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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My Poor Mans Lexus - 2001 Toyota Camry
By Ted - December 4 - 5:11 pmIve owned two Camry models so far.The first was a 98 v6 manual that I LOVED. It gets totaled of course. So, I went out and bought the same car but newer: 2001 v6 manual LE model. Its got comfortable leather seats, sunroof that looks slick when tilted, and a nice wood trim package. It feels like a Lexus ES. Heres the best part. ITS PAID OFF. Im in college, so I dont have alot of money. I wanted a little style, performance, and reliability without a monthly note. This car was the answer. I got style and comfort with the wood trim, leather, and 25% tint, performance with the workhorse v6 that surprising powerful with a manual shift, and reliability that is the best. Bought the car for 2 grand with 153k, drove it everywhere, including 1000 miles on a road trip. Only needed a few average repairs for its age, which were cheap. Engine/transmission bulletproof. Buy one of these if your a student, or if you dont have alot of money but want a paid-off reliable vehicle that has some style.
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Regrets - 2012 Toyota Camry
By genevah - December 4 - 6:53 amTraded in my 2011 Camry and that was a big mistake! Sales pitch was I would get much better mileage, Not! Just barely getting 25 combined and driving it the same as the 2011 which was getting 33 combined. Hate it because of that. Hope to trade it soon.
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Rear defogger problem - 2010 Toyota Camry
By nikita - December 4 - 2:50 amAs a Toyota fan with 4 previous Toyota cars (3 Camrys and 1 Corolla) I should say it is a great car. Acceleration is great with the V6 engine, I like the wood dash trim. I have put 4K on the car so far and I love it. The only complaint I have at this point is the rear defogger. It does not work. It is on the same button with the heated side mirrors and they work just fine but not the rear window defogger. I hope it is not a major problem to fix and I am taking the car back to the dealership to fix it.
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A good value - 1999 Toyota Camry
By lagonzal - December 3 - 10:36 pmWife bought new in 1999. The a/c failed at 97k and was expensive to repair. Car has over 122k miles now and still going strong. No major issues. The paint is peeling on the rear spoiler and is faded on the rear bumper. The rest of the car has so many dings and scratches a new coat of paint would be nice. But, then again, it is almost eight years old. Factory CD player skips a lot but the radio still sounds good. Driver door cloth is peeling in one spot. Overall, a very good car, and best of all its paid off and we hope to keep it a few more years.
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This car rocks - 2004 Toyota Camry
By AChang - December 3 - 10:00 amThis car is the most smooth ride ive ever been in. I love this car, its fast,quiet,smooth, and most of all powerful. By the way, the username JFlynn that bought the V4 Le was my Science teacher this year. How funny is that?
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known to last - 2004 Toyota Camry
By Fatima Khourshid - December 3 - 10:00 amI has purchased a suzuki verona at first and not even 200 miles and it died on me the battery died because it was malfunctioning. The best thing i did was swith to a toyota camry smooth and know to be reliable car. I see me still driving it 10 yrs from now!
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Gotta love my Camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
By V. Arnold - December 2 - 1:40 amI purchased my Camry used 6 years ago. I drive a lot of city miles. It is great. I have driven newer models of the Camry over the past few years, and they do not compare. I am not looking forward to giving up my 1998 model. It has been a God sent blessing in this fuel economy.
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Has been in the family since 2001 - 2001 Toyota Camry
By sohmdg - December 1 - 2:32 amFirst off, this car is a steal. The amount a person saves in gas, maintenance and upkeep for this car is through the roof. Anyone who is on a budget will be pleased to know that the Camry saves ALOT of money in the long run. Parts, labor are relatively cheap compared to other cars. So, I recently got my license a few months back and this is the car I got. It has been with us since I was 3, so since 2001 and I am really happy to drive it. There has been only one major repair done, the sunroof, but other than that the car has lasted like a tank through rain, snow, cold, heat. I get about 28-30mpg which is great for a 14 year old car. It is also comfortable and easy to drive. Would recommend.
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Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
By Chi - November 30 - 2:00 amI just purchased 03 Camry SE and I love every thing about it. Although it could use more hp in 4 cyl engine, like Altima (175 hp), engine is very refined and quiet. Its a bit rough ride than the regular Camry due to its sport suspension but overall, its very well built and I can count on its reliability.
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The best of the best - 2003 Toyota Camry
By Deragobian - November 30 - 2:00 amVery well manufactured, fun to drive, and a very quiet engine