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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  Happiness/satisfaction - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By len - October 18 - 1:00 pm

  This is our fifth toyota camry in the past fourteen years. Each years model got better than the previous one. This 2007 is the epitome of the Toyotas quality.

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  Great Ride. Small Build Problems Dealer Doesnt Fix - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By homebase - October 18 - 7:47 am

  I have 4,000 miles on my 2011 Camry XLE 4cyc leather Nav. It has a smooth quite ride, engine is strong enough, zero sportyness. The turn signal mechanisum makes a clicking sound whenever the turn signal is engaged and the wheel is turned. The climate control needs to be adjusted continuously while driving. Other than the two minor problems I am going to have to fight with my dealer to fix, it is a great car. The first time the dealer looked at the car he kept it 4 days before he told me everything is normal. I dont think I will ever buy another Toyota.

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  not what they used to be - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By ryanfres - October 18 - 5:20 am

  Toyota along with honda are not what they used to be. They are made in the usa and are not built as they were 10- 20 years ago. I own a 2003 honda accord with many unexceptable problems such as head gasket failure and electrical problems. My 2002 Camry is in the shop as we speak for a new transmission, and have already replaced a power window motor at just over 38000 and i am a conservative driver. My chevrolet avalanche has 42000 and has never seen a repair shop. dont let a 20-30 yr old reputation fool you please. American cars have stepped up to the task of quality.

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  PIECE OF JUNK - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By MESSY - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT WAS SUPPOSSED TO BE A GOOD CAR. BIG MISTAKE, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT. I HAD TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING RACK REPLACED, A NEW ENGINE PUT IN DUE TO SLUDGE, MY WINDOW IS GOING OUT AND THE CAR RATTLES SO MUCH IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL APART ANY MINUTE. I WILL NEVER BUY A ASIAN PIECE OF JUNK AGAIN ONLY AMERICAN

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  The best car in the World - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By CMRY4US - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I know I have not had my car for long but I brought it used with 112000 miles on it. I was in such need of a car (my nissan sentra had blown up) but this car has been the best car I have ever gotten. It is a perfect size and very roomy. My son has more then enough room in the back to play and kick his feet. It rides very smoothly. If you are looking to get a new car the Camry is it. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! You will not be disappointed at all.

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  Overall Great Car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Vahik - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The 98 Toyota Camry is a great family car. Its reliable, attractive, and affordable. Its got good "bang for your buck."

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  Sensible Fun - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Az73 - October 16 - 11:30 pm

  We have owned A6 and E Class in past. Looked at the Accord and Camry because they are just sensible, reliable, low operating cost cars. Ended up purchasing the Camry SE because it is a nice but low key car for taking clients out without the flash or expense of CPO E Class or 5 series that were in the running. In my final judgment the Camry just makes a lot of sense, particularly, in a down economy. I have been surprised by the new 2.5 6 speed 4 cylinder that has provided solid acceleration, good handling, comfortable seats, loads of backseat room, and great fuel economy. I was concerned by some comments about un-comfortable seats/headrests but have not had any problem.

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  1995 Camry XLE, GREAT CAR - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By socalrider21 - October 15 - 5:02 am

  I bought this car almost two years ago with 114,000 miles on it, and the first year owning I put over 40,000 miles on it. The first year the only repair I had was the A/C compressor. This year I had replace some parts for the EGR and decided to put new oxygen sensors in it too (got a good deal on all the parts less than $300). But with that said it has always gotten me to point A to point B, and even with the EGR problem it still ran decent. This is not a sports car, but it is nice to commute in. Mine has the leather seats which have held up great and are comfortable. I would recomend this car to anybody. Definitely the most bang for your buck, especially when Ive gotten close to 30 mpg.

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  My Ride Camry V6 - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By kdavis - October 14 - 3:43 pm

  I test drive the Chevy Impala and the Ford 500, employee pricing gimicks aside I thought the Camry V6 LE was in the end the better car. It was easy to get below invoice quotes from the big 3 US dealers, Toyota had a year end rebate and I got that money. I paid right at $23K for a new just out of the wrapper grey cloth interior, mine is Lunar Silver with polished alloy wheels. It looks right at home in the company parking lot or at the country club, at home anywhere in this car. Still in brake in mode, so I havent given it full throttle yet. 4 wheel disc brakes are nice, the tires Bridgestones really pick up road noise and all. Im glad I shopped, but Toyota had the car I liked best!

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  Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By ProblemToyota - October 13 - 9:10 pm

  When I first purchased this vehicle I was excited about the quality of the vehicle and the smoothness of the ride. However, after approximately 22 months and 23k miles the check engine light came on. I brought it to the dealership and it was fixed. After 26k miles the tires were worn and needed to be replaced. Now, at 27.5k miles the check engine light is on again. After the first few weeks of owning the car I noticed a rattling in the dash that just cant be solved and I am still driving with that rattling. I am extremely surprised by these issues. I will have to evaluate other options next time Im in the market for a car, which may be soon.