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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  1995 4 Door DX Sedan (Toyota Camry) - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By ptle - November 13 - 5:13 am

  Ive been driving this car for around a year. It is excellent, no problems whatsoever and Im up to 127,000 miles. The ride is very smooth, the seats are comfortable, the noise level is also really low. The controls are very easy to use, and the displays are not confusing. The AC is gets cool really quickly, and the heat gets warm quickly. The radio is somewhat lacking, but thats reasonable since this is the lowest model level and the car is 10 years old. Overall this is a great car that I would recommend. Its reliable and I havent had any problems with it so far.

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  Put gas and go! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By surfer40 - November 10 - 6:16 am

  My Camry is like an old friend. As it gets older, items wear, I guess. My exterior driver door handle broke and revealed it was not designed as I thought it shouldve been. Car gets temperamental and an infrequent occasion, it doesnt want to start and I found out several other owners had suffer from this. Lots of good looking plastic, but I guess the good ole days of steel are gone. Especially the bumper. Wind noise from exterior mirrors is loud and CD player probably needs adjustment.

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  Bad suspension! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mark - November 9 - 6:03 am

  This was my first brand new car ever. I was very excited until after 1000 miles the rear suspension started making this annoying popping noise coming out of the rear struts. The dealer has been giving me the run around now for over a month now. They say this is a common problem and to just wait to see if the engineers at Toyota come out for a fix for it. For $20,000 dollars this car should be perfect. The annoying thud in the rear suspension makes the car too annoying to even drive. I also noticed the noise gets considerably louder when the weather gets colder. This car sounds like junk and it is only 2 months old. Even Toyota makes lemons I guess?

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  Everything you would want bundled up. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Don Noble - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The Camry has not changed its reputation over the years. It is a vehicle that gives you a quiet, silky smooth ride, plenty of pep on the road, while maintaining a compact car like gas mileage. 33 MPG on the highway. The 4 cylinder engine, at 160 hp, would fool most people as they would think they were driving a 6 cylinder. Rear seating provides adequate space for a family of 4. The dash functions are simple and well laid out. When I look at the new sticker prices of some of the less dependable vehicles on the market today . . . the Toyota Camry is an absolute bargain with its price, comfort, style and overall dependability.

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  As fun to drive as a toaster - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Skuuter - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I do not own a Camry, but drove an LE rental for more than a week. The car had very few miles on it so it wasnt abused. Personally, I dont see what the attraction to Camry is outside of reliability. For myself, Id trade a little reliability for a dash of excitement. The car is boring, in styling and in performance. Its well built, a comfortable cruiser, good for commutes, but I would never buy one unless I had to. Its just basic transportation at a premium. I think you folks need to shop around and experience some other brands, unless driving is not something you like to do.

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  Great car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Enrique - November 6 - 11:40 pm

  Worth the price, the only issue im having is the mpg, im getting an average of 21 mpg

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  Loyal Toyota Owner - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Linda - November 5 - 4:56 pm

  My Toyota Camry has required absolutely no repairs, other than regular maintenance, until now at nearly 170,000. How many other car manufacturers can boast that type of reliability. The transmission finally went out. I replaced it with a wrecked models low mileage transmission and shes running like new again. Engine light has been on for nearly 6 years now without any problems. Looking forward to driving her until she reaches 300,000 miles. Then Ill be buying another Toyota Camry!

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  Toyotas quality is slipping - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By smythe - November 5 - 1:53 pm

  Best way to describe this car is to say that is is obvious that the engineering was sound, but the execution (build quality and materials) is terrible! Ive had the same transmission problems/hesitation issues as everyone else. Had replaced ECU, and 3 software loads, and problem is finally fixed. 3 blown struts at 30,000 miles, interior trim coming loose and rattling/squeaking, stains on paint, and bug splats taking paint off, premature/uneven brake wear, on 3rd windshield (they are incredibly thin). Insanely cheap plastic all over interior. I could go on for pages.

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  Decent Car!!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By marvito - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Hey, I have a camry and its weird because not many people my age have these kinds of cars. I dont know why but I think these camrys are terrific. The only thing is that the damn insurance will cost more than the entire car...... thats sucks.

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  My First Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By New car - November 4 - 2:56 am

  I just upgraded from my 10 year old Corolla to this Camry and am loving it so far. It has every option except the navigation and I added all of the available safety features (side curtain air-bag, traction/stability control). The ride is very smooth and the outside noise is minimal. Im 65" and find the head room to be lacking. I have to lean the seat back more than I would like to have enough head clearance. It does not have a telescoping steering wheel but if it did it would be perfect. The instrument lights are a bit too bright. When you dim them down to a comfortable brilliance, the radio/environmental controls are unreadable, so I have to live with bright instruments. Great car!