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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  The Camry - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Nick2000 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  One good Car thats all I can say. We bought the car certified in April of 2003. For 3 years old we got it for just under 13,000, and 36,000 miles. Not one problem after a year and a half. The car has the reliabilty part down to par, but now we have to get some excitment. The V6 was probably the fastest in its class for 2000. The suspension is a little bouncy, and the interior is a little ugly compared to the Celica. Toyota could have a better car then the passat all around. But deffinitly would buy another one. Best car I ever bought when it comes to down to the money. Awsome sound system and its not the JBL version.

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  Bad design - giving back /hip pain - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By az - September 18 - 8:50 am

  I had Corolla for 9 years. I had no problem with that except for its slow pickup and not-good for high speed (over 65) travel. But with Camry I am having back/hip pain because of poor interior design. Gear shift is not smooth, it gets stuck in there. Seating comfort is very poor - I am feeling the vibration in my back and hip. I feel I got cheated after buying Camry 2009 model. Anybody over 40 years old, dont buy Camry it is not worth it. You may get somewhat good mileage but it is going to hurt your health in the long run.

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  Great Car - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By jenny541 - September 17 - 10:06 pm

  My husband bought this car for me in 2001. It had been leased for 6 months and only had 1400 miles on it! I LOVE this car! It drives smoothly, is comfortable (never had seat problems), and it is safe! I am looking to trade it in for a Matrix, most likely, but I still love this car, just wish it had more cargo space.

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  herky jerky car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jackhey - September 17 - 5:43 am

  Performance stinks due to transmission, always looking for another gear, constantly jerking, dash lights always dimming, lower grill always slipping out. Just an awful vehicle, goodbye Toyota hello American...

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  Best car yet - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By BeachSixPack - September 17 - 3:53 am

  After owning many many cars, this one by far is the best I have owned. Drove it to Florida after buying it and was very pleased with its comfort, reliability, looks, and gas mileage in the 30s while traveling above 80 for extended periods of time. Great car.

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  Still enjoy the car after 2 1/2 years - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Dan Alsup - September 14 - 7:30 pm

  We bought the car as a certified used car with 38,000 miles on it and now have 97,000 with no problems whatsoever. On a recent trip to Houston we drove between 60 and 65 MPH and got 35.5 MPG! (New tires and wheel alignment prior to the trip.) Love the lumbar support and the quiet ride. The only complaint is the easily scratched exterior paint. Much less road noise than the Hondas we have owned.

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  Disappointed owner - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - September 13 - 10:00 pm

  I loved this car until recently when I had to put approximately $1500 in non-routine maintenance repairs on the car. The car has a little over 60K on it and has had all of the recommended routine service done at the dealership since I purchased it there. Over the last 6 weeks, its been extremely disappointing and I now seriously doubt Ill ever purchase another Toyota. I had to have the trunk latch replaced - $350; replace seal on oil casing (?) - $280; replace something w/control arms on front end - $900. The car has never been in an accident and has been well- taken care of. I think next time Ill buy a domestic car. :o/

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  Perfect - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By W. Green - September 13 - 6:03 pm

  The Toyotya SE is the perfect combination of a reliable 4 dr sedan with sportier styling inside and out. The 4-cylinder has surprising pep. The optional 16" wheels are a must to finish off the sporty look.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By cathy - September 13 - 3:33 am

  I bought my 1995 Toyota Camry LE in 1996, after it had been driven for one year as a program car. This car has cost next to nothing to own and has been a pleasure to drive. Im not exactly the best at taking care of things; but nonetheless, the interior of this car is still in perfect condition. The body looks nearly perfect and the car runs beautifully with 264,000 miles on it. Im amazed at how this car still feels like new. Im considering getting another car just because Ive been driving the same thing for so long and want a change. I will probably hold onto this camry even after I get another car because its just that good! I paid $15K and really got my moneys worth!

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  Meh, its okay - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By misterfunky - September 11 - 7:31 pm

  I was looking at the Honda Accord EX-L and the Camry XLE, I went with the Camry as I liked the integration with the Navigation better. I think the accord was more fun to drive, and the blind spot camera was better, but I liked the overall look and feel of the Camry better. I have found that my suburban driving only gets 20 MPG, and I drive with a light foot. Also, this car only tells you your MPG after your park your car. Honda Accord tells you all the time and re-settable; I havent figure out how to get this information in this car.