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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  V6 Camry XLE, Cant go wrong - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Carlos Meza - August 30 - 1:56 pm

  Our car "2013 Camry XLE V6 Auto" has performed beyond my expectations. Our previous Camry was a 1994 LT V6 auto. It was finally taken out of service after an accident in 2014 with over 240,000 miles. With only one major repair ($1200) for a transmission CPU. With that kind of service I didnt waver and purchase another V6 Camry. Our 2013 Camry XLE V6 has a faster acceleration and a higher MPG than my previous Camry. I was surprise when this vehicle on the highway got 31/33 MPG at speeds between 70 and 80 MPH. My Camry now has almost 35000 miles on the odometer with no unexpected repairs. Note; I gave this car a poor WARRANTY rating because Toyota only warrantys the car for only 3 years /36000 miles.. Conclusion: Cant go wrong with a V6 Camry

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  V6 Camry XLE, Cant go wrong - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Carlos Meza - August 30 - 1:56 pm

  Our car "2013 Camry XLE V6 Auto" has performed beyond my expectations. Our previous Camry was a 1994 LT V6 auto. It was finally taken out of service after an accident in 2014 with over 240,000 miles. With only one major repair ($1200) for a transmission CPU. With that kind of service I didnt waver and purchase another V6 Camry. Our 2013 Camry XLE V6 has a faster acceleration and a higher MPG than my previous Camry. I was surprise when this vehicle on the highway got 31/33 MPG at speeds between 70 and 80 MPH. My Camry now has almost 35000 miles on the odometer with no unexpected repairs. Note; I gave this car a poor WARRANTY rating because Toyota only warrantys the car for only 3 years /36000 miles.. Conclusion: Cant go wrong with a V6 Camry

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  Too Many Problems - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By kit3375 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has been nothing but a problem since the second year of owenrship. The alternator has been replaced twice. Strut mounts replaced. (still makes awful noise) Axle had to be replaced. Leaks transmission fulid. Rotors replaced. Tires last no longer than a year. Had to disconnect alarm system because every time it rained the alarm would go off and we couldnt get it off. Its costing more to repair this car than what we paid for it. Dont ever buy CAMRY!!!!!!!

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  fundamentally sound, but... - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By W. Green - August 29 - 12:00 am

  Boring, but reliable. Disappointed to find a problem with the left turn signal and a significant rattle somewhere in the right front portion of the car. Both defects are chronic for this model and year. No drivers lumbar support. No map lights. Remote does not open trunk.

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  Still running strong despite ME! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Portly Pete - August 27 - 12:23 pm

  I have really enjoyed this car. Nice blend of qualities rather than strong in one area. Performs great, looks fine, comfortable. The V6 has enough power to be fun but it cant beat a Ferrari! Well, I did once probably because my friends and I just scared the dude! LOL!

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  Ignorant Navigation! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Vicki Nails - August 26 - 10:16 am

  I purchased an XLE 4 door Toyota with a navigation system which only came in a package consisting of heated seats and side air bags. The heated seats stay on for 5 minutes at a time and then shut off and come on again. The navigation system isnt programmed for many local streets and often suggests turning left when you need to turn right on interstate highways. I regret spending the additional money on this option. The heated seats should stay on at the drivers discretion. There is unacceptable road noise level. Long trips are not pleasant. I regret buying this car, and I cant wait to sell it and purchase another car. It wont be a Toyota!

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  review of camry xle - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By bill - August 26 - 7:00 am

  smooth and quiet ride, many nice features, good milage, driver seat back a little to firm, car came with steering wheel off center, right side doors misaligned just enough to be noticed.

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  05 Camry SE V6 a sweet Cruiser ... :-)~ - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Al C - August 25 - 6:36 pm

  Bang for the buck, the 05 Camry SE V6 is a real sweet deal of a cruiser! Considered and was open to all sorts of makes and models, but for the money this model Camry is really a no brainer. It is a great looking vehicle with good interior room, a nice smooth ride, and with the 3.3 V6 decent acceleration. At approx. 22K, it is both a reasonable/rational purchase that is an absolute pleasure to drive. For the $ - I love my CAMRY SE !

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  2013 Camry - 2 days old - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By grnmtnguy - August 23 - 7:57 pm

  I traded a 2005 Camry LE for the new 2013 Camry LE. Performance is about the same with the 4 cyl. automatic. Very responsive and I expect that the highway mileage should be about the same as experienced with the 2005, around 35 mpg. The seats are more comfortable than the 2005 - a major improvement. One very serious shortcoming is that there is NO way to lock the trunk. The valet key allows you to lock the glove compartment, but if you are traveling and have valuables in the trunk there is no way to protect them from theft if you leave the car in a valet parking lot, service provider or anywhere where the vehicle will be left in someone elses care. I consider this a serious oversight.

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  Great Reliable transportation - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Andy - August 23 - 4:20 pm

  This is your 4th year with the Camry and the ownership experience has been totally hassle free; just routine maintenence. The V6 is not that powerful compare to the competition but it has more than enough oomph for my needs.