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 Sedative! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Rip - May 21 - 3:06 pm

  The aboslute comfort, ease of handling and quietness of this vehicle makes it one of the most relaxing to drive. After 10 years of driving this vehicle it has not once let me down, started every morning and has always taken me where I wanted to go and brought me back. Whenever I get into this vehicle it is as much a joy and pleasant experience to drive as it was the day I first got it. Toyota servicng is, off course, supreme!

• 

  Great and reliable car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By colin_88 - May 21 - 1:14 pm

  I received this car as a hand-me-down from my aunt in 2009 with 66K miles. In the three years in my possession, it is the most reliable car Ive ever owned. In those three years, it has not needed anything for inspection, which makes me happy. Now at 104K miles, there are two MINOR problems that I discovered, such as a moaning steering wheel and a recent minor fuel leak. Overall it is a very trustworthy and stubborn car. I definitely recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  Its pretty much what I expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Christopher - May 21 - 10:46 am

  I test drove both the 4cyl and V6. Both were really smooth. I went with the 4 cyl due to less cost and better mpg. I previously had the 2003 Camry SE. The 07 has better handling. It doesnt lean when turning like the prior model. So far the quality appears to be strong, as expected. Im a sales manager on the road 25K+ miles per year, so reliability is important. The car does get a lot of looks from fellow drivers. Id like to think they were looking at me, but regrettably its just the car.

• 

  94 Camry Wagon - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By RayX - May 19 - 3:03 pm

  After 11 years and 102,000 miles, the engine is still shiny. No leaks or emissions of any kind. Just replaced the starter -- the first mechanical problem weve had except for the antenna retracting mechanism.

• 

  great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By annabella - May 19 - 2:00 am

  we bought a 1999 used toyota camry in 2000. this was the best car we have ever had. the fuel economy is excellent. the comfort is incredible. the reliability is phenomenal. i would recommend a toyota vehicle to anyone. we only buy honda or toyota as a rule of thumb, but if its just up to me, i would buy toyota exclusively.

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  Best Camry Yet - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Madgoo - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Camry Ive owned and the best so far. The previous two were V6s, but this 2003 157HP 4 cyl has ample power and uses regular unleaded which is a big plus. It is a great looking car both inside and out and is quieter than previous versions. It handles well for a mid-size family sedan and is built with Toyota quality in mind. Since I have just recently purchased the new model, I cant rave too much about reliability yet, but the other two Camrys certainly served us well.

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  03 Camry - 1st Impressions - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By KJS - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I had done extensive research on the Camry and Passat. I sat in each seat (including rear middle seat) for each car for minimum of 15 minutes to determine most comfortable, the Camry won as it was roomier and more comfortable. Research, and personal experience with my 97 Camry showed Camry has better reliability. [So how did I get to sit in each car for about 45 minutes? Your not going to believe it, but on New Years Eve I drove to each dealer to look at my finalists. BOTH dealers had a car unlocked on their lots! I was also able to listen to the Monsoon stereo system in the VW!!!. Toyota sound system is far supperior.

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  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.

• 

  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.

• 

  not reliable - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By GK - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  I bought Toyota for reliability, but I was disappointed. Apart from having uncomfortable front seats, my car came in with heated seats, and the tube that transmitted the heat started hitting my rear end and make me uncomfortable. This started a year after leasing the car. Took it to two Toyota dealers, two of the largest in the country. The first one didnt do anything, and the second one tried to solve the problem at least, but it didnt help much. The padding is too thin. Not enough cushion for the seats. I have to drive the car like this for another year and a half before turning it in at the lease end. What does Toyota think about this. Never buying a Toyota again. Would you? At this day and age something like this should never happen. Poor engineering and seat design. Upgrade d XSE model that costs more but doesnt give you comfort. Where is the reliability? Very disappointed and dissatisfied customer.