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 Value!!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By NCSCOTT - July 24 - 5:00 pm

  The Camry LE is a great value for a midsized car. It has good gas mileage and excellent resale value. It handles surprisingly well in the curves and feels very soild over poor roads. This is my 2nd new Toyota purchase in less than a year and I was hooked after a year with my 04 4Runner. I have owned cars from all 3 US carmakers but they dont even begin to compare to Toyota. The first tank of gas got 24 MPG. Now after almost 5k miles it is averaging 27.2 MPG. After I switch to synthetic oil with the first change I expect it to be even better.

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  old reliable - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jl - July 23 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this car on sale when the 2003 models came out. Repairs have been slighlty more than I expected but I think it is because the dealer has pumped up service sales. With 100,000 miles the car still handles very well and is very quiet. Brakes seem to wear out more quickly than my last Camry and the AC has broken down twice with leaks but otherwise a great car.

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  What do you expect, its a Toyota!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JD - July 22 - 9:03 pm

  I picked up my XLE 4 cyl, 2 /12 weeks ago and have to say its perfect. I am coming out of an Acura 3.2TL. I would have loved the V6, but with the cost of fuel it would have been a BIG mistake. This car is as quiet and soft as the Acura if not more quiet and soft riding. I believe this is the best mid sized 4cyl vehicle thats being offered at this time. My mileage is 1/2 road and 1/2 city and I am averaging between 26-28 mpgs. I believe after it has some miles on it, the mileage will improve.I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a comfortable ride as well as good fuel economy. You get the best of both worlds.

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  Get the V6!! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By qafFan - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned my 1996 Camry since May of 1996 and it has been trouble free soo far. Has about 106,580 miles on it and i plan to put another 80,000 miles. Overall power is ok but merging and passing power is poor. Wish i got the V6 when i bought it. Fuel economy is decent about 20 mpg could be higher and has bout 300 miles between fill ups. So far no major problem accept the replacement of the timing belt when it has 60,000 miles. Recently serviced at the dealer for new steering boot, brake rotors, brake pads, and a new coolant tank. Overall a very nice and safe car to drive.

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  TOYOTA TODAY TOYO TA FOREVER !! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By MLBTOYOTA CITY - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I PURSCHASED A NEW 1988 TOYOTA COROLLA IT NOW HAS 220,000 WITHOUT ANY MAJOR REPAIRS. I PURCHASHED A NEW 2004 CAMRY XLE MODEL ON 8/09/04. THE CAR HAS BEEN GREAT SO FAR, OF COURSE IT WAS FOR MY LOVELY WIFE WHO TRUELY DESERVES IT. SHE WAITED FOR 16 BIG YEARS FOR A NEW CAR. MY WALLET HOPES I CAN GET 16 MORE YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE FROM THE CAMRY. I TRUELY RECOMMEND ANYONE WANTING A DEPENABLE CAR TO TEST DRIVE THE CAMRY OR BETTER YET RENT A CAMRY FOR A WEEK AND REALLY TEST IT OUT !!

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  Quiet Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By tuxx - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the fact that the car is quiet and great on gas. I wish the seats were larger, which maybe the Avalon is, but the enterior may not be fancy, but the resale should be great.

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  Very disappointed! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By franc - July 19 - 10:20 pm

  Comparing it to my 00 and 04 Camry, there is no comparison. If this was the first Camry that we bought it certainly would be the last. The transmission hesitates, also downshifts, hunting between gears, then lurches (safety issue). This is all very very annoying especially when the dealer tells you that this is "NORMAL" operation. I wish I had my 2004 4 cyl Camry back, I would have given it a 10 review.

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  Candy Red - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By cfc - July 19 - 9:43 pm

  Purchased this car for daughter and not only does she love driving it but her mother and I do also. Very quiet, little road noise, excellent steering and also solid riding vehicle. Sharp looking and love the trunk lots of space even without the added advantage of the back seat laying down. Would definitely purchase another Camry.

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By steve - July 19 - 7:10 am

  I test drove the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima . The Camry had a more pleasant ride and thats a difficult chore in the streets of NYC . Quiet and responsive was the Camry , with excellent fuel economy. Me being quite tall at 6 4 inches I felt very comfortable but the only drawback Ive experienced is on long drives. I find myself making a few adjustments to the drivers seat to get comfortable. Other than that the car is a perfect buy for a family of 4. Trunk space fits 2 large suitcases with no problem and the gas mileage on the highway at 55 is 34. Very happy with the purchase and looking forward to many years of reliability. After all its a Toyota.

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  150,000 miles and still strong - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By skday - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Even with the V6 this wagon isnt super strong, but otherwise I have nothing to complain about. My only repairs since purchase at 130,000 have been wear and tear items (brakes, timing belt, a/c). Just test-drove a new Outback wagon, and had a revelation when I got back into my car. It felt more solid and comfortable than the brand new Subaru at 9 years old! Why buy new?