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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  Ready to Trade - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - February 21 - 1:56 am

  I purchased a 2009 Toyota Camry SE in March and will be trading it very soon. Only has 800, but I would rather not have a bad back. The seats in the Camry are the most uncomfortable seats of any car Ive ever owed. The ride is smooth and the car is quiet, decent gas mileage and nice style. NO pickup at all. This car is to big for a 4 cylinder and it hesitates when you press on the gas as you start off. Not good if you plan to do a lot of highway driving. Toyota should be ashamed of themselves for designed such uncomfortable seats. Honda here I come.

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  good basic car - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By revfiddle - February 19 - 11:22 am

  We have had this car since new, and its been great. No repairs necessary.

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  A Quiet Car - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Munawar Mahmood - February 19 - 8:13 am

  The first thing you notice when you drive the car is the cockpit like view of the road, the second thing you notice is how quiet the car is. The mileage is good, Im getting 26-27 mpg and I just bought the car. Its very comfortable. Road handling is excellent, very roomy and comfortable. I just wished it had more power.

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  Great car but not very reliable - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By H Hoang - February 19 - 12:10 am

  I owned the Camry for almost 2 years now. This car rides very smooth and comfort, good gas mileage. Steering feels very unstable on windy day, highway only. My only concern is power steer broke at 30K miles, whole rack and pinion system replaced. I am very suprised, this seems to be very early for Toyota car. Manufacture covered the cost, around $900. Other than this problem, I think Camry is a good car for family.

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  White with comfort package and sunroof 2500 miles - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By ericnla - February 18 - 12:37 pm

  Coming from a 2006 prius and 2012 prius this was fun to go back to a large size car. Down side no downward facing mirror for parallel parking cant see curb. I do think for 28K it should have the blind spot monitor and front collision warning/stop system. Also could use start/stop technology and stop lights like the prius Gas milage is good average 27-30mpg on my 19 mile commute.

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  Pray you dont have a problem - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Atlanta Sucker - February 18 - 10:00 am

  The computer chips in the Camry seem to be hard for the dealer to diagnose. My Camry has been in the shop for 45 days in the six months I have owned it. Toyota at both the dealership and regional level treats you like you are public enemy number 1 for daring to have a problem with their car. The biggest mistake of my consumer career has been the purchase of my second Toyota.

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  se camry2003 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mspris - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this camry it is my first one and it wont be my last one to own either. I feel very safe in the car with my family. It has great pickup gas milege and really great options and features. The indash 6 disc changer is great you just load them in and you dont have this changer in your way. We load stuff in trunk with no problem large and spacious.

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  FINALLY! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By STEALTH - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW THIS CAR RIDES. IT IS SO SMOOTH, QUIET, FAST AND GREAT ON GAS. I TRADED IN A CIVIC AND THIS CAR GETS BETTER GAS MILEAGE WITH MORE ROOM AND THE FEEL OF A "LUXURY" CAR. MOST IMPORTANTLY TO ME IS THE SAFETY REPUTATION.

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  Good But....... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By James - February 16 - 6:30 pm

  I think Camry has come a long way and made a outstanding, solid and remarkable car but sometimes, even the best of minds miss the simple things the customers are looking for. Where did the sun visor extension disappear Toyota? I feel theres a little more road noise then the previous Camrys. Overall, its a great car but dont take away what customers really want. Why cant Toyota can give standard Stablity and Traction Control?

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  Unhappy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mike williams - February 16 - 4:46 pm

  The appearance of the new camry is great. I had a 1995 camry and loved it. This 2007 camry does not live up to the camry tradition. Gas mileage is poor, 25 mpg. The gas pedal & transmission are out of sync. At lower speeds when you try to give it gas an intermittent delay occurs between the gas pedal & transmission. This is dangerous. When it finally decides to engage the auto jerks forward. Car looks good but it is seriously dangerous. Dash also rattles.