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:

• 

  Great Make - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By khreddy - September 11 - 4:36 pm

  Bought mine brand new in year 2000 and has about 128000 miles and runs as great as in 1st year. Ride is very smooth, does not make noise. In the initial I could not wait to drive it. Still loving every minute driving it.

• 

  Cant stop this Camry. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rhymin Hieman - September 8 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this car used when it had 94,000 miles on it. It now has 164,000. It is the first Toyota I have owned and I would buy another one again without a second thought. I add between 600 and 700 more miles to the odometer every week and havent done anything other than regular maintenance; fluid changes, brakes, shocks and tires. It is a 5 speed, so it maybe feels a little sportier than your grandpas Camry might. It is not the sports car my ego desires, but my practical side relishes its reliability and economy. Who could ask for anything more? Oh what a feeling!

• 

  Great Comfort Excellent Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Ahsan Uzzaman - September 8 - 6:00 am

  I bought 2009 SE model. Its great handling, fuel economy excellent, pick up smooth and plenty of acceleration, strong stable handling with great speed, shifting gear smooth, sound system A plus, excellent, big 17 inches wheel gave me classic ride, excellent out looking, interior classic looks, fun ride 100%.

• 

  Worst Car I have ever owned-Cheaply made - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By gringo1210 - September 8 - 3:12 am

  This is my third Camry and will be my last. The heat on this car takes 20 minutes to warm up, By the time it does I am at work. I was told this is standard for this car. The car has the WORST pickup ever. I cant even accelerate quickly if I need to get out of the way. I was told this is due to the econo button that cannot be shut off. Its cheaply made the fabric seats stain easily and when trying to clean water marks are left behind. Toyota refused to fix any of my problems. Today I went to the drive through and all my windows were frozen stuck, Between the lack of heat and no pick up and now the window problem I feel like I am driving around in a 15 year old car.

• 

  So far so good - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By lomspolo - September 4 - 9:10 pm

  Second time I have purchased a Toyota, other vehicle is an 03 Avalon. Ride is smooth as silk. A/C blows ice cold. This car is geared towards comfort. Transmission shifts smoothly. Gas mileage is great have just under 1,000 miles and so far averaging 23-25 mpg with more city than highway usage.

• 

  From Ford to Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Me_In_BhamAL - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Recently switched from SUV to Camry. Was so happy when I test drove the Camry V6 that I traded my SUV within the same month. Am hoping Toyotas reputation proves to be good thing! Was disappointed when dealership had to get my Camry from another dealership and ASSURED me that it was the new 210 hp 03 SE V6 model and when I went to pick it up, it was the 192 hp V6. Was then told by dealer that 210 hp is not available in 03 SE models. Funny how other reviewers on here say they bought the 03 SE V6 model w/210 hp. Lesson here--dont ever trust car salesmen to know what they are selling!!

• 

  Reliable of course - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By beaver - September 3 - 8:26 pm

  Very nice car! While it wont break any land speed records, it does have nice style, really nice interior, really nice all over, but what puts Toyota ahead of everyone else is reliability. I have put over 230,000 miles on it in 8 years (and missed oil changes here and there)! Repairs in that time: replaced the head gasket and have gone through 3 batteries and many tires.

• 

  Toyota Quality Slipping - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By first toyota - September 3 - 4:33 am

  First Toyota my wife and I have owned. Looking forward to many trouble free years based on review of others. After a year our car had the fuel system replaced. Last week the steering shaft was replaced due to a defect. This will be our last Toyota.

• 

  Best car money can buy - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By camrylover - August 31 - 2:43 pm

  This car is just an all round beauty. It is SOOOOOO quiet and luxurious and honestly way better then the accord we test drove. Interior is user friendly and simple but nothing to complain about.

• 

  Not as good as the older Toyotas - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Gwiz - August 30 - 10:03 pm

  I own a Toyota truck for 19 years with virtually no problems. I have owned my new Camry for about a month and have had numerous problems. 1) Vibration in the steel wheel above 70 MPH. 2) Clicking noise from the rear suspension . 3) Center console squeaks. 4) Dashboard squeaks. 5) Passenger seat back rattles and vibrates excessively 6) Air conditioning vents poorly match the surrounding dashboard. 7) Driver side door had a scratch at delivery. 8) Transmission hunts for gears 9)Driver side head liner molding buzzes. 10) Steering wheel is not centered when driving straight. 11)Transmission unexpectly deaccelates during a slow down (as if it dropping into a lower gear).