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:

• 

  OVERALL EXCELLENT and easy to customize - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By superflykhaeyo - December 15 - 1:39 am

  Bought this car in 01/2014, it is 7/24/2014 and had to do NOTHING, but an oil change,, ERROR FREE. love the sequential shift. this car handles GREAT in the snow,however the seats are UNCOMFORTABLE The transmission shifts HARD when you release gas at highway speeds, but this transmission is VERY responsive and gets very sporty when you drive agressively, it is very helpfull but the handling sucks because the steering is SLOW, and sooo UN-ATHLETIC, but changing lights(interior) are very easy, everything normally pops out with a screwdriver and headlight are simple too

• 

  Jerky disappointment - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By phoward47 - December 13 - 7:20 pm

  The transmission shifts jerky at low speed. Slow down to 8-10 mph (like at a yield) and press the gas normal and the car will jerk hard as it downshifts from second to first. Think of a young kid learning to drive a clutch. That is the best way to describe this. The bigger problem comes when passing on the freeway. You see a gap and floor it but nothing happens for 3-5 seconds. I think this is because there is no longer a cable from the gas pedal to the engine... its all done by computer now. My 99 Camry with 160,000 miles had better throttle response and shifted smoother than this car does!

• 

  140,000 miles and still going strong! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By mgirardelli - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 93 Camry SE V6 seven years ago and it is still as great as the day I bought it! Tons of power, blows away other comparable V6 vehicles. So far I have 140,000 on this car and I have no intention of selling it anytime soon. The only major issue I have had is that the transmission had to be rebuilt at 130,000. I should point out that I have been harder than usual on this car.

• 

  Toyota Camry xle v6 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By nole60 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Althought I have only approximately 2000 miles on my Camry, I believe I have formed some clear opinions on its quality. The ride is terrific. It is not a sport sedan, however it handles quite well and should satisfy the vast majority of drivers. The v6 has enough power for the preponderance of American drivers and is quiet and smooth. The overall build quality is excellent.

• 

  Good pricing and good card - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Huu ly - December 12 - 6:30 am

  I have Toyota Avalon XLE . Just buy before this Camry SE like 3 week. But my Camry is better than Avalon. Save gas

• 

  Reassurance for those wondering - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Patrick H. - December 10 - 8:46 pm

  I had some hesitation in buying this car because of all the issues (e.g. transmission problems, etc.) addressed on several online forums. I havent experienced any problems in 4K miles. I am particularly impressed with the V6 performance. I drive on the autobahn in Germany and this car keeps up with the BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes (top speed elec. limited to 140 mph). Germans who spent thousands more stare in disbelief when I am on their tail. Other cars may be faster, but for real world driving (even on the autobahn), this car is more than adequate. Forget all the naysayer reviews which quibble about handling - you arent going to drive on a racetrack.

• 

  best car i have ever owned - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By DOC - December 10 - 8:05 pm

  all the people writing bad things about this car are out of there minds,for the money you cant find a better car,ive owed 6 accords and 2 sonatas and they dont compare to the Camry.,great car

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jmstt - December 10 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased this car because it had everything I was looking for. Performance, 0 to 60 in 6.1 seconds. Practicality, good interior space, easy to get in and out of including putting an infant in a car seat. Luxury, when I test drove this car I thought I was in a Lexus. It is very solid. The JBL radio with the handsfree bluetooth system is worth every penny. I couldnt believe how easy it was to pair with my cell phone. Every time I get in the car it automatically finds my phone. The sound quality is excellent and answering or dialing a call couldnt be easier. The six speed auto transmission is very smooth.

• 

  97 Camry XLE best car ever - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Julie Murray - December 9 - 11:16 pm

  I cannot imagine having loved a car more than this one....19 years and 245,000 miles later, I wish I could keep it forever, but it is time for me to get a new car and pass this on to someone who really needs it and cant afford one!

• 

  Buy this car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By jbblanch - December 9 - 7:13 am

  I needed a commuter car to replace ancient Cavalier. Got familiar with Toyotas when my wife got the Sienna ly. The Camry Standard was ideal for the commute (1 hr each way, so I wanted some room) and the pocket. Dont bother with the upgrade to LE, color matched mirrors arent worth the grand. Drives smooth as silk and has suprisingly good pick-up. Roomy back seat allows for the booster seat for my 2 year old without jamming his legs (Im 6ft and need the seat back). Nice headroom too.