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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  No Fun. - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By fbanksw - May 24 - 10:30 am

  I loved my 93 Camry, but sold it and bought a Nissan Altima - huge mistake. Nothing but woes, but when my son started college instead of trading it (and losing money). I gave it to him and happily went out to get myself the 2009 Camry. Its been a big disappointment. The transmission seems to constantly self adjust on even the slightest of hills and its so annoying, how it seems to struggle to accelerate. Its totally a drag, especially when the AC is on and this has taken all the fun out of driving my new car.

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  Best Car Youll Ever Own - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By DP - May 24 - 7:23 am

  I researched the Camry and similar models (Accord, etc) thoroughly before purchasing my XLE two years ago and have been extremely satisfied with my purchase. The car is stylish and extremely reliable, has retained excellent resale value and has many attractive features. Its an excellent value, although I probably wouldnt buy another car at any price point.

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  Very Disappointed in Responsiveness - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CmryOwner - May 24 - 3:33 am

  Ive had this car for a year - bought it for the low emissions, safety, and good mileage rating - and Im considering trading it in. There are two things I cant stand about it: throttle hesitation, and poor gas mileage. Rated for 34 on the highway, Ive never gotten more than 28. My previous BMW 3 series got better mileage, and believe me it was more fun to drive.

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  Sallys Car - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By jack - May 21 - 6:33 pm

  Bought my Camry with 23,000 from auction in 03. Had brake and water pump fixes from sitting. Recent fresh paint and minor age repairs only. Great interior room and seat comfort. The usual maintenance keeps my Camry going. No replacement payments keeps me happy. As low mileage users this Camry will carry me to the retirement home. Good for additional people hauling with great trunk space for the grocery store stops.

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  Benchmark of excellence - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By VG - May 21 - 1:03 pm

  My first car was a Toyota Camry and this is my second after taking a break from Toyota.I rented this car several times and contrary to what the reviews say, the Camry is definitely the most refined automobile on the road wish Lexus like qualities.The ride is well worth it and the V6 works upto this.The first Camry was a 4 cylinder and was exceptional in every aspect except power, but Toyota has came a long way since then.One aspect that Toyota should make an option as Nissan has with some of their models is the option of HID lights.HID lights are available on Camrys big brother,the Avalon on select trims.Overall the Camry is definitely reliable,great quality,sporty,luxurious,worth the money

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  First 1,200 Miles - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Hoot 27 - May 20 - 8:16 pm

  Other than a pretty firm ride, I have nothing but good to say about my Camry XLE V6 with GPS. The GPS made my life easy on a 700 mile trip to an unfamiliar location. Performance was great. 29 mpg overall. No transmission problems as reported by so many others. Ive had 3 BMWs and only one of them could offer a more comfortable ride than the Camry. A BMW 528 with the same equipment would cost over $20,000 more! This thing scoots!

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  Charistics - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Charles-PhD. - May 20 - 5:16 am

  Interior well laid out. Lumbar support would be nice if added to passenger side also as stander. Model should have more option without going to XLE.

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  2002 Camry XLE, 4Cyl, Auto - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By - May 19 - 10:00 am

  My 5th Camry and the best one ever.

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  Great car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By sandwinder - May 17 - 7:20 pm

  I think this is a great car. I have driven several types of cars from Acura to BMW and I can say this car is great. It doesnt have the driving ability of the German cars but it is still great for the money. I did test drive the 4 cylinder and wasnt impressed at all. The 6 cylinder is great, very refined and power when you need it.

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  NAVer again! - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By DCinNC - May 17 - 4:21 pm

  I was taken in by the cars look, enjoyed the test drive and believed I paid a fair price. I never dreamed a company of Toyotas caliber would fall down flat on the technology side. The Entune 3.0 system was a major disappointment. (I should have required a phone to be setup on the system before purchasing it) I have only had the car a week and regret the purchase. This of course is an opinion; I would however suggest if the technology inside the car is important to you, have a phone paired to the car and see for yourself before you sign on the dotted line.