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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  Im a Honda guy, but this car changed the game.. - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By ajhall - December 19 - 6:56 pm

  Had an Accord before the Camry, and gave my Camry to my fiance to buy another Accord, but I have a higher standard after owning it for four years. 4 years and 90k miles later and this car has required two sets of tires and one set of brakes. No other issues or signs of issues to come. A breeze to own and low cost. The drive is comfortable, but a little numb at times--feeling more electronic then mechanical. Great visibility, and mpg (28 city/hwy mixed and I drive hard..used to V6 cars). The overall quality is bar none, and the sound deadning materials used are supreme. Even as we outgrow this car, we plan to keep it as a spare vehicle because weve always been able to count on it.

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  Hard To Let Go Of! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By AustinCamryOwner - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned this black coupe since it was a year old, and the reliability has been astounding. Simply put, it has never left my wife stranded and broken down - ever. And maintenence has been just the minimum required. While the 4 cylinder isnt particulary sporty in nature, this car wasnt purchased for that purpose... it was purchased for comfort, decent style and reliability, and it has delivered all 3 exactly as expected along with great fuel mileage.

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  ok car with very poor gas mileage - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Donna Sue - December 19 - 2:00 am

  average car but terrible gas mileage around 20 highway and thats terrible for a 4 cylinder

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  Buyers Remorse - Wind Noise - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By coreyd1 - December 18 - 8:41 pm

  Traded 2004 Camry SE i4 for 2012 Camry SE i4. Noticed some wind noise during test drive, but bought it anyway. Bad choice. The wind noise at interstate speeds is loud and annoying. Roof line is also closer to the head which makes it difficult for my 6ft plus body to lean out when trying to use an ATM machine or similar. Transmission braking likes to grab when slowing. Makes for some weird stopping sometimes. Power delivery from start is not very smooth. Steering as reported is vague. Visually appealing inside and out. Really like the new interior design.

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  The disappearing car... - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Mark Nolette - December 16 - 5:10 am

  The 2016 Camry is a car for people who dont like to think very much about their cars, or worry about them. Its for people who want to just get in, turn the key, and go, with a minimum of fuss. The Camry isnt designed to call much attention to itself. For one thing, there are too many of them out there. For another, they never win styling awards. That being said, the 2016 Camry (largely) fulfills the time-honored Camry mission. When I bought this LE, I found the ride to be surprisingly stiff, but it did smooth out after a few weeks. The ride is quite good in nearly all circumstances. The car has generally been quiet, though it lets in a little more road noise than Camrys typically did. Reliability has been rock-solid. Not a single issue in 40k miles thus far. Performance may not glue you to your seat, but its more than adequate for driving, passing, hill climbing and merging. Fuel economy has been good as well. My driving is mainly on two-lane rural roads, and I average over 35 mpg overall. On a typical 20 mile trip on a rural road, I frequently get 40-44. Handling is appropriate to this cars intended mission: good enough for typical driving, perhaps a bit better than its reputation would have you believe. Interior materials seem less "luxurious" than the Camry or Accord of 10-20 years ago, but are adequate. The drivers seat is comfortable enough for long drives. Visibility is very good. My iPhone pairs easily with the cars Bluetooth. Sound quality from the audio system is decent; perhaps slightly above average for cars of its kind. The trunk is large and easily accessible. To my mind, this is one of the better-looking Camrys to come along. That may not be saying much, but I can say that I actually like the looks of this one. My dealership sold this one to me at a great price (4k under MSRP) and has given me outstanding service since then. This car does show signs of cost-cutting here and there, but overall feels pretty solid. Will my next car be a Camry? I dont know. But I have only good things to say about this one. Toyota could have done a better job of tuning out road noise and could have put better quality materials in the interior. Those are my only complaints. Good car, good value. It really does "disappear" under you as you drive it. It just does what its told. No fuss. No worries.

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  It works for me! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Sparkly Kelsey - December 14 - 8:56 pm

  Bought the car new and its never been in the shop, with over 77,000 miles on it, and I am a lousy driver and a rotten caretaker re: maintenance. This is my fourth Toyota and will stick with them forever. Got the base model and got every feature I wanted. Its pretty too. Still looks like new except where Ive banged it up hitting mailboxes, etc.!

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  I like it! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By landman - December 12 - 5:30 am

  Wanted only leather and V-6, got it and very satisfied. The ride closely resembled that of my Benz, and is very comfortable. Not as stiff as nearest competitor. V-6 power gives me quick Interstate access in traffic. Gas mileage is as advertised, but I travel in excess of speed limit often. Leans in tight corners, and turns on a quarter rather than a dime. Overall, I like my Camry and think it will last a long time past the 72,000 miles I have now. No trouble; I dont know why I bought the extended warranty. Peace of mind I guess.

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  Great Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By chunt5 - December 11 - 8:25 pm

  Our 2003 Camry, that we purchased new, has been a great car. It only has 20,000 miles on it but we have not had a single issue with it. It still drives and handles like brand new. I replaced the tires just because they were 9 years old. The only other part that we replaced is the battery in 2008. I like the Camry so much that I just purchased a new Toyota Tacoma.

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  Red Hot Mama - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Cliette - December 11 - 2:10 am

  We just purchased this car a week ago. Im so in love with it that Im up early in the mornings, thinking about errands that I need to run. It rides smooth and has enough of pick-up to get out of the way of fast moving traffic. Im thinking about racing my son who owns a GSXR 600 motorcycle, but hes only 19 so I think I will pass. Im a mother of 3 in love with my RED Camry. Just wish I could program it to say my name when you turn on the engine.Wouldnt that be icing on the cake!

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  One fine car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By danrieke - December 10 - 10:36 am

  Ive got almost 92,000 miles on my 2002 Camry LE. I purchased it used with around 38,000 miles. This was a good decision! I like the crisp power in entering traffic and passing on the freeway. Fuel economy is very good. I get about 31 mpg when pushing 80 on the freeways. It doesnt move around much on windy days. Brakes feel a bit spongy compared to some cars but the vehicle stops very well and with the anti-lock brakes I can get on it hard and it stops true! I change oils (transmission oil, too) and filters. If you want to keep a strong flow from the fan (heating or cooling), it helps to change the filter directly in back of the glove box. Will this car go 250,000 miles? I may find out!