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 maintenance nightmare - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Bradford - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought it in November. Since then I have had to replace the axles, cv joints because the boot ripped. I have also had to replace the transmission, the water, makes noise now. The radiator went bad and I replace that. Now the head gasket one out and that needs to be replaced. I have never ever had so much trouble with a car. With everybody saying so many wonderful things about these cars I think that it is strange that Ive had so many problems. Oh and by the way the steering is making sounds. The trunk was also leaking water into it. The whole wheel well filled up.

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  Excellent ugly car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By mailinh - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for its class, except that for some reason, Toyota decided to ugly it up some. It looks like a whale made out of Jello. A friend actually bought one (not me), but I think Im going to get a used 01 Camry. Obviously, the assorted sqeaks, rattles, and vibes that some people are getting are due to the new body design (and doors, trunk, hood, etc.) not having been widely tested yet. The inside will be as quiet as a mouse next year. : )

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  An honest opinion. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By buyacamry - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I recommend this car with some exceptions. This is the most comfortable car Ive driven so far. Adequate leg room for 6ft+ tall person. I have had some issues with this car also. The brakes stink. Too much travel and requires constant adjustment. Its too low to the ground. Fully loaded (5 pass) it scrapes the highway. Wish cruise control was molded in steering wheel. Cheap carpeting, keeps lifting. Overall quality could be better.

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  2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Chris G - June 25 - 8:10 am

  I am the orignal owner and currently have 40,000 miles. Except for a defective tire, I have not had any problems! My transmission works seamlessly and there are no quality issues whatsoever. I have never averaged less than 26 mpg in the city and typically hit 32 mpg on the highway. The power is phenomenal and the sound system (JBL) is better than any factory system Ive heard (including Bose). Ok, I will admit that it lacks some of the fun-to-drive aspects of some other sporty cars. but it makes up for it in everything else.

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  Trading in after two years - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By UnderKill40 - June 24 - 3:30 pm

  I love the looks of my Camry. Super powered, too many speeding tickets already! JBL stereo is good. However, the quality of this car is not acceptable for Toyota standards. Cheap plastic everywhere. Terrible transmission that doesnt shift right. Moonroof has a lot of rattles. Tires only lasted 20000 miles.

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  My 2nd is Even Better! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By VCarvis - June 24 - 10:00 am

  My 1st was an 85 4-cyl and I still have it... 270,000 and going. Not as comfortable anymore, but very reliable. I drive about 3,000 miles a month so I need a car that will get me there. Every Camry Ive seen meets that description. I chose the 4-cyl 5- speed stick because I love to shift and they get the best mileage. The 97 CE is smooooth! In Texas there are lots of open roads and hills where Im at. This car is just plain fun to drive! I got it with 122,000 miles and it rides almost like new. Still getting nearly 31mpg and purrs like a kitten.

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  Engine problem - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Artur - June 22 - 10:07 pm

  Engine eating oil problems with my car and my friend same year same model LE 2009

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  2005 Toytota Camry Xle - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By crewdawg - June 22 - 12:33 pm

  I am very satisfied with this car. The fit and finish is excellent and the ride is very smooth. The 4 cyl performs well and has adequate power for every task. The fuel economy is outstanding. The seats are somewhat stiff and and the stereo is a bit lacking for this upgraded model, but overall this is car is outstanding and has had no reason to return to the dealer for service.

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  Life as a Teenager Driving A Camry... - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By O_o - June 22 - 11:20 am

  I might only be 18 but have owned 3 cars my entire life, a 1993 300zx, an 07 Rav4 and my most recent car, an 06 Toyota Camry (all awesome cars in their own right). This car is not the fastest or best looking car Ive owned, but it is the most comfortable and probably the best built car that 2006 had to offer. I have 80,000 miles on my Camry and it is the only car I plan on keeping until it dies (at the rate this car is going by the time it does die my children would have died because of old age). The car drives like how it did when I drove it off the showroom floor. It doesnt rattle or make any noises whatsoever. This car will cruise at 90 very, very happily all day long. =)

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  Camry XLE with 6 cyclinders .. at the 4000 miles - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Bob A - June 20 - 4:11 am

  We have [previously owned 3 Toyota Camrys. This well equipped XLEs sedans performance is fine with us. Very good engine response and a comfortable interior for the long ten hour drives. Radio wise, strongly suggest that you turn off the surround sound option since this greatly improved the listening quality to hearing music. The GPS system is pretty good but Google Maps is more precise. For a house number, Google Maps get you to the front door. Camrys will get you close by one to houses away. Providing verbal commands, the system does not always accurately catch it. Perhaps my Bostonian accent? The headlights are excellent. The side mirror detection alerts that another vehicle is my blind spot is a terrific safety feature. For carrying stuff, it offers a very good trunk size and the rear seats fold down. too. Gas mileage, for this six cylinder engine, it is about five MPG less than my 2008 Camry with six cylinder engine. WHY? I dont know but I expected it to be same. The car is pretty is quiet. We like and enjoy the car.