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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  From Rags to Riches: Upgrading to Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By AnnieP - May 22 - 6:53 am

  Im 62 and like room when I drive, so when we moved from AZ to the east coast we decided we would take a road trip. However, we had a 2001 corolla and there was no way it was enough room for our trip. We traded it in for the 2005 Camry and had the most amazing road trip. It drives like a dream and 3000 miles was an easy task behind the wheel of this car. It gets great gas milage too! The Camry vs Corolla was a great transition into an "adults" car- it looks sharp and is a commuters dream. Even the backseat is comfortable...I dont have a single complaint about this car.

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  Very Reliable - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Phillip Mcguire - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 2000 LE in 2 July of last year. No complaints. Very smooth, comforatble ride.

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  Excellent Family Vehicle - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By bob Hackett - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The Camry is a very reliable car. I find it to be extrememly comfortable vehicle for weekend trips to the shore. Its has plenty of room for a family of five.

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  Big Disappointment - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Familycarowner - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 97 XLE for the fully loaded 02 XLE V6. From the biginning the car started having integrity problems, it rattles and clicks, the curtain air bag cover on the driver side is loose and now after just two months the side molding is getting unglued. Time for a third trip to the dealer, what a shame. The 97 XLE was perfect, no problems for five years.

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  Easy To Drive - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Stacey - May 21 - 7:20 pm

  This car is easy to drive, extremely comfortable and a beauty. My only complaint is that it eats up the gas on the city mileage. Tight steering which makes it easy to drive. The best car Ive had so far. I hope to keep it for another 5 years.

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  camry le auto. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By gfield50 - May 20 - 12:00 pm

  Love the car. great mileage. great ride, quiet, nice looking. looks more expensive than it is.

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  Side air bags? - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lucky to be alive - May 19 - 7:53 am

  I purchased this vehicle in july of 2006, i only had it for a bout a month when a drunk driver hit me on the side. When i purchased the car i was told all about the side curtain air bags and about the air bags for the drivers knees. and wouldnt you know i get hit on the side and NOT a single air bag deployed. I look on the internet and find that there was a recall in april about the air bags and i was not told of this when i purchased the car. Look for recalls before buying. Im just glad me and my husband are still alive. can furnish pictures of damages upon request so you can see how toyota stands up

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  Camry Lease Values Unbeatable - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By cattom1 - May 19 - 3:37 am

  Loaded SE 4 cylinder with leather, heated seats, blue tooth, keyless etc. Looked at Accord EXL, Civic, Camry SE & Corolla. 36 month lease @ 15,000 miles per year, and monthly payment only $15 per month different between Civic-Accord or Corolla-Camry. Cheap interior, engine/road noise, buck board ride not worth it on Civic/Corolla to gain maybe, 2-3 mpg over Accord-Camry. Accord-Camry have much higher residual values making them the much better overall lease value. Went with the Magnetic Gray Camry SE because of better looks than Accord EXL and 24 month-25,000 mile free maintenance. Lease cost virtually the same. I put 3K down & lease @ $239 for 36 months 15K, 1st tank 30MPG combo driving.

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  Toyota Camry 2000 - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Courtney - May 18 - 3:26 pm

  Fantastic car. I have had it for a little over two years and it was my mothers car for 5 years before me. It had a new battery put in last year and a few months later the timing belt and water pump were replaced. Also gets great gas mileage about 34 mpg at 70 mph. This car is great, reliable, and very safe.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Com Ray - May 18 - 11:43 am

  Bought new and so far no major repairs. Brake problems when new but they replaced the master cylinder. Regular oil changes with synth., change transmission fluid every 30 K (whats in the pan). Otherwise, spark plugs once, and front pads at 114K.