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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  Navigation - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Ahmad Ghaderi - March 26 - 3:55 pm

  Besides navigation, it almost perfect.

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  Navigation - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Ahmad Ghaderi - March 26 - 3:55 pm

  Besides navigation, it almost perfect.

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  Ill take reliable any day of the week... - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Anthony St.Peter - March 26 - 7:00 am

  Remember the old days when your ride didnt cost a fortune, had windows you could see out of and didnt look like a plastic Darth Vader helmet on wheels? Remember when you could DEPEND on your car for RELIABLY doing its job, day in and day out? Isnt that what you STILL expect from your vehicle, to get you to work on time, safely tote your kids and carry you to far-away unfamiliar places, and back again...without worry? Didnt that make you feel smuggly satisfied in a Im-a-grownup-not-a-heavy metal-groupie sort of way? Well congratulations, youve come to the right vehicle...again. All a Camry does is reliably, affordably and comfortably get you there. No gimmicks, breakdowns or stupid macho dude pretenses, at a fair price, for about a quarter million miles or so. Now THATS cool.

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  Well, it is 15 years old - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By BSS - March 24 - 11:30 pm

  I got my Camry w/low mileage in 2002, & currently it has 117,000 mi. After just replacing cv jt, the starter went out. I knew it was leaking a little oil & power steering fluid--but it turns out I shouldve had those checked first. Water pump, timing belt, entire power steering system, & valve cover gasket all on their way out. I dont expect even a Toyota to run forever, but this is at 117,000 mi. I dont skip oil changes, & am not that hard on cars--tho I didnt realize how serious a pwr steering leak can be. Overall its been pretty reliable--just hate its all going at once. Im trying Honda next.

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  I really dont know which reports are ture - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By fleung - March 24 - 12:11 am

  I own 2011 Camry LE. I read a lot of reports from different sources but some are very good, other are very bad. Problems are VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES HYDRAULIC, SUSPENSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ABS SYSTEM. I really dont know which one are true or not. I am so worry about. I previously owned 1988 Camry LE and 2001 Camry LE. They are all very good. But 2011 Camry LE seems do has a lot of problems when I read reports. Anyone can tell me more about how this car. Thanks

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  Horrible transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By camry problem - March 22 - 10:53 pm

  Bought my 2007 Camry after working for a company who rents them. Excellent performance until 28000 mi. Transmission sticks in fourth gear and rpm surge while using the cruise control. Hesitation during acceleration.

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  Love my car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Dr. Vince - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Luxury car at a reasonable price. Only complaint--23 mpg in town, though its rated about 29. Cant figure out why.

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  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

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  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.

• 

  Fifth Camry is a real disappointment... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By JeffH1542 - March 21 - 12:55 am

  The performance of this car is fine and the ride is the same as my other 4 Camrys. The problem with this car versus my other Camrys is the materials used in the front bumper and the under skirting is all plastic. I am very particular about keeping my cars detailed and if I would have really looked this car over I probably would have looked for something else. The front bumper just cracked approx a foot in front of the right tire. The crack is approx 2" in length. I took this to the collision department at the dealership and was told this was going to be a problem with this model because of how low the bumper is and how thin the plastic is. This showed up after having the car for just 2 months. Today I go out in the garage and look at a new crack at the plastic mud flap on the right side in front of the rear tire. I actually got under the car and when looking at the undercarriage it looks no stronger than a Tonca truck. I serviced my own vehicles and was under each vehicle and know that this vehicle doesnt live up to the Toyota standards that I had become used to. Going to the dealership tomorrow and voicing my dissatisfaction with this vehicle.