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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  AIR NOISE - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Pistol Pete - November 25 - 10:30 pm

  Very noisy vehicle. Air noise around the door seals, plus a lot of road noise, they need to correct these things. When driving in a crosswind you can listen to the radio or talk, but you cant have both. The passenger side front window visor blocks vision when turned down and turned to the side window.Tilt wheel is almost useless, needs more flexibility. It doesnt do what its intended to do. 20 mph winds cause the vehicle to be somewhat unstable on the highway, you kind of sway around more than normal. Other than that its a OK car

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  Toyota Camrys Rock - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Brooke Moore - November 25 - 7:06 pm

  The only thing I have ever had to do with my car is change the brakes. It has been the most reliable car I know of. It is comfortable and gets wonderful gas mileage. When or if I trade it in or sell it I will only renew it for another Camry.

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  Stupid Oil Filter Design - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - November 24 - 2:24 am

  The 2015 Camrys have a "cartridge" type oil filter, instead of the normal all-in-one types. Thanks to this, I am out of a car right now, while mine is in the shop. The filter cap is PLASTIC, and one of the tabs snapped off when my service shop attempted to remove it. This caused it to leak. Toyota is closed today (Saturday), so I have to wait until MONDAY to get a new cap. This is far too much trouble over something as simple as an oil change. Oh yeah, I should mention that it was Hoover (AL) Toyota that serviced my car under warranty, and their technician apparently either over-tightened the cap, or failed to lubricate the O-ring. Toyota needs to go back to the old-type filter!!!!!!!!

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  2008 My camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By cam_guy - November 22 - 5:33 am

  Overall the Camry is a great car, I have many Camrys over the past 20 years. The ride is what I want, handling is good too. I feel Toyota is slipping in overall quality. The finish inside has cheapened, but its little better on the 08 then the 07. The Bluetooth system stinks in my opinion, will not recognize my verbal commands very well.

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  60 day review - Red SE - black interior - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By wyleecoyote - November 21 - 2:48 am

  If I knew the autostick was worthless, I would not have bothered with buying the SE. If you think the car will hold a gear or truly act upon what you are telling it, might as well forget it. The autostick is worthless. The only thing it is good for is the downshift from 6 to 4. If you try to use it for anything else, be prepared for a totally unpredictable car. Another huge gripe is any time you are driving and put it in autostick, 4th gear is the gear set. Sitting at a light and move the lever, you are set in 4th! Absolutely stupid setup. Dont buy it unless you never use it. Transmission in 6th will downshift for any small incline. Highway travel sucks on anything but flat terrain

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  Literally a tank - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By William Adams - November 19 - 7:32 am

  My wife and I had purchased a 1992 Camry 2.2 several years ago and in a 2 year period myself and my mechanic friend had gone over the car end to end and replaced everything that needed routine maintenance. Then came some minor bodywork and a Maaco paintjob. That car was a tank it was reliable and at 180,000 miles was ready for 300,000 more-until some old lady hit it while it was parked on the street and it was totaled by the insurance company and we got less for it than I had put in it. Soooooooo...my truck of 12 years finally died and I saw a 1996 Camry Le 2.2 4 cylinder ,with oil leak, for sale. The guy lowered the price to $600 before I even got to see it. We drove it and bought it on the spot. I told him I wasnt afraid of an oil leak or high mileage-295,000-because it was a Camry and would do fine after we went over this one.So all the rubber on the engine,rear main seal,crank seals,water pump and timing belt(since it was apart anyway) and a front right axel. It is clean,runs great and has no leaks at all. My mechanic said I should get another 200,000 or more out of it. It is my daily driver and work vehicle,but after going over it I would probably take it anywhere.If it is good as our 92 we had,Im set-and this one is green so it is a tank....

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  First new car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Marge Mackey - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Found out the car had no side mirror heat to melt ice etc. Not good. New material on seats holds lint/hair more than 2003 No access to trunk without stopping car. Plug in for phone etc does not continue to charge when vehichle is shut off. Bad! Car handles very well on curves and cruises nicely on the hwy. Milage not the best right now. Hopefully will improve as car breaks in.

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  Toyota...simply the best - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By S Font. - November 18 - 8:06 am

  I have been purchasing Toyotas since 1988 and I have to say they just keep getting better. There is not one thing I would improve on in my 2005 Camry.

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  Nice toy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By aldinero - November 17 - 1:03 am

  Seats are very good, ride and handling great, just a well thought out car. Great tranny, brakes are perfect. Its a car thats great to drive around town or on the road.

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  Toyota Camry review - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Jil - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have regularly had my Camry serviced and have had no problems. At 40,000 miles, it drives as smooth as ever. The Camry has a very relaxing feel to it, and because of its quality, will be reliable for years to come.