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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  much better used - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By budapest1 - October 8 - 1:05 am

  This is a good and reliable car.Ive not owned it long.about 6k now and so far just had to replace the transmission seal gasket-$150.the struts upper spring seat(this is it)has to be replaced its a 20 dollar part for each side (kyb)and the noise stops.http the part is here. ://www.ebay.com/itm/Monroe-Front-Left-Right-Upper-Strut-Mount-With-Bearing-/181103286083?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACamry&hash=item2a2a98d743&vxp=mtr.

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  2008 SE Camry Nice Ride!! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By George - October 7 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned my 2008 SE Camry for about one week now and do not have any regrets about the purchase. The interior fit and finish is nicely done especially for a car at this price. The 4-Cyl. engine is great on gas and has decent acceleration and tourque. All radio, AC/Heat controls are easy to understand and utilze. Passenger room in this car is outstanding, you can really strech out and get comfortable. Getting ready to take it on a long trip so we will see how fuel milage is on the highway.

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  Excellent - Best Car I have Ever Owned - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By BarbarianJ - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with quality, reliability - however in the comfort area - the front seats (drivers and passenger seats - comfort needs to be improved - too stiff. Other than that - love everything else about the car. Best and most reliable car Ive owned. Still have the original brakes at 60,000 miles. Had to change tires at 35,000.

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  The best car in its class - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Trojans - October 7 - 10:00 am

  The best car in its class at a reasonable price

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  Baby Lexus? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Curt I - October 6 - 7:43 pm

  Overall, a very competent car. Some have found the transmission shifts too much, but its only trying to keep the engine in the 2000-2500 rpm range around town where theres some torque available. If youve owned a manual shift sports car, you will know what its trying to emulate. When the engine is cold, the acceleration off the line is very sluggish, but it is quite adequate when the engine warms up. (Well have to see what this is like in a New York winter.) Overall, a lot of thought is evident: the auto- off headlights, the little drawer for keys, etc. So far, its trouble-free, except for a squeak from the dash -- which you wouldnt hear if the car werent so quiet!

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  just a nice car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By penny - October 6 - 10:56 am

  The car was affordable and very comfy. It has plenty room for our 4 person family.

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  DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Ryan - October 2 - 6:53 am

  To keep this as brief as possible, dont buy the new Camry. I turned in an 02 Camry and I already miss it! The transmisson on my new Camry is sluggish and the steering doesnt connect with the car. I bought the Camry because I have had alot of friends tell me that "foreign" cars are of better quality. Man were they wrong... Toyota needs to recall this car and fix my transmisson once and for all.

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  Beautiful Camry Great Price!! - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Stephen Berger - October 1 - 8:20 am

  Its a beautiful Camry with low milage and in great condition.

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  No problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By comfy car - September 30 - 7:53 am

  A very comfortable car. Great car, always returns 32 mpg on freeway at above legal speeds, traded in a 98 with 140k trouble free miles, this one should be the same, keep up the good work Toyota.

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  Too many problems! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By discgem - September 25 - 2:00 am

  While I expected alot from Toyota, I did not expect to have the constant noisy brakes. I have replaced the brake pads at 60,000 and had one rotor turned at a cost of $400. I had to replace a fuel oxygen valve-=$200. And now I have to replace bad front shock block pads, as well as turning rod axles and boots at a cost of $1500!! This car is turning out to be a lemon.