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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  Requiem for a Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Requiem for a Camry - December 15 - 5:23 am

  I bought the Camry new in 1993 and we are donating it today with 135,000 miles on it. I drove it until 2001 and my teenage son has had it for the last 4 years. The water pump went out, but the engine is still great. Replaced brakes at 50K, power window motor went out in 1999, and radiator had to be replaced in 2002--rusted through, probably from lack of maintenance...but otherwise, its been terrific. Im now driving a 2000 and will buy another one in a few years!

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  Its how I imagine driving a school bus - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Pietro R - December 13 - 9:43 pm

  The whole car feels leaden and heavy. The seats are a monstrosity. It handles like a truck, and rides about the same. I only hope that it lives up to its reputation of quality, for that will be its only redeeming virtue. I have no idea why I bought it, as I was never impressed. Each passing day, I am less so. Unless one drives like an old geezer, the MPG never comes up to the EPA estimate. By old geezer, I dont just mean obeying the speed limit, its a given that one obeys the law. I mean coasting up to stop signs to save gas, as well as trying to time the lights in order to avoid applying the brakes at anything over 25 MPH. It shifts like a bucking horse....As an aside, for the first six years that I owned my Altima, I loved it. I will never love this car. Ever. Its a mode of transportation, with seats designed by Stalin. It takes a while to notice, but the lump hits the drivers left hip and creates lingering pain. Save yourself, look into a Honda.

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  Now I see why Toyota is so great - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By qchen2008 - December 12 - 5:20 pm

  I am 24 years old and this is like my 5th car and my 2nd brand new car, I barely I had for a year now I am at 18000 miles and loving it. My last couple cars varied from 00 Accent, 94/ 99 devile, 08 cobalt (brand new) to this. This was my college graduation present from my Dad and he forcefully made me choose this over Sonata (which I rented it for 1 week and loved it). However I do not regret getting this car, it was the only LE camry on the lot that had bluetooth also had Sunroof so made up the difference for the lack of bluetooth as standard equipment compare to the Sonata. Anyways I just checked the resale value of my car on Edmunds and I lost maybe about 20% from MSRP

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  Great for the money compared to others in segment! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Ali - December 11 - 9:13 pm

  After test driving several competitors to the Camry (Altima, Fusion and Accord) I decided to get a 2017 xle with the 2.5l 4cyl. While not as engaging to drive as the fusion with the 2.0 eco boost the price (31K vs 38K MSRP similarly equipped) more than compensates for the difference in a segment where most of us need the car to commute to work and for family road trips. The Camry isnt the most engaging to drive or the best looking but for the money and the expected reliability I decided to trade in my 2012 Passat for the Camry. The pros that I see : price, reliability, navigation easy to use and more functional than the accord or Altima. The cons: styling, driving dynamics.

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  Fast grocery getter - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By mdfuzz - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Fast V6 with passing power needed for those long drives. Ive put 41K miles on mine in under 2 years and, (aside from some fit and finish hiccups), I have little to complain about. The rear passenger side window track mechanism fell apart and the lower front grill fell off early on, but both were fixed under warranty. The recalls were also an inconvenience. Strayed from the Honda when I bought her because I didnt like the new Honda Accord body style.

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  Great mix of style and reliabilty - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By wnyken - December 9 - 7:26 pm

  This will be my 5th Toyota in the family since my 1989 Camry. I chose the SE model for the sportier look and crisper handling. I also like the black leather and black and chrome trim. The only thing I could wish for would be either/both bluetooth connectivity and/or satellite radio capability on the base radio. Other than that, it looks good, rides wonderfully, has lots of space for people and/or luggage and gives me good gas mileage while doing it all.

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  Camry 09 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - December 9 - 4:23 pm

  My wife just received the car a few weeks ago and Im quite impressed. I drive a 2003 Lexus that I purchased new and its almost identical, but with more up to date features like cooled seats, MP3 connection, bluetooth connection for a cell, etc. I agree with a previous review about less HP, but Im sure this might be related to fuel economy which is satisfacory on this car considering its a full size sedan. Overall, a very good car.

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  Excellent all around car. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Demtrek - December 9 - 4:56 am

  This is my 3rd camry. The previous 2 were wonderful problem-free cars. My new camry is their latest model and rides just as nice if not better then the other two. I tested about 4 other models and none rode like the camry. It is sheer joy to drive on long trips.

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  Camry 04 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mdpick - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for about 6 weeks. It is most reliable and fun to drive. It makes driving a long distance seem like a short distance. Trunk room is important to me and it is large. Even has a compartment for the sunglasses. Good on gas. The main thing I will say is how smooth and quiet the ride is. I have been driving since 1965 and this is the nicest car I have owned!

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  A lot of fun, but... - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Sammycamry - December 4 - 9:26 pm

  I only have about 500 miles on the car and so far I love it but it is a rattle trap with a lot of unnecessary noises from interior of car. My seatbelt squeaks, I have several rattles coming from headliner. On the positive side, this car is a beast!!! I cannot say enough about how fast this thing is! I hope the dealership can iron out my compaints and let me love this car!!