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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  Got it right the second time - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By MP - January 18 - 2:13 pm

  Okay so like most people my wife and I drove the two top contenders for the mid size cars. The Accord LX and the Camry LE. Although we liked both cars a lot we went with the recommendations of all the trade mags and bought the Honda Accord. After a month we both agreed that the Accord was no comparision to the Toyotas quite and more comfortable ride. Were not all that old but I dont understand how anyone can like the rock hard sharp edged Accord seats. There terrible! Other than that and being a little noisier than the Camry its a fine car but really not nearly as comfortable ride as the Camry. We traded in the Honda after a month and have had the Camry for two months and are very Happy.

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  Get the Accord! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Joey - January 18 - 7:45 am

  I bought this car 2 months ago, and has always had awful road noise. There is an awful vibration when I get above 40mph, which really sucks. I really wish I got the Accord. The Honda Accord is much quitter, spacious, better looking, better mpg also. I cant believe I got the Camry, it is like a disaster. Get the Honda Accord!

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  Ill never buy another one - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Cometstorm - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The car has a significant veer/drift to the left at highway speeds. I have found that this is a very common complaint among many 2002 and newer Camry/Solara owners. I have to continually "force" the car to keep it in a straight line. On left hand highway curves, I dont even have to steer... I can just let go of the steering wheel. Numerous dealerships attempts to correct the problem have failed. I also see that there have been many complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration on this issue (along with my own)... Many of us can only pray for a recall....

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  2002 Toyota 2.4L Problem - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By alan - January 17 - 3:33 pm

  Great car until 95k miles. Head gasket went. Serviced and determined aluminum block stripped head bolts. Had to rebuild engine or replace. Toyota is no longer reliable as they once were.

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  Nice car- 1st time owner - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By chris 02 - January 15 - 9:46 am

  Overall this is a nice car. This is my 1st Camry and Im pleased with the car. I like the 5 speed even though is does hesitate when shifting. On the highway this is a sweet car and doesnt hesitate to go when you hit the pedal. I know one thing I will probably never go back to a american car brand the quality is no match and the design shows they thought everything out to benefit the consumer. I will definitely consider Toyota when the time comes to buy another car. It is fun to drive in nice weather with the sunroof open and the radio playing as you cruise down the road.

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  Good Buy - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Kea - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This car does not have the best pickup but it rides smoothly and maneuvers well.

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  The best car we ever owned! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By spcamry - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Mileage exceeds sticker even driving at high speed. After 28,000 miles we have had no defects for dealer to repair—a first for us on any new vehicle.

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  My fourth Camry. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By berk - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Built in Kentucky this is an "import" anyone could love. Good gas mileage, yet the model I have is fairly sporty and stylish. (My wife made me buy the sporty SE rather than my standard plain Jane model.) Ill put 50k miles on it and get another one.

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  LUV MY CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JUST ME - January 13 - 10:00 am

  THE CAMRY IS THE BEST CAR ON THE MARKET! IT IS SAFE. ITS DURABLE AND MADE TO LAST. CANT IMAGINE DRIVING ANYTHING BUT A TOYOTA

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  Camry: Yes, You Can Get It at Invoice - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Jimmy-Jimmy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Who needs a v6; the 4 is quite peppy. But the seat bottoms are firm to the point of near discomfort. Back seats do not fold down flat; thus a 6 ladder cant be pushed through because of the small opening.