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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  Roomy & Zoomy - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Paul Feldmann - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven Toyotas for many years but this is the first one Ive ever owned. The exterior styling is classy and the interior is roomy and quiet. Sound and reception from the optional JBL stereo is excellent. The best sound however comes from the 4 cyl. engine. Its got plenty of zoom and revs to the redline without a hint of vibration. Overall Im extremely pleased with this vehicle.

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  SE has RACING LOOK, STYLE and POWER ! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Larry T - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This SE is a cut above all other model Camrys! Its 3.3 V6 is there when you need the power to pass and compliments comfort while doing it. The interior offers quality build features and materials. I owned Accords in the past but I am much more impressed with this Camry SE than even the new Accord. With a more spacious interior, quieter ride and racy appearance, I love my Toyota Camry SE. The 3.3 V6 is worth every penny !

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  Front End Rattle - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Its A Lemon - August 25 - 7:30 am

  In 6 months of ownership the front upper strut mounts and the front left strut assembly have been replaced. "Insulation" was added between the strut mounts and the car body to try and quiet the rattle noise. All efforts have failed. Toyota has no solution. Think twice before buying the 4 cylinder LE. There is a flaw in the front end. Arbitration denied my claim because the situation was not serious enough. Protect yourselves and do not buy the LE model until a solution has been found for this problem.

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  The Absolute BEST car that Ive ever owned - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jim Prendible - August 24 - 7:35 am

  My Camry has been the most reliable, maintenance free car Ive ever owned. My first repair came at a little over 200k miles. Had to replace the starter. Were now at 235k and have only spent +/- $1,500 in all. When this one finally goes, well probably get another.

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  My 2011 Camry - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By John Harrod - August 22 - 5:10 am

  I just traded my 2011 Camry for a 2014 Camry, didnt care for the appearance of the 2015.I drove the 2011 for 60,000 miles with no repairs, just maintance an a new set of tires.I was very satisfied with this car.

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  Love My Camry!! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By julesm - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my first toyota and I LOVE it! I will never go back to american built cars. It is so smooth riding and I cannot believe how powerful the 4 cyl engine is. My husband has a V6 engine in his car (not a toyota) and I think the acceleration is just as good, if not better, with my camry. The controls are simple and designed to be in good reach for the driver. It is very quiet and has a great sound system. I can get just over 500 miles on a tank of gas (mainly highway miles)I think I will be a toyota buyer for life!

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  car owner of a 2004 SE - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By nicole - August 21 - 10:00 am

  i like this new year i had a 2000 camry LE and did a trade in.. i love the new body

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Alex - August 21 - 4:40 am

  This is a 4th Camry that I owned. My father still drives my first Camry (160,000 miles on odometer). The handling and reliability of the SE impressed me from the first time a test drove the vehicle. The comfort and the feel of a sports car in a 4 door family sedan. I test drove BMW, SAAB and several other sedans. For the money - cant beat the Camry.

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SpazzE1 - August 20 - 6:10 am

  All and all, this is an excellent car. I get between 27 and 32 mpg with mine, it has a smooth ride, good pickup, great sound system and is extremely reliable. I already have over 150K on it and literally only put about $150 per year into repairs. This has got to be one of the best vehicles I have ever had. Very economical, attractive and comfortable. Love it!

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  1st Time Toyota owner - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By bh - August 20 - 5:13 am

  Have owned the car for 2 months. Best features are the smooth and quiet ride. I recently rode in a friends new Accord and the Camry is much more quiet and much smoother. The engine is very quiet at idle, and at 70 mph. The handling is not very sporty thanks to the drive-by-wire steering; needs more road feel. The car downshifts too much when going up slight grades at interstate hwy. speeds; otherwise the transmission is very smooth and shifts seamlessly. This is a five- speed and I can only imagine that the new 6-speed would have more of the downshifting problem. Overall I really like the car and believe it is a good value in the midsize category. I dont regret the purchase at all.