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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  Camry Review - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By chilkat - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has experienced zero problems. All that has been needed since day 1 is routine maintenance.

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  Very nice car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By WITIM - August 30 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. We have about 7000 miles on car, getting over 30MPG in combination city/hwy driving. Car is quiet and predictable, sound system in XLE and climate controls are first rate. Everything works well, including power roof. Traded a Chrysler Concorde for Camry, and feel we made a good move.

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  A reliable driving machine, tucked inside a grandmother’s bonnet - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By garnoth - August 29 - 2:44 pm

  This car has been reliable and then some; it got me though college without needing any major work. It just wont die. I was told 3 years ago that the transmission was going and to expect a year out of it. Its still shifting away. Ive wanted to upgrade but nothing sounds better than "paid-off". It has had some engine work done on it but this thing has hit 230k and is still running. The suspension is on this car is terrible for going over any driveway, it bottoms out like nuts. That being said Ive smacked into countless city drive-ways and many bumpy mountain roads and rocks yet never actually had any problems. The bottom of this car might be made from Nokia phones

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  Great and Reliable Family Sedan - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Vinaay - August 29 - 2:03 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2004 and drove about 45000 miles so far. No problem. Excellent in driving. Only drawback would be gas consumption compared to hybrids. If you are not planning to buy a new hybrid, this would be a excellent choice. Peace of mind.

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  Great work horse! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Cassia nunes - August 28 - 4:55 pm

  Nobody can beat this car its literally a work horse!! Great fuel efficiency Im getting average 29m/g city unbelievable. I love my car. Im planing to go bigger but cant find any midsize or large suv that will meet my expectations w gas consumption like this car does so well..

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  Poor cvt trans, poor paint,change maintenance terms - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By satx59male - August 26 - 5:56 am

  Switched from Altima and Malibu-2nd Camry since Nov 09/2010 model, 2nd recall, same problems- paint scratches easily, "bad glare" from plastic around clock, lots of sun in Texas; Need "keyless" entry in "base" model. Have to pay $1000 more for le. no, no! Trans.searches for gear especially between 40-45 mph. Still doesnt ride smooth even with Michelin tires. But, better than Altima and Malibu as they are"sport" sedans. Toyota needs to change/adjust service warranty as low mileage tires were rotated due to 6 mns main. terms. Caused me to schedule unnecessary service. Sent Toyota customer service complaint last week.

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  No Power - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By NYCAT - August 25 - 4:03 am

  Something has to be done about the acceleration,(looking to get rid of it) You can floor the gas pedal and it takes a while to kick in Ive had people right up to my rear end in a matter of seconds because it takes too long to get up to high speeds on major highways

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  Awesome Car-Youll Love it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Al - August 21 - 2:56 am

  We love our 2007 Camry. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and its a lot of car for the money. We test drove a 2006 Hyundai Sonata, a 2006 Honda Accord,& a 2006 Camry and this was by far our favorite. The ride is smooth and the features of the car are great! We love it! Check it out, I think youll be impressed with the redesigned 2007 Camry. It aint your grandmas Camry anymore! The 2007 Camry SE is so sporty and such a nice looking vehicle. It is realiable too!

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  Oil Consumption Problems are in my 2009 Toyota Cam - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By walterfisher - August 19 - 6:22 am

  Oil consumption problem is in my 2009 toyota camry.

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  Cant believe its the Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By dvd135 - August 16 - 8:26 pm

  I remember driving 2002 Camry and thinking this car is garbage, so unsure it felt in every turn, almost like walking on stilts. 2016 Camry is an actual, honest, fun to drive car, car you want to seriously break speed limits in. And I am talking about 4 cylinder SE. Switch it to Sport mode, be ready to use steering wheel paddles and it wants to run circles around other cars. Almost everything is done right in this car - commanding position, noise control, very decent speakers, quality stock tires, good enough headlights, materials, interior design, ergonomics, plenty of space in the back, and all that for $20K - terrific value. Negatives include how it looks outside, definitely in the back of its class, the seats could have been bigger for longer drives and ride is pretty jarring on bad roads (at least in SE). Overall, the pluses easily outweigh the minuses given how fun to drive this little car. When I was test driving 2015 Accord LX I was thinking "what a decent car for 20K". When I am driving Camry I am thinking "what a fun car for 20K". It reminds me the old BMW 3 series - harsh harsh ride, but you want to flog it.