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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  Base CAMRY SE - Good car for the money - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Scott Barnes - May 3 - 10:53 pm

  Toyota put this car at a low price point, and they had to cut material quality to achieve this goal. As with most cars in this range, it uses a lot of hard plastics on the dash and doors. Also, it uses vinyl and a synthetic cloth material in the seats. The vinyl is often mistaken for leather, and seems to hold up well. The SEs black interior tends to come off as very manly and most people do not like it. The base radio features a large LCD screen and includes Bluetooth. It is also capable of supporting aftermarket features such as a rear view camera. I have had the car for four years and it has been very reliable; typical Toyota quality. Even with the cheap materials, it feels more substantial than most of its competitors. It has a six speed transmission, and this along with the low friction wheel bearings allow the car to achieve 35 mpg on the highway. The new accord was not out when I purchased this car, but I would probably have selected it over the Toyota. Overall, I believe the Honda is a better value, and has a better design. The Camry is still a great car, and a good choice if you are looking for affordability, sporty looks, low maintenance costs, and reliability.

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  Its the best! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By SugarLandTexas - May 2 - 3:16 pm

  Purchased 4 cylinder in the summer of 2006 with 67,000 miles, currently in the spring of 2007 miles 88,000. Only items were EGR, minor distributor oil seep, had both fixed. Reliable, quiet, comfortable, low maintenance, good gas mileage. Regular maintenance. Distributor fried at 85,000, otherwise no issues. Plan on keeping and driving until the wheels fall off or engine wears out, probably at 300,000 mile or so!!!

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  Rare: 5 speed v6 - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By edos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 96,000 miles on it. Now has 104,000. Runs like new. I love the V6 power and 5 speed transmission. It is very quiet and comfortable on long trips. Good gas mileage. The only thing I noticed is the lower quality of small, unimportant parts inside the cabin such as loose air vents, weather strips on doors, etc. The mechanical and engine parts are fine. Great car.

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  The 1997 Camary XLE V6 is a great car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Denise - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 Camry brand new, and have had no problems out of it. I have 115,000 miles on it and it just had its first tune up. The orginaly brakes and battery lasted until 90,000 miles noone could believe it. I have had some problems recently with the car smoking some, but we just switched to synthetic oil and I believe that could be the problem. It has been a great car.

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  Just change the oil - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By dvettman - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My baby now enjoys this low maintanance 172,000 mile ride. It has to last another 8000 May 2003 when shell be my daughter the Doctor. 22 years in school is a long haul. The weak areas: Front exhaust pipe has been replaced every 5 years, CV joints about the same . I believe the rear struts are shot but no $$$ to have them replaced ..

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  A beautiful car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Rod M. - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is just one of the nicest looking cars out there (IMHO) One of the things that sold me on this car is how its passengers can literally whisper to each other at 65 mph and thats pretty impressive with a 4cyl.This car is used mostly for commute but incredible for a car this size and with its many standard features that it costs way below $20k, taxes, title and all, included By the way, this vehicle was made in Japan which sold me the car even more. This can be determined by the first letter of the VIN. A car made in Japan will start with the letter J..

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  flawless - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By steve - May 1 - 7:53 am

  excellent gas mileage about town. quiet on the highway. lots of interior room & very comfortable. wish it had an mp3 capable radio and a fancier interior option. interior is vanilla plain! no lighted power windows & door lock buttons. hard to find at night. the radio light is dim.

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  Terrible front seats - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By tnguy - May 1 - 1:58 am

  Everything about my Camry is great except for the front seats! The seats are so uncomfortable my wife almost refuses to ride in the car!! After just a few miles, her back aches terribly and no amount of adjusting the seat helps. The seats are very hard and not shaped very good. The driver seat is also pretty uncomfortable. We bought the Camry expecting to be able to make comfortable trips in it but the seats are so uncomfortable we will have to find some way to make them better or we will have to replace this car. I love everything about the Camry but the seats just ruin everything.

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  First Toyota - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Jon - April 30 - 10:24 am

  I replaced my extremely reliable Chrysler 300c hemi v8 that was totaled. Do to our plans to purchase a house Im 20 months I tried keep costs contained so as much as I wanted another 300c I wanted to keep on budget. The Camry SE is exceptionally quiet and smooth riding. The 2.5 4 cylinder provides decent acceleration. Its no Rucker but its more than adequate. Interior materials could be better in my opinion and there should be ambient lighting in cup holder, foot weeks, door handles, and map pockets. Rear door panels should have soft touch surfaces too. Seats are far and away much improved over my grand parents 2011. I looked at a ton of cars and rented them and spent a few days with each. The Camry much to my surprise I even thigh it was the best at one particular thing except ride and sound isolation perhaps did everything well. The other car that cane close was the new Malibu but I trust Toyota more so o bought it.

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  2007 Camry LE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Marya - April 29 - 2:16 pm

  Im not as happy with this Camry (my second) as I expected to be. Its a pretty good car, reliable, comfortable as far as it goes, but limited rear visibility because of high rear bumper, and a problem with its computer "learning" my "driving style." This means that if Im an easygoing driver, but need quick acceleration for a situation, it hesitates while it thinks it over, and only then gives me speed. This has happened twice - one of the annoying (also dangerous) "nanny" features I mention below. Also, the exterior design is pretty ugly - Camry had an elegant and quite beautiful design for years; now its chunky and blobby.