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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  The best family car so far - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Tomek - July 2 - 10:16 am

  After my last car broke down, I was looking for reliable car I wont have to worry about. Toyota was the answer. Minimal maintnance (all you have to do is change oil and rotate tires - other items are very rare). It also has surprisingly large trunk - travel play pen, double stroller and still room for bags

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  Excellent Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By rsturm1005 - July 1 - 4:40 pm

  This car has performed very well. Weve had almost no problems with it. The interior and controls are outstanding for this price range. Without a doubt I would buy it again.

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  Looks Good! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By cmryowner - July 1 - 10:00 am

  How many weeks do you come home with a new car, run in the house and tell your spouse, "Honey, I Love my Car!"? I did for about three months. I still love it, but, she just got tired of hearing about it! Once I figured out what the "Clank" was when I first started out (it was the anti-lock brakes setting themselves) and the fact that once you stop, the cruise control resets itself (not like American cars that retain their memory until you turn the car off), I fully enjoyed driving my Camry! The gas mileage could be better, but I like the V6 anyway - nice power for this sedan. Good feel for the road without being too harsh.

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  2007 toyota camry great used car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By tom hunsberger - June 30 - 11:48 am

  this is my familys 8th toyota. we are very happy with the quality and durability that toyota has to offer. i purchased this 2007 camry for my daughter who is in college it has 65,000 miles on it and is in great shape. i bought this car for toyotas reliability and safety.

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  Awesome Buy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sunit Mathur - June 30 - 8:26 am

  This is my third Toyota. This time I traded in my 05 Camry LE to get the 07 Camry XLE. Only two words can describe this for me: "Awesome buy".

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  4 Camry Family - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Brian - June 29 - 9:52 am

  This 2013 Camry continues to be one of the best cars that Ive owned. It simply is stress and worry free

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  I like it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Melinda - June 29 - 9:33 am

  This is a great car. Performance is excellent. I got the 6 cylinder because I am used to power - prior car Camaro Z28, and I am not disappointed. The ride is comfortable and it seems to ride a little higher than the average sedan, which I like. Its easy to get in and out of. I feel like I have a luxury car. No rattles or transmission problems. The interior looks great to me. This interior is as good or better than others in its class.

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  I miss my 4-runner - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By jkglx - June 28 - 9:33 am

  Initial impressions of the 1st 300 miles. This vehicle is very comfortable, and has a pleasant ride. I am a little disappointed with the fuel economy, as I averaged approx 18 MPG in the city. I would not have gotten rid of my 4-Runner if I would have known that I was going to improve my mileage by this little. Waiting to see how efficient on the highway. Also, transmission is acting up. Out of nowhere, RPM revs up when not accelerating.

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  I Hate This Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Roseanne - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I have been driving Toyotas for 35 years and have always been completely satisfied. Unfortunately, when we bought this car we didnt test drive it and what a mistake that was. It hesitates and jumps ahead on a steady basis, but you never know when. I really feel this is dangerous and we will never buy a Toyota again. It feels like its struggling to get any pick up. Im being told that this is because theres a device protecting the transmission. Sorry, Toyota, you messed up on this model. We are trading it in but not for another Toyota.

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  My Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By StephieEve - June 27 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been up to now a satisfying reliable pleasure. Its great to know that I wont be visiting dealerships with nigling little problems. Its just a wonderfull comfortable car with great economy and a joy to drive.