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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  2016 Toyota Camry SE - Disappointing - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Disappointed 2016 Camry Owner - May 23 - 7:40 pm

  First of All, Im a huge Toyota fan! Ive owned 3 Toyota in the past. A 4Runner, 2 Camry 1995 & 2005 which I still have. I recently bought a 2016 Camry SE and had for a week. I am "Not" happy! Its a lot noiser, it doesnt drives smooth as two of my older ones, you can feel every little bump on the road, my tracker control constantly comes on, horsepower is a lot less from previous models, the carpet and door handle feels cheap. Overall I feel like Im driving a 2008 Scion TC (which I used to own) the only difference the Scion TC had a lot more power. Im very disappointed in my purchase. The quality in Toyota has gone down. Im already looking into trading the 2016 Camry in for something that drives smoother! Almost forgot, the steering wheel feels slippery and not tight and firm as my older Camry. Also be careful driving on a windy day. The car shifts from right to left like your fish tailing. This car is made weak, light and cheap!

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  Great, if unexciting, car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Stuart - May 16 - 9:56 pm

  Lets be honest about things. If you want a car thats that fast, offers a sporty ride and sporty handling - the Camry is not for you. I can tell you that this is the most stress-free car I have ever owned. It goes where I need it go without a complaint, is not a gas hog, and while not overly powerful - can hold its own on the highway. There has been lots of carping about the interior materials but I think theyre ok and certainly better than the previous Mazda and Pontiac I owned. For an entry-level midsized car, I dont expect wood grain and leather. Anybody looking for reliable transportation for the long- term - this is the car for them.

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  I will drive it till it falls apart! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Jenlovescats - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This was my second car. My first car was a Renault Alliance, I used that while I was going to school. I purchased this car 4 months out of nursing school and it was, without a doubt the best 20gs I spent. I havent put a lot of miles on it; I just turned over 100,000, but it has run great for me and I am afraid to trade it in for fear of getting a less reliable car! This car has grow with me, it was sporty enough for a single gal (I have the moon roof and I got the detail package), then a married gal and now a Mom. It has transitioned nicely with my personal life. It sure isnt as clean and it was when I didnt have any little ones!!!

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  Great Value! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By pedro123 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Never thought we will buy a Camry ever. HOwever, after considering Accord EX-Leather, Passat, Acura TSX picked Camry. Overall, Camry XLE with leather is a great value - tons of features that you find in high end cars are available at a competitive price. For e.g., for almost the same price as an Accord, you get side curtain air bags, rear cooling, anti- glare mirrow with compass.

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  The best car ever - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Reynaldo P. Lazaro - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Toyota Camry SE V6 is the best of the best.

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  Classy/reliable and fun to drive - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Daryl Lynn Ehrler - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  I have had Toyota Camrys for 15 years.. They are "bar none" the best riding mid size sedan on the road.. Not only do they look impressive, but ride the same way.. Great handling in snow, stops smooth even when its last minute/bumper to bumper.. Only needs basic maintenance; tires, brakes, changing fluids, etc... And the gas mileage after 10 years is still awesome, even with running the air-conditioning thru the summer..I have always felt safe and knew my car was dependable when other "high-end" or American cars were sitting on the side of the road waiting to be towed.. Both my husband & I have owned Toyotas for 20 years, and will continue to purchase more.. Test drive one.. YOU WILL BUY IT!

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  Camry - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Served us well - May 11 - 9:03 pm

  Purchased this car new. With 95k miles on it, just regularly changed the oil, brakes once, third set of tires, new battery. Needs new struts (they are noisy), mechanic friend said let it go. No major problems yet. Nice not having a car payment with gas prices rising.

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  Loved it... till we killed it!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Stacy - May 11 - 1:03 pm

  I purchased this car in 2002 with 69000 miles on it. In March of 2006 the engine blew up, but it had a little over 200,000 miles on it and my husband didnt get regular oil changes. About 6 months later we recieved a recall notice for the engine, but it was already past the 7 yr mark. I absolutely loved my Camry and am looking for a 99 model. I will definitely continue to buy Toyotas and would recommend them to anyone!! Before the engine went we only had to replace the tires, oil, etc., that was routine maint.

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  Toyota just a nice ride - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By deecoop - May 10 - 3:46 am

  Just purchased the Camry 3 days ago and Im in love already. I have the 4 cyI but somehow it feels like a v6. The interior is simple but looks real clean.

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  Good Looking, Reliable, Thrifty Car! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Richmond, VA - May 10 - 1:43 am

  This is my fourth Toyota, and my third Camry. The 2009 LE is beautiful, reliable, and a pleasure to drive. I have gotten 26 MPG on combined city and hwy driving, and I am very pleased with this number. Though I would like a little more pickup when accelerating, and I decided to add the side body molding to avoid dings, everything else is wonderful. I would not drive anything else!