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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  Nice Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By toyotafan - January 5 - 12:43 am

  I purchased a Camry LE approximately 2 months ago, its a smooth comfortable ride. I bought it certified preowned with 30,000 miles, but it runs same as new. I noticed some complaints about lack of speed, or hesitation, so far Ive had no issues. The car is very responsive to acceleration, VVTI is a technology not everyone understands, for ex: VVTI takes your driving habits into consideration, if you are going 45 to 50 mph, and take your foot off the accelerator in a sudden manner, instead of slowly releasing accelerator, it senses you will be pressing your brakes soon so you will notice the engine automatically slows down your speed automatically. This is my second Camry, and is EXCELLENT!

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  Smart Shoes - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - January 4 - 10:26 am

  Purchased my Camry about a year ago with 202k on it, up to 216k now. Lets see, only things outside of normal maintenance (such as brake fluid flush, replacement of plugs and the original wires, and new tires) have been the replacement of the EGR valve gasket and the replacement of the rear bumper after I was rear ended. The steering rack is on its last legs, and has hiccupped a few times in wet weather, but the Camry has never failed to get me from point A to point B. Handling is fine for a front drive sedan, and the clunking suspension is fine for since it bobs up and down less on the highway then ones in better condition.

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  Excellent car despite all the negativity - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Scrubs220 - January 3 - 11:10 am

  I purchased my Camry about 6 months ago and I have to say that I absolutely love it. It is my first new car and after driving other comparable sedans, I think this is the smoothest family sedan at this price out there. The plush ride quality is more evident if you drive some other car after this one, and straightaway you will notice the difference. The fuel economy is great, interior is great, overall a great buy. and the 2011 is identical.

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  Camry SE V6: Fun to drive and own - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By smed1065 - January 3 - 8:33 am

  I checked out all cars in this area and found this to be the winner. Fun to drive, inexpensive insurance and can handle 5 people, if some are kids.

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  2016 Toyota Camry XSE 4cyl. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By sns - January 2 - 7:12 pm

  I recently purchased a 2016 Toyota Camry XSE 4cyl. and traded in a 2014 Honda Accord Sport. I was going to buy a 2016 Accord but my 2014 Accord had such uncomfortable seats I decided to look around solely due to seat discomfort therefore I searched for and found supportive and more comfortable seats in the 2016 Camry and 2016 Subaru Legacy, too bad Honda doesnt check out the competition because they lost me due to their uncomfortable seats which lead to many physical issues due to the "C" shape seats which are good if youre a Formula One driver or a door gunner on the Millennium Falcon. Those seats gave an unnatural, hyperextension of the neck and back which caused me to place a bed pillow for some relief. GOOD (Comfort, Style, Value) My new 2016 Camry XSE heated, leather-suede seats are so supportive and more comfortable, I can drive more relaxed and natural, and the price was less than an Accord Sport which does not come with heated seats or Moon Roof. The Camry rides well and I get compliments on the look of the car, it comes with 18" sport rims, navigation, XM radio, Moon Roof, heated mirrors(some models), and 2 years free maintenance. BAD (knee room) The Accord had better knee room solely due to having a thinner console profile. I wish Toyota as well as other companies would thin the width of the center console so the knees had more freedom. If I move the seat close to the steering wheel, my right knee rubs up against the console which is uncomfortable for me, that did not happen in the Accord. I hope Toyota engineers as well as other companies would stop with the oversized console width, its unnecessary. Lastly, the leather steering wheel is a very low grade leather, almost synthetic feel. The Accord had a more supple, higher quality leather wrapped steering wheel, soft to the touch. Overall, Im glad I switched to the Camry it was time for a change and I am happy at this time with my choice. It was a tough choice between the Toyota and Subaru Legacy Limited, but it boiled done to price for me. The Subaru had the most comfort but it was 3K more, but check out the Legacy if youre on the fence I almost went with it.

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  2007 Car of the Year - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Angie - January 2 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car because I knew it would be reliable transportation for many years. Its a great value for the money. Gets good gas mileage. Its dependable and economical, yet sporty. Interior is very nice. Controls are all in perfect spots for driving convenience.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By C.S. - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 1 year and 3 months now, and its still going strong!! about 10,500 miles now. There is now an annoying squeak in the dash on the right side, the dealer cant find what it is. The radio display has somehow gotten moisture behind it, and it is a little fogged up. Other than that it is still great and I dont regret buying it. We looked at Impala and Taurus, but neither had as much to offer.

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  frustrated consumer - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By dont believe the hyp - January 1 - 2:33 am

  this car has needed a new engine at 125,000miles, new tires, and multiple tripsto the dealer. After paying 1400 dollars for a top to bottom review of the car , the steering mechanism is now broken and needs repair estimated cost 500 dollars. Driving this car is like being invested in technology stocks in 2001 and sure fire loser. I think Toyota owes me a refund

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  Transmission - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By delbar - December 30 - 3:12 pm

  the worst car I have ever driven and I owned an 05 for 6 years. The transmission "jerks" the brakes bind the engine whines and overall the performance is terrible. Toyota claims there is nothing wrong with it but I say the 6 speed transmission is very bad.

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  Not good on snow or ice - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By deloreto - December 30 - 5:41 am

  Ive had the Camry for 14 months now. With the exception of needing a front end alignment while weeks old, Ive been pretty happy with its performance. That was until I drove on a snowy street! The Camry was all over the road with the hazard light flashing.....duh. I didnt need a flashing light to tell me the conditions. What is the purpose of having a hazard light if the car does nothing to correct the condition? If youre driving on snow, slush or ice take your time so the car doesnt lock up on you.gnment almost