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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  Excellent Car. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Anon_Camry_Buyer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Best car in its class. Beats Accord lx v6 in legroom, comfort, ride and trunk space.

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  The Car Enthusiasts Love To Hate - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Snapptastic - August 28 - 3:19 pm

  Look, Im not going to pretend that the I4 XSE Camry is an enthusiast car or that its going to blow you away while driving it. But for all intents and purposes, this is a damn good car that allows ample opportunity for fun, spirited driving on your daily drives. If you want more power, get the 3.5L V6, but be prepared for some torque steer with that configuration. I believe the I4 gives the driver ample power for daily driving and back road fun. The handling is superb for a mid-size sedan and Id only rate the Mazda 6 better than the XSE Camry in this regard. There is some body roll but nothing out of the ordinary for a car in this segment. But the car stays poised when you push it and it comes with the ability to use rev-matching downshifts when youre in sport mode. Oh and dont forget Toyota reliability. I owned a 1998 3.5L LE V6 Camry that ran for 225,000 miles with NO major maintenance or repairs. It ran smooth as butter on the day I sold it. Now I own a Lexus and this new Camry and I couldnt be happier with the reliability. Overall, if you want a car that will allow you to have a little more fun than other midsize sedans without sacrificing comfort, reliability, and quality, then I highly recommend the I4 XSE Camry. I give it an overall rating of 4.4/5.0

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  Still going strong! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Larry - August 28 - 8:37 am

  After 205,000 miles I continue to be amazed every day about how good this car really is. Comfortable for long hauls, 4cyl power is plenty for virtually any situation and consistently 25-27+mpg city and 35-38mpg on the interstates. I do need to replace a valve gasket and Im about due for struts but other than that its been trouble-free motoring. I fully expect it to go right through 300,000 miles easily.

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  First and Last Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Jason31 - August 25 - 8:40 pm

  I bought my Camry because of all the wonderful thing I had heard about Toyota, but i have to say that I am FAR from impressed. The interior rattles, with pieces falling off, the ride is not that great, and the handling of the vehicle is absolutely the worst I have ever experienced. To make matters worse I had to have it in for service 4 times during the year that I had it. Just traded it in a couple weeks ago.

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  Solid as Expected - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By jefe_gonzo - August 24 - 9:33 pm

  Toyota makes a solid vehicle--this is not news. The 08 Camry SE is large enough to be comfortable but still a nimble performer. Keeping true to Toyota form, the interior is closer to spartan than luxurious. Its well-laid out. Controls are easy to reach and more or less idiot-proof. The 4-banger has enough power to safely merge onto a busy highway or pass a fifth-wheel on a 2-laner. Its lines are clean, but a little ambiguous in light of the Accord. What the Camry lacks in a clear identity it makes up in its overall build quality. All in all, a great car. Wont turn many heads, but it also wont make your head spin at the gas pump.

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  Love it so far! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By kernat - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the car so far. Great drive, great interior design and good fuel efficiency.

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  A life-saver! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Gordy - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned the Camry for over one year and we love it. Our car was stopped at a light and was rear-ended by a vehicle traveling 45 mph; all other vehicles involved were totaled. My wife was able to walk away (thanks Toyota!) and the Camry sustained over $9,000 in damages. Even after the collision, and excellent repair work, it drives like brand-new. We love the ride and the peppy engine. It gets GREAT mileage on the highway and so-so mileage (23) around town. Well own this one for a long time.

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  beautiful ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By diego - August 23 - 9:20 am

  I just love how quiet and confortable this ride is.

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  Proud New Owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Lina - August 21 - 8:00 pm

  Im a new Toyota Camry owner. Mine is only two days old. I went from a Lexus IS300 to a Toyota/Camry and I really dont see much difference. Frankly, this car is more comfortable than my IS300 Lexus. Its very roomy and I love the trunk space. I recommend this car for its look, driving performance, etc. Ill let you know later how well it does on gas mileage but right now, Im a happy and proud owner of a Camry :)

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  A great car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By wgslax1 - August 20 - 9:26 pm

  Ive had my Camry for 6 years now. It has never broken down, and Ive never had any problems. I feel safe in the car and its got quite a lot of pick up. The build quality is great - it still runs really well after 6 years and Im very happy with it! Im starting to look for my next car, and knowing how reliable my Camry is, Im definitely considering another Toyota.