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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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe D - November 5 - 11:46 am

  Very quiet and smooth ride. Have received quite a few comments on the style and color (blue ribbon metalic). Fuel economy better than rated.

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  Hesitation 07 Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ned - October 29 - 8:10 am

  Purchased 07 LE auto in June 06. Nicest looking car on road. Noticed hesitation after purchasing. Had 2 TSBs done to recalibrate engine, transmission. The last one helped the most, but not completely. Traded for new 08 Honda Accord this week. Much better performance and acceleration than Camry.

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  Outstanding Camry SE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By JKC - October 28 - 2:10 am

  I purchased this car with the Cash for Clunker rebate... plus I got 5000.00 off MSRP... total saving was $9500... what a deal - 16300 + tax and title. So Happy! What a great car... ride so smooth... lots of power for a 4 cly.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By trapro - October 27 - 10:00 am

  When shopping for a car I wanted a quiet ride, rich and spacious interior, great engineering, high resale value, adequate power, good looks and lot of features. I test drove several cars including different versions of the Camry and my choice is the Camry 4 cylinder XLE with the Premium Plus package. Got it for a great price, great financing and a free 4yr maintenance package. Love this car! The XLE w/prem plus makes the Camry truly a luxury car.

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  Really great car! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By A.A.J. - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This car makes you feel like you paid in the $30k range when you paid a lot less. It rides very smoothly and it "floats" over bumps on the road. At idle you wouldnt think the engine is running. The stereo system sounds wonderful and the Power drivers seat is really a plus for standard features. You can get this car well below invoice price so shop around.

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  I bought another brand new Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Happy Camry Owner - October 26 - 3:56 pm

  I have to say I love this car. I bought one in 2007 and just gave that one to my wife, so I had to buy a brand new 2008. It rides great and shifts smoothly, plenty of power for a 4-cylinder. I recommend getting one with the upgraded JBL stereo. It sounds so much better than the regular stereo. My 2008 Camry has the upgraded JBL stereo, moonroof package, rear lip spoiler and body side molding. Im looking forward to driving this car for the next few years. This car rocks and I recommend buying one!

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  Great car - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Garry Jordan - October 23 - 6:02 pm

  Great car. Great price.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ulugh - October 22 - 10:40 pm

  My 99 Camry was by far the best, most reliable car I have ever owned. I wanted to trade for a new Camry a year ago but then heard of the redesign for 2007 and decided to wait. Im glad that I did because this is the benchmark for all mid-sized sedans. A number of items that were part of option packages on my 99 are now standard equipment and you cannot beat the value of this vehicle.

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  Teddy 1997 Toyota Camry LE - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Sheila - October 22 - 5:09 am

  Car was bought in 2001 had 64k miles at purchase, now has 162,285 miles on it and so far still going strong. Car is now 18 years old and counting. Im still driving it. Totally reliable and dependable strong. Will definitely buy another Toyota whenever this one stops working. Thats my Teddy he is strong and smooth runs like a champ. STILL RUNNING STRONG NO MAJOR PROBLEMS LOVE IT. Would love a new Camry if I could afford it. But I will keep this one. Still looks great.

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  I love My Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Robert Martineau - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Camry as a program car in the winter of 1995. I had a few problems early but they were covered by the waranty. Since 1997 this car has been the best. I have a daily commute of 28 miles each way and I have enjoyed the ride as much the last time I drove it as I did the first time. I would highly recommend a Camry to everyone who enjoys a trouble free, quiet riding, smooth ride.