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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  Best-priced but must drive first - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By G Folse - May 8 - 12:03 pm

  While deciding on the Camry, I drove 1 SE and 3 LEs. The SE definitely had the better tuned suspension, but the seat comfort (especially in the rear) and bumpy feel were a turnoff. The paddle shifter did not tune down the engine enough to be effective and it sometimes did not switch back to automatic shifting while it was still in D. Sit in the middle of the back seat (like a wooden 2x4). LE was much smoother and more comfortable; however, I began to notice the wind noise in 2 of the cars (1 more pronounced from passenger side and the other on the driver side) as well as a bad vibration above 60 mph in one of them. I finally found one with no noise or vibration. They all had Michelin tires, so you cant blame the tire unless mfr is putting out sporadic poor-quality tires. Camry had good acceleration from a stop but hesitated after slowing down. If you slap it into S and down shift a gear or two, there will be no hesitation!! Also, steering is very vague when going slow and weaving from lane to lane. But I had absolutely no issue with it cornering (as good as my 06 Accord). I strongly recommend test driving the car before purchase and ensuring you are happy with it. For comparison, I tested the Legacy and Accord. Similar feel for the Accord Sport - not into the bumps and paddle shifters do not affect the transmission enough to be fun. 20-60 mph acceleration was the best, but 0-20 was very sluggish. I want to accelerate the fastest from 0-40. Accord LX is nice (looks better on inside and more functionality but no ability to downshift when needed. The Legacy was my favorite. The ride was a little noisier but mostly comparable. The interior looked and felt cheap (and not as comfortable). But the drive-ability was by far the best. Paddle shifters torqued the engine well for breaking and resumed in drive when accelerating. You can go manual with it like in the Camry. It is very punchy for 0-40 mph. The Legacy is also well laid out for maintenance. The problem I had is there are not enough Legacys on the lots to get a great deal. And you have to hope they have the one you want. The dealer by me had maybe 6 on the lot and was not getting any more in until the 2017 models come out in 4-5 months. After driving my wifes Acura, I do NOT want any lane-deviation warning or front collision warning!! And you can throw away any deals for a while if you wait for 2017s.

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  GLAD I TRADED THE MAXIMA - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By oakman - May 7 - 2:00 am

  HAD A 2002 MAXIMA SE AND WAS SO TIRED OF SORE BACK FROM THIN SEATS AND HARSH RIDE THAT I TRADED FOR CAMRY AFTER 4 MONTHS. CAR IS LIKE RIDING ON AIR, FUEL ECONOMY IS EXCELLENT, AND ENGINE IS PEPPY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A COMFORTABLE,ECONOMICAL,AND FUN TO DRIVE CAR---THIS IS IT. I DROVE THE NEW HONDA ACCORD BUT IT SEEMED TO HAVE MUCH MORE ROAD NOISE THAN THE CAMRY.

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  Dashboard rattles - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - May 6 - 7:50 am

  Dashboard rattles after 100 miles! No screw on oil filter, cartridge type filter, needs synthetic oil - dealership quote about $70 every 5 thousand miles.

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  Definitely not An Improvement over 2005 - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Miguel - May 4 - 7:43 am

  I have just traded my 2005 LE in for a lease on a 2010 LE. I made the decision primarily for financial reasons. My 2005 was going on 60K and was going to need front brakes and new tires. It had also been in a couple of accidents, had a few quirky rattles - but otherwise drove fine. I had 4 more years to pay $250/ mnth loan. The generous ceiling height and cabin size was certainly better on the 2005 than the 2010. I also find the seats on the new Camry to be alot less comfortable. The 2010 doesnt handle bumps at low speeds very well - but cruises like a cream puff on the highway. Im surprised this new generation Camry doesnt get better gas mileage than the 2005. Its a practical sedan.

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  Camry LE V6 - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By KLG - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My Toyota Camry V6 LE has been a great car. It is 5 years old and still feels like a brand new luxury car. I think it is the best value in a sedan for the price.

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  4th Redesign and Ive had em all - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By heins68 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th major redesign of the Camry since my first ine in 1990 and I am pleased on what that have done this time. The Toyota engineers have worked magic on the interior space by making the legroom for the front passengers larger than the 2001 design. The headroom space feels as if they pulled the roof up about 5 feet as I always used to bump the top of my head on the foof. The styling of the nose is very similar to its big brother the Lexus ES300 but smooshed in about 1/2 foot. The slab sides are nice and easy on the eyes and to clean! The rear is very similar to the Avalon in its design and huge trunk.

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  a quiet and smooth car (I) - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By toyotaowner - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2002 Camry XLE. It is a very quiet and smooth car. I read some reviews about the build quality of this model and rattling interior sounds. My car is extremely quiet with no rattling sound, even though there is one small scar on the wood trim of the XLE I bought. It perhaps shows that the new assembly line for 2002 Camry has occasional problems with quality control. So you might want to check carefully when you buy a new 2002 Camry. I agree with what one reviewer said, the wind noise on the highway sounds louder than it actually is due to muted engine and power-train noise. Accord has more road noise than Camry.

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  Best Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By XLE - May 2 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased this car only five months ago with 200K miles on it from the original owner. I had to install a front flex pipe and rear brake pads at the time, but with it pushing 207K miles as of today I would have to say that is low cost of service for the amount of miles on it. Every single option still works on the car and it has held up great, paint is original and glossy, no dents or rust, no cracks in the leather. Its life was cut short due to an unlicensed driver crashing into it while on my way to work. I drove this 100 miles a day and averaged 27 MPG, sad to see it go.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Michael - May 1 - 7:20 am

  I really like the new exterior styling of this car. Its a step in the same direction as the more aggressive look that Chrysler has taken, without being overbearing. The 4 cyl engine is surprisingly powerful compared to other 4 cyls Ive owned. The interior is very quiet at highway speeds.

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  Fun - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By paokgrl - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Most people dont think of a Camry as a fun car to drive, the majority of people think of it as a family car. Im a college student and I absolutely love driving my Camry, it is roomy for someone being 6 foot both in the front and back, it fits everything that I need, it is also a good car for being a designated driver cause it holds a lot of people with still having good visibility and handling. Overall it is a good car, with exceptional features.