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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  Real World, Real Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By accesstoo - May 18 - 8:10 am

  After all the hype about this car and that, all cars smell, drive, look, and act similarly after a few years. That being said, I can tell you without reservation, this has been one fine car. I now have 61,000 miles on this car. I drive it daily in Atlanta traffic. This car has and continues to deliver everything you come to expect in a Toyota. I have only replaced the Front Brakes. I cant seem to wear the rears out, replaced the tires, and use synthetic oil with every oil change. Score? Perfect. It has never broken down. It has a better AC than Honda and is roomier. It wont turn heads but you wont call for a tow either. Next time, buy a 4-cyl Camry. Its my 2nd.

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  I gave up on my 2014 hybrid for a 2015 XSE V6 - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Ziemba - May 17 - 11:31 am

  My last car was the 2014 Camry XLE hybrid. Due to handling, performance, look, and whirring sound I took a heavy loss and rolled it into a new 2015 XSE V6. The hybrid was ok for certain consumers but my aggressive driving style, and I guess I even wanted a car that looks great as well. Some bonuses are better stereo, much more technology (entune apps, qi, nav, backup cam, homelink, LED lights, and more), sunroof, incredible handling for a camry, excellent performance in all driving conditions, comfortable seats. All the good things that existed in the 2014 still carry over such as toyota quality, good mileage, roomy interior and trunk , easy to use controls. The 18 low profile wheels look amazing, definitely not camry like, the sport mode and paddle shifters can be quite fun, the v6 glides to an impressive 6 second 0-60 and is easy to keep quiet under brisk acceleration (unlike my previous hybrid).

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  Good all around family car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Hillbilly - May 15 - 12:26 am

  Moved from a 2000 solara se to the 2010 camry se. The cars exterior looks are great and the black leather interior is outstanding but its frosty blue dash is outdated and glares in the daylight. Its handling is better than my old solaras but is not quite as sporty. I think the V6 would be a bit more fun to drive. Only get the smart key feature if you constantly lock your keys in the car (you cant do that with smart key). But if you lose them it costs $350 to rekey the car.

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  Unbeatable value. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By jmc55ma - May 14 - 7:57 am

  I purchased my 2001 Toyota Camry LE 4 cyl. in 2003 with 27000 miles on the odometer. I have driven this car for 9 years without a major repair and only done maintenence, brakes, timing belt and tuneups. The odometer now reads 171000 miles and still going strong. It still has the original exhaust. i find the seats a little uncomfortable and hard but othere than that I would give this car a 10!

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  Great value for the money - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - May 13 - 8:50 am

  All around, one of the nicest cars available, and I drove a lot of them before purchasing this one. Not the best handler but sure footed enough to to take the cloverleaf exit ramps around here with authority. A bit of a resonance around 70 mph mars an otherwise serene highway ride. Averages about 32 mpg in a 70/30 mix of highway and city driving, respectively. Can get 40 mpg at 65 mph. VERY comfortable seating for me, with plenty of adjustment and support. Buying experience was mixed, great price, salesperson, crappy finance office.

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  My Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Dick Conway - May 10 - 11:30 am

  My wife and I just returned from a 3500 mile trip from Dallas to Minneapolis to Michigan, done in 8 days. Drove 710 miles one day and didnt feel tired at all that evening (like I have always felt in other cars on long distance drives). This car drives beautifully and is super comfortable. It has a great turning radius, excellent visibility and general road handling. I love this car (that now has 25000 miles)!! P.S. Im 73 years old.

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  Why cant this car drive staight? - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By irishlager - May 10 - 5:00 am

  My Camry does have a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride. However there are two things that are potential buyers should be aware of. Camry has an alignment problem. This car constantly pulls to the left. After taking delivery, I had to return to the dealer for an alignment with only 400 miles it! I now have 3900 miles and Im going back again. I have also discovered that the highway mileage isnt as advertised. I can only 30 miles to the gallon on the highway.

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  Toyota Lover for Life! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By DRECHYX83 - May 10 - 2:30 am

  I bought this road marvel as a replacement for a 2005 Kia Spectra EX, that had a host of problems on it. I have loved this car ever since I bought it. It gives me great gas mileage & the engine runs so smooth and quiet that you cannot even hear it when stopped for traffic. It had a smooth-drive suspension system before they got all worn out. Today, there is a problem with my tyres that gives me less than 30 mpg overall. I used to get an average of 33 mpg (combined mileage) but these days even 25 mpg is a miracle! I was advised that there is something wrong with my tyres, alignment, balancing or something like that and once I get it fixed, its gonna b okay!

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  TOYOTA Recall entune 3.0 and Scout GPS - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By bob - May 9 - 9:52 pm

  TOYOTA Recall entune 3.0 and Scout GPS

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  Great Deal on a Great Car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Morgan - May 6 - 12:12 pm