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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  Good deal for a great car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By N.Virginian - August 2 - 4:00 pm

  My 99 Maxima SE is starting to fall apart @ 78K miles, very disappointed with Nissan. Camry is not as good as Maxima at 1-2 gear, but powerful at 3-4 gear, compatible V6. But other than that, Camry is best. For $2K different compare with what I paid for my 99 Maxima invoice, I got a lot more: leather (heated), ABS, side/head airbag, VSC, 6-CD JBL, and a feel of Lexus luxury and quality. Amazing deal from Toyota in December.

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  2001 camry LE - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By MtSnow - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Well, this car is pretty reliable. Have not had major problem with it, Except for 3 times the check-engine light came on. The first time was becasue I didt tighten the gas tank gap properly. the 2nd time it went on, have autozone peps check the reason for me, it says something about transmission fault. I dont quite remember what it was. They deleted the code for me, I thought It was just because I didt tighten the gao properly again. but then, 3 days after that, the check engine light came on again. Had to take it to a toyota dealership, they checked and told me they do not know what the problem is and the car is fine. weird!

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  Overrated vehicle - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By nomorecamrys - August 2 - 10:00 am

  After three years and 57k miles with this car I will be trading in this Camry for an 05 Grand Prix. Since I travel up to 400 miles in a day, I need a car that fits my 511", 200lb frame. The Camry seats are in a word terrible! Seat cushion is too short and lacks ANY support. Tires WORE OUT at 25k mi, but no loss, as they were poor performers dry or wet. Even with better tires the Camry NEVER FEELS CONNECTED to the road. Too much body roll. The car is BORING to drive. The interior plastic parts BUZZ on a bumpy road. The car is skittish in crosswinds; keep gas full and ballast in trunk. JBL radio mumbles. Steering wheel hums when turned. Rotten-egg exhaust smell.

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  Thought I did my homework part 2 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By bella car - July 30 - 11:23 am

  Updating my first review. Paid the dealer to flush and clean out the fuel injectors which immediately improved gas mileage and sluggish tranny. Was advised to run 91 octane to keep clean. At same visit told that rocker arms were cracked and coming out of sleeves. $900.00 repair job and car had 34,000 miles. Filed complaint with Toyota and I had to pay 1/3 of cost. Dealer tried very hard to make it right, so kudos to them, Still disappointed with my purchase. I am looking to trade this car in. Im going back to Nissan or Honda.

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  Good value - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By William Watts - July 29 - 11:47 pm

  Owned my 2017 Camry LE for a month now, so far no problems or complaints. Ive 220 miles on the odometer. Seems to be well built, well designed. Virtually a computer on wheels with all the electronics and data readouts at your fingertips. Interior is plenty roomy for my needs. This is the third Toyota I have owned and this is probably the best. Overall, a good value.

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  Great Car, Could be faster but it is a 4 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By sam - July 29 - 5:00 pm

  The car overall is a great car with many good features. It gets great gas mileage for a larger car. It is surprising how spacious the interior is on a long trip. Its nice to drive a car with the body kit and sporty feel, but still get great fuel economy. The top speed of the car is much higher than most domestic cars too.

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  Truly Satisfying Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Daniel K - July 29 - 2:03 pm

  I have, up to now, been a loyal Honda Accord owner, but after a terrible experience with a vibrating 2007 V6 EX Accord, I finally traded for a 2009 V6 XLE Camry, and I am totally satisfied with my decision-even though it cost me $3000 dollars to trade out-worth every cent. The Camry is awesome, quiet, powerful engine, good looking, well laid out interior, and it does not vibrate and shake like the Accord did! The 440 watt JBL stereo system sounds very nice, and the bluetooth option is way cool. A recent road trip at speeds of 75+mph achieved 29.5 miles per gallon! And when you want to accelerate, hold on! There is a reason for so many of them are on the road - drive one - oh what a feeling!

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  good up to 85k - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By spizznoogity - July 29 - 2:00 am

  in the last 3 yrs i bought 2 trannys and a radiator. other things started goin out more than my wife and I and my back combined. My wife rear ended ano car and AAA labeled it totalled and cut us a chk for 5900.00 so that was cool I guess.

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  Decent Car, - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By VWGUY - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Decent Car, but not worth the original purchase price. For a 4 year car, some of the plastic parts inside of the car are starting to break, without too much use. It seems like cheap plastic. It gets cold in the back seat during winter and windows fog when turn the heat. I didnt like the depretiation either. I bought a Jetta the same year for $5000 less than I paid for the Camry and it is worth more than the Camry now.

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  Decent Car, - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By VWGuy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Decent Car, but not worth the original purchase price. For a 4 year car, some of the plastic parts inside of the car are starting to break, without too much use. It seems like cheap plastic. It gets cold in the back seat during winter and windows fog when turn the heat. I didnt like the depretiation either. I bought a Jetta the same year for $5000 less than I paid for the Camry and it is worth more than the Camry now.