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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  Lovin My Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Amy - February 19 - 6:33 pm

  I traded in an 2004 Expedition for this Camry & I am TOTALLY loving this car. It was time to downsize with gas prices steadily on the rise. We test drove Fusions, Malibus, Accords, Altimas & when we came to the Camry, we were sold on it. It looks great, is a wonderfully smooth ride, and the gas mileage is great. I average about 26 miles per gallon (we live in the country & have to drive 10 miles into town every day). We didnt want all the extras of the higher priced models, and the LE fits us just perfect. Its very quiet inside the cabin, too. In a month Ive put about 1200 miles on it. I cant wait to go on vacation in my Camry!!

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  2010 Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Dan - February 19 - 9:33 am

  Performance is good for a 4 cyl. And it looks good, but from there on it is downhill. Milage is pitiful. 24 on hyw at 60 mph, and 15 to 16 in town. Interior is hard, almost everywhere. Leased this SE loaded for 36 months. Cant wait till I can turn it in.

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  Wouldnt recommend Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JT - February 18 - 11:50 pm

  This car offers poor drivers seat comfort, poor vision (it sits way too low), only average ride quality, gas mileage *well* below the advertised numbers, and a jerky, balky, surging transmission that is difficult to use. (And the Toyota people say theres nothing wrong with it; its just the way it is!) The car also does not allow fresh air through the vents; if the AC isnt on, the interior becomes very warm, very quickly. I also dislike the foot-operated parking brake, but thats a minor complaint.

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  So far, so good - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ToxicMold - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Stylist, comfortable, and solid. My Camry appears to be a few steps ahead in regards to comfort, design and features in comparison to the 03 Accord. The red (salsa) is HOT, looks "sweet" on the road and in my driveway. I have about 4K miles on the car, no problems, so far so good! A little difficult backing up in the dark, so make sure your area is well- lite. Just "buy" it!

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  car review - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By car dude - February 17 - 10:00 am

  It is a spacious,realiable vehicle, with good power.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Kristy - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Camry...I have always loved Toyotas but this Camry is the best ride.

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  No way ever ever - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Spokanegirl - February 15 - 11:06 am

  I bought it and 7 and a half DAYS later it caught on fire wasted 1350 plus 120 on registering tabs etc now have a bunch of towing fees. BS dude wouldnt give my money back either but after that I am done with Toyotas I keep thinking what if my daughter was in the car. Story is I was driving on the freeway lost acceleration and looked to get over noticed fluid flames dropping everything under the hood was scorched. Maybe it wasnt Toyota as every one is astonished at my misfortune but I choose not to ever own one hope this helps.

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  True Comfort to Ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kenneth - February 14 - 5:16 pm

  This is the first foreign auto I own. Now I can see what I have been missing. Quiet smooth ride, all controls on the steering wheel. For a 4 cylinder engine what get-up and go,not to mention the great gas mileage. Duel air, Bluetooth, satellite radio and rear reclining seats set off this car.

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  2007 Camry a Step Backwards ! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By 2003 Camry Owner - February 10 - 9:20 pm

  Just returned from test drive of 2007 Camry. I own a 2003 Camry use it for business.. have 50K on it.. love it. For years I would try Camrys on for size but my long torso always created head room issues. The 2002-2006 Camry was the answer. My first entry into the 2007 with the power seat sunk all the way down let me know they changed the headroom. This is a no moonroof LE and the specs say .4 inch less headroom. Feels like a bigger difference than that to me! And whats the deal with the gated automatic shifter? Im sure you get used to it but the first time driver will be running in 4th gear instead of drive most of the time. While the styling of the 2007 takes some getting use to the real issue is Toyota forgot the pluses the last version of the Camry offered.

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  New car, new issues - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Katietuz - February 7 - 12:10 am

  Picked up the car on Tuesday. On Friday, the airbag warning light went on. Needs new computer. Not happy with 6 speed transmission. When driving around 25 - 32 mph, car jolts back and forth between gears. Dealer says this is normal for this transmission.