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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  Very pleased - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin - October 18 - 5:43 pm

  I have a 2005 Camry with 215,000 miles only thing has been brake caliper went out, now starting to have transmission problems but now 215,000 that a lot of miles.

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  good but not great - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Santo - October 17 - 5:21 am

  Capable car but there are others out there that are better. It seems cars are getting smaller on the inside and the passenger is the one who suffers.

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  Love the new Toyota - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Tinh - October 17 - 3:22 am

  This is my third Toyota Camry, my first one was 91 Camry V6 LE... perfect, even with major accident, the car remain perfect. the second on was 98 Camry LE.. drove until now with more than 200K miles. Still working condition. Unfortunately, the dealer (Arlington Toyota, IL) only offered me $200 as the trade-in. So I refused and gave it to my sister-in-law. This new Camry is for my daughter and she love it. My family now own 3 Toyotas.. 06 4Runner (my wife), 06 Solara (that mine) and the new one is for my oldest daughter. - As for Edmunds.. I brought my Edmunds quote to the dealer, most of the dealer welcome the quote.. except one.. Grossinger Toyota of Licolnwood, IL. may be just an act of a single sale person - he refused the Edmunds quote.. any way.. I give Toyota and Edmunds an A++ for all the services.

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  Love my Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By serge - October 16 - 8:10 pm

  Im not sure what everyone talks about with hesitation/transmission/not enough power? It is advertised and sold as a "family sedan"!! Mine has 268 hp. Its hefty. Love everything about the car. Gas mileage as promised. Ride is superior to Nissan or Honda of the same caliber. im sure sports cars dont have "hesitation" (which I have yet to notice), but they also cost 10K more. Bottom line: its my first Toyota and I love it wholeheartedly.

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  Dont Even Look At Competitors!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ImUrPapi - October 15 - 2:06 pm

  This is my first car, and I love it. I bought this new Camry solely on infamous reliability and reputation. Mine is super white, and exterior is georgeous. Im 24 years old and I wouldve never bought this Camry if it wasnt redesigned. Interior is simple and well laid out. The blue neon center console makes the interior look really cool, every single person thats been in my car loved it. I didnt notice any tranny hesitation for over 300 miles mixed city/hwy and 250 miles round trip on hwy. Fuel economy is just so-so. Overall, it blasts off any competitors.

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  Toyota - Made in Georgetown KY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By CentralFloridaMan - October 15 - 11:23 am

  "Salsa Red Pearl" 2002 Camry LE with the 2.4L (4 cylinder gasoline, first year that it came out with a timing chain, not a belt) and automatic transmission. Im 61 and the powered seat moves down to give me more head room, and back up and forward to give my 53 daughter the ability to see and reach the pedals as she learns to drive. I had to replace the scissor jack since the one this used car came with looked bent too badly to trust (~$15 on ebay). So far, I average 28.5 mpg combined hwy/city on 87 octane gas (Melbourne, FL). About once a week gave the "blue smoke" for an instant out the tailpipe on startup last winter/spring, but I havent noticed it this summer at all.

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  I love my Camry Wagon! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By HazeK - October 13 - 10:00 am

  nice size: holds 4 adults/3 kids in comfort, cargo area holds plenty nice looks: not like some that look like a sedan that the designers stuck an extra section onto. great comfort: when my back is hurting, and I cant find a comfortable chair in the house, I get into my car & go for a drive! the front seats fit like a glove! great handling: The "get up and go" of this car is essential for safety here. I have a terrible lead foot problem! 0 to 60 in seconds is a requirement for MY cars. reliability? Of course! Shes a Camry!

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  Buyer beware - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By "Sorry Buyer" - October 12 - 12:43 pm

  Over the years I have bought three Camrys and was always well satisfied. With the 2007 Camry XLE I didnt hesitate to make the purchase, sight unseen (at the time none were availabile in the showrooms) because of good previous experience. Was I ever so wrong. I do not consider this a "driver friendly" car. Too many touch buttons and rocker switches on steering wheel and dash. Always seem to hit them, and change settings. None visible when driving at night. You cant use radio or CD features at night. Poor heating system - out of sync. Head lights at night poor, high beams useless, seem to flare out plus a few other annoying problems for engineering. This car will be for sale shortly

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff G - October 12 - 9:50 am

  I have owned a lot of cars, including two Prius, but this car is everything a car should be. First of all it is reasonably priced and of course reliability is expected to be great. One of things many dont realize is that this car has more American made parts, assembled in America and is more American combined, than any other car on the road right now. Leaving that aside I will say that the driving of this car is quite wonderful. I have the SE which has a bit tighter suspension, which makes the ride a little more firm. The 4 cylinder engine has plenty of power and combined with the six speed transmission makes driving a joy! The Entune entertainment system works and sounds great. Another great feature is the center screen on the dash that can give you (customizable) digital speedo, miles left to drive, tire pressure, odometer and other things that you can set. The ruby red pearl with 17" wheels looks awesome and so far like I said in the description, this is the best car I have ever owned!

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  After 60 Days of Ownership - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By sfvcamrybear - October 11 - 9:20 pm

  Ive had my 2007 Camry XLE V6 w/nav for a lil over 60 days now. WOW! Its a LOT of bang for the buck! I compared it to the 08 Accord b4 I bought and the Camry won! Camry has a 6 speed tranny over Accords 5, tip-tron style shift, (which I dig), "smartkey" system, voice command sys and touch screen to operate the nav sys. Accord has none of these features and its the same price for the top of the line. This car has been so much fun! Its fast! Holds the road nicely, looks good inside and out (get a tint), rides beautifully, is nearly silent inside and has a rockin JBL system too! If you can spend the extra $$$ get the loaded one, drive and compare, its a baby Lexus!!!