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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  What more could I ask for? - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By ebeaudoin - July 17 - 8:43 pm

  My mother-in-law bought this car as a dealer demonstrator back in 2001. My wife bought it from her in 2009 and Ive been driving it since 2010. This car is my daily commuter now with just over 120,000 miles on it. Its quiet, smooth ride, comfortable interior and spartan yet efficient control layout is just lovely. Sure, its no sports car, but theres something to be said about a car like this. The gas mileage is decent- Im averaging 24.4 MPG, with 31.9 MPG being my best tank of all-highway miles.

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  Mostly Pleased After 6 Months - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By LN - July 16 - 3:13 pm

  Always a rush to see my cars exterior. Quick acceleration; excellent stopping; super traction in rain; exhilarating drives with sport mode transmission. Overexposure to hard plastic: interior needs makeover on door panels, dash and console. Replace hard plastics on doors with soft vinyl & carpet. Charcoal color doesnt hide scuffs, dirt. Use metal on door/console panels where simulated aluminum is placed. Poor fit/finish where tilt/telescope wheel merges with dashboard. Easily damaged vinyl cladding around gauges & speedometer. Awkward wiper controls. Detached 12v outlet in console when using car vacuum. A/c slow to cool hot interior. Amazingly silent engine when idling.

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  Awesome 2 door 94 Camry - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Tricia - July 15 - 3:23 pm

  I Love the car, its great, nothing is wrong with it. Not really sure why Im even looking for a new car. I bought this car used when it was 4 yrs old. Never had one problem with it, just normal maintenance I would not hesitate to buy another camry without a doubt

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  Like a Lexus ES for 10k less. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By F.P. - July 14 - 6:36 am

  I am amazed at the quiet and comfortable ride my Camry XLE V6 offers. The V6 engine is smooth and powerfull. The new headlights look like jewels, and the tail lights are bold and beautiful to look at, even more so than the Lexus ES. The look and quality feel of the wood/leather interior is beyond its class for a car in the 25k to 30k price range (I paid under 25k), and the many Lexus-like features and amenities dont hurt either. The XLE V6 is so comfortable to drive in that I always arrive at my destination feeling rested and ready to go, even after a long road trip. Thanks to the on board MPG computer, I can tell you that I have been averaging close to 30 MPG in mixed city/highway driving.

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  My First Car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Firefightersgrl - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This was my first car and I have to say I was pleased with it. It ran well and always got me where I needed to go. A lot of room to and easy to maintain. The gas milage is great. I would drive at least 30 miles a day (thats a lot for a highschool senior) and I would only have to fill up every other week for $20. It was totalled when I was hit in the side, but it took a lot of impact and I came out completely safe.

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  VERY DISAPOINTED IN THE SCOUT GPS LINK - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel Dupuis - July 13 - 7:01 pm

  Discovered 2 days after purchasing my new Camry 2016 Special Edition SE that the new Scout GPS Link App installed is a real disappointment. The App on the smartphone is excellent, (state of the art, detailed maps updated daily) but the interface with the Camry is worthless. Its like going back to the stone age. There are no options available, no detailed maps except a small map showing from point A to point B and a small arrow moving very slowly to your destination. Wished the original Toyota Entune Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite (Option) could be installed in my new Camry but was told this is not possible, must buy out of market Navigation system which isnt the same as original. Too late to change for another Camry 2016 Special Edition SE with Entune NAV. I suggest you add the Toyota Entune Nav. System when ordering your new Toyota. Besides this disappointment, this is an Excellent automobile.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bruce - July 13 - 7:10 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota and I have always been pleased with the cars and performance. I am disappointed with this vehicle. The transmission is jerky and the gas mileage is terrible. I have never gotten better than 19 mpg. The car has been maintained very well and driven conservatively. The dealer cannot find anything wrong. I would not have purchased this vehicle if I was aware of the actual poor mileage.

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  135000 miles and still going strong - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Lillann - July 11 - 5:26 am

  This has been one of the most reliable cars we have ever known. We have had Toyotas since 1976 and have found them extremely reliable! Will not buy another brand. This one has been so reliable with only a water pump going out a couple of years ago. Everything keeps working well and the engine seems to be as reliable as when we drove it off the lot new. We are still getting between 28 and 30 mpg on highway which is what we started with. Will drive it until it gives out.

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  Near-Luxury XLE is Outstanding! - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By tcarstar - July 10 - 4:26 am

  Our loaded black XLE has been outstanding. The XLE is a near-luxury car, with a very quiet and comfortable ride and too many luxury features to list. The Camry is the most luxurious ride in its class. (If you want a sports car, buy a sports car. If you want a comfortable ride, buy a Camry.) The safety features are excellent: curtain airbags, vehicle stability control, great crash ratings. The fit and finish of our Indiana-made XLE has been perfect. The XLE is loaded with everything we could want for the price and a great value

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  My First Sedan!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sara - July 8 - 12:36 pm

  It hasnt even been a week since the purchase, but I have to say I am satisfied. I love the exterior body and color (Aqua Green). The interior is extremely comfortable, and spacious. Great standard features like the side airbags, and 6 speaker MP3, am/fm radio. I love the lighting on the radio controls, and the material on the interior, very soft and stylish. The one and only complaint I do have so far is the cruise control. We do quite a bit of traveling, and the fact that it pulls that way on certain parts of the road (uphill mainly) is not very convenient, but overall, good run for the money.