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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  Fixed at last - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Camry - October 17 - 12:53 pm

  We have had the terrible acceleration problems that people have been writing about. We have owned Toyotas since 1985 and this is such a shock to us. Our dealer has been wonderful trying to fix it. Last month dealer informed us there was a new update and it should fix it. They were right - it is behaving like a Camry should. Get in touch with your dealers to find out about the latest fix.

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  Best car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Dipa - October 17 - 4:30 am

  Bought this car in Sept. Had it for 4 months now and I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Seats are very comfortable, nice interior and leather seats, compass and big trunk. SUPER quiet and Smooth tranny. Could not have made a better choice than this car!!! EXCELLENT car and will recommend it to everyone.

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  My Toyota - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By jack stratford - October 17 - 1:13 am

  About two years before retirement I decided to buy a new car and have it paid off before I retired. I had previously owned three Toyotas so I was sold on reliability. Still, I researched the reliability of all cars for about two months, and found the Camry to be the champ. I took another month to select a dealer and options. I finally came up with the "perfect auto". I have just the options I want, and have driven it for six years and four months with no, I repeat, NO problems. I still love my car, my wife doesnt want me to replace it. I dont know that I will, except for another Camry of my choosing.

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  18 months, 18,000 miles, like it a lot - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By rambler4 - October 16 - 7:53 pm

  Minimum 23 mpg mixed fwys & surface rds in Minn. winter, to 32 mpg summer freeways 70-80 mph. Im 62", head- and legroom fine, with seats low and far back. Comfortable even on 500-mile drives. Short seats no problem. Tranny hesitates when accelerating from stop or very low speed--a real problem if youre often accelerating from very low speeds to merge with fast-moving traffic. Its a real design flaw, not a question of learning a knack for handling the gas pedal. Degree of hesitation varies unpredictably, once it a while it bogs down badly for a moment. This is the one thing that would make me consider another make/model. Fine at higher speeds, though.

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  Love My Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By lervin - October 15 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased this New 2002 Camry in October, 2001, and have been pretty much delighted with it. Issues Ive had include creaky steering wheel, door trim replaced (under warranty), 2 sets of tires, battery and water pump replacement. Still on the original brakes - have taken it in twice for new brakes and was told didnt need them. Right now am experiencing white smoke from the tailpipe at initial start, but dont consider that a problem (yet). I plan to drive this car until the wheels fall off!

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  Poor Mans Lexus - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Ronald McCormick - October 15 - 2:16 am

  Love this car and will buy another if this one would ever break ... Indestructible

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  Done with Toyota Never Again!!!! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Susan Polillo - October 14 - 5:58 am

  My 2008 Camry was purchased with 9K in Sept of that year. I keep up with usual maintenance It just turned 88K and unfortunately have had 3 sets of tires(including original), numerous wheel alignments...to which they say accord to specs its fine but every time I drive off lot it pulls to the left or right?!..... constant vibration with steering..... to which always Toyota or other mechanics say its fine!?!? Horrible at acceleration from starting off and switching lanes! Since summer of 2014, repairs/replacements on the following....2 front wheel bearing hubs shot, right driver cv axle, power steering line, trans leak at drive shaft, was burning oil(Toyota fix through semi recall) and was just informed my front trans mount needs replacement!!! Oh and the sunroof casing squeaks like crazy!!! Plus the paint is the worst on this car!!!!!! I am beyond fet up!!!!! The only positive thing about this car is the body style and gas mileage.

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  No Regrets - But..... - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By bballbm - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I have no regrets about my purchase of the XLS Camry. The ONLY problem I have had is the breaks. The only way to describe the problem is by saying the breaks are comparable to manual breaks. VERY HARD peddle with little reaction. Dealer has told me twice that it is just a typical "TOYOTA" breaking system. I dont buy it. That said, I love everythging else about the car. It has respectable handling, enough power (only got the V4), and the interior and exterior are very pleasing. Would highly recommend. The breaking issue is an isolated thing I am sure.

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  Toyota please Recall Entune 3,0 & Scout GPS - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - October 13 - 10:20 pm

  I’ve had new 2018 Camry for a two month now. I love everything about the car Except the Entune 3.0 and Scout GPS . Entune 3.0 and Scout GPS drops with 5minutes every time I open it. Toyota Recall Entune 3.0 & Scout GPS .

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  REVIEW - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By steve - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Overrated. Molding and interior is separating from vehicle. 4 cyl is not adequate for a vehicle of this size.