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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  Best bang for your buck - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By DERRICK ZOCK - September 22 - 6:00 pm

  Very firm footed, great drive, so very smooth. I have owned many cars but I must admit that this one of my best buys ever.

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  I like it! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By flbntz - September 21 - 1:24 am

  Bought a 2010 Prius, and liked it, but after the newness, and coolness wore off, it was boring to drive. Not solid feeling, tinny, and hollow. Bought a 2010 Golf, and liked it, but something told me to drive a Camry after a year, and a half with the Golf, so I did, and although I have some of the same concerns as others here, ie, trans shifts a bit rough sometimes, overall, I really like the car. Surprises me. Always thought Id like an Accord better, but this is very peaceful to drive. Isolates you from some of the crap that goes on on the roads, rude drivers. etc. Can get lost in this car, and dont mind. 32.09mpg, first tank. Really look forward to driving it. Very nice on trips.

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  Bad Investment - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Malissa - September 20 - 2:33 pm

  Initially, I thought that I was making a good investment as I was the owner of a 1994 Camry in the past. My 1994 Camry was worth every penny I paid for it. My 2007 Camry is NOT worth the money Ive invested in it. I paid for quality & all Ive gotten thus far is NOT quality . The paint job is terrible. Ive gotten too many chippings and scratches. You cant even touch the car unless it will get scratched. I just recently had an accident & now after reading the reviews, It appears the skidding was due to the tires. Tires dont go bad in less than 2 years. I dont feel safe in this car at all. Toyota is saving a lot of money on our expense. I used to believe in the Toyota but NO MORE!

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  Rock Solid for 6 yrs - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By m14708 - September 18 - 9:40 am

  Bought brand new and havent regretted it. 105000 miles and just tires & brakes. Car still looks great and build quality is excellent. Would love to but a new car but dont want a note and really no reason to get rid of it. Still has lots of life left.

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  Toyota is Reliable Despite Quality Issue - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AlmostTRDCamry - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this Camry for over 5 years. It has served as the most reliable vehicle despite 3 major defects that you wouldnt expect in a Toyota (verified online). 1)Oxygen Sensor 2)Engine Gel 3)ISC Valve Fortunately, these arent expensive repairs, but persist despite recommended maintenance in the handbook. Despite not being able to start the car reliably, the car will run. Buy again? Not this one, it mustve been the worst generation. If you dont like body roll, upgrade the tires to 16" Kumho Ecstas, this is a major handling upgrade. Major pet peeve, this car rides low and scrapes steep driveways.

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  ...Even turns the heads of Benz owners - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ms.sunshine - September 15 - 10:00 am

  So far I am loving this car! Its strong, solid, and fun to drive. I even got a compliment today from someone driving a new Mercedes SL500 today. Now that makes a statement about the fine appearance of this car! Ive driven an E-class before, and the smoothness and handling of this car ranks right up there with it. Just hoping the gas mileage improves as the car breaks in. 17 mpg is tough on the pocket book. If not, Ill still love it.

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  Toyota- oh what a dissapointment! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Kevman - September 12 - 12:03 pm

  The new generation Camry has disappointed me 3 months after purchase. The ride is good and somewhat quiet and the base 2.4 4 cylinder is peppy enough around town. The exterior is plain and sort of ugly in the front end treatment. The sides are plain and easily dinged due to Toyotas cheapness in not including bodyside moldings. Visibility to the rear is sometimes compromised and its not always easy to judge the hood when parking. The base engine wheezes on long grades out on the open road or when there are more than 2 people on board and the 5 speed automatic can sometimes hesitate when downshifting. Stability/traction control should be std along with fog lamps if your advertising safety.

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  Just what I expected - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By dave - September 9 - 8:53 pm

  The V-6 has plenty of punch and is fun to drive. It handled quite well going up mountains and negotiating winding country roads. I use to own a Lexus ES 330 and this Camry reminds me so much of that Lexus.

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  Suspension concern... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Derek - September 8 - 4:06 pm

  Although this vehicle is fun to drive, I am hearing a suspension noise almost like the rear tire is loose and bouncing in the trunk. I had the dealer check but no resolve. It may be the way the vehicle was built but I dont think so. Please let me know if anyone has had a similar problem.

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  Not the same as my old Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jennifer Golshen - September 8 - 1:50 pm

  I traded in my 1993 Camry after 14 years and 137000 miles with no problems. This Camry doesnt compare in any way to my old one. Its bigger and drives nice, but there are too many squeaks and rattles in the entire car. Very cheap feeling plastic parts.