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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  3rd and last Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By 3rd and last Camry - February 11 - 8:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Camry and it will be my last one. I am getting at best 21 mpg, with 50% city driving. Acceleration is also the worst of the 3. I like how it looked when I got the car, but with high gas prices, I am very disappointed with the gas mileage. I am about to take it in for the 15K service. I cannot really complaint about reliability yet, but I dont want to jinx it.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - February 11 - 8:03 pm

  I bought this car for a 100 mile per day commute on two lane roads and it is perfect. You can pass virtually anything, anytime. Very comfortable, great styling. Camrys are no longer an appliance!

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  Rear Windshield Blurry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Mohsin - February 7 - 10:20 am

  I purchased Toyota Camry LE 2016. I have noticed that rear windshield was blurry/hazy. I can not see car behind me very clearly. During night back car lights make dark reflections on each defrost wires. Went to the dealer, they checked and say it is normal characteristic of the car. They show me FIVE Camry LE and all have the blurry rear windshield. The manager admits that it look like a gel between two glass. My issue has been brought up to next level as TOYOTA Rep. will come and inspect my car. Please share if you have the same problem with Camry LE. Thank you

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  My First Foreign Purchase - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By coop1346 - February 4 - 11:43 am

  I have always purchased Chrysler. New. My father was a Chrysler retiree. I had a 2006 Dodge Caravan. I had replaced the brakes 4 times and the rotors 2 times...the water pump conveniently went out at 39 months and the alternator and transmission were acting up last week. I tried to get an American dealer to work me a deal with my van as a trade in and I could not get them to deal with me and get it in payments. I want a product that will outlive the loan...and so i finally purchased a foreign car but hey it was made in KY USA so it put food on an American familys table. Amen!

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  Love my new XLE V6! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Susan - February 2 - 10:13 pm

  I bought the 06 XLE V6 Camry in early October and have already put over 5,000 miles on it, taking it through several states, to boot. This car is a GEM! I honestly cant see myself owning anything other than an upscale Toyota ever again. (My next will be an Avalon, I think!) My husband is a mechanic, and he went over the vehicle with a fine-toothed comb just looking for any flaws (body, interior, under the hood -- anything), and even he - Mr. Critical - was completely impressed with it. It drives like a dream and we just honestly couldnt be happier. Oh! And the gas mileage is even better than expected. I am so pleased with my Camry. And the salsa red color is beautiful, too!

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By carl - February 2 - 9:26 am

  Ordered the LE V6 Feb. 15th and delivery was April 15th. Read a lot of negative reviews so I wasnÂ’t sure what I was getting! Very sharp appearance and the drive is excellent! The 6 speed will take getting used to but is very sure and smooth once you are used to it. Gas mileage now is in the high 20s and that should improve with time. The handling is a little too soft in some situations but is very sure on good roads. Sound system is excellent and interior was adequate but the room is awesome! Would buy it again and recommend it.

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  Bad car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Roger - February 2 - 5:18 am

  Use of way to much oil mine now at 67000 uses 3 to 4 qts about every 1400 miles toyota said that 1.1 qts every 600 miles is ok witch they say 0w20 only needs to be changed every 10000 miles in that case you would use a little over 19 qts between oil changes hate this car

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  My Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By se - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I have started buying cars with and investment attitude. Quality and getting lots of mileage is a priority for me. I have enjoyed the car for the chicago area traffic. The gas mileage has been very good, and maintainance has been less then my american cars. The car insurance cost was equivalent to my american made cars. I am sold on toyotas, infact I bought a 97 corolla for my 18 yr old son for college with a 128,000 miles. We both love our cars and they seem to also have been a good investment.

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  Not So Enamored With Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Bob M. - January 31 - 7:03 pm

  After my wife had owned, and still owns, a Toyota, I bought a Certified Used Toyota (2001 XLE Camry V6) with 61,000 miles. Week after I had it the battery died. Since May 2007, I am going through my third caliper repair (2 on the left, one on the right)which has cost me over $1,000 to fix. Just had to replace timing belt. Seems I am constantly shelling out money to fix things. Seriously thinking about dumping this one. I might trade in on another Toyota, but my experience has not been great. I believe my caliper issue is a design flaw and that I shouldnt have to keep paying to fix

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  2002 Toyota Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By amarone1973 - January 29 - 7:56 am

  I have owned many cars at many price points (eg Chrys 300M, BMW 325I, Cadi STS, VW Passat) most brand new, this is by far the BEST value for your buck. I have owned this car from the start, no problems what so ever NONE. Original tires went 90KM, everything else is 100% original and have well over 150km (95Miles) and not a penny spent. Change my fluids, and treat the car normal. I expect well over 400KM like a friend has. I totally would re-buy again. See you in another 5-10 years Toyota!!