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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  Most Reliable Car Ive Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By topspin456 - March 24 - 1:11 am

  I got my Camry when it had 90,000 miles on it and have put 70,000 miles on it in the past 4 years. During this time I have had no expensive issues. I just got new tires last summer and will likely need to replace the brakes soon for the first time. About 5,000 miles ago the drivers side door handle came off, which I guess is pretty common with this year of Camry. Its a pretty simple fix that you can look up on youtube though. My dad had a 95 Camry that he traded in at 290,000 miles and when he drove his new Impala off the lot he missed the smooth ride of his Camry. Toyotas are just well made. #1 in reliability in my opinion.

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  What Quality - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Bill - March 23 - 10:20 pm

  Thought these Toyota guys had it going so I bought one for my daughter. What a mistake! Road noise is horrible. Car has numerous rattles and squeaks now we learn that it could have hung accelleration and Toyotas CEO advises that we keep driving it. No thanks I love my daughter too much to put her in this piece of junk. Im headed to Ford they have a better idea.

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  Whered the quality go? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Fred - March 22 - 10:36 am

  I have owned my Camry for over 2 years and 30,000 mi. Initially, I loved the car and couldnt drive it enough. Rattles, squeaking, and transmission troubles started shortly after. After several trips to the dealership, I am happy to report that everything has been taken care of. My wife and I were in a serious accident with it and while it was in the shop, we couldnt wait to get it back. Over the month it was in the shop, we rented several different cars and nothing seemed to measure up to the comfort and options of the Camry. Strongly recommend it, just make sure it has been taken to the dealership for the technical bulletins.

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  Superior Reliability - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Stacey L - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Has been the most reliable car ever had - formerly Ford, Saturn, Chrysler. It was a RENTAL car before we bought it and weve not had anything every go wrong. Now it has over 70k miles. Only oil changes, tires, maintenance needed. We are happy toyota converts, especially when compared to the engine failings weve had with other makes.

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  Quiet comfortable reliable ride no racer - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Jerry-Chicago - March 22 - 10:00 am

  One of the most reliable cars. Very quiet and comfortable. First year got better fuel economy figures than factory data. Maybe cause i was gentle driving my new car. Next year heavy loaded made 2600 miles trip with average speed 82 mph and 27 mpg! My only wish is a little bit harder suspention like on new SE models.

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  New 2012 Camry - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By maria45 - March 21 - 5:06 pm

  Just purchased my 2012 Camry from North Brunswick Toyota dealership in NJ and got a great deal. Customer service was excellent and I am likely to go back for myself and family members in the near future. I love driving my new car!

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  Excessive Oil Consumption LAWSUIT DO NOT BUY - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Devin Urban - March 21 - 1:17 pm

  My 2009 Toyota Camry threw a rod through the engine block because of excessive oil consumption. After speaking with a dealership and corporate, Toyota refused to cover the cost of replacing the engine which the dealer quoted at 5,000 USD for a used engine and 6,000 USD for a rebuilt engine. An independent mechanic indicated that the rod was thrown due to low oil pressure, there were no leaks apparent, clearly the car burned through a significant amount of oil causing catastrophic engine failure. Research the issue briefly, and you will find that a class action lawsuit is in progress relating to this issue.

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  93 Camry XLE 4 Cyl. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By BillM - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an excellent vehicle. Well worth the money.

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  225,000 miles strong! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Joan Williams - March 19 - 7:28 pm

  After 225,000 miles, it still runs like new. No noise, leaks, or oil burning. Ive only had to replace tires, battery, and timing belt (recommended every 90,000 miles). The seats are still very comfortable. There have been no other repairs.

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  Why buy Lexus? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ltjggillespie - March 18 - 2:20 am

  I had spent weeks researching different sport-luxury sedans including: TL, G35, Azera, Maxima, and ES330 but had never considered the Camry until we saw it up close and personal. This is not your fathers camry! Other than the name sake, why would I spend another $10,000 plus for an ES330. This has most of the same amenities including a 268 HP engine, similar low-depreciation, and a 440 watt sound system (which is the best factory system I have ever heard, better than TL 5.1 even). Honestly, if youre in the market for one of the above models, do yourself a favor and take a look at the Camry; I dont think you will be disappointed and youll have another $5,000 to $10,000 to spend elsewhere.