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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  The best car for the mones - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jasp4u2 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I think at times I am driving a car that costs twice the price...it has the looks and feel of a European Sedan at half the cost

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  Super Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By n1ck__ - November 26 - 2:06 pm

  Took delivery of the car in January 2007. SE V6 is an absolute rocket. Initially vehicle had creaking noise in the dashboard but the dealership fixed that without any problem. The car is a pleasure to drive and own.

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  Sports Car Driver? This is for you! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sport 5M - November 25 - 8:33 am

  Okay - if you want a true sports suspension with Volvo, BMW, Saab-like Euro styling and you insist on five star safety features, then go get the completely redesigned Camry SE w/ 5 speed manual trans. This car is more fun to drive than I could have imagined - quick, nimble, amazing handling, good solid power for a four cylinder that you control with the 5m... truly fantastic gas mileage. You will love it but you need to be the type of sports car enthusiasist who loves the control of a 5 speed stick. I was set on a Civic Si or maybe Accord before coming across the 2007 Camry SE... my very good luck I did. Racing bike fits in trunk!

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  Sorry GM Ford and Chrysler - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Jose - November 24 - 2:30 am

  Sorry for all 3 US automakers as they have never and maybe will never come up with a car as reliable and practical as a Camry. I bought this car with 118K and now has 184k, all highway miles. I dont take care of my cars and even then, its still running like a champ. I need a minivan now cause of my kids, so Ill be looking for a Toyota or Honda.

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  Out the door under 20K - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By joel345 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a nice car under 20K and I found it. The 2003 Camry LE. I upgraded to the ABS Brakes and side/curtain airbags. Total price was $19300 at Roseville Toyota. Nice ride, quiet 4 Cylinder Engine. Very comfortable seats with great leg and headroom. Muffler hangs low under the car, you really notice this when you follow a camry. Ugly ... My only real complaint about the car is that it seems to vibrate a little when you are stopped at a light and the transmission is in drive. Put it in park and it is fine. Dont know if this is a common thing with the 4 banger.

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  Still the best! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Gene67 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I waited 4 years to be able to afford my first Camry, and now I cant wait to add a second one to the family. Its everything I thought it would be and m

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  title 1 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By zman4321 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  great car but needs more hp even though it performs better thaN THE INDICATED HP RATING

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Loangoddess623 - November 23 - 2:16 am

  Bought it in July 09 and coming up to 5,000 miles. Drives great, but will probably have the idle checked at 1st maint. & oil - idles a little rough occasionally when almost to a stop. The standard shift is fun to drive and everything I expected. Gas mileage is about 20 city/31 hwy. Added some upgrades; pin-striping, window tint, key fob and leather. Looks just like an LE and a stick-shift to boot ! Very roomy. Really like the "beefed-up" look of this generation. Was pleasantly surprised to see just how many amenities came with the base model. A lot of car for the money.

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  Camry beats all others - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By 4camryowner - November 22 - 4:51 pm

  No my Camry is not exciting to drive or very fast. It is however VERY reliable. I have owned 4 Camrys and am able to put 200,000 on each one with no major problems. My present Camry I bought used with 80,000 miles I now have 203,000 miles and only replaced the gas cap!!! Do not be tempted to the dark side (Ford, Dodge or Chevy) Toyota has best build quality. The 2003 model gets an honest 33 miles per gallon. Mixed driving (500 miles to a tank).

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  226,000 miles salvaged still going - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By 96camryman - November 21 - 5:51 pm

  i am pretty bored of this car recieved it as a graduation gift pretty good though considering it gets beat every day i go 95 on the thruway and it holds up just starting to get problems but i dont care i put some 12 inch ma audio subs in it and a kenwood head unit everyone refers to it as my hoopdee its salvaged and crazy fun on the thruway but the pickup sucks unless you floor it but it gets great gas mileage filled up took a trip to auburn from buffalo and then got back 232 miles only used 1/4 of a tank of gas awesome love it will be using it for a backup when i find another one trying to get it to 1 million miles that would be crazy good