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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  2007 Camry Design Flaws - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sam - May 2 - 4:36 pm

  I own my 2007 Camry SE since April 2006. I have seen the following problems: 1.) Hesitant response of the engine to the gas pedal, it can be a safety issue on highway. 2.) Water on the seat when you open the car door or roll down the window, in a slight rain. 3.) Rattling dashboard when the car is cold. 4.) Uncomfortable head restraint, too close to my head. I hope that Toyota would call me some day to offer a fix to the hesitant engine response, as I am really disappointed with this cars performance. Id like to keep this car for years, but sometimes this hesitation problems bothers me so badly that I think to trade this 6 month old car with something more reliable.

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  I am enjoying my Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By WheelHappy - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet & powerful, but, some lag upon acceleration. Yet no problem in quickly reaching high speed. Ride is cushy, comfortable & quiet. You will feel some sway if you hit a bump turning. Overall design is very smart. Big controls for the sound system and A/C make them easy to operate. The JBL system (6 CD in dash + Cassette)sounds awesome! Ample leg and headroom in front and the back. The trunk is very spacious and has a storage net. Leather interior and the Faux Maple dash rival higher priced luxury cars. One-touch power windows and moon roof. It is a solid car with a very luxurious presence.

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  Best buying experiance ever - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By B - May 1 - 10:23 pm

  I have had several other import cars in the past mostly Hondas. This was my first Toyota. I am sure glad I went to the dealer to look. I went in and they had the car pulled up. The car was warm inside and it was like the seat just grabbed on to me. It could adjust several different ways and with the telescoping wheel it felt perfect. We took it around the block and it handle like it was a sports car. I could not believe how quiet it was compared to my other cars I have had in the past. The white outside with the dark leather set it off just right. I have had the car almost a year and I like sometimes to just hop in and drive it still. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  mannie 1994 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By honesti eimani - May 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is so comfortable this engine is running strong i change the timing belt at 178,000 it broke on me going up a hill but i got the car 2 year ago with 138,000 and i did nothing to this car beside change the oil.The car has 190,000 on it now these cars is very much reliable get on just these years 1992-1996 great cars :o)

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  Oil Pan gasket Already - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By OIL Pan Gasket - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought car 12-2009, The 2 weeks after bought it all the recalls came out. took it in they changed the gas pedal. and flashed my Memory. I noticed the car runs a little different( in a bad way). at 15,000 miles I notice oil in my driveway,thought it was my 2000 dodge caravan. But no it was my Camry.Took it in and they had to drop the oil pan and replace the Oil Pan Gasket. Ive worked on cars for 32 years, had old junker etc and never had to replace a oil pan gasket, unless I pulled the motor and wanted to. 15,000 miles on a new car come on Toyota. The service guy couldnt explain why and said these things happen.

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  Female Disappointed With Toyota - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By thecrock1 - April 30 - 12:00 pm

  My car drove great for the first year and a half and now the steering wheel shakes (I believe its the rotors) but dealership wont do anything about it. But the main problem is when the ac is on the car acts like it wants to die sometimes when you are coming to a stop. The whole car is vibrating on and off or shaking like the engine is missing or something. Only happens when ac is on. Again dealership says nothing wrong. Very disappointed in Toyota and this dealership. Had heard so many good things about Toyota. Will not buy another one. They are just like all the other dealerships I have dealt with. Once you buy the car thats it. They dont help you or fix anything.

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  Poor fit and finish - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By patrickht - April 29 - 3:20 am

  I like the car its good looking and has a nice ride. The fuel economy is decent but not has good as the sticker promises. I have averaged about 24 MPG since I have it. The fit and finish quality is poor. When the drivers door is closed there is a tight fit between the door and dash. When the door on the passengers side is closed the gap is a quarter of an inch! Toyotas quality is slipping. Out of 11 Camrys on the lot 6 of them had this same defect. When I complained to the dealer they told me that its the way the car was built and to fix it they would have to take the dash apart. I was shocked at this response, I expected more.

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  Paint Chips Easy, Bad Acceleration - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Another Complaint - April 28 - 3:43 pm

  We were about to buy a Rav4, but my wife loved the Camry design. So we bought it. It hesitates to accelerate. All this "drive by wire" is crap. It takes seconds for the computer to react to the pedal. Give me good ol cable. The paint is the worst. 9000 miles and it has almost 100 chips and holes on the front bumper. The worst cheap paint. The rest is nice about the car, but man those two can overpower the nice things about the car. MPG are lies, read the EPA testing procedures and you will know why this car says 34mpg. You will never get 34. 50/50 city/hwy, we get 25mpg average. EPA lies.

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  Loving it so far - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By lslblues - April 28 - 3:18 am

  Had the car about a month. Got a great lease deal due to Southeast Toyotas high residual value and low money factor. Was considerably cheaper than LE model. Really enjoy driving it. Had a 2003 Camry LE for a long time and this car is definitely sportier than that. Its definitely not a sports car, but is fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. Average close to 40 on the highway.

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  Love my Camry - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By bswgjtm - April 27 - 1:53 am

  I bought my 2011 Camry in July 2010. I traded in a GMC Envoy for it, looking for reliability and affordable transportation. In December of 2010, I let my stepdaughter take my car on a road trip from upstate NY to Maine. She fell in love with my car and when she graduated from college, she bought her own. Yesterday, my daughter and I went to our neighborhood Toyota dealer looking for her first gently-used vehicle and, without any influence from Mom, she said, "Do you think there are any Camrys in our price range?" 3 2011 Toyota Camrys are a part of our family now. I think that says it all. In the almost 5 years of owning mine, I have only had to replace the tires and rear brakes.