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 - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By toyotasrock - August 20 - 2:06 pm

  Had a 2001 for one year, was a company car. Came in emerald green with wood and spoiler. Very comfortable, has a large trunk, quiet at highway speeds and looks great inside and out. Got a 2003 Camry in 2002, which I like less than the old car.

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  At 220K still reliable - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Bob Robertson - August 19 - 8:30 pm

  I cant say this car is without problems, however at nearly 220K miles it is still going strong and I hope it lasts me till 300K. I bought it new. Replaced a main brake cylinder & front struts under warranty, changed oil every 5K, timing belt at 90K and 180K, water pump at 180K, brake pads every 40-50K. Second shift solenoid went out around 190K miles ($280), rear seal small leak at 190K miles, an A/C compressor noise at 2500+ RPM around 200K. Alarm gets triggered if the car is left out in the sun for 2-3 hrs. A speedometer shows 5% higher speed than it is (you are doing only 76 mph when it says 80) with factory tires.

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  2007 V6 Camry XLE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By djm2 - August 19 - 8:19 pm

  I own a 2007 V6 Camry XLE purchased new from a dealer in New Jersey. The vehicle currently has 87,000 + miles and it has been completely trouble free. The only warranty service that I had done to the vehicle under the extended warranty was the oil line for the VVT. (This was done prior to it leaking when I read about the possibility of it failing on the "net!") The vehicle is only serviced by the selling dealer and I change the engine oil and filter at 2,500 miles. (My choice!) ---- (I DO NOT believe in extended oil / filter change intervals!) I do not have any "sludge" in my engine. At every fuel "fill up" I use an upper cylinder lubricant. (Four ounces to every ten gallons.)

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  2008 Camry SE 4cyl - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Anthony - August 19 - 8:06 am

  I purchased the SE because of the styling and expecting about the same MPG as my old 1998 Camry (24/30). I now have 8K miles on the car and consistently get 22 (combined). In my opinion the car is underpowered with the 4cyl. The engine hesitates when accelerating at slow speed and I must be careful when pulling out or into traffic. Road noise is a problem when using the built in blue tooth. I was warned by the Toyota salesman about the poor ride of the SE as compared the to LE, XLE, he was right.

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  Cant beat it - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By goinpstl - August 19 - 1:32 am

  Simply amazing automobile. Ride is quiet and smooth, engine quieter amd more powerful than 03 Camry, much improved interior over last generation. I think Ill take boring quality over exciting driver any day.

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  Rattles & Rough Transmission - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Baltimore - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The dash rattles, quirky transmission and problematic sunroof mar an otherwise excellent car. 02 & 03 models had the same rattles (due to windshield installation issues) but it appears the 04 models are no better. Transmission stutters when shifting from 1st to 2nd at 3,000 rpm. Sunroof refuses to close more than half-way, then you have to push it by hand.

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  Happy with my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Brian - August 16 - 4:10 pm

  Im happy with my 07 Camry. Its very comfortable and a quiet ride with low levels of road and wind noise. I drive (not own) quality cars and I can attest to the fact this car rides as well as some cars costing considerably more. As my car is only a 4 cylinder version, performance is adequate to good. There are a few things that irritate me. When one floors the gas pedal, not a lot happens, which can prove to be a bit embarrassing in certain situations. Maybe its some electronic trickery to overcome the lack of traction control! The transmission leaves a lot to be desired. Driving in hilly and twisting roads is hard work maybe a sixth gear would solve this problem.

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  Not to die for - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Vern - August 15 - 5:30 pm

  I loved my beat up old ride . 100k It never let me down . I bought it with dents on all sides,front & back . Mechanically it worked well .tranny & engine are well matched . I lent it to My son the 2nd time he had ever driven it & had a head on collision with it .Didnt understand front wheel drive vs rear wheel technology . Its a paperweight now but no one was hurt Thank God . All the doors still shut & work perfectly . but there engine is shoved all the way into the fire wall . A lesser car would have resulted in several fatalities . God bless air bags & Japanese automobiles

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  Good... Not Great - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ChairmanoftheBored - August 14 - 6:16 pm

  When I was looking for a new car I fell for the Toyota hype since Id never owned one and figured itd be a safe bet - while it has some redeeming features its pretty underwhelming overall. Mine suffers from the tranny slip (or "flare") on the 3-4 upshift when cold, build quality is good but nothing like the Toyota-hype I was expecting, as it has its share of squeaks and rattles just like a 10 year old Chevy. Power is great, but tranny hesitates when the gas is floored, kinda like its asking its driver "are you REALLY sure you wanna do that?" Watch out for torque steer as its quite prominent too - again, not expected in a Toyota. Not a bad car mind you, but overall a disappointment.

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  They got it right! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - August 14 - 9:20 am

  Thus far it is the best car I have ever owned. It has the look and feel of a much more expensive car. It has a substantial big car feel. The interior is roomy, the ride is smooth and solid and yet it has excellent gas mileage. This is a well thought out and well executed vehicle.