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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  Love it - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By baseball mom - May 29 - 10:20 pm

  Had 2 Camrys in the past. All base models. Wanted to upgrade and got this one loaded. V6 is great. Has great get up with no hesitation. If you are going to buy a Camry, go with the V6. So much fun to drive. I have to hide my keys so my husband, who has a 2008 Chevy HD diesel, wont take my car. Also get an average of 31 mpg.

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  More for the money - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By TWH - May 28 - 8:46 pm

  Like the car, but in comparison to other makes I feel I should get more options for the money spent. Car seems pretty "basic" for the type of car it should be. I feel there should be more standard equipment on the SE model. Disappointed in the partial text display for the xm/sirius radio. Also disappointed that I dont have heated side mirrors. Fuel economy display would be nice as well. I had these things on my $18000 Focus but are not on my $25000 Camry SE.

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  As usual, cannot see blind spot - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By sn - May 28 - 10:30 am

  As usual, with so many cars out there today, you cannot see your blind spot with the camry. Even if you turn your head to the left, out of a total of 180 degrees, you will only be able to see about 45 degrees. With my old 00 Corolla, you could turn your head and literally look down the street in the left lane. With the new camry, you cannot - you must use your mirrors and buy a blind spot mirror; and using mirrors is dangerous when making split second decisions - you simply cant see down the left lane with this car - obstructions block it. Dangerous car. Its a very, very dangerous car. I almost got into about 5 accidents already with it on multi lane roads/highways. I want to get rid of it.

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  Not Bad/Could be Better - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By seriousmoodyblue - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I miss my V6 from my old GM AchievaS.I feel the difference in the power.I like the fuel economy;the large trunk is great;the interior is great-lots of leg room.I like the cup holders and leather -like accents in the car.I like the fact that if I leave on the headlights after turning off the car,the lights turn off automatically- no dead battery the next day!! All in all, I do feel safer in this car.

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  Stop your shopping!!!! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Budget - May 26 - 8:26 am

  I have owned two Altimas and a Mazda 6 in the last 22 months and put over 52,000 miles on them. The Camry rides better than any of those hands down! Smoother, quieter, better fuel economy for comparable dollars. I have averaged 30 mpg and really enjoy driving this car. The 4 banger has plenty of power and you can go over 500 miles on a tank of gas. Great fit and finish and very quiet. The trunk is much bigger than the Altima and the rear end does not sag down when you load it up.(like the Altima) The Altima averaged only 26 miles per gallon and had much more road noise. Toyota has done a GREAT JOB with this car and I Highly recommend it. Smooth, quiet and great economy. I love it!!!

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  Disappointed!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CZ - May 23 - 1:56 pm

  This new car drives me crazy. Acceleration is slow and hesitate, and sometimes there is no-response. Transmission is not smooth. The engine noise is loud. I regret that I purchased this car.

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  My neighbor Sam got 04 camery - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - May 20 - 8:12 pm

  He purchased from a doctor,with 234 mi k, runs like a dream need to get md insp, will see if it needs anything.you know how mech, are. But I think it will pass. And get state insp.

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  Toyota 4Runner vs Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sandra Dobbins - May 20 - 4:06 pm

  Driving an SUV for 6 years and then getting in a Camry is absolute heaven. This car is easy to drive, great gas mileage and comfortable. I shopped for a month before I decided the Camry is the best for the money. Drove multiple other cars, honda accord, nissan altima, ford fusion. None gave the ride as the Camry. No transmission problems.

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  GREAT RIDE! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By MELISSA ARNOLD - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR! VERY SMOOTH RIDE. WOULDNT CHANGE MUCH. YOULL BE GOING 80 MPH THINK YOUR ONLY GOING 50 MPH. I HAVE TO WATCH THAT!

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  Miss My Camry :( - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By 2.2 Camry LE Sedan - May 19 - 10:06 pm

  This was my second car; first was a 91 Civic LE. After it died suddenly, I had 2 days to buy a new car. I needed something really reliable so I looked at Camrys. I had the car a little over a year when someone pulled out in front of me and i totaled it. When I bought the car it had 85k and it had 93k when I lost it. This car was amazing. I had intended on keeping it until I ran it into the ground, which I figured would be around 250-300k. Car had 1 owner b/f me. I took meticulous care of it. It was an amazing car. W/ snow tires, it safely took me over Snoq. Pass (WA) in the snow several times, and around snowy Sea and Spo. This is one of best cars out there, better than brand new Am sedans.