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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  4 out of 5 - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By john - April 13 - 4:36 pm

  Overall the car is great but the seats are the most uncomfortable Ive ever had in a car and after getting home suffering through just a 1 hour drive I am determined to never buy a Toyota again. Its got a lot going for it but hurting me is not what I paid for. Now I shoud say if you have padding it might not bother you.

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  204000 and going strong - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Ellen Kadel - April 12 - 9:28 am

  I love this car. I bought it new in November 2001 and still have it. This was purchased in Wisconsin and I had no trouble with snow and ice. I have since moved to Florida. It has been a great vehicle. The only problem I have had are with the muffler; for some reason, it needs to be replaced every two to three years, something to do with the connection to the catalytic converter. I had the headliner replaced for $106.00 in 2009. The seats, door seals, carpet, and paint are still in pretty good shape considering the age. Ive never had a more reliable car. Not looking forward to replacing it.

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  2007 Toyota Camry LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Nick Patel - April 12 - 5:33 am

  I have a high opinion about Toyota because I have seeen many toyota cars running flawlesly even after 150,000 miles. I own this vehicle for more than 6 months and have driven it for 4500 miles. I love its Avalon like roomy interior and great looks. Bought it when got carried away by its looks but ultimately find it to be a poor investment. This car does not drive well in cruise control at all (eng revs up & dn). Also, seals around doors are poor, you will surely get water leaks even when you wash the car. I get 18 MPG in city and 27 on freeway. Not impressed with MPG! Telescopic steering is not great either.

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  AWESOME CAR! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By esueo - April 11 - 1:06 pm

  I love, love, love this car! Its my first car that I just bought last October for a great price of $3000. It has over 200,000 miles on it and is still going strong! It is so smooth to drive, I feel like Im just gliding down the road. I was looking dot something reliable, small, and good gas mileage, I got it all with my Camry! My dad has driven it across the state of Kentucky multiple times without a problem. I dont ever want to get rid of this car. I didnt want something that looked too "old lady like", which this car is not. Its stylish enough for me and very comfortable to go long distances in. I would trust it to take me anywhere.

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  Dont have a problem or else - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Toyotapan - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Our car had a transmission failure at 3,500 miles. Transmission was replaced and then still had serious safety issues. Dealer tried to fix but to no avail. Toyota region declared a lemon and then insisted that at a time when 2005s are out we had to take an identical 2004 after waiting and inconvenience for 3 months. They were never concerned about our inconvenience or that my familys safety was at risk while they tried to fix it. Toyota customer service is no better and perhaps worse than others!!!

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  a good car for everyone - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By rt asian - April 10 - 7:26 am

  I bought a Toyota Camry model 1997 LE 4 door sedan. What a car this was. It is good as new. Of course, there are some parts that needs replacement like the minor ones, spark plug, tires wiper blades, oil, brake fluid, etc. I would recommend this to everyone who wish to buy second hand car. The performance is fine, the curves and U-turns were amazing. Try It, youll love it.

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  keeps on ticking - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Peter Nugent - April 9 - 10:56 am

  I purchase my 1993 V6 CAMRY SPORT new in MAY 1993.In 11.5 years still the original battery, exhaust, rad., only repairs new brake pads at 65000 miles- new struts 2003 new rotors and brake pads 2004. All toyota OEM parts. This car still rides like new. Ive purchased several new vehicles since but still hang on to the camry because of it!s reliability.The local service manager was wanting the car when I traded. Would I buy another camry, probably but may not be as lucky. Other vehicles large SUVs. I have a 17 year old driver in the family, just another reason to keep this car.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By SY - April 6 - 3:00 pm

  This Camry has been top-notch. It has saved my life twice in desperate situations by its agility and power, and kept me out of many potential situations. Its required only normal maintenance, with the exception of the axle boots. These tore, probably from one of the desperation moves. If you have a shimmy (between 50mph and 55, and widening with time) thats hard to diagnose, and the front end is tight, look to the boots. This car should make it to 300,000 now.

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  High performance peace of mind - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By joe - April 6 - 2:26 pm

  As a father of three children, and a passion for sports cars, finding something that boasts performance and economic efficiency was no easy task until I took this camry se v6 for a test drive. It makes a statement with high performance driving and looks. Rest assured whether youre hauling groceries with the family or just haulin on open road, the smiles are impossible to hide. Overall comfort and interior quality makes you forget your not driving a $50k automobile. All of the creature comforts and styling at half the expected cost.

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  Excellent/reliable - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Melanie - April 4 - 5:00 pm

  The Camry has more pep than people think. I passed a Prius on the road thinking "How bad does this look that a Camry is speeding by?" Although many Camry drivers may be the more cautious type, they drive as fast as the driver wants.