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:

• 

  Good car. - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By malikj - March 23 - 5:25 am

  I have about 45k miles on it. Its a great car for the money. Ill stick with Toyota.

• 

  One of the best cars built - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By camryman - March 22 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Toyota Camry LE in 1997 with 40,000 miles on it. Since the day we sold it in 2002, it was one of the best cars you can buy. Rarely did it ever have any mechanical problems. It is extra safe, and even at 140,000 miles, when we sold it, it still ran like a new car. Sometimes we would put at least 1,000 pounds of yard rubbish, or construction equipment in the rear and in the trunk, and suprisingly, it held up, almost like a little pick-up truck. This car is good for anyone, or anything. I highly recommend it.

• 

  Camry - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Trick6960 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend and I have had our Camry v6 XLE for almost two years and all we have had to do is change the oil and the driver side cv axel. It drives great, handles great, has enough power to keep up with everybody, and its just fun.

• 

  Dollar for Dollar - Worlds Best! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin Demeter - March 22 - 7:30 am

  You want speed? The car will do 130 mph all day, all night guaranteed by Toyota. You want quiet? Be careful because you might turn the ignition key while the engine is running because you CANT hear it. You want value? Just talk to any Toyota Camry owner. The reason it is so hard to find used Camrys is because nobody will trade it in for any reason. You want comfort? My own son parked cars for summers at a hotel and said: "They took the Lexus design and no car matches the Camry for interior comfort. Not at that price, anyway." I could rave all day but I asked a mechanic - "Which is better, Lexus 300 or Camry?" "Theyre the same car - I cant tell, the Camry is so good."

• 

  The Best Camry of them All. The 2014 SE - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By abeman - March 22 - 4:57 am

  This is my third Camry, 2014, 2001 and 1995. And without question the Best Camry of them all. This car has Speed, Comfort and Supreme handling. The three major components as well as interior and exterior styling. The car is fast for a 4 cylinder and provides great mileage. Its comfortable with its basic seats. The handling is superb in the corners and at high speed. The gauges are large and easy to see. The bluetooth and the rear view camera are the best features I have seen in a car and they all came standard. I chose no options and this car has more than enough features. The Michelins tires are a bit noisy on the highway and I think the Bridgestone will be a better replacement.

• 

  2015 toyota camry le - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By captaint91 - March 22 - 4:17 am

  purchased new in December 2015. Car is the base model LE in attitude black with the Black tinted windows. Car is roomy and super comfy. The ride is very smooth and quiet. The 2.5 liter is strong but certainly not fast. It is quiet and we have averaged about 29 mpg. The base entune audio is more than adequate but do miss the low end sound only a sub can reproduce. Wind noise at hiway speeds on drivers side was unexpected but it is apparent. Thats my only complaint thus far.

• 

  2010 Camry SE - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Maz - March 21 - 9:33 pm

  Toyota has been known to make great cars. It drives like a dream... handling is amazing. Great on fuel, steering is responsive to any other car that I test drove... (including 2009 Altima, 2009 Mazda6) but it lacks only one thing: the interior is old and outdated... kinda feels like my grandfathers car on the inside. But its still a reliable and sturdy car!

• 

  Outside temp - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - March 20 - 11:33 pm

  We have had Camrys for many years and have found them to enjoyable and reliable. Traded our 05 XLE 4 banger for an 09 XLE 4 banger. Thought our 05 drove and rode better, but could be wrong. We enjoy our 09, but have found one minor glitch. The outside temp does not show all temps. For example, have never seen 62, 65, 69, and a bunch others. when these numbers are written down a pattern shows up. A tech. from Chicago has compared our 09 with another 09 and found them both to have the same "design" trouble, although he did not nor would not admit this was a problem. He did agree to send info on to be looked at by higher authorities.

• 

  Love this Car Despite Shortcomings - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - March 20 - 7:46 pm

  I love this car, despite obvious shortcomings. Bought it nearly new with only 12000 miles on the odometer to replace a rock solid 98 Accord on which I put over 200,000 mi. Camrys biggest shortcoming is the build quality of the interior. There are minor squeaks in the drivers seat, and the back seat makes a popping sound. Rear view mirror is a little loose already. The drive is silky smooth, however. The 4 Cyl has surprising pickup and shifts are much smoother than the 09 Accords I test drove. Handling of the SE is almost on par with the Accord and the ride is firm. Highway noise is quite. Despite the cheap looking seats, they are comfortable. All this makes driving a pleasure.

• 

  Navigation sucks!!! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Mrs. D - March 20 - 3:26 am

  Before you buy this vehicle, be sure that your cell phone is compatible with the Camry XLE 2015 . My husband purchased this vehicle for me is a birthday gift in June 2015, right off the showroom floor with only 10 miles on it. Before I even got 8K miles on it, I noticed the navigational system kept rebooting, going back to the Toyota welcome screen while I was driving the car. Toyota has had my car 3 times since we purchased it, so they finally figured out that my cell phone is not compatible ( Samsung Galaxy Note 5) with the car. We told Toyota corporation that should have been disclosed by their sales person before we made the purchase, so they said they will be doing an update to the entune app in March, but I think theres a defect in my navigation system. I will never ever purchase another Toyota vehicle, also the car has no get up in it, and the gas mileage is horrible. So before you buy a Camry XLE, be sure to do your homework first. Very disappointed Toyota Customer