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:

• 

  fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By bronze maxell - April 30 - 2:00 am

  this is my familys 3rd camry, still owning the 1st 2, and one lexus suv, all runs great. This SE has soft clutch, soft steering, soft ride, just a little stiffer than normal, good corning, fun to drive, spacious interier and trunk, feels quicker acceleration than my v6 auto. the only thing i dont like is the radio control volume button is all the way at the top of the center dash, kinda hard to reach while you sitting back and driving.

• 

  Solid sedan - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By yyelin - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very good value for a family sedan. Quiet ride, comfortable front and back seats, Great look. Dont afraid to step on the gas – It goes! Do not know anyone who complains.

• 

  Fast Car!!! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Nate - April 28 - 6:03 pm

  I am the 2nd owner of my 97 Camry V6, and it has over 145,000 miles on it and it still runs great. The only work I have done on this car is replaced the A/C compressor, and the brakes re- done. I love the V6, it makes the car much faster than the model with the 4 in it.

• 

  Wish I had another one - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By lovethem - April 27 - 4:55 pm

  I bought mine in 1996, 1 year old with 25,000 miles on it. I was told it was probably a salesmans car but when I did the research found out it was a rental car. I panicked because I know how rentals are treated. After a year the fender, bumper and hood started changing colors, I could see it had been in at least one accident. But, it was the most dependable car I ever had, even though it had been a rental. Totally trouble free. At 197,000 the gas line started to rot and the engine started to leak out from a dried out seal. Being unemployed and lookinfg for a job, wife said I needed something more dependable so she leased me one. Im grateful for that but I wish I had kept the 95.

• 

  this is my third toyota car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mouse2005 - April 27 - 11:23 am

  I buy a car for best value and reliablity. In May 2005, I bought the SE V6 to experience same value and reliabilty as my 95 camry 04 forerunner. As mentioned by other reviewers I experienced a pause/hesitation when the car shifted from 1st to 2nd gear while pressing the gas pedal harder I was trying to feel a strong acceleration . I have 300 miles now and am no longer experience the hesitation/pause during gear shifts. I thought this may be caused by safety design linked to the braking system. I read on other review that this is a drive by wire technology, so it may be controling something to make the car safer to passenger and driver. I still have to break in my car.

• 

  RELIABLE!!! - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Donal McCollum - April 26 - 3:00 pm

  I bought this car new in 1994. So far I have spent less than $1200 on repairs (New alternator and replace part of exhaust sys.) Total mileage:150000. All of these mile in Canada, many of them crossing the Rockies in the winter (10 times). The car has never given me the slightest problem apart from the 2 fixes mentioned. Amazing reliability. I regularly drive 800 miles in one day and I never have felt any discomfort. Fit and finish are excellent for the price. The front end and the rear end have both been in smash-ups, but no alignment was required. Excellent gas mileage and many drivers think it is a 4 cyl. Tires and brakes last for ever. I change the oil religiously every 3000 miles

• 

  Toyota driver for life - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Chandler, AZ Driver - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I will continue with Toyota Camrys until they let me down. I turned in my old reliable 87 Camry for the new 03 and am so far very pleased. It was tough saying good bye to old betsy, but wow, the camry has come a long way in the last 16 years! I can just pray that I got a good one and that it lasts 16 years like my last one. The main advantage I will say is the 3 3 point seat belts across the back seats. That, with the crash test results are great for a guy who carts around his three girls. Also, very roomy interior allows me to get two car seats and another older child very comfortably in the back with room to spare.

• 

  Great car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By G chen - April 23 - 5:57 am

  This is my second Camry, only repair work after 100K mileage was replace spark plugs, ignition coils and engine manifold gaskets. Overall I love this car. May buy another Camry or Avalon.

• 

  Great car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By G chen - April 23 - 5:57 am

  This is my second Camry, only repair work after 100K mileage was replace spark plugs, ignition coils and engine manifold gaskets. Overall I love this car. May buy another Camry or Avalon.

• 

  2010 Toyota Camry review - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By wolv3rine88 - April 22 - 9:20 pm

  I bought a 2010 Toyota Camry LE with the 2.5L 4cyl with an at from my local dealership first impressions was overall good build quality, excellent road handling although slightly stiff, and affordable I recently took it on a 500+ mile trip from Virginia to South Carolina fuel economy was astounding 39.4 mpg highway average ride was fine even on the terrible roads throughout north carolina to south carolina even for the 4 cyl acceleration was more than adequate no mater what situation going uphill or needing to get up and go on a 6 lane highway to pass did just fine the quality of parts is lower but not bad with all the recent incentives offered by Toyota it will be hard to pass up 2 thumbs up