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 just dont die - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Joseph Oliveira - March 17 - 1:07 pm

  Greatest car my dad ever bought

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  Head rests from Hell - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By steve leyton - March 16 - 11:43 pm

  As the owner of a 2002 SE stick-shift, I have been very happy with my Camry for a quarter million miles. With all its improvement, I expected the 2010 6-sp auto to be better. It is, in most ways, but lets me down in a few key areas. The fuel mileage is way off though it is driven on the highway 90%. The seats are not as comfortable, especially my main problem: the extremely uncomfortable angle of the front headrests make it impossible to find a good driving position. The placement of the mirror control is too far to use correctly. The seat fabric is a real turn-off. Every other feature of the car is either as good or much better than my 02, especially the power.

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  Camry LE in the snow - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Colorado - March 16 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased my Camry with stock tires. After the first snow, I purchased a set of Michelin snow tires. My car does as well as the small AWD cars and maybe the smaller SUVs. I am sure I would have problems if the snow is too deep.

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  Love my Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Carrie - March 15 - 10:03 am

  I have had cars from Mercedes, Porche, and post divorce, a corolla. I loved that Toyotas have cost pennies to maintain. I had my Corolla for 5 yrs, put 98,000 miles on it, only changed oil.Changed front brake pads once. Had Camry for one year. Drive it like crazy cause its roomy. I take it back and forth from Phoenix to Los Angeles. Gets about 470 miles to the gallon so I can get there on one tank of gas and dont have to stop.

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  This Car is Almost Perfect - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By andrew - March 15 - 1:20 am

  This car has basically no faults. Except for the tiny click the windshield wipers make on the slowest this car is flawless. The JBL premium audio system and speakers are definitely a plus although the standard toyota speakers are still much better then other premium speakers. The engine is almost undetectable even at high speeds, it is also pretty powerful. Ive even driven this car at 160 km/h and it still feels surefooted. The interior is beautiful especially with the woodgrain. Fuel economy could be better but what can you expect from a V6. The heated seats are a must have especially in the cold canadian winters. All in all a great car for just about everyones needs.

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  Love This Baby - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By happy camper - March 14 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned this car for 6 years (V6 CE, 5 spd man tran). It is a gem. My likes are too long to list. Most important ones: fast & powerful (speedo shows 140, it does 140. Leave -hot- cars in dust. Unlike the Accord, I dont have to rev the engine to get going), brakes (4 wheel abs, great stopping distance), reliability, comfort & amenities, and cheap parts. Also, very well balanced, very stable in rain and snow. It has 182,000 miles, runs like new. I only changed the O2 sensor. Other stuff was regular maintenance. It is no Ferrari on curves but if you know the limits of the car and act accordingly it is a joy to drive.

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  Nothin like a ToyYoda! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Treasurehunter - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Nothin spectacular about the Camry, but an overall best buy. Reliability being its greatest attribute, its also easy and inexpensive to maintain. My 92 Camry has never let me down, even though I havent always been on top of the maintenance of the vehicle. The build and quality are good all-around, but its the grit and workhorse characteristic of the vehicle that makes it a great car. You simply cant lose with a Toyota!

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  excellent sedan - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By LaurenceK - March 12 - 10:00 am

  excellent sedan in every way

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  2002toyota camry xle - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rahoefer - March 12 - 10:00 am

  for the money the car is a good buy.first 1000 miles no problems,but wish i bought 6 cyl.

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  Staying in the family... - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By rgrace - March 12 - 12:50 am

  This car was my dads for 9 years and then became mine. I put around 30,000 on it myself and it is now closing in on 190,000. Im having the timing belt changed tomorrow along with the spark plugs and plug wires so I thought Id check out what to expect in the cars future as far as repairs go and everyones reviews are very encouraging. The car just keeps soldiering on year after year, it has completely convinced me to buy Toyota for my next vehicle...of course, if these reviews are any indication, I might not need a new one for quite a while.