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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  Wonderful car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Smidy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had my camry for 3 years now and have been using it to commute to school (over 160 miles a day). When i got it it only had 60k miles on it and now it has 215k. Never had any major problems. Drove it all year round in the rain, snow, and blistering heat. In fact i hate to admit it but i abused it alittle bit. (late on oil changes and scheduled matience) But still performs like new. Also great factory stero for being 10 years old. Sounds better then some premium steros in other car brands. Good strong reliable car. I have taken many trips in this car. In fact i have practically lived in it. Highly recomend to anyone.

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  No Problem Car. - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Shakeel - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Had it for 5 yrs. No problems so far. Only maintenance that I have done is 3000 mile oil change.

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  Sold on Toyota quality - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By markIII - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Toyota weve owned (95 Corolla) and we havent had a single problem in 8 years! Just cannot justify trading in a 5 year old car with no problems.

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  Toyotas are Very Reliable - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BT - September 6 - 11:56 am

  Im a 30-year owner of Toyota--had a 1981 Toyota Corona for 16 years and sold it to a friend who drove it another three years before trading it in. I had a lovely 1998 Toyota Camry -- only problem before sold it was getting an oil leak stopped--it was costly to get to, but the part was cheap to fix, labor was excessive due to how hard it was to get to. Had a Buick in 2005, and was really glad when purchased this 2004 Camry in 2007 with only 9,000 miles on it. Car has a popping sound when turn wheel to park in garage at night. Am told if it bothers me, labor cost to get to part is about $250; its not bothering me that much yet. Was in an accident in 1988 Camry; it saved my life I think.

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  I want my 99 camry back - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Whattodonow? - September 5 - 4:40 pm

  This was the car of my dreams the new royal blue, it was awesome. Until one day I was trying to excel into oncoming traffic on I-40 the throttle hangs and I almost get hit. I took it in to the dealer, they did not know what to do about it and said they would not know until Sept. This was in June? So what am I suppose to do until then? In the meantime, it happens 3 more times. finally by sept a fix comes out to reprogram the computer and erace your driving patterns. Worked for a little while but it started again. This has been the most disappointing car I have ever had. My tires wear out in less than 20,000 and always on the back first.

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  Camry is a BEAST!!! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Iwant10Prius - September 5 - 4:23 am

  No lie....I have 242,665 miles on my car and I am not embarrassed to drive it. I bought it with 112k miles on it from a private owner. It has been maintained well (oil changes, routine maintenance, etc.) but I have rarely put any other money into the vehicle. It drives down the highway almost like a new car. I would highly recommend purchasing this year Camry, as long as it has been taken care of. I will always be Toyota loyal after my experience (previous American-car only driver). What American car would ever even come close this mileage and reliability? Exactly! If I can get 500K, maybe I can get that new 2010 Prius I have been desperately wanting. :)

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  Good Car With Terrible Infotainment - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - September 3 - 9:52 pm

  I like the handling and performance of the car. The car is roomy for a mid-size and quite comfortable. The safety features are also very good. Unfortunately, the infotainment system is awful. Toyota has decided to develop its own system called Entune 3.0 rather than offering Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Obviously, Toyota is not a technology company. If I had it to do over again, I would not purchase a new Toyota until Android Auto and Apple Carplay are supported. I also have a 2017 VW with Android Auto and the difference is like night and day. Entune appears to be several years behind. Android Auto is MUCH easier to use and wil support many more apps. Problems so far with Entune 3.0: 1) Entune 3.0 doesnt seem to auto-start. I have to manually start Entune on my phone before it will connect to the car. This has to be done every time I get in the car and quickly becomes very frustrating. Android Auto will start automatically either by recognizing when the phone connects to the cars bluetooth or when the phone is plugged in to the cars USB port. 2) Entune doesnt support nearly as many apps as Android Auto. Specifically, it doesnt support the following apps, all fully supported by Android Auto: Google Maps, Waze, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Audible, Tunein Radio, as well as several messaging, audio book, and podcast apps. 3) Entune comes bundled with Scout for GPS navigation. Scout is not nearly as capable as either Google Maps or Waze. Initial routes take a long time then rerouting because of traffic or a missed turn frequenly fails. Also, the U.S. version of Scout doesnt support Canadian maps. I live in upstate NY and drive to Canada quite frequently. Both Waze and Google Maps seamlessly support driving in Canada. Toyota really needs to get its act together because Entune is just unacceptable. Maybe a good temporary solution would be to enable running Android Auto and Apple Carplay under Entune 3.0 until an update can be offered to current and future Toyota owners that supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay natively.

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  05 Camry SE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mbateyman - September 3 - 11:20 am

  Having driven my Camry for over a year, and almost 20,000 miles, I must say its truly an amazing vehicle. Although mine is a 4cyl. SE, its got some nice kick to it. I really think Camry owners get their moneys worth because its all around a great car. Things dont break unexpectedly or unexplained. It never quits, very fun to drive, looks great, and the ride quality is just astonishing. And to add, I actually get about 23 to 24 in the city including quick take offs when Im running late for work. Its nice when people envy your car! ***The only choice for SE 4cyl was manual but my vehicle is an automatic.

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  WORST CAR EVER - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Alan Thiede - September 2 - 9:29 pm

  THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. LAST TOYOTA.

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  Unhappy ex-owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By wysiwyg - September 2 - 2:06 am

  I had the car for 1.5 years and just got rid of it - I couldnt wait to do so. The auto tranny is awful. It hesitates when starting from full stop. Even worse, I had to make way for other cars when going uphill - it doesnt downshift unless floored. The car has big bodyroll when cornering. The steering is so light at high speed and it pulls to the right. Vague steering and a soft suspension make it drive like a boat. Worst of all, if you open the window when theres water on the roof, water drops into the car right on window & door lock buttons - a poor design. Bright spots are great fuel economy and large space. Camry is a pain.