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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  So this is the car that beats the world? - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Beeman - February 28 - 1:00 am

  I have test driven a few of these mid sized cars lately, stick with the Honda or Volkswagen. Steer clear of this mechanical miscarriage. I am not kidding when I say I was so happy to get back into my 99 Lincoln Continental. I felt like I was riding in a 70s Chevy Vega. Its obvious now to me most people have no idea what a good riding and handling car is who own these things. This had an omnipresent vibration through the seat like riding one of those dinosaur Disney rides . Every time I went to take of from a stop, the front wheels had to spin on the rainy surface. Try owning one of these in Michigan during winter. "Beam me up, Scotty, theres no intelligent life down here".

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  Perfect Fit! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By First Toyota - February 26 - 2:20 pm

  First time Toyota owner. Had a very tough time deciding between the Accord and Camry. Received so much more for my money with the Camry and it is a much quieter, smoother ride. Just passed 3K miles and am getting about 31mpg hwy/fwy. Am very happy with my purchase!

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  Camry Wins Again - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Yale Yurman - February 26 - 1:05 am

  Instrument panel much better than the 2015 version

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  Love car. Not happy with dealership - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Alice - February 24 - 6:30 pm

  I have had the blindspot monitors go out twice now and have only had the car 2 years. I specifically got this feature because I have loss of range of motion of my neck due to surgery. Now the dealer is unable to fix. Did not even call to tell me before I picked up. Has any one else had problems with their blind spot monitors?

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  Mostly Satisfied - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Florida Mike - February 20 - 3:06 pm

  Love the body style and looks. Wish it delivered the gas mileage of my 2003 XLE. My 2003 delivered 34-36 mpg on the highway the 2007 gets about 29 mpg. Transmission not nearly as smooth as previous 4 speed. Very comfortable ride and seating. Very low interior noise level, which adds to the long trip comfort. When going uphill the crusie control makes rapid increases in rpm to maintain speed. Overall build quality very good.

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  First Toyota Lemon - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By araustad - February 20 - 7:03 am

  I have been a loyal Toyota driver for the last 20 years. The 2007 Camry is first Toyota Lemon I have owned. First year the O2 sensor failed. The air bag covers fall off and need to be reattached regularly. The ignition coil had to be replaced year 3. All day project to change spark plugs. Rear seatbelt failed year 1. Sun visor attached by thin brittle plastic housing, failed year 3. In winter driving the car disables steering to keep you safe if you enter a slide. I prefer to have steering. I would like to sell mine, but I would feel like I was taking advantage of the person buying it.

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  I love this car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - February 20 - 5:46 am

  This new Camry is terrific. I havent experienced any problems at all. The ride, the fit and the build quality are what I was expecting after owning Toyotas in the past.

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  I am the original owner - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Rob Aeron - February 20 - 4:19 am

  I bought my 1999 Camry V6 manual transmission brand new and enjoyed very much the car. Good performance, reliability, and gas miles. Last year, I changed the clutch. With 102K original miles, I am doing minor body work, new alloy rims, replacing wood trim in dashboard and installing a trunk spoiler. I am planning to keep my car unless someone gives me an offer that I cant refuse.

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  Smooth & Powerful-Wish I bought an SE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Paul3637 - February 18 - 6:16 pm

  At 36 mpg real world highway mpg, this rivals or exceeds the underpowered 2.4L I4 or the hybrid. At 12,500 miles and 18 months I brought my car to the dealer for its third oil change yesterday - have had zero defects, zero repairs. zero oil consumption... but dealer confirmed that like all pre April 2008 build 3.5L V6 Toyotas it has a rubber vvti oil line that can rupture resulting in engine failure. No TSB or recall yet - dealer acknowledged problem but wants $250 to fix with new metal line. Bidgestone 16" tires were about over half worn at 8K miles so replaced the el cheapo tires & hubcaps with 215/55/17 SE style alloys & Michelins which improved handling. Seats are very comfortable. In retrospect, I would pay the extra $1200 for the SE package for nicer interior and 17" alloy wheels.

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bernard - February 18 - 1:00 pm

  I love this car. i read all the reviews and went with ppls comments. blue tooth is cool, dual climate control, heated seats. i love the second screen in the speedometer. aux jack for ipod and a control holder on the side. smooth, quiet ride compared to my old 95 corolla. great deal, but in high demand.