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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  2002 camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By proberts - August 12 - 10:00 am

  this car would rate a 10 if it didnt have so much engine and rear door noise.

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  Old Reliable!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By D. Hill - August 11 - 4:31 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 and still have it today. It had 51,000 miles when I bought it and it now has 290,000 miles. It has been in a few accidents, the body it beat up but the engine is a diamond. No noise and run perfectly. Door handles broke off, inside and out. Old Reliable still has more life let in it. Im keeping this car forever, until the wheels falls off. This car will give you your moneys worth. Low maintenance costs in the 13 years Ive had this car.

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  First Toyota I didnt like - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bobsays - August 10 - 8:00 pm

  After owning many Toyotas and Lexus, this Camry is the first Toyota I did not like. The engine/transmission was a Jekyll/Hyde affair. Sometimes it hesitated, sometimes it was overly sensitive, sometimes it was OK. The ride is best described as pitch and bob. As long as the road was smooth it was good. The center dashboard had the cheapest plastic available. It is hard to believe Toyota would use such materials in so conspicuous a place. This sort of thing is what American car companies were severely criticized for but I havent read one word about it in any enthusiast magazine. After 8 months, I drove a 2007 Saturn Aura. Bye, bye Camry. I bought the Saturn. I look forward to driving again.

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  Disappointing - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Richmond - August 9 - 2:53 pm

  Disappointing car considering cost; transmission seems confused at times; poor dash layout; mediocre fuel economy; paint chips easily; overall, not much better than my 99 Camry.

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  06 Toyota Camry sport - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By lljpence - August 9 - 10:43 am

  The panic button on the remote is poorly placed and to sensitive to touch. It goes off frequently when any other keys on the ring hit the button. This is very annoying. The car doesnt have much pick up when pulling out in tight traffic situations.

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  96 Camry Collectors Edition Going Strong - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Carl - August 8 - 7:50 pm

  This car is meant to keep going. I have now put over 255,000 miles on the car and it still runs very well. The car is very comfortable for the driver and for up to 4 passengers (both long and short trips). 188hp very peppy for a mid-sized car. The exterior looks are phenomenal, basically a Lexus in Camry clothes. Interior has held up very well for 12 year old leather. Even with todays fancier features (nav, heated mirrors, etc) I would buy this car again in a heart beat. Camry (Cam-Mou-ri = Crown in japanese) is the gem of the Toyota lineup. I am very pleased with the long life, high miles, and literally NO maintenance of this vehicle.

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  few problems - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By gwl - August 7 - 8:03 pm

  I havent had a lot of problems, engine check light started coming on. Had sensor replaced, O2 and then another, cost around 1000 for both. Then battery wouldnt start. Then alternator. Except for when the battery went, its always started. Had some road noise with the pirelli tires that were on it. Changed to some goodyear comfortred and now its real quiet. I like the gas mileage and it is fun to drive. When I bought it, gas was 1.85 a gallon here, remember. Then Katrina hit and gas went up to 3.00. I was planing on more trips with this then gas got too expensive. Still, getting around isnt bad.

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  great so far! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By camps67 - August 7 - 8:11 am

  I was not planning on buying a Camry. I looked at several cars; the Sonata, Equinox, Pilot, Optima.. My brother has a Toyota and talked me into going to the dealer. Photos of the car dont do it justice. In person it is much nicer and the interior has a classier look to it than several of the other cars I have seen. After I saw it I knew it was the car I wanted. I purchased the SE a week ago and Im still on the same tank of gas. Drives very smooth!! I love the steering..a million times better than the Volvo I used to drive. I am very happy with this purchase.

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  Keeps Going and Going - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jd129 - August 6 - 12:43 pm

  I bought this car 6 years ago from the first owner with 83,000 miles on it. Since then I have driven it up and down the east coast multiple times and went on a 26 day, coast to coast road trip racking up 9,725 miles. It now has 232,500 miles on it. Engine runs great, rides smooth, and besides routine maintenance and few replacement parts here and there its been low maintenance. It has become the go to car for road trips among friends and family because of its reliability and the fact that on the highway she gets 33 mpg consistently. I dont know how they did it, but Toyota may have made the best car on the road.

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  Appraisal Value for Trade Purpose - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Benito C. Lim - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We find it very reliable to reach our destination. It is fun to drive and listen to its CD, radio gadgets. All seats comfortable and we feel proud to own and use for our family.