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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  solid car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine in 2007 with 6k on it. This has been an excellent car, best Ive owned, but also the lowest mileage. It now has 76k on it. No issues, and a consistently great performing car. I put TripleTread tires on and it does awesome in the rain now. I too love the steering wheel radio controls, cruise works great, great visibility. And Ill share a condensed story: was passing a car on a two-lane one day.. punk kid thought hed be cute and not let me get around. I punched it hard and took off like a rocket, from 60mph, quickly jumping to 100mph! left him in the dust. This from a 4 cyl! Ive wanted to trade it in several times for something sportier, but cant bring myself to do it yet.

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  good but not great - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By kat12510 - May 10 - 12:30 pm

  Had 2003 Camry XLE V6 before this. Leased the new 2012 XLE 4cyl to save gas, now have 6k on it.. The mileage is NOT what toyota stated! I get 25 average and I drive all highway! My 2003 was much quieter, more solid feeling and got 30mpg with a V6! The styling is fine, hate the low body style they have now, I live in MN where snow is plentiful and the car gets stuck easy cause of this! Bluetooth stopped working, dealer cant find problem. Leather seats are nice and soft but stains easier to remove than previous camry leather. Jeans turned my seats blue. Miss my 2003!! I cant decide if Ill buy this one out or not. Its a lot smaller too, bf is 6 and hits his head on headliner.

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  good car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By corey - May 10 - 6:03 am

  this car is a peppy car it gets in to the tight spots easily its a fast car get nice gas milage and looks nice. over all good car.

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  Not all I expected - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By filosnard - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine used with 33,000 miles on it, now have over 85,000. The V6 provides great power and better than average low-end torque. However, this car has never had the ride or handling I expected from this kind of vehicle. The handling is sloppy with lots of lean in the turns - even after replacing all 4 struts. The ride is quality is also much worse than I would expect for a car in this class. Ive also had an undiagnosed thumping sound coming from the right, front wheel well ever since Ive had the car. It sounds like shocks, but didnt go away when I replaced them.

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  I love my camry! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Sam Roundtree - May 9 - 2:00 am

  we got our camry used 1999 camry in 2000, we have been quite pleased with its wonderful proformance, its luxuryous intirior, great realiabilaty, beautiful body style, great gas mialige, E.T.C! the car is fun to drive to! I definetly recomend this for a great family car!

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  KICK YOUR HEELS FOR TOYOTA - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Lewis C. Kupka - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MANY OF AMERICAN CRAFTED CARS WITH IMPORTED PARTS. THEY START TO DETERIATE THEY MOMENT YOU MOVE OFF OF THE DEALERSHIP SALES LOT. I HAVE HAD CHRYSLER, FORD AND GENERAL MOTORS PRODUCTS. NONE OF THEM COMPARE WITH THE RELIABLITY THAT TOYOTA CAN PROVIDE. THE COST OF MAINTAINING THIS CAR HAS GONE DOWN FROM $5,325.00 TO JUST AND OIL CHANGE AND NEW TIRES.

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  156K Still Kickin - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By deboy - May 8 - 5:16 am

  Bought new in 93. Still rides as smooth as Day 1. Very reliable. Great A/C and Heat. Just starting to see some breakdowns: Both front power window motors replaced at 150K. Oil seal leaks. Coolant concerns. Radio lights went dark. Havent had any MAJOR expenses yet. Keep up with transmission service!

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  Great Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By SLC Punk - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This car has been in my family since it was new. I recently purchased it for my wife, from my parents. There has been no major problems with the car (just maintenance). It passes emissions with no problem. Looks and runs like the day they purchased it new.

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  Nice car overall. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By wazu - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car except that I can never get fully comfortable in the drivers seat (even though it has electronic adjustments) and am always adjusting it. Also the V6 engine is not as smooth as I expected. Sometimes I can actually see the tachometer drop slightly and then come back up a gain without altering the pressure on the gas peddle. I also had one problem out of the showroom. A heard a "rattle" from under the hood at highway speeds. After bringing to the dealer twice (and a little pushing) they found that a bolt holding the power steering motor was "not torqued to specification" and tightened it up. The rattle is now gone.

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  goood car but needs a better tranmission - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By tuantat - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Its a beautiful car.Engine runs quietly and smoothly.Except riding is too rough(compared w/my 2000 camry xle v6).Tranmission hesitated to shift when I stepped on the gas pedal.2nd gear to 3rd unsmoothly.Good value car (out the door cost just over 23k).Nice interior designed.