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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  Nice Ride - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - May 30 - 10:33 pm

  Was looking at this and the Acura TL 2008 model. Wife liked this one. First tank of gas 29 mpg. Half driving was interstate at 80 mph and half all around driving city and hwy. 2nd tank 32 mpg highway driving at 70 mph hwy. Nice and comfortable. Reclining rear seats, in two positions, 4 degrees each. Plenty of leg room. Nice power. Not sporty power like the Acura but it has plenty. Hands free Blue tooth is the only way to go. Call comes in, once paired with your phone, radio goes off, hit talk switch on steering wheel and just talk and drive. When call is over, hang up the phone, that is located on your steering wheel and the radio comes back. Very safe feature. Great car.

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  Same as Lexus and Less expensive - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Herb - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a Honda Accord Killer

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  camry is reliable, solid - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By velshin - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Why would you want anything but a reliable car? The Camry always works.

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  Never Again! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Ed M. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I went from a 99 Accord V6 to the Camry SE 4cyl. The SE V6 with all the option packages that whomever adds (dealer or manuf.), was out of my price range. Although not lacking in power, the quality of the vehicle in general stinks!,Squeaks, rattles, groans,fit and finish issues, etc. Beware of the "performance tires". They don’t like cold and snow.I ended up spending $600 for new tires. The dealer told me to call Toyota in CA. who basically told me that no, the tires werent designed for snow and ice conditions and told me that I didnt research the technical data on the car and refused me reimbursement! Toyotas customer service motto should read, "Buyer Beware"!

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  Used to be a great car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Jennifer Harris - May 29 - 5:36 pm

  I bought this car to replace my 98 Camry, and I must say that compared to that one, this car is disappointing. Although I like the looks of this one better, the quality of the interior is poor. Too many rattles and squeaks coming from the doors, the dash and the moonroof. I have not had any transmission problems like some of the other complaints.

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  Good Value - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Real - May 27 - 10:06 pm

  Ive driven the Lexus 400 Series since 1991 and have just purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry SE V6, and the car is excellent. Its not the Lexus flagships I used to drive, but close & I have more money left in pocket which puts a smile on my face.

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  Excellent Stability and Comfort - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Sandeep Nema - May 27 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this vehicle just standard LE, without stability and traction control. Even then I feel its very stable during exit turns at high speeds and does not rattle. this year Camry is as quiet as previous year models and compared to Honda Accord. Exterior looks are at par with Lexus and more lavish than Accord 08/09 models. Interior is comfortable, but at times I get with interior plastic finish a bit cheaper feel. Probable Toyota tried to compensate interior to implement newer EPA safety standards and expansive research for fuel economy by keeping car at almost same price of 2008.

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  Love my camry - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By JB - May 26 - 8:26 pm

  I have been a honda owner for 20 years but purchased this Camry new in 2004 due to price, features and Toyotas reputation with manufacturing quality automobiles. I have not been disappointed. This is an excellent car. It handles well in all types of weather. It is comfortable and reliable. I didnt expect to have to do anything to this car other than other than routine maintenance and oil changes and it has not let me down. The only thing I would change if I could buy the option to apply clear coat paint protection when new. My car is deep blue and as always, people love to bang their doors into a new looking car, creating door dings that the door guard doesnt always catch.

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  My sun visor broken - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By VU Hanh - May 25 - 11:58 pm

  My sun visor broken when I driving and I get car accident , I m so scare what happen for next time

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  Thats Right, Look at Me - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By cam-man - May 25 - 4:23 am

  I am the envy of all my friends because of my silver SE V6. After owning the SE for 3 weeks now, Ive already put 4,200 miles on it, and it hasnt let me down. The transmission is flawed, it takes a few seconds for it to speed up, but once it goes it goes fast, I love the shift gate, great for easy passing! I turn heads everywhere. Im glad I got the SE because they look so much better than the other models and they dont seem to be as popular. (I dont want too many people to have my car!!) Get the door sill enhancers easy to put on yourself and makes a drastic difference to your car!