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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  Disappointed in shift - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By JimmyC - September 13 - 6:30 am

  Car is OK but the transmission shift problem drive me nuts. Dealer says its normal, I just dont buy it. This is the only car that I have ever owned that has had a problem like this and it is my first foreign car. I have had cars since 1969 and never had a transmission shift like this. I have driven rental unit Camrys that were great. Why my car and why will the dealer not fix it?

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  Better than Accord - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Auburn Q - September 12 - 9:26 am

  Ive driven my new 2010 Camry XLE for about 3 weeks. I have an average of 30 MPG of combined city and highway miles, which is very good. I particularly enjoy the smooth, quiet and comfortable ride of this model. Having test-driven the Honda Accord, it was easy for me to make a decision to purchase the XLE even though it cost me ~$2K more. It is well worth it.

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  Best car for the money by far! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By BigJake - September 12 - 7:03 am

  I have owned 158 cars over the past 14 years. I am an expert on honda, toyota, and nissans. I originally bought a 99 camry and I ended up giving it to my mother. She now has 210K on it and it still drives just like mine with 70K. Through all my experience I have decided that the 2000-2001 toyota camry is the best car for your money. The styling is a bit plain-jane shall we say, but after youve driven one for awhile you get attached because it just feels so damn reliable. These cars are extremely quiet and their road manners have a peaceful, serene feeling like no other car Ive owned. If the timing belt breaks, it wont harm the engine. Im in love with these cars.

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  Bad Wind Noise - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By shawn123 - September 11 - 7:46 pm

  I bought my 2012 Camry XLE 6 months ago and so far i got 21000 miles (HIGHWAY MILES). Great on gas mileage, Seats are comfortable enough but definitely much better then my V w CC. My only complain is why there is so much wind noise every time i pass 70mph you can hear it coming from both side y previous Camry and My SISTER-IN-LAW Camry feels smoother and quieter then newer generation. Other then that overall great car. im getting average 32mph so no complain there.. I would suggest to test drive on open freeway and drive for a while before purchasing.

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  Recall Solves Problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CW Biggerstaff - September 11 - 2:00 pm

  I was surprised at how this car didnt perform as well as my wifes 05 Camry. It had hesitancy during acceleration, bursts of excessive RPMs in cruise control, and only average mileage. I showed my dealership an Edmunds customer review detailing an effective reprogramming he had done at his dealership, and was told my dealer had received word of this recall just 2 days before I came in. They performed the reprogramming, and solved my problems. We are now as happy with our new Camry as we have been with the older one.

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  Cant Miss - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By drivingforward - September 11 - 1:43 pm

  Ive owned two Camrys and this 2005 has been great to me as was my 1995 model. I have had it seven years and really havent had any problems with it. Standard maintenance etc. I currently have a little over 101K miles on it and Im sure I could drive it another 7 years if I choose to. It has always gotten good gas mileage for its size vehicle and is a 4 cylinder. The pick up has always been good and a nice comfortable drive. Amazing space in the trunk. As a musician I haul around a PA systems and guitars and such. I always seem to be able to fit what I need. All around it has been a great vehicle.

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  I cant complain - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By robrjay - September 11 - 6:37 am

  I traded in a Ford Taurus X (Flex) to get the Camry SE. The SE model is the only one I liked. The sporty look is great to me. I was on the fence between this one and the 2011 Accord. The ONLY reason I went with the Camry is the seats were more comfortable. The Accord seats hurt my back. The car feels really solid to me and my wife enjoys the ride as well. The suspension is noticeably firmer in the SE vs the LE or XLE which we both like. I hope to have it for many years, trouble free.

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  Poor gas Mileage - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Sameer - September 10 - 8:22 am

  I recently bought 2015 Camry-SE 4-cyl. Most of my drive during the week is 90% on freeways/highways and about 10% in the city. I have consistently observed the gas mileage around 28, which is well below the claims. Previously, my Honda accord 2001 with the same kind of drive used to give me close to 35. I expected that the new camry should be atleast that much fuel efficient, but am disappointed and this is my biggest concern when the fuel costs are high. Toyota customer service tried to blame it on the weather and road conditions, which is not an acceptable explanation. Another observation is that the dashboard indicators do not have good contrast and are difficult to see.

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  Take Notes GM - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Albolski - September 9 - 4:16 pm

  I bought the car with 80k on it and I have 107k miles on it now after just over a year. Had no problems. Ive done only standard maintenance (oil change, tires, etc) and changed the front brake pads. Its my 2nd Toyota car after a long line of GM failure cars that I purchased. GM Take note, this is how you get customers, if you build a reliable vehicle, they will come. If youre looking for a fun car to drive you will not get it with this car. It has no bells and whistles. You get 100% reliability and that is it.

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  Great car but terrible Navigation - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Hellervik - September 8 - 10:32 am

  The car is stylish and great interior but navigation is terrible. I expected this car to be loaded with all features but navigation doesnt exist nor does it have GPS. All software and electronics is tied to the cell phone. Without a cell phone all this car has is a radio. If you managed to get the navigation working (cell phone has to be plugged into the UPS), if you get a phone call or make a call, navigation quits working as the cell phone can only do one thing at a time. Navigation app is terrible. For a car such as the XLE to just have a radio I paid way too much. Ive have had 4 Toyotas now and would not buy this car for this price for just a radio. Would not purchase another.