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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  My fave auto ever - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Jfritz - July 5 - 3:47 am

  This is a 2002 Toyota Camery xle with everything on it that was available. Only one owner, great service, never a cigarette, records in glove box. 78,001 miles today. Owned Mercedes, Lexus, + "all new autos" for 45+ yrs. Camery XLE my favorite!!! For comfort, safety, weight, handling, room, look, etc. great 1st or second car.

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  comfortable car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ANGIE - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Its really comfortable:) I can enjoy the driving when I have to spend many times on highway everyday

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  Absolute Bargin/Brand/Capable Performer - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By artsiiv - July 3 - 10:00 am

  No regrets on this Camry. Build quality is excellent; driver is isolated from everything the City throws at you (esp. the NYC/Metro area). It performs competently when push to the limit, even in heavy rain. I am a 29 year old who pushes every car to the limit; last car owned was a Subaru WRX. In summary, this car performs perfectly for those who drive conservatively or aggressively. This Camry WILL go thru 1_feet of standing water with out a problem.. not a smart thing to do, but trust me, my Camry proofed itself this past summer.

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  An almost perfect sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By John-Atlanta - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car with only a couple of minor flaws, most notably the unimpressive front seats. Definitly not as good as a Passat or Accord. The interior style is rather pedestrian especially when compared with the Passat. Having said that, I much prefer driving this car vs my Passat. It has a superbly refined transmission and engine, is very quiet and has a ride that makes you think you are in a luxury sedan. Much quieter than the Passat. Compared with my moms BMW 528 the ride is as good on the highway but not as thrilling on two lane highways. But at less than half the price it is a much better value!!

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  Excellent to drive, best car ever. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Ohno Yuji - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is charm. Every feature it has is perfect for family sedan. The price to own, with the quietness and power it has, lean over all competitor.

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  2004 Camry LE Limited Edition - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By K. Devine - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2004 Camry LE Limited Edition The Lmtd Ed combines features of all 3 trim styles of Camry.You get great features like wood grain trim&6cd changer(in dash).The Lmtd Ed has unique alloy 7 spoke wheels which add to the over look and appeal of the car.I opted for ABS brakes.A must & worth every penny.If you havent driven a car with ABS,try it;they eliminate jerky stopping even at last minute;no out of control screeching brakes.You control steering even if you slam on brakes!The car handles very well&has great acceleration.This car is a great value.Youll feel like youre driving a Lexus for a fraction of the price.

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  Great All-Around Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - July 3 - 8:56 am

  Our Camry has been flawless in the two years weve owned it. We have consistently gotten over 33 mpg and it handled two New Hampshire winters without a hitch. Its fun to drive, has decent pickup, and is comfortable to ride in for long trips. My wife and I have driven a number of other midsized rental cars on vacations and not once have we found a better vehicle for our needs.

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  Hesitation problem - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By friscosteve - July 2 - 1:46 pm

  I like the looks and interior but as described in some of the other reviews it has a hesitation problem when you slow down or brake, and then get back on the throttle. It takes about 3 seconds for anything to happen. It is fine from a standstill through all the gears. The car rides and handles well and is one of the safest cars on the road according to ntsa ratings.

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  the xle - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By les - July 1 - 9:03 pm

  Excellent handling. Got 32 mpg ave on a trip out west including going up beartooth pass in yellowstone. Put on 2225 miles on this trip. My 4 cyl was very quiet and ran very well. Averaged about 70 mph on the interstates. So Im very happy with my xle camry.

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  2015 Toyota Camry - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Muneeb - July 1 - 5:07 pm

  Hi People, I recently bought a 2015 Toyota Camry. I am writing this review to make you people aware of few issues/problems that I experienced in this model which could help you decide whether to buy 2015 Camry or not. Firstly, this car has vibrations especially in the wheels between 44 mph through 55 mph, so when you test drive make sure you observe the vibrations at this speed on a smooth road. Secondly, if you still want to go ahead and buy this car make sure to not have Bridgestone tires on it, as these tires magnifies the vibrations. Other than these other performance parameters are good. As per the dealers whom I spoke to get these problems fixed, in the first place they denied the problem (very disappointing). However, after 6 weeks they (dealers, as they had customers with these problems before) accepted that its a camry design issue which they said could be mitigated by changing tires to Michelin brand, however this would not remove/settle vibrations completely. Wish someone had written about this earlier. Hope this would help you all.