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 over Accord. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By VA for Camrys - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Camry LE w/ABS over the Accord LX. Had both at my house for 48 hours. The Camry has a smoother and quieter ride, more room and looks more expensive. The Accord is a good car and superior to the Altima and Galant, but doesnt stack up to the Camry. The Accord is a little quicker and has sportier handling, but if I wanted that Id buy a sports car not a 4 door sedan. I guess thats why the Camry is still outselling Accords. While testing the two cars I noticed that the Accord had a cheaper feel to its interior, the Camry just felt like a more expensive car. My final verdict came after I drove both on the interstate, the Camry won hands down!

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  Had it with Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By johnzorba - April 5 - 4:30 am

  Ive had several warranty repairs on this car. The motor for the Camry driver seat back went just after the warranty expired. I probably used it less than a dozen times. The electric drivers window can not be set to partial open. Its noisy. I keep thinking a window is open somewhat. Gas mileage is not what was listed. My A/C is intermittent and the dealer cant fix it until it is totally gone. If you drop something between the drivers seat and the console, good luck trying to get to it. Paint job needs improvement. Ive always bought Toyoyas, but this may be my last.

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  For all the Camry lovers out there this is THE CAR. - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By omikron - April 3 - 5:46 pm

  Just wanted to share my recent purchase experiences with this car. I test drove Camry SE, Sonata(regular), Accord LX. The reason I didnt try the sportier versions of Accord and Sonata was simply because I didnt feel that other than the rims anything was different. Anyways, Ive almost purchased Sonata due to very nice look and great price they gave me. Though walked out saying will return the next morning(so to speak sleep on it). Went to drive 2011 Camry SE (4cyl, 6A) the next day and simply didnt want to get out of the car. The bad things(in my opinion) that Ive noticed in Sonata right away were: engine noise, transmission shifting was awkward, visibility limited.

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  High School Car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Monkeywrencher - April 2 - 9:16 pm

  As a college student I find this to be a perfect car. I have had this car for several years and have only had minor issues with it. One complaint is the windows! Back passenger side window will not roll up or down..currently held in place with clear duct tape. Drivers window will not roll up unless you wait 5 min to gain 1 inch of window. Other than that I have never had any engine problems and love my car! So much better than my old Chevy Blazer 1994!

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By lvrebel85 - April 1 - 12:03 am

  This car has been with me almost six years and its been a good run. This was my college car so it probably got quite a bit more abuse than most, especially in the Nevada desert with 115+ degree days. I love the reliability and with regular maintenance still runs like new at 140k. Its at the age where more problems pop up (bad cam/crank seals, timing belt, transmission, pwr window regulator, brakes brakes brakes) but I think any car would do the same. fuel econ worsens with the age of the car too. They dont make camrys like this anymore or else Id buy a 2010 - shame. My next purchase will be a 10 Ford Fusion; hopefully it will be as good to me as my camry.

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  1999 Toyota Camry in N Maine - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By jsteffes - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car for $8500 and it had only 34,000 miles. The engine was clean and it ran perfect. The tires need replacing (stock tires), the interior needed some cleaning up, and the flex-pipe for the exhaust was replaced (covered under warranty); but other than that the car is very sound. It has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual transmission. At first I was wanting the automatic trans but with the high gas prices and the extra oomph with the manual, Im glad I actually purchased it with the 5-speed.

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  2015 RED HOT CAMRY ROCKS! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Brenda Adkins - March 29 - 6:00 am

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  No wonder it is #1 selling sedan - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Jeremy Olive - March 27 - 1:30 am

  We traded in a crew cap pickup for our camry. We love the fuel economy, its smooth quiet ride. We average close to what the sticker said on fuel economy. This is a great family car, does great around town and on the highway.

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  Toyota out-does itself again!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Fan - March 25 - 7:20 pm

  I am a 21 yr. old male and typically you wouldnt see us driving Toyotas just yet. I just purchased a 2005 Toyota Camry SE 4cyl, and wow am I so happy I decided on the camry over the audi line-up. Thanks again Toyota

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  Front seats are a pain in the you know what! - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Boring Dad - March 24 - 12:19 am

  I have owned this SE since June 2014. Mostly used for commuting to work and weekend duties (two HS athletes to follow). On a few occasions I have driven the car to the Carolina coast (from Ohio). The main issue I have with the car is the horribly uncomfortable front seats. I cant drive in the car more than two hours without needing to stop and stretch. I never experienced sciatic pain until I owned this car. I think its a combination of the low seat position and the thickness of the seating materials. Toyota probably had to thin the lower seat to accommodate the power seat mechanicals. Another issue is if I adjust the seat upward to achieve a more comfortable seating position, I bump my head getting in and out of the car. Im not very tall (510") but this has been an issue as well. I suggest renting this car for a weekend if you are planning on buying one. A 10-15 minute test drive with the salesman doesnt reflect the true character of this car.