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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  A four for all seasons - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Four more - November 15 - 11:33 am

  Before anyone buys a 6cyl. Camry they should spend some time in a 4cyl. Better mileage, very peppy, responsive at highway speeds, and quiet too. Still the best damn family sedan on the market, bar none.

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  EXCELLENT - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By JonJon1223 - November 15 - 7:13 am

  I traded up my 2007 Corolla SE to a 2010 Toyota Camry SE and I am very happy with my decision. The Camry SE looks sleek, drives like a dream, and is very quiet...even on highway driving. I do a lot of highway driving and Im averaging 32mpg. The 2.5L engine has plenty of pickup and is smooth. I love to drive this car! Lexus quality without paying the price!

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  Love the Camry - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Dan - November 13 - 8:23 am

  This car has a smooth ride, plenty of power, great fuel economy for a six. I am so impressed with this car, this is my first Toyota. I have no problem comming out of and suv. This car is easy to drive with a real luxury drive. I feel safe and not overwhelmed with all the suv on the raods. I am averaging 23mpg on reg fuel mixed driving with more power than my bmw

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  One hell of a good purchase - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By J. Rogg - November 12 - 10:30 pm

  I bought the vehicle on a friends advice and love it. It rides nice, drives nice, and gets some awesome gas mileage. There is not much to really say except that its a typical Toyota, reliable,economical, and practical. The 2litre engine is excellent and peppy for a vehicle this size but the brakes are a little spongy. I tend to have a lead foot and this vehicle responds so well to the abuse I put it through that I will definetly buy another Toyota for my next car which will probably be in three years. It is an excellent vehicle and is everything I need and then some from a vehicle.

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  2002 ToyCam SE V6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By G MAN - November 10 - 4:06 pm

  I LOVE IT! Great vehicle overall. Great fuel economy, power, luxury, reliability, and a pleasure to drive.

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  Did not know Camry was that good! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Ajene Watts - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the VW Passat 1.8T, Subaru Legacy L, and the Toyota Camry. After test driving the Subie and the Passat, I had my mind set on the Passat, but I decided to try a few more cars and when I drove the Camry I knew I wanted this car. I am going to test drive the Hyundai Sonata, but I just have a feeling it is not going to compare to the Camry. The car was roomy and the car produced little noise unlike the VW 1.8T. When I was test driving the VW you could here and feel the turbo kick in, but the Camry was nice and smooth. There was not many switches and knobs to make someone confused unlike the VW.

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  Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By deserthounds - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has changed my attitude about cars. When I was younger I used to get excited about cars, couldnt wait to see the new models. As I cot older and accumulated experience thru the 70s, 80s, 90s, my passions faded as one car after the other dissapointed me. After going thru a period of buy American and accept mediocrity, I have returned to feeling excited about cars and the Camry is the reason why. I love to drive this car.

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  OUTSTANDING.......BUT! - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By DON HOLLAND - November 9 - 10:48 pm

  This is a really great automobile, but, the Entune radio really system sucks!!!!!!!!

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  I love it!!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Camry Forever - November 9 - 6:00 pm

  Brought new in Fall of 1999. Regular oil changes and brakes, had to replace water pump and timing belt recently. It has been a great purchase use it now in the winter and for trans to work and back. Brought used CTS 2yrs ago, which is okay but I hate to say it. If I had to decide btwn the two I would take my Camry over the CTS although it has twice the mileage. Will probably sell Camry next year, trade in CTS and buy a new Camry if economy improves. The lucky kid that buys this car is going to get a good deal.

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  Amazing Vehicle! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Elliott Van Campen-Kushner - November 9 - 8:32 am

  If the car is taken care of it will last. I purchased my 2006 Toyota Camry 2.4 liter for $1,100. At the time of purchase the vehicle had 279k miles. I was really unsure at first about purchasing this car because of the amount of miles it had BUT there were no major issues with the vehicle as it had been maintained well. The only parts that have gone out was the rear drivers side bearing, and the sway bar bushings which were both original. I also replaced the radiator hoses, spark plugs, and the battery. I drove this car from almost West Virginia to close to South Carolina and back. I couldnt have asked for a more reliable car.