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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  an extremally everage car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sasha - August 7 - 10:00 am

  bought it used with 18k.The very second week took it to a dealer to fix as i found out collapsed chaircoal canister.Two month later couldt start it and again my dealer fixed problem with engine oil flooding sparkplugs.When loaded (2-3 people inside)the car hits speedbumps with its buttom. Horrible bodyroll, jerky acceleration, average braking power and totaly looses traction and stability when driven over uneven pavement. This car was a dissssapointment.

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  Love My Black Walnut SE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sears - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Camry SE a short time ago and am thrilled. I went shopping for the best 4 cylinder vehicle on the market and found it! Smooth, strong, quiet, powerful engine. Silken transmission. Great sport suspension and leather steering wheel. My wife and teen son love the interior and the JBL stereo. I love the color--BLACK WALNUT-- a manly, rare, underrated hue. All this, plus ABS, aluminum wheels, 24 mpg, and monster trunk, for less than $21,000. Booyah! Drove the Accord, RSX and others first; then bought the right car. I sit tall in my Camry at 61"; great view fore and aft. A rip racer that doubles as a sedan. Go get one!

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  What Camry should be! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Vladimir - August 6 - 1:11 pm

  The only reason why I bought the 2008 Camry was because I owned a 1993 Camry that lasted 300,000 mile without any major repair or problem. I bought it used in 2010 with 28000 miles, it was a lease return vehicle. 100,000 miles later, it still looks and drives like new and never had any major problems with it. The only thing I repaired in the car was the rear passenger hub bearing which cost less than $150. I just replaced the original brakes last year simply because I wanted to. I changed the tires twice and battery one time, usual car wear and tear. It is nice to drive, comfortable and quiet. The only this I probably dont like with this car is that it drives very light, too light for the size and type of car. Toyota contacted me for all of the recalls and they fixed those. They sent me extended warranties for the dashboard (cracks and warp dashboard) and engine (excessive oil loss), but never had to use them. We really need a van or SUV for the growing family, but we cant imagine trading or selling this car since it has been really great to us. Over all we really love this car, at this pace this one might reach 300,000 miles too.

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  Will never buy a Toyota again - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By 1st and Last Toyota - August 4 - 3:20 am

  Bought a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with the 2.5L 4 cyl from my local dealership first impressions was overall good build quality, excellent road handling and it looks good although, Others seem to think it is very quiet with very little road noise. We hear much more wind turbulence than our older 2002 Honda. And driver side rattle not all the time, pretty ought and its annoying not helpful. Also rear or front Clunk Sound. I have taken it to the repair shop where I bought my car and they have heard the problem but cannot tell me what it is Really wish we had noticed it on the test drive. Disappointed.

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  you wont find better than this!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Ravchic4 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the 97 toyota camry for a few years now, and i must say, it is the best car ive ever driven! its so much fun to drive, with an INCREDIBLE sound system (i bet you couldnt even install a better one!), comfort, and reliability. the ride is also so smooth and relaxing!

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  The best family car anyone can buy - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Hassan - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The camry is truly the best family sedan anyone can buy, becuase it has great etractive design and it is very comfortable on road or highway. And toyotas reliability is outstanding. Sorry honda but your accord just did not get my vote on family sedan. J.D power and associates just named toyota and lexus the best name brands of any car manufacturer. In my eyes and other people the camry beats the accord again.

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  a well designed car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By tom bas - August 3 - 10:00 am

  i owned luxury cars for most of my life. i reluctantly decided to downsize to a toyota camry xle.this car has everything comfort, power,handeling, it performs as well as any car costing twice the price.

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  PingPong - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Lenny - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car, but I get pinging when accelerating in hot weather. I cant hear it when the windows are up. I see someone else has the same experiance. Whats up with that?

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  Toyota is giving these away - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By tommyb - August 2 - 10:43 pm

  Bottom line buyer got a LE with sunroof and alloy wheels for $209 per month on a 3-year lease. Turned in a Honda Odyssey after completing a 2- year lease.

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  So far, so good - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Surfdog - July 30 - 7:43 pm

  I have had my Camry SE (4 cyl.) for almost two years, and have put a lot of miles on it. Absolutely no problems with it. I had always known the Toyota Camry to be a very dependable car. I had always thought it to be an ordinary, "family"-looking sedan though. When I saw the 2005 though my opinion changed. It seemed to have a sleeker presence to it. Since adding my new surfboard rack and front-end bra to the car, I have friends commenting on how sporty it looks. Have to admit, the new 2007 Camry is an awesome, very stylish car. I will likely make that my next car. Until then though, very happy with the 2005. Im sold on Toyota. The car, the dealer, the company, the service.