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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  Rear Clunking Sound - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Clunking sound - November 3 - 1:36 pm

  We recently purchased our 2010 XLE 6cyl Camry. It has a clunking sound when accelerating from a complete stop. Sounds like there is a watermelon in the trunk rolling back. The sound is intermittent. I have taken it to the repair shop and they have heard the problem but cannot tell me what it is. I was told a Toyota rep will be looking at it next time he is in town. Car has less than 900 miles on it and has had this problem since we purchased it. Really wish we had noticed it on the test drive. Disappointed.

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  MPG Stinks - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Greg Winter - November 2 - 12:40 pm

  I am disgusted with this, my 2nd Camry, and my 3rd Toyota. The MPG was advertised as 24 city, 34 HWY. I have NEVER gotten better than 17 mpg and sometimes get 15/16. Ive taken it to Toyota and all I get is a recommendation for a $500 tuneup. I have religiously followed instructions for maintenance, and have treated it with care, but Im going to sell it. My Dodge minivan with 110K miles gets better mileage. I bought the silly thing mainly because I wanted better mileage, and it was a replacement for my 95 Camry which, even after 120K miles, got 24 mpg. Pathetic. Plus, the cup holder in the front doesnt work: its not adjustable and the slim plastic tab keeps popping out. A lemon.

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  Second Time Owning A Camry! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Mirac - November 1 - 1:36 pm

  I first purchased a 2001 Toyota Camry LE back in 2012, when I was 16. It drove comfortably, handled perfectly, and performed 5 star rating worthy. About three months into owning the car, I actually totaled it. I was hit by a 2013 GMC Yukon that was going 65 mph down a residential speed road and t-boned me. I walked out of that accident with bruises and aches, nothing else. My Camry TOTALED that BRAND NEW YUKON! What does that say about a Toyota Camry? Everything. I now am in college and I bought a 1999 Toyota Camry LE, because I knew that the Toyota Camry was reliable and worthy of a second run around. The car runs, drives, handles, and performs altogether... yet the same! I cannot complain, and if anyone is looking to buy a reliable, first time car, or a car for a college student who cannot afford something newer, then this is the car for you. The gas mileage is better than the site says, my car can drive to Tallahassee and almost all the way back without needing gas. That is not an exaggeration, and the insurance is inexpensive! Great car, and I definitely suggest buying this car.

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  Will always love my Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Kim - November 1 - 6:32 am

  If youre looking for a great car this is it. Ive had this car for 4 years (bought it off my brother) she has some bumps and scratches, but overall shes a bad MF!!! She has 180,000 miles and still a champ!! Im gonna miss her when she goes. (Not anytime soon though)

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  My Camry - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By bytescot - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car used with 39000 miles. At 60000 miles had to replace left steering rack. 75000 had to have a valve seal replacement and timing belt. No other problems and now have 104000 miles.

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  camry 1996 - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By normandeau - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Excellent used car purchase. bought 3yrs old with 60,000km, Drove to 200,000 without a mechanical problem.

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  2007 Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Brown - October 29 - 1:23 pm

  An excellent car for any age. More power, and excitement than the last generation Camry. No comparison with the competition. Toyota has out done themselves this time.

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  Almost 200,000 Miles and still running - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Ray - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought car as rebuilt with 450 miles on odometer. Rear had repaired damage and the engine compartment clean. Changed Oil & Filter every 3000 with Castrol 10-30W. AUTO Transmission fluid changed every 22-25K miles. Bosch 4+4 plugs every 20K Miles. Air FILTER element every 20K miles. Radiator flush every 2 years and new fluid. At 199,400 miles changed out catalytic converter and two sensors. Timing belt and water pump changed only twice at 98K miles intervals. MPG around 25 city 29 hwy on regular gas. ride is average and does not handle well in snow or ice unless you have Bridgestone Blizzards tires or equivalent. Only problem is brake rotors tend to warp on hard braking. r

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  An Amazing Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Crystal - October 29 - 10:00 am

  The camry is a smooth and comfortable mid size sedan. It is reasonably priced and it is very classy. The engine is great I have always and only purchased Toyotas. They run for an extremely long time and have minimal problems compared to other brands. I have purchased over 8 Toyotas in the past two years and still own all of them. You cant go wrong with the camry if you want reliable this is the perfect car.

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  Reliable but Not a Fun Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Steven - October 28 - 6:23 am

  Toyota Camry, is by far one of the most reliable cars, with best performance that I have ever driven. It has never let me down. Unfortunately, it is also not very fun to drive. It is relatively bulky, no fancy designs. It is basically an excellent choice for a family car for a person who does not care about the quality of FUN of driving.