high in-dash speakers. Volume? With volume set at Max, you can hold a normal conversation in the front seats without raising voices. It is utterly pitiful. No power, no volume, no bass. During preparation for production, one person, somewhere in the Toyota organization, would have probably been responsible for making the decision to go ahead and include this system, and to label it as "Premium Sound". This person should be fired. Then the fact that somebody in Quality didnt listen to it and check it afterwards, baffles me. EVERYTHING about this car is excellent, except the music. Absolutely, buy the car (XSE V6), but be prepared to immediately get a stereo shop to rip out the pitiful, impotent sound system, and replace it with something louder than your average bedside clock/radio alarm clock. Premium sound? Really, Toyota? Premium?? Not even on the same map.

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  Spongy Brakes - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - October 28 - 3:00 am

  We have owned this Camry since March 2003. We traded a 96 Camry in and it was a much better vehicle. The 96 was superior in almost everyway. We have had numerous problems. Squeaky belt, wind noise, water pump failed at 37K miles. The paint is thin and can be seen through. Toyota should be ashamed to sell a vehicle with such poor brakes. They are spongy and offer no feel, almost as if they are too small for the car. The car does not have ABS and perhaps that would offer some additonal confidence.

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  You get what you pay for... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Shahn - October 28 - 1:03 am

  Love Toyota....you dont have to convince me on the name. I have owned all types of cars throughout my driving years (Honda and Nissan are good also..dont get me wrong.) but Toyota is still no.1 on my list. Great reliability, looks and feels like more a expensive car. I have always believed in getting a luxurious/well equiped car for a good price and definitely Toyota does well. This is my 5th Camry and have owned one in every model year since 84.