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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  Great Car So Far...Like The New Look - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jay - February 23 - 5:36 am

  Just picked up this vehicle the other day...tested the accord and legacy and probably would have bought the accord but the new camry design sold me along with its reliabilty record.

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  Shocking Experience - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Raymond - February 19 - 12:50 am

  Purchased the car on a Monday; found over 20 significant/serious defects such as front end misalignment, severe vibration, chipped paint, misaligned doors and many others. Dealership manager graciously exchanged the vehicle the following week. Second car is a lot better; smooth like a Toyota should be.Still has a poor paint job, misaligned doors and an annoying rear suspension "clunk". Fuel economy is 32 highway. Quality is a lot lower than my old 98 Accord, but acceptable. The engineers did an excellent job with the design but the factory floor (made in US) rendition of the design is deplorable.Options are over priced.

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By kendralh - February 17 - 6:54 am

  I bought this car in 2007 with 80,000 miles on it. I never had to do anything but routine maintenance (tires twice and headlamps once) even though I didnt change the oil as often as I should (about every 6,000 miles rather than 3,000 miles). The car was totaled a few weeks ago with 150,000 miles on it and I couldnt be sadder to see it go! I have no doubts that it would have lasted me well through 300k. The v6 engine was plenty of power and it handled perfectly with about 27 mpg (mixed driving). Only complaint I have is that the interior was a big boring--I was constantly wishing that I had a sunroof and slightly "younger" styling. If I could buy it again, I would!

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By cindy - February 16 - 8:33 pm

  I just bought this car and I am not a car driving kind of person-BUT this car is great! It has high mileage, but everyone knows that Toyotas can get over 2000 mi. and still keep on going. This car has plenty of pep and is fun to drive. It looks, feels and acts like a brand new car. I had read some of the reviews before deciding to purchase mine and it was very helpful in making my decision. I would recommend this car to anyone. I feel that this car is definitely a keeper!

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  I Like It - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jimrs - February 16 - 7:10 am

  This is our first Toyota. We have driven a lot of different cars but so far this is the best of the lot. Im 63" and I find this car very comfortable to drive or ride in. Better than the 2001 Blazer we traded in. Gas mileage on the first tank was 30.96 M.P.G. which is better than I expected to get. The little 4 cyl seems fine with plenty of power for our trips to town or wherever we want to go. It has better acceleration than the V6 Blazer had.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Evitzo - February 15 - 7:20 pm

  My mom just got this Camry and it is awsome for the price. I drive it whenever shes not driving it and it is way more comfortable than my 2000 Mazda Protege. The trim is really nice and cabin noise is very low. It drives at very low rpms, even when your going 80+ on the freeway. Handling is a bit sluggish but it isnt supposed to be a race car. The steering wheel turns very easily as if it is a rear wheel drive car. I am very satisfied with the gas mileage and oil changes are only every 4 months or 5000 miles which is great.

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  Nuchs Camry - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By John - February 15 - 4:23 am

  This is a great car that i will drive until it dies... take care of it and it will take care of you

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  Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Donnie - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Good dependable, reliable vehicle. Quick! Border line sporty.

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  Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By donnie - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Good dependable, reliable vehicle. Quick! Border line sporty.

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  100K and going strong - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mjlk - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I just hit 100,000 miles this week and this car has given me the most trouble free 100,000 of any vehicle I have owned in 30+ year of driving. not the most exciting car Ive owned but highly recommend one if you are looking for a used car.