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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  Toyota Can Do Better - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By St. Louis Driver - January 30 - 7:43 pm

  After one month, the good: great ride, quiet comfortable spacious cabin, superior electronics (JBL), fair price and good looks. The bad: the significant transmission hesitations are unacceptable and possibly unsafe, and the 4 cyl engine provides inadequate power when challenged. Gas mileage is only about 22 around town. I feel the plusses outweigh the negatives, but any prospective buyer should take a serious test drive under varying conditions and actually experience transmission hesitations and the mediocre acceleration performance. Basically the drive train stinks when stressed. If that limitation is OK with you, it is a great car! PS: I am very happy with after-market leather.

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  Highly Recommend! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Waddysgirl - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my 2002 Camry XLE. It was a replacement for my previous 1990 Camry which had 191K+ miles. I trust that my new 2002 will last as long. I am impressed with the MPG on road trips (30 MPG) and the comfort of the leather seats. I am also impressed with the Camry road handling. It may have been a bit pricey compared to the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima, but this 2002 is my fourth Toyota and I have had good experience with Toyota quality.

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  "klonk" noise - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Mary Jones - January 29 - 10:00 am

  When putting car in reverse and then going forward there is a "klonk" noise. Was told this was normal and nothing could be done to change it. It is very annoying and friends have asked what was causing the noise.

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  I am in awe at what a piece of crap this car is - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By yousmell102 - January 29 - 8:23 am

  Leased a 2009 Camry Le back in the summer of 08. Couldnt be more disappointed. I have had the weirdest problems with this car, ie accelerator and brake pedals that have a mind of their own. In the past year the car has developed an annoying and extremely dangerous problem where the tension of the gas pedal seems to be constantly changing. Sometimes, it responds with just the slightest amount of pressure, other times, applying it with the exact same amount of force results in no acceleration at all. Its like the car encounters dead spots where it simply refuses to accelerate. Youll need a burst of power to pass or just to get out of someones way, and it wont be there!

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  Most decent car bough longest car kept - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By voau - January 27 - 8:54 pm

  Bough new in 2006 and now 55K miles. Also bough 2006 Civic in same year. The camry is a champ in performance for 4-cyl car itCaccelerates aceptionally I have confidence passing cars on a 2-lane road. Miles-per-gallon is second to none in term of distance over weight is related, even the Civic is very good, especially in resale so I sold it and bough an Acura MDX yesterday. Anyway, Camry is a very rightous car to own! I like its appearance too. oh no thanks, not with the spoiler!

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  RELIABILTY AT ISSUE NOW-BEWARE FOLKS! - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Steve Johnson - January 27 - 4:50 pm

  Toyotas bigger 4 cylinder engines have a higher frequency of a problem now. The issue is called a "COLD START RATTLE". Because our EPA has mandated cleaner & more efficient vehicles, the top end of these motors have many more moving parts (VVTI) The common problem now (with other brands too-Honda, etc) is a 1 second metal on metal "rattle" that occurs only at cold start (lack of oil to small moving parts in the VVT). Its loud /very noticeable and makes one wonder how long before the rattle progresses or wears out internal moving parts (ruins the top end or all of the engine). My Camry has this problem. My dealer acknowledged the problem and was instructed to replace (1) cam and did.. It did NOT solve the problem. Took it in again (Vancouver, Wa Toyota) , they kept it for a week (agreed it was still an issue) and sent me home with my Camry that still has the same pronounced cold start rattle. Dealer should have done the right thing and backed a customer in my opinion. Ours is a 2012 model with the 2.5liter & 40k on the car. Rattle started about 25k mi. Im original owner and car has been serviced better than recommended. No changes made to engine on the new model/2015-exact same design. I submitted a Lemon Law claim to the factory and they simply denied my claim with no reasoning stated. So, needless to say, Im an unhappy camper. Cant sell it in good conscience, cant keep a car with a flawed engine. Read the forums, its a fairly common problem on the 2.4 liter, 2.5 liter and 2.7 liter. So, I cant recommend the car. I do recommend the hybrid Camry however and should have bought one-fabulous car, different config. Thanks, a seasoned Engineer

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  Finally gave up - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jerry Fisk - January 27 - 2:53 pm

  Well, after owning this car for seven months, I have finally given up. This car needs quality improvement! My Camry has been in the shop four times for the transmission problem and still has not been fixed. The dealer said they have done everything possible, and still cannot fix it. I have finally given up and sold it. Good luck to the next buyer.

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  Impressed - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Impressed - January 27 - 2:13 pm

  I turned in leased BMW530i, and got the camry. Guess what? I was very impressed. Very comfortable inside, feels very luxurious. I test drove the 2005 Lexus ES300. The XLE with leather is very very close to the older model of ES300. I love the blue tooth function. The rear sunshade is also great. Lots of storage room. I do have some issues with the performance. The car wont "go" at the stop sign, and the engine makes a lot of noise when accelerate. Also, the gas mileage doesnt seem to be too good. I average 22 so far in the first half tank of gas.

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  Inexpensive japanese sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By SD Rider - January 27 - 8:33 am

  Feels like Im riding a luxury car. Stock audio system okay. Excellent gas mileage. I get about 27 mpg... very good for a sedan. Got the rare manual transmission. Effortless shifting. Had to buy V-rated performance tires. No problems with engine or electronics.

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  I Love My Camry SE V6!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Canadiandad - January 26 - 12:33 pm

  I researched this car so thoroughly before buying that I drove my wife crazy. I have NO hestitation buying the car even after reading the problems for a very few customers about tranny flare and drive by wire hesitation. I absolutely love everything about my Camry SE V6 so far. I only have 1200kms on the car so far and yet I cannot fine one single problem with the car. I have owned over 14 Toyotas in my life and this one is the best so far. It looks, feels, sounds and smells fantastic.