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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  Toyota man - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Terry - August 24 - 7:51 pm

  Great car. Very reliable. Nice ride. Good looking.

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  My baby died @ 130,000 - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Dead Leg - August 24 - 10:00 am

  130,000 Death Mark I loved my car, got it in GREAT condition - I treated it like a baby. (Barely drover) anything broke I fixed it. But after 130,000 everything died. Could not pass admissions, AC out, Leaking transmission fuel and oil.

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  Will buy no other - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By joe z - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is without a doubt the best auto I have ever owned. No problems since I purchased it and still have the same original brakes on it even tho consumer reports that it was the problem with this year. Im an old hot rod man and let me tell you this think also has sum guts from a light.

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  Pro-Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Debbie - August 23 - 5:30 am

  I just got into a head-on collision in my 2009 Camry 3 days ago. My car did FANTASTIC! The airbag in the steering wheel and the leg airbag did exactly what it was supposed to do. Not a broken bone in my body and I was able to walk away. The seat belt locked up instantly and not a bit of whiplash. I am sore from all of the bruising but grateful I was in this safe car. With all of the media attention on Toyota, I was worried I made a wrong choice but I was proven wrong 4 days ago. Thanks Toyota!!

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  My 5th Toyota & LOVE it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kelly - August 21 - 6:53 pm

  Ive already put 8800+ miles on it and its done well so far. Had a small problem with a tire sensor light coming on, took it into dealer, they tightened it and so far so good. Traded my Highlander for it for better mileage w/ gas prices so high. Drove it from WA. to AZ. and back and it handled like a charm, the seats were comfy as well (and I have a bad back). This is a great commuting car. I would say if you are thinking about it, go for it. I still own my 1997 CAMRY and its also still going strong with no problems as well. Overall, a great car!

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  Its great - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By sz - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Its great. nice features and powerful. very good looking.

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  Great Quality, Great Price...Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Dr. Dave - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Camry and third Toyota and I have had zero problems with any of them. The low price you pay and the high quality you recieve is something Ive always admired about Toyota. Ive been in cars twice as expensive that didnt have the fit and finish quality of this Camry. If you want the best quality for your money your only choice is the Camry or maybe the Honda Accord.

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  02 Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By C.S. - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It has a good body style, interior is simple, good build quality. It seems to have plenty of power for a 4 cylinder, and will run right beside a V6. Toyota seems to have hit the jackpot. Another good thing is that a new body style wont appear until the 2007 model year.

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  Good Value - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Satwant Tulsi - August 18 - 7:40 am

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  Great Car, Excellent Performance - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By asifalimirza - August 14 - 11:10 am

  I purchased this car new, now I have 46,000 miles on it. It is a great car, and its 3.3L V6 is smooth & Powerful hitting 0-60 in about 7 sec. The interior is very quiet during driving, even on the Hwy. I do have the issue that others mentioned where there is a slight delay in the transmission when slowing down and than accelerating, but it seems to have gotten less over time. The other complaint i have is that Toyota quality seems to have gone down. The drivers side power Windows dont work properly. If i open the window the glass it would fall out of the slot. Had to have it repaired, which cost me $200. Other than that, I love this car. V6 gets me about 22 to 24 MPG