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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  One month review - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Susan - May 6 - 4:13 pm

  I love my new Camry. I thought I would miss my Pathfinder, but the Camry is so much fun to drive. It drives like a sports car, but looks like a sedan. It is a very solid car and the pick up is just great. It is very roomy and the trunk is huge ( a Sopranos trunk, three bodies). I was choosing between an Altima and the Camry and I know I made the better choice. The Camry has a much better, higher quality look and feel. I have been getting 24 mpg so far.

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  Nice car, but... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Roman - May 6 - 2:13 am

  This is my second Camry and I like it, especially the art decoish design and simplicity of interior controls. The cabin is more spacious and offers more leg room which is a big plus. Very responsive handling, and on the highway the ride is smooth. Reasonable fuel economy. However I have noticed, like others, that the new transmission is not that smooth, especially when accelerating from a stop. It can occasionally accelerate quickly and jerk you ahead, or hesitate, and sometimes Ive noticed the car slow down unnaturally via the transmission. The motor can be loud when rpms are high. The door handles are awkwardly placed, mainly because they dont allow you to rest your arm on the arm rest.

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  Best Looking Car with Worst Finish Ever - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jaywa - May 5 - 3:46 am

  We have owned our 07 Camry XLE for a year. We loved the styling but not the 4-cyl engine so waited several weeks for a V6. Mileage out of the showroom was way below advertised (barely 22 mpg on a 400 mile interstate road trip), but seems to have come around over time. This car is a blast to drive and turns heads everywhere we go, but it has the worst paint job Ive ever seen. With less than 10,000 miles it already has more scuffs than cars with 50K, plus several chips down to bare metal. This is with 98% paved road driving. Tranny is quirky as well, feels like its shifting all the time. Maybe 4 or 5 speeds and more torque would have been the way to go.

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  I thought toyota was the best - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By ben kaplan - May 2 - 12:29 pm

  Buying this car has been the worst experience of my life. first the dealership grossinger Toyota tried to overcharge me 11,000 but when I caught it they said it was an accident and corrected it to the right price but did not tell me about 6200 in warentys they decided to add so we had to goo back again and they said the warrenties were a accident and then finally took those off. Now during all this I am talking to Toyota national and they tell me to bad so sad they dont sell the cars they just makem so I should take a hike. so after all this I ended up dumping the car for 25000 losing my shirt and mind but I could not get behind the wheel without wanting to throw up the experience has made me sick

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  cost of my car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Ammie - May 2 - 10:00 am

  very reliable. economical in fuel. fast and dependable.

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  Room to spare - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Harvey - May 2 - 5:23 am

  After extensive research I replaced my BMW with what I considered a perfect alternative to driving fun. My wife needed hip surgery and a new car. Try falling into the abyss of a ground level 325is front seat. I considered the 2006 Avalon; roomy, peppy and feature packed... Dont forget the reliability. Then the 2007 Camry arrived. Enough research! She loves it. Its red, looks great and shes comfortable. Best of all she smiles when driving it. I close my eyes make engine noises and pretend I spent $15,000 more on a new 525. Occasionally the Nav system and convenience filter into my consiousness and I smile too.

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  High mile Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Doug - April 30 - 10:50 pm

  I was given this car as a company car brand new and have been pleased with the car as it has just turned over 100K. The only complaint I have is the lag when slowing down (under 30 mph) and then accelerating. It seems to get caught between gears and then lurches when the gears engage. This has happened since new and the dealer noted it is a "problem" that has not be remedied. On the other hand, my first break job was at 90K and I drive the car hard. The only unscheduled repair was a leaking power steering line at 90K ($250 repair). I cruise at 80mph and get around 26 to 27 mph (V6 remember). I love the extra power of the V6 on the interstate.

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  Good Camry LE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By satx59male - April 29 - 6:01 pm

  I have to honestly say with 21300 miles and 3 yrs. I did not have any problems with this car. Including the door switches. I was upset with the recall in 09 after only having the vehicle a month. Also, dealership in San Antonio and Toyota would not credit me $150 for maintenance due to 2 yr program which began 2 mns after I leased it. So, I leased another, 2012 Camry L at another dealership for about the same price from 3 yrs ago. Same gray ext and ash interior. Sales manager at Alamo was straight forward and knownlegeable.

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  MY FIRST NEW CAR -ITS A GOOD THING - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By BRUCE D K - April 29 - 1:36 am

  Well this being my first new car I can say that I did the research and even rented the 2004 mdl.for a weekend cruise to Vegas from L.A. The rental handled and performed flawlesly as does my 05 mdl. The only dif is the 5 speed automatic upgrade from the 4 spd on the 04 mdl. This car is for the most part a pleasure to drive, city driving or freeway or Death Valley for that matter.My avg frwy mpg is 32 and I dont drive the speed limit if at all possible . No speeding tickets yet ! Los Angeles in town mpg is realisticly 24. Toyota really did this little 4 cyl.eng. very right. There is no lack of power with it loaded or not.

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  Great first car for anyone any age - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Camryman08 - April 29 - 1:14 am

  I bought this car back in august of 1998 new. It is an extremely easy and comfortable car to drive. Only problems i had was the starter going bad but a quick visit to the toyota dealer changed that back to new! The car is very peppy and acceleration is adequate if not good for normal driving. You can tell the engine is lacking power when accelerating from a stop up a hill, but otherwise it manages to merge on the highway and pick up speed nicely. I added a k&n air filter to mine and it improved acceleration at lower rpms so i really recommend one of those if you think the 2.2 4 cylinder is lacking power. Otherwise, this car has great visibility. Paint is still great and shiny after countless Denver hailstorms and snowstorms. I really recommend this car to anyone who wants a comfortable, safe, easy, and peppy ride.