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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  Dont buy big guy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By George Schofield - June 29 - 1:26 pm

  Having flown 26 different aircraft and driven cars for 61 years, I find the 2007 Camry to be the most uncomfortable cockpit I have every been in. Even with tilt and telescopic steering and an 8 way seat, I find my shoulder touching the side and my right knee being pinioned by the shift console. The headrest presses into my head at an uncomfortable angle and it is imposssible to tell where the front of the car is for parking. The window sill is too high and the armrest too low to be comfortable. I am 6 2" and 270#. Please do yourself a favor and test drive for a reasonable time before you are stampeded into a purchase. I traded a 2002 Prius which was a swell little car

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  Standard transmission - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Nate - June 26 - 1:00 pm

  I bought this car used from private owner in Spring 05 with 47,000 miles on it. I drove 800 miles round trip for this car. Couldnt have made a better decision. The car is absolutely beautiful in its silver mist and the original owner placed 2001 solara alloy wheels to the touch of this beautiful camry along side of its tinted windows. Very luxurious in its elegance. The flaw: It does not shift smoothly into gears and I have a popping sound when I stop in reverse. Need to have it checked. Other than that, Its a Toyota, the best money can buy, and wow is it beautiful. My fiance loves driving my camry.

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  Beyond all expectations! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By EricH - June 25 - 5:00 pm

  I am coming from a 2001 Grand Am GT which I had purchased new in 2001. THe difference between the cars is night and day. Everything in the Camry has a sense of refinement and quality. The noise and road isolation is awesome, but the car still handles wonderfully. The Camrys acceleration with the 4cylinder is still great, even compared to the near 200hp Grand Am. I would highly recommend this car to everyone I know (if you like sporty, perhaps check out the Camry SE). I will definitely be buying another Camry in the future when I want to replace this one. I cant stop raving about this car!

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  Disappointment - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By J. D. Walters - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I was expecting Toyota quality, but what I got was a lemmon. The brakes vibrate violently when I stop quickly, and all four struts make a rattling noise (I was told this is a manufacturers defect). I have also had numerous other small problems as well. Knowing what I know now, I would not have purchased this car. It is smooth and quiet on the interstate though.

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  My first Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Oneness1 - June 24 - 8:30 pm

  On long trips the 2007 Camry LE we purchased does great, except when I set the cruise. I noticed it shifted hard going up hills. When driving around town I noticed a serious hesitation upon acceleration in intersections. I honestly feared of getting broadsided. After researching on the internet I found that the computer for the transmission needed reprogrammed (flashing). This did the trick... my car now shifts very smoothly, does not hesitate and when the cruise is set, you can hardly tell it has shifted. The other thing I have noticed is a distant helicopter sound. This started about a month after purchased. We think it is the tires, but are not sure. The dealership cant figure it out.

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  Nice looking; dissapointing performance - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By waltparsons - June 24 - 11:30 am

  The car is nice but I am not happy with the drive-by-wire and electronic transmission. The shifting feels erratic and makes the driving experience frustrating at slower shifting speeds. The dealership acknowledge the issue but says there is no "fix". For a Toyota, Im disappointed and a bit surprised that this would be considered acceptable for release to the consumer. I hope they rectify this soon.

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  Comfortably Reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ray44512 - June 23 - 6:10 pm

  I inherited this car a few months back, literally owned by a little old man. Four cylinder is sluggish from the start, but comes alive once it is rolling. Transmission seems well suited to make the most of 2.4 liters. Body style and interior are plain but functional. Actually, the body style grew on me.

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  Best Family Car Ever Made - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By htkirbys - June 23 - 9:20 am

  I was surprised at the liveliness and handling of a four-cylinder car this size. This must be the best buy possible for ordinary folks.

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  Good Car, Expected Better - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jnealy87 - June 21 - 8:36 am

  Got Car in Nov.2011 with 61K miles, Car needed New amp for JBL system , then at 67,051 miles needed Waterpump replacement than at 71,508 miles needed Alternator replacement now im at 73500 miles no issues and keeping the regular service shedule and the car is doing wonderful and up to date on all recalls I currently experience tranny issues only in the winter months when its cold outside if I dont let the car warm up before taking off i use only 93 octan fuel and gumout every 3000 miles replaces both engine air filter and cabin air filter every 9000 miles I think toyota could have done better with covering some of the parts but toyota does whats best for business, not for client tale

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  I love my new car. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Shenandoah - June 21 - 5:43 am

  Ive had my Camry SE for less than 2 weeks, but I love it. It is a beautiful sapphire blue, has really nice lines, is very comfortable, is plenty peppy, and hugs the road. My husband and I took a road trip down Skyline Drive and he was impressed with how well it handled. Im short and hes tall, but the seats are perfectly adjustable. Im glad I insisted on the Vehicle Stability Control because safety is very important to me. I had to wait several weeks to get one with VSC. I didnt need the $1,000 JBL sound system with the 6 cd player, but it was hard to get one without it.