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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  Toyota at Its Best - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By manullang11 - March 5 - 12:35 am

  Parentals first bought this car (used) in 2002, then I started using it for college in 06, until this day. How Ive under appreciated this car for so many years. Not till I graduated and started working, that I thought to myself, what does the new car market have to offer that is worth paying $500 a month for payments, for me to pass on this reliable toyota to another owner. We also have an 04 Honda Accord and an 05 Corolla in the family. The cabin build quality and engine smoothness of the Camry is obviously a step up from the corolla. But I think Toyotas have an edge over Hondas in aging. Engine noise seems to be more isolated in the Camry and somehow it feels torquier than the Honda.

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  Good Car So Far, But Some Downgrades - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Joe B Radio - March 3 - 10:43 pm

  Just traded an 02 Camry I really liked with 102K for 09. Have only put 300 miles on the car so far, but the quality, especially interior, is a notch down from the 02. The inside plastic seems of lesser quality and there are some issues with sections matching up, something I never thought I would see in Toyota. I guess they made changes to keep the price down. On road performance is comparable and ABS is standard. The pickup is about what you expect considering it is a 4 cyl on such a large frame. I hope the car has the reliability of my trouble free 02 Camry.

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  Long Term Love Affair - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By joeshed - March 2 - 10:13 am

  This car surpasses all competitors when one considers quality, features, comfort, design, room, performance, reliability, and value. Yes it costs more initially, but Toyotas hold their resale value, so focus on total ownership cost. Those who scoff at the Camry as an "appliance" generally are trying to defend their choice of less reliable, less cost-effective car purchases, because this car is luxurious, user-friendly, and a delight to drive, without the schmaltz. The car is quiet, tight, and smooth, handles predictably well, and has a smooth power curve. In 65K miles its total repairs were 2 new sets of brakes, a new battery, 4 new BF Goodrich Traction TA tires, and a steering gear lube.

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  Great car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Eric - March 1 - 12:10 pm

  When I first bought the car I wasnt too pleased with the styling. I wanted something sportier and faster but this was in my price range. Once I started driving it I fell in love with the car, it has quick get up with the vvti engine while also getting 30+ gas millage, everyone else who started driving my car really started liking it to. It was very reliable except near the end before I got in a car wreck my transmission was starting to skip a lot around 120k thousand miles, people look at me crazy when I say that about the Camry but looks like theres been more than just me with this problem so be careful with that I guess with this year. Other than that great car.

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  Glad I bought a Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sharon - February 28 - 11:16 pm

  I did a lot of research prior to actually going to a dealership. It came down to a Camry or an Accord. With the new design of the Camry and the awesome power of the v-6 it wasnt even close! I have now driven 1140 miles and am averaging about 30mpg. A trip to Nashville over some very hilly terrain avg. 34mpg. This car has great power, ride and handling for a family sedan. I did opt for the upgrade stereo with bluetooth tech. and sunroof. I love being able to pass slower traffic with such ease. I havent driven a car with this much power since the muscle cars of yesteryear and could probably take most of them! Mileage and power! Check it out and be surprised when you remember this is a Camry!

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  Great car - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Luther357h - February 25 - 11:14 pm

  Very nice car

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  love my camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By john stump - February 24 - 10:00 am

  i love this car. best car ever owned

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  low cost E 320 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mayur - February 23 - 3:00 pm

  Our third camry V6 XLE, A huge improvement over the 1992 model. The navigation system is great. Gentle ride to the point where you dont feel like you want to race this car. Roomy interior.

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  I love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Love it - February 23 - 11:30 am

  I am not having all the other issues everyone else is, not sure if its because mine is a manual transmission but I cant say how much I love it. I drove several cars before deciding on this one; it outdid the Altima and I had my heart set on buy a Nissan! Even with less horsepower than the Altima I find mine will definitely get up and go for little 4 cyl. I have owned 3 Saturns before this and I have to say I think I was missing out. I went from a V6 Vue to the 4 cyl manual Camry and couldnt be happier! Wish the keyless came with the CE but I made the dealer throw it in for free or else I was walking out. They did and they had me sold!

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  The Herky Jerky Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck - February 23 - 8:40 am

  As a twenty year devout Toyota owner, I regret greatly that I bought this car. Acceleration is anything but smooth, especially when the engine is cold or the air conditioning is on, but it will unpredictably falter on you even with no air conditioning and a hot engine. This is the most frustrating nuisance and can occur just when you need that expected response most - creating a danger as well. Visits to the shop result in them telling me that it is functioning as desinged. "Get used to it" is the best they can tell me. Test drive before you buy. I am told that not all 2007 Camrys perform like mine.