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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  Static Noise from Radio Speakers !!! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By aventura1 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Very good vehicle. We had a 1992 Camry until we bought this 2004 model. Reliability is a given with Camrys...

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  Toyo fun - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Farrell F Alexis - January 8 - 12:53 pm

  This car is really nice. My friends really like the design. The performance is great especially the handling. With the right conditions outside, the acceleration is superb. It is very pleasant to drive. It is surprisingly quiet when the engine first starts. A 9/10 for the 2009 Toyota Camry. The gas mileage is good but could improve a little more.

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  1995 Camry is the Best - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By 1995 Camry-the best - January 7 - 10:03 am

  I have had this car since brand new and after more than 10 years, I still love it. From the way it sounds, to the comfort, to the driving position, to the seats, everything is terrific. I have 100,000 miles on it and I would not give it up if someone gave me a new Cadillac for it. It is simply the best and it has saved me a ton of money over the years.

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  Its a Camry! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Jimbotron - January 7 - 8:31 am

  Traded in my 14 Mini Cooper S Countryman for something with much better resale value and reliability. I liked the updated look of the 15 Camry and found a used SE with 25K miles for $18.5K, so I hopped on the deal. The tranny is smooth, love the black interior with red stitching, backup cam and radio are sufficient (my Mini had none of these tech features, just a big speedometer dial which was pure novelty), pretty decent pep/acceleration for a 4 banger. I get around 29/30mpg with mixed city and hwy driving. Love the fact that it takes regular gas vs. premium. Coming from a Mini, I thought the handling could be a bit tighter and more responsive, so I installed a strut bar ($70 on Amazon) which adds a bit more stability in tight steering - it could use some wider track tires (maybe 225x17s) as well, maybe when I replace the tires. I also replaced all interior lights and headlights with LED lights, makes a huge difference in lighting. The factory stereo isnt bad, some decent high and low frequency output. I will definitely be upgrading the speakers soon. My biggest gripe is the wind noise coming from the front grill, I get some noticeable wind noise when I go over 50mph. Its not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but I didnt get this much wind noise from my Mini which isnt as aerodynamic as the Camry. I do miss the turbo kick from the Mini, but I also enjoy the smooth cruising and not feeling every bump in the road. This car will be for the long haul, so I plan to take car of it and maintain it as needed. I dont think youll make a bad choice going with the Camry for its reliability, decent performance, good mpg, and best of all, resale value. Its decently fun to drive and I actually look forward to driving it everyday.

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  Beware:Do not purchase 97-2001 Camrys - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sludge Car Owner - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Consumers should be aware of a problem that involves the following 4 cylinder models between the years 1997-2002: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, and Sienna. These models all have the same engine which can be predisposed to an oil sludging problem. While Toyota has tried to be fair to their customers regarding repairs and possible replacement of the entire engine, I was very dissatisfied with my service to repair this issue as my engine was worked on multiple times until it was finally replaced. This car had it\s oil changed every 3000 miles without fail, and it developed such a severe problem-rendering the eventual new engine a necessity. Buyer beware!!!!

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  I almost bought the wrong car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Steve Eckert - January 7 - 2:00 am

  After 500 miles on a new rental vehicle I realized this is not a highway vehicle. Highway driving is my job and this Camry was all over the road and bouncy at times...must be the little tires. Seating... for long periods of time is uncomfortable. The cruise control position is almost dangerous and hard to operate. Using the center console while driving is dangerous..it is located too far back. The tilt wheel only offered slight differences.

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  Amazing Car!!! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Jamison - January 6 - 9:36 pm

  Smooth, comfortable, and sporty ride; the V6 is very worth it. Takes corners surprisingly well and is seamless for cruising around. Been driving a 2004 Cadillac STS on and off and this car drives even better. Considered Honda Accord, Subaru, and Nissan. Went for the upgraded body kit and it looks great! Unbeatable in resale, maintenance, and overall value. No wonder its the best selling car 11 of last 12 years.

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  You cant do better! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By ANN Weiss - January 6 - 9:03 pm

  This car has been very dependable. Many people tell me that it still looks brand new. The interior looks new too. I have not had to do any engine repairs. I do have the oil changes done every 5000 miles and rotate the tires every 6000 miles. A body shop worker told me that in over 20 years he has only seen damage from a collision to the inside of a Camry once. It also retains its value well. I plan on buying another Camry for my next car.

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  Love my ride! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Marian - January 6 - 4:42 am

  I love that it starts every time. I never worry about wether it will be ready to go. It has a very pleasant interior as well. A friend said she would have bought it in a flash but she had just bought a car. She was impressed with the ride and how clean & spacious it is.

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  Care Free Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Fred - January 5 - 3:16 pm

  Purchased with 61000 miles it now has 158000 with no problems what so ever. It has been a great car for us and we love it.