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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  2ndTimeAround - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By LanePie - April 13 - 2:03 am

  I am the 2nd owner of this great Camry. I bought it with 114,200 miles and drove it to 159,000 miles with no problems at all. The first owner kept all maintenance up and I followed. Unfortunately my husband with involved in a hit and run. The car was totaled and both airbags deployed. The car really looked like a pancake, but my husband walked away. It saved his life. I never had one problem with it except for the brake light going out. I drove 44,800 with not even one problem. Last but not least I loved my Camry. I will most definitely buy another one over and over. We still own a 2007 Camry. We had a 10 year difference in Camrys and I still preferred my 1997. The V6 power was great.

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  Great! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Saujoe3k - April 11 - 7:53 am

  Awesome car, smooth and quiet ride! Comfortable for long trips, and everyday commute!

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  Transmission/Windshield - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By LIZ - April 11 - 6:26 am

  Like everyone else, I have the problem with the transmission. Toyota needs to do a recall before someone gets seriously hurt. I also have a problem with a film on the windshield. Its kind of spotty. Ive tried to clean it; even took it to a car detail place, but it wont come off. This makes night time driving & driving in wet conditions day or night extremely difficult. The detail place told me they think its a defect in the windshield. Im taking the car into the dealership next week to see if they will correct these problems. Other than the above and the wind noise, I really love my Camry.

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  2005 Camry XLE V6 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By BigJon - April 10 - 3:36 pm

  Overall this is a great car. Its comfortable to drive and gets good mpg for a V6. Transmission downshifts somewhat harsh at lower speeds. No repairs in over 2 years. Wish I could have waited for a 2006.

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  Love my Camry XLE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By EBoyer - April 9 - 1:20 am

  This is my first Toyota and I purchased it because of the high gas prices. I traded in my Nissan Pathfinder for something more economical. When I test drove the Camry, I knew this was the vehicle for me. It as a professional look and the feel and how it handles the road is exceptional. I had reservations about owning a car after my SUV, but I was wrong. Thanks Toyota, I love the experience.

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  The Perfect 4-Door Sedan - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Ohendo - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car as a Certified Pre- Owned. No problems whatsoever. Excellent choice.

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  Really? A Camry? - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By richberk - April 8 - 5:43 am

  My girlfriend purchased her SE in spring of 08. Since then I have racked almost 25,000 miles on it when we drive from Pennsylvania to our cottage in Canada. The seats are so comfortable Im not even sore when i get out after sitting for 10 hours. The car handles great in all conditions, highways, back roads, dirt roads, snow and ice. It actually handles better in the snow than my Jeep Grand Cherokee dose. I drive 110 miles a day in my jeep V8 and am ready to sign for a 09 se like hers. Im so impressed!

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  Ignition/ Steering Column - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By kturner91 - April 8 - 1:42 am

  The most recent, and most inconvenient issue that has arisen concerns starting the car. Not the car actually starting, but the key not turning the ignition even when the wheel is straight, foot is on the break, doors are locked, and seatbelt is on. It has been taking about 4 mins. worth of attempting to start the car (even to run on the battery) before the key will budge. A very annoying and time consuming problem...especially in the hot summer.

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  Love My 1999 Camry LE!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jx6s - April 7 - 8:53 am

  Buying my Toyota Camry was one of the best investments that I have ever made. I love the gas mileage that it gets. I get 28 mpg on the average driving it everyday to work. On the highway I get 32+. The sound system is awesome!! It has 102,000 on it now and it drives great with no problems. I am faithful with my maintenance schedule. The only thing that I have had to pay out for is a new set of tires and rear struts as the car would sometimes bottom out in the rear with 4 adults in it. It wasnt costly though and one brake light. The car is so quiet and drives smooth. I highly recommend it.

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  One of my best cars ever! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By buffgirl23 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Camry new which replaced my 1989 Camry. Reliable? You bet! Only routine maintenance performed (oil change, new tires, etc.) Still runs like a dream; smooth acceleration, quick pick-up. I intend on running this vehicle into the ground!