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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  Good handling auto - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bobbi - July 30 - 7:36 pm

  I had 4 Mercury Sables (I lease autos for 3 years) and when I heard that Ford/Mercury wasnt making them anymore I leased the Camry and immediately liked its handling, performance and comfortability. The car is very quiet and you cant even hear the motor go on when you start it. Hopefully my satisfaction will continue. If not, youll hear from me. Good luck to all that are also getting one.

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  Most Reliable and comfortable car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Archana Tiwari - July 30 - 2:06 am

  Most Reliable and comfortable car

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  Never Own Another Toyota - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By NoMoreToyotas - July 29 - 9:43 am

  I purchased this car in July of 2007 with 114k miles. The car made it to 148k miles. Once it reached that point, I pumped approximately $5,000.00 into it. I replaced the timing belt, water pump, fuel pump, new rotors (twice in the time I owned it), 3 new sets of tires, plugs, axles, and last but not least, the transmission. I have had to replace other things, but those were the big ones. The paint job is the worst I have ever seen and the door handles have a curious habit of snapping off. I dont drive like a kid, so I think operator error is minimal. The car just died yesterday and this time, its anyones guess what the problem is. If you are thinking of getting a Toyota Camry, FORGET IT

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  Awesome car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By sd6519 - July 29 - 8:50 am

  This car has 112000 miles and has never failed me once. I recently got a new water pump and timing belt, but thats just regular maintenance for an 11 yr old car. If you want reliability, buy one of these bad boys.

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  My Dream! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dee - July 28 - 7:56 pm

  I have always wanted a Camry and have not been disappointed with this purchase. We have been on two trips and this car has performed like a dream. I do wish the seat would "rise" somewhat. I am rather short and unfortunately put a big dent in rear door as I didnt see that pole! Does have some "air noise" when freeway driving. Other than that I am very pleased with the features. If it performs and lasts as well as the 91 Corolla sitting in the driveway, still running, I will be thrilled.

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  Sluggish 4 cylinder - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By manny - July 28 - 2:03 pm

  I love the car but the 4 cylinder is very bad when it comes to getting out of the way of something or needing a quick response. The engine lags when you accelerate after slowing down. I have had a few close calls from not getting the engine to respond when you need it (it hesitates badly).

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  Make sure you have the right tires! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Brian H - July 27 - 4:05 pm

  If you buy a 2015 Camry, make sure they either put 16" tires or 17" Michelin MXM4 or MXV4 tires. The XLE V6 comes standard with Goodyear Turanza tires and the ride comfort was substantially (dare I say, catastrophically) worse than on the Michelins. Nuff said.. otherwise, the car is a GEM.

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  be care of the oil consumption - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By leon_lz - July 27 - 10:00 am

  the camrys from 97-2002 had a design flaw, which you have to change oil more frequent than the manual said. the manual recommends you to change oil between 5k-7.5k, no way you can wait for that long. because the camry was running at higher temp to reach good fuel economy, therefore, the oil can loose its lubrication ability faster, so i would say, change it at 2.5k, or you will have a problem called oil gelling. search google.com by toyota oil gelling as key word, you will know what is going on. Overall, it is a good vehecle. but not the model between 97-02. you have to change oil more often.

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  Still Simply the Best - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Bonius - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the Camry and have for many years and now this one has rekindled the love. No wonder its the best selling car in the country! Silky smooth, elegant, very practical and ergonomically engineered, excellent gas mileage and looks and feels like a state-of-the-art player that should cost alot more. I looked at several nice cars in the <30k range and for my money the Camry XLE was by far the better choice. Roomy but not the "big- empty" feeling. If you are considering a family sedan and dont at least look at the Camry you definately cant make an educated decision because this is one to be reckoned with. I know this is the best car I could have bought.

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  Unreliable Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By abhishek - July 24 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this car with such an excitement in 2006, but since then it has been giving me troubles and nothing else. The whole tranny defaulted within 1st month. I had to call up customer service and dealership, only god knows how many times to get the problem resolved. Instead of giving me a new car they finally admitted the problems with transmission and replaced it with a new one, free of cost to me ($6500) cost to them. After two years, last month the tires worn out at 20000 miles. Bridgestone Potenza (worst tires). My driving habits are just as normal as others and I am not driving this car on a raceway, how can possibly they go bad?