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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  Diminished reputation - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - August 16 - 4:23 pm

  Im 62 and the 2007 Camry was my first foreign made. Im soooo disappointed with the Camry. The automatic tranmission hesitates. From a stop or at about 5 MPH, if you depress the gas pedal too quickly the car will not accelerate properly for 1-3 seconds - then its ok. Called dealer and complained. They said no problem, its just a driving characteristic I have to get used to. Ill add its dangerous. This is the garbage Ive gotten from US dealers. Toyota, Im terribly disappointed and cant recommend this car. Toyota do the right thing fix the problem uner warranty.

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  Good overall package - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By rdt_ag - August 15 - 2:43 am

  The structural integrity is good, as the car was rear ended hard, which I then learned about the whiplash protection system in the car. Interior still has too much hard plastic, especially the steering wheel, which has a raised crease hitting on the fingers as a constant reminder. Comfort is great, mileage is good overall, better on the road than expected (35 avg mpg at 70 mph) but less than expected around town (23 mpg avg), compared to my 1999 Camry. Spend the extra for upgraded stereo system as the base unit and speakers are very poor and tinny sounding. Downshifting on grades is annoying, but overall car is good with decent mileage, and good value for the money.

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  Fastest 4 cylinder - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Dave_PA - August 13 - 11:23 pm

  For less than $19k, I got a larger, comfortable, and pretty fast car. I searched for a black Camry for about 2 months, and I found a STD. The gas mileage is as it states appox 30MPG, unlike other manufacturers that like to round up to 30. I drove an Avalon and a Camry V6. Performances were so similar, the price tag decided.

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  Overall Great Family Sedan - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By jlarry - August 13 - 10:40 pm

  The SE is definitely the better looking Camry amongst the other available choices which are boring, lets be honest.The pick up of the V6 is great and shifts are silky smooth. Handling isnt very sharp though, coming from an 02 Altima, it felt like I was driving a bus. Interior parts should be better, questionable fit and finish inside. Upgraded JBL is not great, the radio in my Nissan had more bass, however there is more detail in the music. The rear deck is all plastic, so expect some buzz when you crank it up. Nav input is slow and USB port is in a bad spot. The seats are SO comfortable, more bolstering would be nice. Its a great car that falls short in some areas, overall I love it.

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  Wanted it the first time I saw it! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By GMB - August 13 - 4:23 pm

  I just purchased this car last week and already have 400 miles on it. All I can say is: WOW! I really like the performance of the V-6, enjoy all the features (I traded in a 2000 Dodge Intrepid). I had to wait for the dealer to get one in and I had to put down a deposit. Great handling, great sound, roomy (a must for me as Im 63"). Love the option of 6 speed throw shift or going across the column to the automatic. This is the seventh car Ive owned and my first import. The handling is tremendous like Im riding on rails. Steering has great response. I tried the heated seat option for the first time and that was fantastic as well. Trim is excellent. THANKS, TOYOTA!

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  Pretty good! - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Chum - August 13 - 10:00 am

  The breakes squeak and the pick-up is not fantastic. All the cars around me a speeding passed.... But those are the only things that bothers me. Other than that, it is a super smooth ride, tremendous amount of space for things in the trunk, great sound, comfortable seats, and all together a fun ride!!!

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  Switched from Accord - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By bill McDougal - August 12 - 5:10 pm

  The reviews on Edmunds are accurate. Excellent performance. Poor visibility to the rear. Horrible seats. Sincerely wish Accord had not gone to Variable Cylinder Management. Thats the only reason I went to Camry. A big mistake.

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  Love it! - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel Brookshire - August 12 - 2:10 am

  I looked at several cars, suvs and trucks. Mostly suvs and cars. After much research I chose between 2 cars. I wanted good fuel economy, a good ride, good quality with reliable service. And a good looking vehicle inside and out. And a few options. I choose the 20 16 Camry XLE over a 2015 Honda Accord Ex-L. The Camry was a little higher in purchase cost but gave me everything I was looking for in a car. I think it drives and rides great. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power and fuel economy. The interior and exterior are good looking. My only complaint was the lack a availability in the car I wanted with the options I wanted. I bought the XLE with sunroof and convenience package.

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  Fourth Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Tom - August 9 - 10:36 pm

  Based upon some reviews and minor changes on the new models I had decided to buy something else, but after comparing the field, as well as the great price, I am happy with my choice. I just hope it is as reliable as the other 3 I have owned. I really like the few changes that have been made on 10s and am glad I waited. I agree with others that interior materials are not on par with previous Camrys. If Toyota intends to remain on top they have to address this error in judgment.

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  RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Juan Salas - August 9 - 1:10 pm

  I just bought my 2007 Camry SE and I really love it. I was an Accord lover for 12 years but since I bought my first Camry last year I was hooked. I sold my 2005 Camry to make way for the new and re-styled 2007 and Im impressed. Even though I end up with the 4 cylinder it is a fun car to drive. It looks like a lexus in the outside. I love this car!