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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  Moms Car Rules! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By MissMiMi - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car in October of 94. Has 103,000 miles on it now, and has only been to the shop ONCE (besdies scheduled maintainence) for a failed alternator. Super reliable car and easy to maintain. Only problem is that I have been plagued with a randomly squeaky suspension for years, though mechanics say theres nothing wrong.

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  Comfortable but with a major problem - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lskris - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Major Disappointment and problem. I would have been happy with my first Camry XLE except less than one month after purchasing, the car was leaking oil from the transmission/trans oil pan. After many visits and rental cars later the transmission etc. was replaced. Also, when braking quickly it feels like the brakes lock and the car slides without stopping. Scary!

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  310K and still going!!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sylvia - August 1 - 5:57 pm

  My car is on its last limb!! But...As long as you have the required maintenance performed on this car it will definitely give you your moneys worth!! My only dislike is the interior door handles. The material peeled off!! But other than that I love this car!!

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  Happy, Happy 2nd Camry - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Arvin Hodgepile - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 40K, now at 75K. I have not had to do anything except change the oil and fuel up. The brake pads look new with plenty of pad left. Im going to have the timing belt replaced soon and the Toyota dealer has the best price around.

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  Excelent Reliablity - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By evetsv - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Owned since 93. v6 is strong performer. very happy with vehicle.

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  Boring & wonderful - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By 1999camry - July 31 - 6:15 am

  I stumbled upon my 1999 v6 American Edition Camry in early 2007 with 88k. Previous to that I had never considered a Toyota, but the deal was right. Since then I have put 110k of my own miles on it. It has seen me through college, marriage and the birth of our two kids. Since day one, I have considered it the most boring-looking car I have ever set eyes on, and my wife refers to me as "grandpa" when Im in it. Looks notwithstanding, I LOVE my Camry. The v6 is enough to keep driving interesting and the reliability cant be beat. The mph is acceptable: I get 26 mpg no matter what I do. Highway, city, petal to the floor, or with my wife and kids in the car: 26 mpg.

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  2018 Camry SE Thoughts - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Ryan - July 29 - 10:26 pm

  I recently purchased this car last month and it has been wonderful. The transmission can be a bit jumpy if you are too quick on the gas upon take off as it hunts to find the right gear (being an 8 speed auto), other than that the gearing has been really smooth. I love the style of the SE (mine is black so it hides those black plastic fins well) and the overall layout. With only 700 miles, I cant comment on long-term reliability but I expect it to be great being a Toyota. Gas mileage has been 25.3 mpg. combined so far and I only expect that number to increase. I love all the safety features including radar cruise and auto high-beams along with RCTA and BSM. For those of you looking at the panoramic sunroof, I wasnt that impressed as it only leaves a 12 inch or less opening if you are actually wanting to open the sunroof. So far the ride and handling has been great on the new TNGA platform and I hope to have this Camry for many trouble-free years to come.

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  375,000 going strong - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - July 28 - 1:43 am

  I have this Toyota from 2001 , never misses a beat change oil , timing belts and it looks like it will run forever . I drive out of state ever weekend and it runs like a pure monster ...proud of this car and will not sell it doubt anyone will buy with that much mileage anyhow.

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  Wouldnt buy it again - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By CamaryDriver - July 26 - 3:06 am

  Ive had this car for 23 months. I wouldnt by this car again. The "drive by wire" transmission is un-even, unpredictable and sluggish if you try to punch it from 10 to 45 MPH. Between 35 to 45 it shifts up and down seemingly at random. The gas pedal is touchy. The driver comfort is poor. There are two unusable compartments on the console. There rear has two tiny coffee cup holders in a drop down center rest. The ride is noisy even after trying 3 sets of tires. The steering is mushy. The side and rear view mirror are magnified to make every car look like its right on top of you. There is no joy or thrill in this car. My recommendation is not to buy this car.

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  !996 Toyota Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By edmunds347 - July 24 - 8:52 pm

  We bought our Camry used with 92,000 miles on it and now we have almost 280,000 miles on it. We just had to replace the radiator and last year we replace the timing belt because we thought it was about time to. We have the oil changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. The check engine light is on because the catalytic converter needs replaced. Other than a few little minor things, the car still runs great. I trust it to go anywhere.