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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  AUDIO SYSTEM (POOR QUALITY) - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Veronica Rivera - April 9 - 11:09 am

  My car is a Camry 2013 SE only has 61,000 miles and the Audio System suddenly stopped working. Is sad having to drive everyday and not been able to listen music... Is an expensive car and this is a common problem... :(

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  I know Ill never have a car made this good again. - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Clay - April 8 - 11:49 pm

  I bought this 2000 Camry XLE as a certified used car from Toyota with about 25k on it. I had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and i wanted to buy my wife a reliable car to drive if I wasnt around. That was over 15 years ago. Im still around and so is the Camry. The only parts I have replaced (other than routine maintenance items) are the rear struts. They went bad at about 230k miles. The car now has 250k miles and runs, drives, and looks as well as it ever did. I dont know how far it will go, but I think now it could well outlast me.

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  Wheres the quality - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By aday - April 8 - 1:20 pm

  My wife and I purchased an 07 Camry in August of 2006. When its not in the shop, the car runs great. The interior is nice and roomy and the exterior design is beautiful. Unfortunately, we have taken the car to the shop for the sixth time in two years today. It has been in for a rattling sunroof pan within 1 month of purchase; 3 trips for a transmission issue; the radio quit working this summer and needed replaced and now the oil line for the VVTi has ruptured. Per the service manager, Toyota claims that oil from anywhere but Toyota is formulated differently and will erode the line to the point of rupture. The power train warranty will not cover the repair. Next time, I buy Honda!

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  Very disappointed - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By j ram - April 7 - 10:36 am

  Many changes have been made since my 98 Camry that are downright irritating. To be brief, my complaints w/ the V4 LE are: (1) oil filter no longer easily accessible (2) Engine revs irregularly (tires squeal pulling out from a stop; hesitates at other times, giving an irregular jolt forward that is noticeably jarring (3) Car alarm placed on key where it is too easily triggered (16 times in 7 months) (3) Transmission wont shift from Park unless brake lights are on;my brake fuse went out, and the car LOCKED up on me in park). (4)OBNOXIOUS fasten- seatbelt alarm that goes off (at ANY TIME) if there is anything weighted on the passenger seat (I almost got in a wreck because of it); (4)Door lock system-get out after driving, ALL doors are still locked (why?);unlocked doors SELF-RE-LOCK

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  unsafe to drive - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By bruce smith - April 6 - 7:16 pm

  After app. 500 miles this car began to hesitate on acceleration at stoplights on left turns from stops and in normal driving. This is not a slight lag on acceleration but a total lack of power. The gas pedal can be to the floor for at least a count of 5 seconds before the car starts any acceleration, when it slowly reaches 40 mph acceleration is fine. This does not happen all the time. Transmission does not know sometimes what it is doing when itÂ’s shifting up or down. One dealer says there is nothing wrong with this car. Another dealership admits to this problem but says there no cure yet. I have reported to the NHTSA that this car is unsafe for the road. We now have 5000+ miles on it.

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  Acceleration still not fixed - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Lois - April 6 - 5:26 am

  This is my 3rd Camry since 1993. Stuck with the Camry since Ive always had good luck. Heard the 2007 had problems with acceleration, but figured they had fixed that on the 2008. Having same problem with 2008 as people did with 2007. Problem is still not fixed and I want to slap myself for not test driving my new car. Once you get on the highway, it rides beautiful, but my ride to work is all stop and go.

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  No Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Gary Barcome - April 4 - 3:45 pm

  Vehicle has performed flawlessly for 12 years. Only scheduled maintenenace and normal replacement items required.

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ed Kizer - April 4 - 9:23 am

  This is our second Camery we had a 1995 liked it so much bought a 2007

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  minor adjustments - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By paul - April 2 - 3:50 pm

  smooth,quite, fun to drive toyota cust service also gets back to the car owner on the minor adjustments quickly

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  Fantastic car that has withstood the ultimate test - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jerry O. - April 2 - 7:32 am

  For the first half of this cars life it lived in the frigid , salt covered wastelands of Western New York... For the second half of its life thus far, it has been broiled by the punishing sun and aid sea salt of Florida. The car hasnt skipped a beat thus far! Major repairs have been as follows: The air conditioning compressor died at 84000 miles. At 155,000 miles it got all new struts and springs. New brakes x 3 thus far. At 111,000 miles the right rear door rotted through on the part adjacent to the window - the central pillar; the same has now occurred on the drivers rear side. Ill chalk thus up to the lovely Buffalo winters though Ive heard that cars routinely exposed to road salt have this as a fail point. In both cases a door from a junk yard with matching paint from a rust free area was found and no one can tell that its not the original except me - because I know.... The headlight covers require periodic maintenance with rubbing compound to keep them clear 2 x per month. Annoying but cheaper than replacing. Other than that maintenance and tires only. For the first 8 years I meticulously changed the oil every 3000 miles. After that I switched to Mobil 1 synthetic and now change it at 5000 mile intervals. I hope to get 300,000+ miles before it gets put out to pasture.