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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  Love the Camry! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Brenda - September 1 - 5:46 pm

  I love the Camry. I live in southern Virginia and travel to Pittsburgh, my hometown, several times a year. The trip is about 8 hours and I dont feel the least bit tired after the drive. Its comfortable, has great handling, and looks good too. Every time I stop along the trip, folks compliment me on it being such a good looking car. Toyota is such a reliable car, so Im happy I made this purchase from domestic cars to a Toyota. The domestics dont hold a candle to the Camry.

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  First time buying a Toyota - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Kelly L. - September 1 - 1:42 pm

  Drove multiple Toyotas and was sold quickly after driving the 2018 SE Camry. Handles well, easy to use functions, and looks sharp.

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  Reliable & quiet car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By th - September 1 - 9:26 am

  I enjoyed to drive my Camry 1997. Just to bring to the shop for regular maintenance, and fix 1x for the steering rod in last year (9 yrs & 5 months). Its is a fine, reliable, & quiet car. If someone ask me which car I will buy, Ill say another Camry!

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  This car is great - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By billngb1 - September 1 - 7:33 am

  This is my second Camry and Toyota has to my amazement been able to improve on my previous model. The 6 speed transmission has helped with the engine noise especially when accelerating at highway speed. Downshifts are quicker and the fuel economy is 35 mpg on the highway in less than ideal conditions. I will not consider another GM or Ford in the future. Becasuse of their poor workmanship and inability or unwillingness to resolve past problems I will soon be an all-Toyota owner.

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  2017 Camry SE Great Car - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck - Ohio - August 31 - 9:23 pm

  Car is very quiet and smooth. SE suspension is a little stiffer which I like. Controls are easy to use - not into all the Tech stuff. 4 cylinder engine is perfect choice for average commuter. Gas mileage is OK - could be better. Like the 6 speed automatic over the CVT in other cars. Love the interior layout and seat comfort. Test drove the others and the Camry was the best value. Overall a great family sedan. Good deals now to make room for the redesigned 2018. Dealership was great - easy to work with and no pressure.

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  the only car more comfortable..LEXAS - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By philip mid - August 31 - 2:00 am

  i bought a used car with 39,000 miles [big mistake].it hadnt been serviced at all.did several repair 1500$ worth.but with 75k miles it still drives great.very reliable though not graet on up and go performance.i HATE it when everybody [maxima,honda v6,and other competing cars ]always leave me behind when the lights turn green.needs more power for the up and go driving.alot of people complaining with hurry up gestures.hey i wouldnt mind if i was on the road by myself.

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  Number one used car on the market. - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Omega - August 31 - 2:00 am

  No flaws. This is a perfect used car. Large, elegant, Reliable, comfy. The only thing is the power. It has no pickup. (4-cyl)

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  First Time - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Very Content - August 31 - 2:00 am

  First time Toyota buyer - not sure why I waited so long. This is the quietest car I have ever owned. Runs great - everything inside and out is solid. Stereo/CD has good sound. Car is also very large inside - great back seat!. Got a great price - good buying experience with the exception of the so- called Finance Manager - what a jerk!

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  1st Timer - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bfarrar - August 30 - 8:06 am

  This is the first brand new Toyota I have purchased, and I am really impressed with it. The car is much sportier than I expected. The 3.5L V6 has plenty of get up and go. The auto-stick is fun to use too. We added the moonroof and alloy wheel packages which are good compliments to the LE. The interior is refreshing. We have put about 1000 miles on the car and I really dont have any complaints so far. We were also considering an 06 Accord V6, but apples to apples the Camry is newer, has more horsepower, better styling and should cost around 3-4K less.

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  Great car! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Great car! - August 28 - 8:10 pm

  This is a great family car and very comfortable. Rides great and the v-6 has plenty of power.