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 - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Bruce - July 18 - 1:23 pm

  This car was brand new on a three yr rental by me in 2000, then purchased at the end of the rental in 2003. What better way to buy when you like the car and know the exact maintenance history? It is now 2009 and the vehicle has 117,000 and the engine is still purring along and the body is still in great shape, rides/handles great and has been very reliable. Only negative is the factory radio. It is very expensive to replace or repair. Overall it has been a great car and I would buy another Toyota.

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  Smooth power-train cheap interior - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By shan - July 17 - 2:46 am

  The power-train is smooth, with a very quiet and smooth 4 cyl, but tire noise is well heard on the slightest rough pavement. And what was Toyota thinking by putting velvet cloth for door arm rests that will get dirty and is not very washable--just plain stupid! The seat material is 70s looking and looks cheap, and the fuzzy head-liner has to go. And how much would it have cost to include an ipod and usb port as standard? The Sonata has them. The carpet is really thin and cheap feeling.

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  Thought I did my homework - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bella Car - July 16 - 10:46 pm

  My first Toyota, everyone raves about these cars. I cant seem to get more than 18 mpg in the city in this car. I have a short distance commute but I should be able to break 20. Car is going to dealership. HATE the tranny, bad shifting in low gears, drags between 1-2-3 gears. Fine after you hit 40 mph. Car stereo is the pits. Does not get good reception. Was told to upgrade would cost >$1,000 for basically the same unit. Needs new steering wheel computer for new stereo. Aftermarket stereos would disable steering wheel controls. Miss my 1998 Nissan Altima that I traded in; I passed by an 04 Infiniti I35 because of the gas mileage. With gas at $3.50 I am trading this in before summer.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By macnyc - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I considered the Honda Accord and a pre-owned Acura TL. Im glad we picked the Camry. Its fun to drive, and the four-cylinder is surprisingly peppy. I like that car rides higher than the Accord and the Acura and seems to take bumps and potholes well. Gas mileage is great! Lots of room, front seat and rear.

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  Disappointed with Camry L MPG - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By tlaloc100 - July 12 - 1:13 am

  I bought my new Camry L 2014 a month ago. I was going to get a Corolla, but the dealer had a 20% discount on all Camrys for that weekend, and I decided to go for it. I would be VERY happy with my new car except for its very poor MGP fuel performance. Driving with the ECO on all the time, I am hardly getting 20.5 miles per gallon in city! How can this be? How can Toyota get away underrepresenting Camry MPG for almost 20%? I have read other owner comments on this issue at this site and I am shocked to learn that some Camrys are making 26 mpg in city. Is my car an anomaly? Is there anything I can claim to my dealer about this? What can I do? Suggestions welcome.

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  reliable - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By nilu - July 9 - 2:50 am

  Reliable car with excellent interior space. Offers a quite ride with reasonable performance and great mileage

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  1996 and still LOVE my Camry Collector Edition!! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Linda S. - July 8 - 9:57 pm

  I bought this baby in 98 and have loved her ever since! 195,000 miles and still runs and looks great. Trying to find a replacement car as I would like to get better gas milage. Everytime I get gas I check the mpg and in 25/75 (city/hwy) have averaged 21.5 mpg. For the past 3 tanks Ive used premium and averaged 25 mpg. I dont see the newer, comparable cars getting much better. I love that this car has given me no problems. Every car has things needing replacement as they wear out, but I havent been plagued by things going wrong over and over. Only glich is that if you leave the headlights on for 10 minutes the battery goes dead. Its not the battery as it does it with new batteries, too. I can live with this... Excelleration is smooth and so is the ride. I like having lots of power when I need it. 60/40 split back seat is great! Many new cars are not offering this anymore. Because this is the Collector Editon, it comes with the Lexus Pearl White paint with Silver bumpers and it has held up and still looks new! Interior has leather seats, wood grain trim and upgraded stereo, Cassette/Tape player with 6 speakers. Toyota really produced a fantastic car with this one. Was considering a Nissan Altima as a replacement until I heard there are lots of problems with the CVT transmissions! So far, have not found a car that I like well enought to replace this Camry. Will keep her for now...

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  Best car I ever owned - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By John - July 8 - 12:31 pm

  Bought used from the dealer with 36,000 miles on it. Just turned 340,000 miles. The only maintenance done since I bought it was oil/filter change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, timing belt and water pump every 100,000 miles, radiator replaced at 337,000 miles, oil seals at 240,000 miles, one battery and two sets of sparkplugs/wires replacement, and driver side window motor. I get 28 mpg in the city and 32+ mpg on the highway. Ive driven cross country several times, off road in the woods, and in all weather and never had a problem. Havent touched the transmission at all and no problems. Great car all around.

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  Very good car.... - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By LeAnne - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have put more than 100,000 miles on an already used Camry and never had a bit of trouble with this car! I enjoy the powerful acceleration since I drive mostly highway miles. At 153,000 miles, only a few minor electrical problems have surfaced -- I call that a good car!

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  Love my Camry! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By dianebuzz - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Camry used in 1998. Fortunately, I also purchased an extended warrany because I, too, have had the same problems that Grillman has had with his Camry. The warranty paid for all the repairs. The car has been great for me. Previously, I had owned GM cars, but I am a full Toyota convert. Even with the repairs, it is better than any experience with GM. One other problem - the dealership I bought it from failed to mention it had been painted over the factory paint. It has completely oxidized and looks horrible.