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:

• 

  a short some where - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By camryle1993 - October 15 - 3:17 pm

  I bought my care 10/24/2011 and I loved it, but it started acting up so I had to do some repairs and I have fixed the timing belt, the water pump, radiator, timing belt, tune up, oil change, fuel pump, and fuel filter....but for some reason when I drive in it with the gas on full, it will cut off when I am not holding the breaks and the gas to keep it on...I still love it but I just got it and I am frustrated about the short, and my 9 certificate mechanic has put it on the analizer and it will not tell him anything so far... I love this car and it rides great, but for some reason we cant figure out why my love want stay on...anyone have any suggestions.. I always wanted a camry got 1,but..

• 

  Great car 2012 camry es - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Joe Vosilla - October 15 - 4:21 am

  Great gas mileage and very reliable. Comfortable ride.

• 

  Fun Car To Drive - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By adaun - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 2002 SE (w/ manual transmission) in 01/2003 brand new. Love the handling and good acceleration. Get a combined gas mileage of about 29 MPG (wish it couldve been higher) and 33-34 MPG on freeway (at a constant 70-80+ MPH). Not a true sports car but is good enough for me, especially w/ 16-in tires. I like my wifes 1997 Camry LE but this one is far better in terms of performance and gas mileage.

• 

  Love this car! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Jake - October 14 - 5:00 am

  So far, so good. Recently took this car to the East Coast and back from California and had absolutely no problems. The SE provides a smooth, extremely quiet ride, and the 4- cylinder provides all the power I need. The body has a sportier, more compact look than in years previous and I was immediately taken by its appearance when seeing it at the dealership-- didnt realize it was a Camry at first. Because of the miles put on the car in this recent trek across the country have had it serviced already...the Toyota dealerships Ive worked with have been courteous, professional, and attentive. Proud to be part of the Toyota family now.

• 

  Camry is OK for the price - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Camry02 - October 13 - 5:36 am

  Owned 02 Camry since new - few problems prior to warranty expiration. Since warranty has expired, the seat belt doesnt retract properly and the driver door will not always unlock to get out! Have had 2 prior Camrys. Though mechanically dependable, I dont think the quality is what it used to be in the early 90s.

• 

  Great Reliable Camry... - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Smith - October 11 - 4:03 pm

  I upgraded from a 2006 Corolla to a 2010 Camry and after driving the Camry for about 10 days I feel that I never want to drive the Corolla again. The overall ride quality is great, very quiet, very reliable, acceleration for a V4 engine with 6-Speed Auto is great, Felt like you have a V6 engine when you step up on the gas. Brakes with ABS is good, the stock sound system is pretty adequate for my needs. Overall very happy with the car. So far the only thing I dont like is the mileage, I was used to the Corolla mileage so it might take a little bit of time to adjust to the mileage drop with Camry, but I dont regret the drop in mileage any bit.

• 

  My Camry - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Patricia Miller - October 11 - 3:38 pm

  This is my 4th Camry since 1984, its the only car a woman should own, total reliability!! Oil changes, tires and batteries are all it needs.I drove the first one for 188,000 miles.

• 

  Camry 2006 - V6 3.3 SE - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Alex in VA - October 10 - 11:10 pm

  The breaking in period doesn’t really let you feel the power of the engine. Once I approached to the 500 miles, I was able to gas up the engine and feel what the best Camry performance- speaking can do. The tests done by the pros indicate that SE V6 can do 0-60 in 6 seconds. My own test shows that it can do it in about 4.5s and without stressing the engine much which gracefully impressed me. After all it is 3.3L V6. The outside looks stylish, nicer than the Accord. I surveyed every single lady in my family and relatives and they find it more attractive than the Accord. They stated the same: “It looks more elegant, more car". You cannot go wrong with it.

• 

  the best car ever made - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By 2191toyota - October 10 - 4:18 pm

  i have had this car for 14 years and have not had any problems with this car its super quiet as if i just bought it its really fast to be a 4 cylinder car the stock speakers sound great and its the best car to get for anyone and i would really like how the new camrys have improved from mine since its such a reliable car and well put together to. it also has 291,003 miles on it and it still drives like new.

• 

  Superb w/ minor flaws - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Nate1981 - October 10 - 7:56 am

  I purchased this car pre-owned with 36,000 miles on it. The car is loaded with every feature except fog lights and spoiler. The car glides over the road and is extremely quiet. This car is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. The V-6 is peppy, though not exciting. I average 27 MPG in mixed (mostly highway) driving. My only complaint is the transmission. In the first 2002 Camrys there is a flaw in the transmission that makes it stay in gear much longer than it should. It really makes the car awkward to drive, and the shifts are often harsh for the first 2-3 minutes of driving. After that, the tranny is smooth and responsive.