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:

• 

  gas mileage? - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By O - March 21 - 4:06 am

  I purchased a Camry SE 4Cyl. last month, and have already reached 1500 miles, but no improvement to the gas mileage, still just around 25m/g. ItÂ’s supposed to be getting around 34. The only problem I have had is the middle console keeps opening on its own, so must go back to dealer.

• 

  toyota quality - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By johnp - March 20 - 7:36 pm

  Great car, bought it used with 8000 now have 67000 miles on it. Only problem we have is the CD player died and the throttle plate sticks which I need to clean (maintenance issue), solid, solid car

• 

  Best Value of any Car...Period - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - March 20 - 3:50 pm

  I have owned the car for over 5 yrs now and have minimal problems. Purchased car with 22k miles in 2003 and have just put my 2nd set of tires on it (third total set but original Dunlaps were toasted when we bought it). Passenger window is broken, needs new motor. I just also did the front brakes, pads and rotors. New battery a few weeks ago. Other than this, in 5+ yrs, nothing is wron with this car. Nice style and of course, superior toyota quality. This is the BEST CAR VALUE for the MONEY ! I bet with proper maintenence/oil changes, this car would run 300k+ ! If this car fits your budget, buy it, you will not be disappointed!!

• 

  A New Owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Edwin Celette - March 19 - 9:06 pm

  I have only owned the V-6 for a few weeks, but it has lived up to the expectations I had when I bought it. The styling, both exterior and interior, is modern and eyecatching. It is peppy, quiet and fun to drive.

• 

  2 Year Owners - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Timothy G - March 19 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Camry 2 years ago. We have had virtually no problems with the car. It has been very reliable. Still has smooth ride and responsive steering. We have no regrets.

• 

  1993 Camry LE V6 - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By RHooper - March 18 - 10:00 am

  173,000 miles to date. Still original exhaust, and one brake job! The engine and transmission remain strong. The biggest repair was a driver side power window motor. The vehicle has been bullet proof and extremely reliable. At legal speeds during highway trips, the V6 returns 29-32 mpg. The car continues to earn my respect with each passing maintenance free mile.

• 

  Outstanding Quality, Comfort and Value - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Car Quality Fan - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Our 1999 Camry V6 is the best car value we have ever owned, hands down. Fully loaded, it compares closer to the Lexus than, say, the Taurus. The ride is so smooth and the interior layout is so smart. You will not find better comfort, quality and value in a car than the Camry. Our Camry was made in Kentucky. We are very pleased! It is no secret that Consumer Reports has been enthusistically endorsing the Camry for many years. Just go look at CRs quality ratings based on thousands of cars surveyed.

• 

  the poor mans lexus - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jatemode - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This car has an incredibly smooth ride. I drive from Orlando to Miami(450mi) round trip on a regular basis and the car is just flawless. The more you drive it the more you like it. Ive had Acura Legends, 3 Series BMWs and a Ford F150 longbed pick up truck.This car is by far the best value.Im sure the Honda Accord is due for a serious update and it will be fine too, but if you have to choose between the two of them right now- Go with the Camry. The handling is excellent, the sprited 4 cylinder should be plenty for mature drivers that dont do a lot of hill climbing.I only wish I had purchased the Naigation system.

• 

  2012 Camry LE - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By dparler - March 18 - 1:50 am

  Bought new 2012 LE model at the end of May. This is a really good car and it seems that the interior design is a huge improvement over the older 2011 & prior models (which I tset drove). I got silver with ash (grey) interior. Bluetooth was standard. Even the cupholders and radio knobs are better ! The ride is extremely smooth, steady, and comfortable. I compared to the Hyundi Sonata which I think is the closet competitor. Camry won out on price, and (in my mind) has a better track-record on reliability. Gas mileage is an improvement too ... almost totally around town/city Im getting 26-27 MPG.

• 

  Warranty isnt worth the paper wrote w/ - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Chelle - March 17 - 8:06 pm

  My 2008 Camry has been consuming oil it a serious extent, took to dealership they tear down my motor, tell me to bring receipts of oil changes to turn in on the extended warranty. Did that from the body shop it was changed in. Now the dealership doesnt want to fix the car and didnt even turn in my receipts for the warranty to cover the damage to the car. Carbon build up apparently means lack of oil change to them but to everyone who knows better its a common build up form low grade fuel, or rich air/fuel mixture. Watch your car and your dealership, they are border line criminals they way they try to justify making there money they are a joke and will go to court and be made to fix car!