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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  2002 camry xle - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By sonya - April 1 - 4:46 pm

  Great reliable, like any other car, as long as you take care of the maintainece and treat it responsibility it will last.

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  Not bad, but could use some improvements - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By M.P. - April 1 - 5:16 am

  Chose the Camry for a few reasons. I love the comfortable ride, smooth, powerful engine, and quiet interior. The simple controls and inoffensive styling are pluses too. Considering how large this car is, it gets very good fuel economy; over 30 MPG on the highway and mid-20s mixed. Its hard to believe this is a four-cylinder - the engine is very quiet and has a surprising amount of passing power. Unfortunately, the steering is vague, and the suspension does not feel very confident on curvy roads. Toyotas have never been sporty cars, but a bit of tightening would do much good for the Camry. Biggest disappointment is the interior; cheaply assembled and has developed rattles at only 3000 miles.

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  I love my Camry! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Annabelles Mom - March 30 - 11:23 pm

  I have read a lot of bad reviews on here about other peoples Camrys but I have never had any problems. Gas mileage is unreal! Anytime anyone rides in my car they gives compliments about the interior. Overall I have been very pleased with my Camry. Its just sad that all the recalls have truly hurt Toyotas reputation. I think they are still the most reliable cars on the road though!

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  1998 Camry CE - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By shoeman222 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, always reliable,however, the suspension is a little noisy in very cold weather. Highly recommend for a used car purchase. Great on gas mileage

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  Best older gen Camry - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Ruth - March 29 - 10:15 pm

  Camrys really dont get better than this in many ways. The next year was the remodel with engine and safety improvements. But after 2000 Camrys became small Buicks with Toyota Quality. These Camrys feel strangely like say a older Rover(English) sedan. And thats a good thing. This Camry is ALL about legendary reliability. My Camry took care of me like my Mom. I cant say more!! I drive a Acura TL now and when I get in the Camry I still love it. How do Yotas roll 350K?? Because ever nut, bolt, and most of the vehicle you dont see is done Toyota Right.

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  Reliable, and fun! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By tyylerr - March 29 - 7:54 pm

  I bought my camry new in 1999. It has been the most reliable car I have owned. It replaced my 1996 Lexus ES, and had better options, and was more comfortable. Ive changed the oil every 3,000 miles, which is just about every month for me, Im a. The 2.2i4 has almost as much power as my Lexus had! Ive been in 2 accidents, only damage was to the front corner, and was cheap to fix. Replaced the timing belt, both ignition coils, and 2 oxygen sensors, and it still runs like new! 278,823 miles and counting! I plan on buying a new camry this week, deffinately keeping this one for my sons first car!

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By danw - March 28 - 10:00 am

  And I have owned many cars over the past 30 years. This is my favorite car ever, super reliable, fun and easy to drive, good on gas (28 mpg) and no problems other than routine maintenace. Buy this car if you want a great car and good price (probably about $4000).

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  15 month review - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Shawn - March 27 - 7:40 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Camry XLE 4cyl. for $22K in April 04. I wanted an easy to drive, quiet, low maintenance, and reliable car that wouldnt look out of place in the middle class/upscale areas of Irvine. I commute 70+ miles RT each day. This is what I think so far... The good: avg. 30 mpg over its lifetime; effortless to drive (quiet ride, steering requires little effort, braking is smooth); no mechanical problems. The bad: difficult car to drive aggressively (poor acceleration; heavy front and front-wheel drive makes cornering and emergency braking tricky...thank God is has ABS); intermitent rattle in center console.

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  2007 Camry LE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ken - March 25 - 10:23 pm

  I love everything about my Camry, except for the interior looks, very cheap and the non alloy rims are very cheesy or cheap. It is very fun to drive with a powerful, powerful V6 engine. I love it.

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  Wish I had my 1992 LE V6 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JakeMcNew - March 25 - 12:53 am

  I hate to buy a new car and plastic parts begin to fall off or come loose. Shoddy workmanship? The car is still brand new and ride quality decreased quickly. Happy with gas mileage but unhappy with quality. I guess thats what happens when fine Japanese cars are built in the USA.