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:

• 

  good buy - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By glockgirl - September 18 - 10:16 pm

  I got this car because i totalled my other 94 camry LE. I love my XLE. It has everything that anybody can want. im thinking of getting me another camry. I just would not trust my life to anything else but a camry.

• 

  Not Sure Yet - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Delma - September 17 - 9:30 pm

  Instantly loved the new exterior design. After having 2 LE-V6 Toyotas, decided to go with the 4i, not sure it was a wise choice. Certainly lacks the spark of the V6. Find the few second delay when you accelerate disappointing. Trade off for me was the XLE vs. the LE with add ons. My overall mileage has been 23-24. I was somewhat put off because the car did not have body side molding (Even though I prefer the look without it). It seems to me that the ability to get JUST the add on(s) you want without paying through the nose for very questionable warranty type extras has decreased significantly. Also, it is difficult to get the details on those so called warranty items before the sale.

• 

  New Toy - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By b gray - September 17 - 5:26 pm

  Nice car; 4 cyl power okay. Base model pricing attractive. Pleased with historical reliability. Recommended by Toyota drivers. Historically, keep cars for 10 years, so we will see how good it is in 2018. I will have a better review by then.

• 

  Toyota Camry - Made in Georgetown, KY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Central Florida Man - September 17 - 10:03 am

  "Salsa Red Pearl" 2002 Camry LE, 2.4L, first year that it came with a timing chain, not a timing belt) and automatic transmission. Im 61 and fit comfortably. In daily commute driving, I average 28.5 mpg combined hwy/city on 87 octane gas (Melbourne, FL), and recently got 36 mpg Hwy between Warner Robbins GA and Melbourne FL (I strictly observe the 70 MPH speed limit). Some Camry years are known for leaking valve guide seals at about 70K miles - this one is no exception. Valvolines high mileage oil has virtually eliminated this after about 4,000 miles use though. Lastly, this is one of the easiest cars to drive that I have ever driven - steering & pedals require very little effort.

• 

  MY 2002 CAMRY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By william goldman - September 17 - 6:00 am

  When my Corolla was starting to get too small for me, I decided to get something larger. I purchased and extended warrantee, and have yet to use it. This vehicle made it through two years if freezing Toledo, Ohio without a single problem. I just turned 54,500 miles, and the car drives like new. This will most certainly be my last vehicle. With this low mileage, the car will outlast me.

• 

  200,000 miles & still going!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Dinah Fuller - September 16 - 5:33 am

  I still have my first car, a 1969 VW Beetle. Our son in Dallas drives it now. This is my second car. Im a realtor in Tulsa and have put 200,000 miles on my Camry since May 1998. The ONLY problem Ive had is the transmission, which I replaced at 180,000 miles. I change oil every 3,000 miles and have her regular check- ups. Im giving her away and buying a new one.... the gas tank "flap" wont open!! As good a reason as any, I guess.

• 

  Camry XLE V6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By CBHP - September 15 - 10:00 pm

  I have had the car since November 2001. I upgraded from a 2001 Camry LE to the 2002 XLE V6. This was a great upgrade, the car is much more powerful and comfortable to drive. After about 15,000 miles, I am still loving it.

• 

  I love my car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By frenchdude_13 - September 15 - 9:11 am

  my parents got the car brand new and they owned it until 2011 than gave it to me i have never had problems with this car. the only major thing i had to do on it is replace the suspension in 14 years other than that its a great car. I drive it 50+ miles a day and it runs beautifully it also does 4000 miles in June when i visit my hole family it now has 130,000 and i plan on running it to the ground.

• 

  value, reliability and performance - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By skipkapur - September 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is powerful, fun to drive, great gas mileage for a V6, reliable. I have 100K miles, and look forward to keeping it till 300K miles.

• 

  A little worried - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rock - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Good looking, lots of extras, fun to drive and really good acceleration. Great stereo system and wonderful navigation system. Had to replace the transmission at 40000. It still jerks between 45-50mph.