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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  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.

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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.

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  still going strong - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By lemaire - June 19 - 9:39 pm

  352000 kil.all original except for front brakes and stabilizer bar bushings...of course the tires are new and the oil and filter have been changed at regular intervals....would buy another 04 tomorrow..best car I have ever owned

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  Update after 2yrs. of ownership - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By piratemorgan - June 19 - 6:41 pm

  The Camry has done its job for me and the Mrs.. Were still not tired of it, as we were with our Impalas at this point in ownership. Build quality has been excellent, no rattles, no problems, one recall (floor mat). A great experience. I do have one complaint that I can forgive, and hope its fixed in 2012 model, the transmission. Very awkward city and country road driving, constantly "hunts" for gear, refuses to "coast", downshifts or upshifts at precisely the wrong time. If you ease into the gas it shifts within a few feet and drops you into a sluggish 2nd gear in an attempt to save fuel I guess. But alas, the "tricks" its doing doesnt help that much in mpgs. Well live with it.

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  2007 Toyota Camry LE 4dr Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Carolina - June 19 - 2:50 pm

  Having driven Honda and Nissan for many years, would like to feel the difference of Toyota. Bought brand new Camry two months ago and put 1000 miles on it. It drives quiet and smooth. Since I didnt drive in traffic often, I didnt feel the hesitation in acceleration. However, the brakes are very soft and unresponsive. Ive got to depress brake pedal very hard each time to slow it down. The braking distance driving a Camry is a lot longer than driving Honda and Nissan. Returned it to dealer for check and the answer was "normal". Average local MPG: 25-28

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  Borrowed the car and never returned it! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By kj82703 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I recently borrowed my sisters camry with 130,000 miles on it and completely fell in love. The next day I went out and purchased a Camry and I am thrilled with my purchase.

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  Overall a great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By robertmang - June 17 - 10:05 pm

  I bought this car back in 06 when I was still in high school, with about 89,000 miles on it. 5 years later and it has 185,000 with no signs of stopping. There have been a couple repairs I have had to do including a costly sensor replacement at the dealership which ran about $1,300. That was back in 09. Then earlier this year, the car wouldnt start and I needed to buy a new air compressor at about $300...All in all a reliable vehicle that has not needed any other major services. The V6 has plenty of power for everyday driving (which here in SW Florida can be both fast-paced and aggravating) and I dont see any reason why this car wont make it to 200k and beyond.

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  Takes a licking and keeps on ticking - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By frogpyff - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I leased this car in 1995 and bought it at the end of the lease. This car has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have performed all of the routine maintenance and I had the timing belt replaced by a service center.

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  Satisfied! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By triples - June 17 - 12:31 am

  I like this car a lot. Good fuel economy and very reliable. I have had to make a couple $100 repairs but nevery anything major. Most recently I had to replace the starter at 126k miles but that is the first non-regular maintenance that I have had do do for since owning in it for 5 years.

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  Comfort On The Road - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By grcofla - June 16 - 6:53 am

  Ive owned this car, a Camry XLE, just 5 days but in that short time Ive determined I made a really good decision to buy it. Prior to buying I compared that model with 4 other cars including a new version of a model I had for several years and was very happy with. Overall, the mileage so far, and Im just breaking it in, is better than I might have expected at this point. The Interior is roomy, though perhaps a bit tight on headroom (there is a moon roof in this model). The car is as quiet as my wifes Lexus ES 330 but its ride is just a bit stiffer. The instrument layout seems well thought out. The leather interior is great. As to the exterior design, it might be getting a bit tired