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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  No problems yet - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jon Allison - May 9 - 8:36 am

  I purchased used with 25,000 miles and now have 166,000 miles on the car. I routinely get 31-33 mpg traveling at 70-75 mph. I change oil every 4K miles and at 100k had spark plugs, belts and trans fluid changed. At 135K replaced front brake pads and rotors. Only non maintenance issue was at 150k when the air conditioning would not work. The a/c button would flash on and off and the compressor clutch would not engage. I looked at some online posts and found that thea particular AC relay part number had been causing problems and had been replaced. For $55 I plugged in a new relay and AC has worked fine since. Car is still tight and rattle free, love the JBL stereo and huge trunk.

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  Great car sorry to see it go. - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By pjz3 - May 9 - 7:36 am

  When I bought my 1996 Toyota camry just under two years ago I was looking for a car to get me from point A to point B, basic transportation until I could afford something better. After looking around I finally found my 1996 Camry with about 82,000 miles I paid a little more than I wanted to for the car but knowing how reliable they are and having read countless reviews of how dependable they are I bought it. I was impressed with the power of the 2.2L 4cyl. ,its no speed demon but has no problem merging and keeping up or passing at highway speeds. Very comfortable ride for its age and no rattles even after 16 years on the road. I finally bought a new car and Im sorry to see this one go.

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  Very poor Audio/Speakers & Leather seats - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Saliman - May 8 - 5:36 pm

  Absolutely hate the audio system on this 2016 XSE camry! Took it to the dealer today just to check it out, but they found out that its functioning normally. Theres not pure/rich sound, its very basic, and when the volume is up, its pretty much loud noise! I drove a 2014 rental camry and it had an amazing stereo system, but the sound on this 2016 isnt even close to it, not sure why that is! The leather seats are not comfortable at all, I keep adjusting the seat every time I get in the car, ...made in the USA by a buch of rednecks, what can I say!

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  Super High Milage - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Louis - May 7 - 10:20 pm

  Bought this car brand new in May of 1994 and used to commute to work daily for 14 years without any failure. Mileage today is 476,000 miles. Original engine, no major engine failure. Maintenance is the usual timing belt, and tune up only, changed water pump, radiator and clutch once, about 4 years ago. Everything else is still original.

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  Love my Camry! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By L.A. Wilson - May 7 - 5:26 am

  As many have, I too have read poor reviews that others might give regarding the Camry. Not my experience! But neither will I give this car all "10s" like some. Thats just silly. Suffice it to say, Im EXTREMELY satisfied. The engine is powerful & the 6 sp. tranny, silky smooth. I love the interior & Magnetic Gray exterior (on my SE, that is). Nav. is outstanding and feature filled (w/ bluetooth). JBL Stereo cranks while playing home burned 10 album, MP3 disks. The stock tires were shredded in only 13K, but thats Toyota typical. Quiet interior. Great controls, logically laid out. Comfortable seats (for my 62" 280lb. frame). Currently own two other Toyo

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  Smart Choice - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By John74 - May 6 - 4:00 am

  After 5,000 miles in 04, I have to say I love my Camry. It is quiet, confortable, nimble (for a 4 cyl), roomy and very fuel efficient. I use it for my daily commute (80miles/day) and as our main family vehicle. The car averages 29.5mpg/week, half of that being highway miles. Suprisingly, when we traveled from Chicago to Memphis (usually cruising at 75mph) we averaged 38mpg roundtrip! Overall this car has been reliable and a pleasure to drive.

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  Too heavy - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By tylwld - May 4 - 3:13 pm

  My 1999 Camry 2.2 that I got this year is about to have 258,xxx miles. Head gaskets have never been replaced! It still runs great even the way I drive it! Ive added a short ram intake, strut tower bar and new plugs and wires. The strut tower bar is highly recommended and the intake makes it about twice as loud and deep, great sound. The check engine light comes and goes but its never anything major. Both driver side windows are out, I wish all cars had crank windows.

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  Eliminate headaches...buy a Toyota Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By T. Shields - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 1995 Toyota Camry LE, this is the four cylinder model and I think I have died and gone to heaven. This car is it, you cannot do any better.Reliable, comfortable, great stereo system. I believe this is the best car I have ever owned. One downfall..dealers are charging way too much for repairs, not that I have needed anything done yet, but I think they are "cashing in" on well this car is liked by the buying market. If the car ever needs any work, I will be doing that myself. Toyota dealers, we, the buying public are watching you and your pricing structure.

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  Eliminate headaches...buy a Toyota Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By T.S. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 1995 Toyota Camry LE, this is the four cylinder model and I think I have died and gone to heaven. This car is it, you cannot do any better.Reliable, comfortable, great stereo system. I believe this is the best car I have ever owned. One downfall..dealers are charging way too much for repairs, not that I have needed anything done yet, but I think they are "cashing in" on well this car is liked by the buying market. If the car ever needs any work, I will be doing that myself. Toyota dealers, we, the buying public are watching you and your pricing structure.

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  Nice car! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By TM123 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned it for about a month. Rides very smoothly. In fact, rides more smoothly than most other cars Ive test driven. The shocks absorb bumps nicely where you dont even notice. Not a super sporty car, but is a solid sedan that should last for years.