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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  Smooth Ride - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By VAMan - October 12 - 10:50 am

  Ive had the car for more than a year and have enjoyed everything about it.

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  SHES A HONEY - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By ANN MANIUSZKO - October 10 - 9:36 am

  I purchased this car from a family member (who had purchased it new) in June 2000 with 15,540 miles on it. It now has 50,583 miles on it and it is OUTSTANDING!!! This car has never given me a moments trouble; it gets about 21-22 mpg around town (not bad for a V6 thats almost 10 yrs. old). I have had NO mechanical problems other than normal wear and tear. I will sell this car later this year when I replace it with a HYBRID HIGHLANDER (cant wait). Ive driven Toyotas exclusively since 1974 and would not even consider another brand! My daughters PRIUS avgs. 50 mpg and I just love driving it ... way to go Toyota!

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  Torqued windshield & odd tranny - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Bruce G - October 10 - 5:13 am

  Pleasant to drive, lots of room but the radio sounds a bid cheap despite a bunch of speakers. The windshield developed a tiny crack near the roof that progressively lengthed to about 2 feet before replaced. There seems to be a tendency for the chassis to twist and crack the windshield! Like others Ive had a dash rattle. Also, tap the brakes when slowing from 70 on a downslope and the tranny very perceptively downshifts. No answers from dealer.

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  A decent car at last - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By pcr - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After years of driving compact cars, I test drove a Camry as was hooked. With the air conditioning on full-blast, I could accelerate to 90 in seconds up a steep WV hill--with a 4-cylinder engine. In 35000 miles, Ive had only comfortable rides, no mechanical problems, confidence when on the road late at night, and compliments on my taste in cars. Ill buy another Camry in 10 or 12 years, when I pass this down to my daughter.

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  Toyota Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Leosgirl - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my Camry and almost everything about it, the only thing that surprised me was that it uses much more gas then expected and costs me about $30.00 per week for gas and I do not drive a far distance weekly.

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  The best car built - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ovillatoro - October 9 - 10:00 am

  i uesd to own a mithubithi galant and it was ok until i got in to the seat of the toyota Camry then i found out how amazing the Camry really was

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  Surprisingly good ! ! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Hunter - October 9 - 1:11 am

  Strong points -surprisingly peppy & fuel efficient 4 cylinder wont leave you wanting to get the V6. This engine is really good. -smooth ride, much smoother than the Lincoln MKZ I had prior to this car, especially with these 18" wheels and sports suspension. Very very very smooth. The whole powertrain is smooth. -front seats are wide and the bolstering makes you feel as if the seat is giving you a nice hug. Im 64, 180 pounds and have alot of room in here. The cloth and pleather combo looks and feels great. -Barcelona red paint looks amazing and helps this popular car stand out. -smoothel shifting tranny. Weak points -transmission is so quick to shift into 3rd that it often has to downshift to make use of the power. -headlights could be Xenon or LED headlights would help. I plan on putting in either one aftermarket soon. -this car could use a high polished or machined cast aluminum wheel to help brighten it up, its rather dry looking. -BIGGEST ISSUE. THIS THING IS NOISY. Road and wind noise penetrate the cabin. Not good. Overall, not a bad choice. I know this car will provide years of trouble free motoring that wont require me to use my wallet that much.

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  Great car, except for seats - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Edward Turner - October 8 - 1:30 pm

  Love the car, except for the seat issue. Back half of seat is soft. Front half of seat is hard, as it has a flat metal piece under it. There is a lot of pressure at the transition which cuts off the blood circulation.

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  Squeaks and Rattles abound! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Terri - October 8 - 8:00 am

  I bought this car used with only 28000 miles on it, and I think I know why now that I have had it for a few months. Here is my normal day spent driving: Squeak, rattle, rattle, squeak, buzz, squeak, buzz, buzz, buzz, rattle.

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  Toyota Quality is Lacking - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By dwdesil - October 8 - 6:55 am

  Have been a loyal Toyota driver for 25 years and the 2012 Camry is by far the poorest build quality I have ever experienced. With less than 8k miles on the car I have paint peeling and a popping noise coming from the headliner. A Toyota district rep was dispatched to diagnose the sound problem I experienced every time I made a right hand turn and determined that insulation between the headliner and the roof had delaminated. They replaced and added shims to fix the problem. The paint bubbled up on the quarter panel and flaked off. They took samples and have sent it to a new Toyota field rep in charge of paint issues. Still not resolved. This car was built at the Subaru facility in Indiana.