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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  Happy Camry Owner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Happy Camry Owner - March 15 - 6:13 pm

  So far I really like my new Camry. I have had it for a little over a month and a half. I was hit by someone in my old 98 Camry and this is a nice upgrade. The car rides very smoothly, which I really like, and it is fun to drive. I love the body style and the interior. The gauges are really cool and the stereo setup is great. The power drivers seat is awesome and the lumbar support works well too. I enjoy driving the car every day and tend to stare at it whenever I park or look out my window at home.

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  Cheaply made, poorly constructed, poor materials - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Terry Bellomo - March 14 - 2:00 pm

  I purchased this 2019 Camry XSE V6 because of the way it looked. I had a 2008 XLE V6 that I loved, quiet, well made, wood dash and other wooden appointments, soft leather, solid closing doors, quick acceleration, just a very nice car. Then I purchased this 2018, thinking, that in 10 years since my 2008, it would be even more quality filled, quieter, well made, I was wrong. This is a sporty looking car, after that, looking closer, owning it, it is not. Cheaply made, with plastic hang ons in front and rear, even a plastic coin holder, that fell apart after 2 months of ownership. Given an opportunity, I would give it back. The doors sound tinny, the seats are hard as rocks, and not high enough to see out, (Im only 54" tall), the transmission is clunky, not what youd expect from an 8 speed. The still, mickey mouse tilt and telescoping steering wheel, instead of a spring loaded one, its still manual, awful. Paint drops on the inside of the trunk and right door, too much paint applied and not left to dry properly. Just not a Camry I expected when ordered. Cheaply made, poor quality materials used.

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  Great All-around Sedan - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By wimbimlim - March 14 - 3:46 am

  This car is exceptional in many ways. It drives like a luxury car, but costs MUCH less. I also like the great mileage you get with the 4 cyl. It has enough pickup to get moving quickly, but it isnt wasteful. On a recent trip, it said it was averaging 39 MPG Hwy. I think that is a bit overly optimistic, but it was pretty close to 35-36, which is great for a car this size.

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  Camry not that good - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bvon - March 14 - 1:56 am

  After purchasing my 2007 Camry, which was a hassle because the salesman was pushy, I started having trouble with the transmission slipping! On top of that some interior trim pieces didnt match and one fell off! Im shocked. Toyota has this "supposed" impecable quality. I can now say that it is all rumors spread around. I did not buy this car based on looks. It is pretty weird looking, the big front bulg is horrid. I bought it for reliable driving, and I have to say it has failed. Im looking to trade it for another vehicle, and I heard that new Saturn Aura would be perfect, plus it looks are nice.

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  This Camry is fun to drive - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - March 13 - 9:56 pm

  Just took delivery of my 2007 Camry XLE 6 Cyl (white). This is my 4th camry and these cars never fail to exceed my expectaions. Ive had all LEs in the past with 4 cyl, until now. The 6 cyl in this car has great acceleration. Other car makers should learn from Toyota that you dont need premium fuel to make a fun ride. The car is really fun to drive. The interior design is excellent (leather with heated seats). Material issues that Ive read about havent caught my eye, and if reliability and performance are as I expect them to be, who cares. The trans seems to shift fine (when really cold and fully warmed). The stereo sounds great. Ill be riding around in this baby for a long time.

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  WORST CAMRY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By John Peter - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd and LAST Camry. I previously had an 86 and an 91 and I am disgusted. The Seats are uncomfortable, the dash is to unusual and the styling is ugly. I do not know why I bought this car and I know I never will buy another Toyota. I should have bought the Honda when I had the chance.

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  Sweeeeet..... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By degreesofsanity - March 13 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car in February. We had driven the Nissan Maxima, Honda Accord (owned a Civic and CRV,so didnt want the same old blah Honda design) and looked at others as well. We finally narrowed in down to the Maxima and the Camry SE V6. We drove them back to back, Camry first. The Camry SE absolutely blew away the Maxima. The Maxima is more powerfull at 255 hp but the build quality wasnt there. It had a rough ride and a cheaper looking interior. The Camry is very roomy and comfortable. The engine purrs like a kitten. My wife drives it to work, but I cant wait for when I get to drive it on the weekends!!! Fabulous car....definitely not dissapointed.

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  not so great lots of little things are really poor - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Skip Miller - March 13 - 12:10 am

  Over all i give the 2016 Camry SE only ordinary or moderate , the interior is nice looking but not comfortable, seats are stiff and small. Storage in the passenger compartment is limited and of poor design and placement (you open the dash box and every thing falls out and is very small. Cup holders are in an awkward place hard to use for driver because of shift knob. Center console is small and the top compartment for small items is gone, 12v outlet is in the way and not very usable, console is between the seat backs and hard to get into for driver. Lots of whine from engine, transmission and wind noise. So what happened Toyota this is not what i expected

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Bryan Duncan - March 11 - 10:57 pm

  Nothing. Great Car hope to get a 2018 soon!!!

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  Outstanding - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By tm - March 11 - 3:16 am

  AS with every Toyota that I have owned, this car has been trouble free and everything that I anticipated. I highly recommend this car to anyone that needs an affordable and trouble free auto. Knock on wood.