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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  2007 camry le - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By enki1 - March 12 - 8:45 am

  Hi, I bought my camry new from the dealership. The only problem I had its that at 70k miles started burning oil a lot, I brough the car to service dep and they told me that is a had gusket, and they fixed cause was under warranty, but the car still burned oil as much as the beginning. I brough back to Toyota and they were saying that the car is to old thats y is burning this much oil. I stop dealing with Toyota service dep. My camry now has 190k still runs good, it doesnt have the same pick up as it used to but still runs good. At 7 years I have changed tires twice, 2 batteries, struts once, a radiator, a lot of adding oil, and oil changes every 5k miles. my new car would be a camry again

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  Best car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By mikki tran - March 11 - 2:23 pm

  This car is the best for the money, hands down. Good fuel mileage, fun to drive and a whole lot more horse power than all the domestic cars in the same class.

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  Continuing problems - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By rjloblaw - March 10 - 9:20 am

  Acceleration is adequate, but torque is all but absent! Too much weight for the old four cylinder engine. The transmission/computer is a major issue. Unexpected downshifting on pimple sized grades when in cruise, upshifting when decelerating, peculiar hold back sensations when at low speeds are among the problems experienced by me and, obviously, others. Poor mileage is yet another factor as is the numerous blind spots resulting from the appearance over proper design issues. Dealers do not handle the transmission matters well as Ive had no luck in clearing up the inadequacies. Is Toyota losing control as they grow in size or is their arrogance the major problem? My first & last Camry!

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  Great New Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By New Toyota Owner - March 7 - 2:16 pm

  Recently purchased the New 2009 Camry SE. I like nearly everything. Would have liked to see slightly softer seating but that is all I can think at this point. Lots of fun to drive, great gas mileage, and the design of the car is very cool. The SE model has average features for the money.

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  Great Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By pauly45 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Camrys are the best, this is my second Camry and wont be my last.

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  the best car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By hadie - March 7 - 10:00 am

  a wonderful car that satisfy all your interests

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  I would not buy it again - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By jim smith1234 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife to drive. She and my 2 kids really like it. Whenever I drive it on weekends and trips I cannot help but notice the poor handling and poor braking. This car handles like a buick. The car leans on almost turn. The brakes are very soft. You foot almost goes down to the floor when stopping. Also the driver side door handle broke off the first week we had the car and we had to wait three weeks before they could get the part in. The automatic drivers seat also slides during driving.

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  Never Again - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By chip schell - March 6 - 9:56 pm

  After about 12,000 miles, this car started to fall apart. Rattles everywhere. Have replaced the steering column, brakes and rotors already before 32k miles. Problems with loud rattles in sunroof mounting. Misaligned fender. Busted trim. The antenna in the roof was disconnected and rattled. They have had to take the dash apart to fix rattles that are still there. AC smelled horrible. Suspension is noisy and squishy. All Toyota can say is sorry, but cars have problems. Have had it in the shop 12 times in the last 15 months. So much for Toyota quality. This doesnt even include any of the issues associated with the recall. I cant get rid of this car soon enough.

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  Good Value for the Money - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By AD - March 5 - 9:53 am

  My Camry is solidly built and handles well. Selected the GY side airbag option due to the poor showing without in the IIHS.org testing. Detect minor surging at stop lights and some transmission searching at border shift speeds (much like my Sequoia) but neither is problematic. First tank of gas yielded almost 23 mpg which is pretty good considering it is not broken in and my city driving is excessive. Goodyear tires are definite upgrade with aluminum wheels. Driver and passenger cloth seating is not as comfortable as I would like and the leather option might be worth considering. Ride is quieter than a Honda but still a bit noiser than I would like. Overall, good value for the money.

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  Winner - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Montana - March 4 - 4:56 pm

  Not sure what car some of the other reviewers are writing about, but our Camry has been a joy. One of the very few products weve purchased that we are as happy with 4 years later as we were on the day we bought it. We ordered it fully loaded, and everything works like new. The quietness, smoothness and plush ride always makes us feel like we are in a luxury car. It so good, we dont slow down for speed bumps. Long trips - 34 MPG at 85. Around town, 26 - 27. Plenty of power, shifting so smooth we are rarely aware of it. Pulls large hills at speed without complaint. Nice audio system, flawless sun roof, great cruiser. Much prefer our 2002 design to the funky 2007