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:
Showing 3141 through 3150 of 4,530.00-
Great.. as advertied - 2005 Toyota Camry
By foonman - January 17 - 2:43 pmGreat car. May not be the most fun to drive, but doesnt pretend to be (unlike, say, the Accord). Leather seats are extremelt comfortable, and I especially like the high seating position. Toyota (and VW) are the only companies making stability control available to the masses. When front left tire blew out the car maintaind a straight line until I could pull over.
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Over Engineered - 2007 Toyota Camry
By KEN - January 17 - 1:13 pmLoved the 2002 Camry it was a good match up engine/tranny. The 2007 is a disappointment; the tranny seems to have a mind of its own shifting up and down at will. There is a very dangerous hesitation when pick up speed is needed quickly such as merging onto the freeway (someones going to get killed if Toyota doesnt fix this). Its as though the engine literally quits for a few seconds and when it comes back to life its in low gear roaring like crazy.
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Great car at great price - 2009 Toyota Camry
By Junak26 - January 16 - 4:20 amI got the car with 0 miles on it and Im the first one breaking this vehicle. I can say only great words for the comfort and space for this car, just two little remarks for the cruise control on the wheel and the light on the AC, heat, and the fan. Can see where exactly the ball is during the day. Other way great car to own.
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Danger Beware! - 2002 Toyota Camry
By What Next? - January 16 - 2:00 amWe loved this car when we purchased it. However, at 4,000 miles, the starter/engine caught fire. Toyota has not notified any of you as to this problem, have they? We are on the third set of rotors and brake pads and are also experiencing all the rattles, etc. We have had it tied up for 23+ days in just under a year. Have been to arbitration but no accountability by Toyota. Per Toyota, "Thats what the extended warranty is for." Toyota couldnt possibly have any lemons?!?
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First Camry - 2010 Toyota Camry
By Djz - January 12 - 10:43 pmMy family outgrow our 2003 corolla. We test drive Accord and Camry several times and decide to go with Camry because the comfortable drive and quietness. The reverse pull at 35 and 25 mph when the gas pedal is released bugs me little bit. It interferes with anticipating driving when running up to red light. Got 28mpg for the first tank, 80% local/stop/go. Not bad, thought miss my corollas 38mpg. Pay more on gas for more space. Cloth arm rest does not make sense as it will get dirty quickly. It is boring to drive but I prefer comfort over excitement when hauling the whole family in it. Trunk fits 2 big luggage side by side. Was hoping to get a manual but hard to find. Cannot wait any longer.
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315,000 mi and still going strong - 1999 Toyota Camry
By Nicholas - January 12 - 9:33 amI purchased this car with 276k miles on it two years ago, and it has not failed me yet with nearly 315k on it. All Ive had to replace (aside from normal things like brake pads and oil changes) is the alternator belt. The six speaker stereo sounds great and can produce low bass and high treble. The quality of the materials used is unsurpassed, all the dash and trim still fits with no creaking or popping out of place. The v6 engine is smooth as butter, so quiet its hard to hear it running. The exterior is a little bland but is also conservative and clean.
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Blue 1995 Camry 4 Door Sedan - 1995 Toyota Camry
By Cypress516 - January 11 - 10:00 amOutstanding automobile after having purchased "used" @ 48,000mi, and now driven to 63,400. Extremely comfortable, with tilt- up/sliding "roof", and "loaded".
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Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
By Hallowell - January 11 - 10:00 amToyota has put a lot of thought in this vehicle. Quiet, clean smooth riding with a great sound system.
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Very nice family sedan - 2003 Toyota Camry
By David NH - January 11 - 10:00 amIts been 2 weeks and so far so good. The SE doesnt absorb the bumps quite as nice as the LE and XLE, but you trade that off for the sport suspension. My biggest beef is the passenger seat is not as comfortable as others (Altima, Accord, Taurus, Maxima).
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2003 Camry XLE - 2003 Toyota Camry
By generalser - January 11 - 10:00 amThe 2003 Camry XLE has exceeded my expectations for the first four months of ownership. The quality of ride, quiteness, mileage economy, trim,and safety features makes this vehicle a great value for the price. The only recommendation that I can offer is improvement in side view mirrors, ie seeing the parking or road lines along side, especially when backing the vehicle.