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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  Beats the competition, hands down! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By vivalv1000 - December 24 - 2:16 pm

  I love this car. The accelerating is great, the transmission is smooth, it handles well and breaking is excellent. I like the overall appearance of the Camry, especially with the SE Sports Package. I agree with others; it is a perfect balance of affordability, power, luxury and features. Gas MPG isnÂ’t bad, been getting mid 20s hwy/cty. After doing the research/reading reviews and test driving it was an easy choice. My choices were narrowed down to the Camry SE, the Altima SE and Chrysler 300, needless to say I chose the Camry. This thing beats its rivals hands down; they just donÂ’t measure up to the Camry. Go ahead and get one you wonÂ’t regret it!

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  What is there to say? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - December 22 - 12:10 pm

  I mean its a Toyota. The car seems good on gas mileage and the steering assistance is really good. The brakes seem very mushy and numb. The ride seem so stiff, especially on Michigan roads. My 89 Cadillac rides a lot better. I will probaby end up selling it and buy a GM car.

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  The Amazing Camry!! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Sweet Cheeks - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has always been very reliable, with minimal maintenance probablems.

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  Wife"told me " I wanted nother Camry... - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rayinok - December 20 - 2:00 am

  After owning Caddys,Lincs,300ZXs foryears I wuz dragged(heel marks in dlrs drive)to Toyota.Wife Insistent on Camry.I said sad farewell to Caddy.Must havebeen good move..5th toyo prod since 97. Relative trouble free.no majorprob. Decent fuel mi@ 30mpg @ 75>80.Had 3500$ accrued on master card tward GM prod + 3000$ rebate + 2500 dlr disc on chev Imp.Bot nother Camry w/1000$ rebate. I MUST BE NUTS!! But,THE COOK IS HAPPY!!

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  Toyota Quality???????? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Last Toyota - December 19 - 7:00 am

  I bought this car to replace my Dodge. I liked the styling for a mainstream car, much better than that of the Ford 500 which I was also considering. Unfortunately, the like for this vehicle stopped there. I choose the four cylinder for fuel savings, but I have been dissapointed. Engine is very slow and it is an advanture merging on the freeway- no power for passing. I am avaraging about 18 MPG. Fit and finish are horrible, The molding around the console has popped out, and has some issues with the power windows and locks. Paint (black) looks like it was painted on with a roller especually under the lights. Seats are very uncomforatable and are showing wear after 15,000 miles.

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  Definitely NOT the Camrys I have owned previously. - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Dusty Old Man - December 18 - 10:01 pm

  There are a lot of neat bells & whistles that I like, but the overall comfort is not as good as Camrys of a few years ago. The massive front grill is a huge bug catcher that is very hard to clean. The many indentions really trap and hold the bugs! It takes forever to get them out, even with a high pressure wash. I really miss the dual compartment of the center console, and the lower dash storage compartment is not as useable as on the older models. The glove compartment is not as roomy either. The front seat comfort leaves quite a bit to be desired even with all of the adjustments available. The interior door mouldings are a cheap plastic design and the side pockets on the doors are not as roomy as they use to be. I dont know why the Camry designers have seemed to mess up a lot of the quality that was in the older models. I love Toyota s, but I am very disappointed in the new models

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  Smooth Ride - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By CMGB - December 18 - 2:10 am

  The Camry SE V6 rides like "buttah". I shopped Honda Accord V6 and Toyota Camry SE V6 and was sold on the Camry for the quiet, smooth ride and comfortable seats. I found the Honda Seats very hard, which is a chronic complaint in customer reviews. The SE is classy and sporty looking in one package and has plenty of pep for highway driving. It doesnt feel as "zippy" as my previous car (Maxima), which is ok, because Im loving the luxury feel.

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  Camry #1 How many years in a row? - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Thomas - December 16 - 4:30 pm

  This is the 3rd Toyota Camry Ive owned and they have all been purchased USED. I buy them with 30,000 miles or less and drive them for (no less than 4 years)and an additional 150,000 miles until trade in. Total annual cost (average) to own the vehicle? $2910 including tax, title and maintenance. When my current Camry is paid off in 2 months the annual cost to own my Camry will drop to $419. And Ill ride that out for 2 more years. Not a bad annual cost to ride a fully loaded Camry V6 XLE loaded to the gills. Since 1997? Why would I drive ANYTHING else. Seriously!

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  A Middle Class Mercedes - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By LN - December 15 - 3:00 am

  Outstanding exterior compared to current Lexus and Mercedes sedans. Dwarfs entire Camry lineup in style and ride. Excellent pickup from dead start. Braking is less than expected, especially with 4 wheel discs, ABS, 17/55 sport tires. Amazing 6 Speed transmission: silky smooth feel/power transfer. Sporty suspension/steering is controlled, responsive, and absorbs bumps well. Grating road noise from Toyo Proxie tires robs me of pleasure. Cutting edge style and technology diminished by shortcomings of interior design, finish and materials: Side Mirror, Cruise, Wiper Controls Challenging at Night. Cheap carpeting and inferior door trim plastics. Dash rattling when A/C on.

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  Solid Sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Bobsmiles - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Camry LE with 4 cylinder is a solid performer that has plenty of power for any traffic. Excellent ride and room without the high cost of a luxury car. At 30-34 mpg on the highway it consistently gets good gas mileage. Back seat is very comfortable for long rides. The old Camrys were great, the new ones are better.