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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  Dependable - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By ken - July 26 - 3:33 am

  Have owned toyotas in the past, and have been well pleased with their dependability. Purchased the 06 five months ago and have been well pleased with all aspects of this car. Gas mileage is good, handles well and is quiet. Will stay with toyota.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By draneri - July 24 - 4:33 am

  I test drove the 6 cyl Camry and really liked the power. The XLE had all the bells and whistles to really make the decision easy. The only negative was the fact the 6 cyl only had leather and I cannot stand leather seats. So I test drove the 4 cyl and really saw the 4 was responsive and better than most other 4s Ive tried. The only negative I can say about the car is the cruise control isnt as smooth as the Accord thereby requiring the shifting to occur more frequently than it needs to.

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  Camry XLE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By loveit - July 24 - 2:43 am

  This was my first Toyota and I love it. V6 has good pick up and power. XLE model has all the options to make it comfortable and fun to drive. Bought it used but it was a Toyota certified vehicle. Havent had any mechanical problems.

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  Great teenager car! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By cwazychicken - July 22 - 9:06 pm

  My brother gave me his Camry as a gift, of course as a teenage girl i wasnt too thrilled with the look of this car! I drove it for an entire year and only had big problems towards the end of its journey. At 198 K its pretty well worn out. For sixteen years old still runs good .No A/C , had to put in a new radiator and other little malfunctions, all in all a great first car !! Im gonna miss it!

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  Traded my Impala for a Camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Steven - July 22 - 8:13 pm

  In light of projected fuel prices skyrocketing, I thought Id look at something more economical, with a good reputation for reliability. I like everything the Camry does. It has surprising acceleration for a four cylinder. It is smoother and quieter than the Impala. The steering is lighter but much more precise. The Camry took me from Atlanta to Tampa on 14 gallons of fuel, approximately 475 miles.

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  Hate a perfectly good car! - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By ally123sport - July 22 - 5:33 am

  I bought a 2013 Camry. I and all passengers bump our heads on the handle bar above the seats in all seats. I am only 53 so it is not a height issue. Can not put a baby seat in back seat and put anybody but a short person in the drivers or passengers side upfront because of the length of the vehicle. Do not like entune navigation system! Everytime I plug up my phone to charge, it starts itunes with the very first song alphabetically on my playlist. Research shows this can not be fixed. I have to fumble on the touchscreen to turn it off and back on the radio. If you turn of the entune bluetooth for the itune issue you cant make calls obviously. Seat adjustment is also excessively slow!

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  My Camry Review! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By PeterD - July 20 - 5:20 am

  My first Toyota product. I like it a lot. Great ride, engine, interior, gas mileage. Well built. The audio system is awesome, as is the Bluetooth technology.

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  Inconveniences - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Amy - July 19 - 6:55 pm

  This is my fourth Camry and I am not really happy with it. Toyota took out the simple convenient compartments for storage that were very helpful out of the car. Didnt even have a 1000 miles on my new car and had to replace the stereo system, works a little better but still sounds horrible. The adjustments for the radio like the bass , and treble really dont work and the volume basically has to be between 20 and 30 to hear over road noise. You go to surround sound and there still is very little difference. So, needless to say the stereo system sucks. Also, they put LED headlights on the car and cant stand them. Needed special night driving glasses made because I get migraine from the reflection off signs and vehicles. On coming traffic always thinks you have your brights on and they continuously flash there brights at you. Dont have fog lights anymore that you can turn on or off by yourself either. They stay on all the time when you are night driving. Hate that the LED lights have a horizons cut off point. Bridgestone cheap tires too. With 8000 miles on my car, I am very upset with the changes to the Camry so far.

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  NOT VERY GOOD - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Jim K - July 19 - 7:29 am

  I owned a 2001 Camry for over 13 years and used to be a Toyota fan, not any more. After owning this particular Camry for three months I find it mediocre at best. The three worst problems are; ROAD NOISE, NAVIGATION (Voice commands) and FRONT SEAT COMFORT. These three problems, alone, make road trips terrible. The road noise level is so high that to hear the radio, the volume needs to be very high. The Voice command feature is unusable at highway speeds due to the road noise. Combine this with the seat comfort and I dont want to take long trips. I guess you need to go to a two week course on using the navigation system. Nothing is intuitive, I guess that you can do a lot with this system but finding information, while driving, is difficult at best (Im still trying to learn this system). There are several other smaller problems; the display screen is washed out during the day by the sunlight, the digital speedometer does not match the needle speedometer and other small issues. Keep in mind this is the XLE Camry (one step below the Avalon) and should much much better. I hate to admit it but I rode in a Nissan Altima yesterday and found it much quieter and more comfortable than my Camry (I have never been a Nissan fan, maybe should re-evaluate the Nissan). Ill take my 2001 Camry LE over this one any day. I fail to see why this Camry is rated so high by many people, confused!

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  Reliable car for work - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By quin - July 18 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car in 2000 and has use for 154,000 miles till today. Had it maintenance with oil service ( 4 quarts of SAE 5W30 oil preferred for Toyota 1MZ-FE engine good for fuel economy and good starting in cold weather) with oil filter changed @ 4,ooo miles as recommended by the manufacture or penzoil synthetic oil $20(Kmart) @6,000 miles. Had my coolant flush at about @50,000 miles with 1 gallon of antifreeze coolant $18 at toyota dealer. Had my 1 gallon DextronII transmission fluid $10 done @50,000 miles. Front Brake pad ($40pad+ $40labor)change @40,000miles and Back brake pad change@ 70,000miles. Battery change @6years. Windshield wiper change @5years. Tires change@40,000miles.