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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  Sad its Dying - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By shanny720 - September 18 - 10:06 am

  My grandma talked me into buying a used 2000 Camry LE from a sporty car that I had been eying. It was the best decision made. It had 40,000 at purchase (2004) and how has 162,000. It has been reliable driving through MN snowstorms and flash floods. In fact, Ive made it through snow where bigger vehicles had gotten stuck, and "puddles" where bigger vehicles had flooded. Few problems. The only reason why its dying now is because I didnt change the oil every 3,000 miles. VERY important to keep up on the oil changes with this car!! I was hoping to keep it around for another few years. Make sure to also use Toyota parts.

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  One of the best sedans. - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By jddkone - September 18 - 2:00 am

  After more than seven years and 135,000 miles, my Camry is still in perfect mechanical condition, w/ just standard servicing. It has the four-cylinder and provides adequate acceleration, effortless cruising. Its pleasant to drive, with easy response to steering inputs; steering feel is somewhat numb. Silent and sedate inside. Dont buy a family car w/out driving a Camry.

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  Dont buy a 1999 Camery - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Suckered by toyota - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a certified used 1999 Camery XLS 6 months ago. So far Ive had to replace the brakes, fuel injectors, and a value spring. This car has been in the shop 6 times trying to get theses problems fix. After $1,800 in repairs Im going to try and get rid of this car.

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  Toyota Camry Le - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By gmcyukonc1500 2wd - September 18 - 2:00 am

  When i bought my car in 2000, i was also looking at a Accord Special Edition. The car didnt have enough room so i bought the Camry Le. My car is very comfy, although it wouldnt kill Toyota to put more padding in the seats. The dash is so easy to use and work with. The radio is GREAT!!!!!.

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  2002 camry XLE (4cyl) - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By REV4 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I like this car alot. Quality. Comfort. Quiet. Performance. Audio System. Climate Control. Fuel. Exterior. Interior. Just one thing I dont like: rear visibility (made worse by a spoiler) is not good. Otherwise: GREAT

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  not worth the money - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ghanchakkar - September 16 - 11:40 pm

  Excellent Engine. Excellent exterior design. I feel it was most beautiful car in year 2007-08. Horrible quality of interior. Everything falls apart just by little pull particularly console, curtain bag cover, gear box cover. windshield holding frame makes rubs with windshield glass whenever sudden temperature increase. Smart Key System does not work in various areas of Chicago downtown. I must use physical key to lock unlock car (not sure why).

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  Another Great Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By arjay - September 13 - 2:36 am

  This is my second Camry, trading in my 97 after driving it 179000 trouble- free miles. The 06 is much more refined - smoother, quieter and more comfortable seats. Beautiful, tasteful interior.

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  Wrong engine choice - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By FBC - September 11 - 8:43 am

  This is my first Toyota. The Camry is a great deal for the money, but this engine does not perfom at all. The transmission is weak, you need to think twice before jumping into traffic. Sometimes when you push on the gas the car doesnt accelerate. I get 24/26 MPG, driving 80% highway at 75. I love the design, I really regret the engine. I tested the hybrid but I had the same feeling regarding the performance. Everyday driving is different from the 30 minute test drive.

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  My Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mary mercer - September 11 - 4:16 am

  Exceptional response both in engine and handling categories. Very good ridability and comfort. Gas mileage not quite what was expected but all other aspects of the car more than make up for this. Workmanship is top-notch in all areas.

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  Phenominal car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Witt - September 9 - 2:43 am

  Ive had this car for almost 4 years and I havent had to do anything besides basic upkeep. Its been in a couple fender benders and those only caused cosmetic damage! the only problem I have is its hesitant to start during the winter but the hood is bent from a wreck. Only problem with the car is its very boring to drive. Its a great car that lasts forever and gets you from A to B