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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  Beeps too Much - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By KrisD3 - November 4 - 3:35 pm

  WOW!! Love the exterior of this car and it is a dream to drive. My only complaint is that it beeps too much especially when I am trying to get into my tiny one car garage. I agree with the Edmunds Review, "overly sensitive". It also happens if if the road curves just a bit and I am too close to the white line when driving. I think they should have used a soothing voice instead, saying something like "Driving too close to outside curve" but instead its this jarring beep. I end up talking to the car, and saying things like, yes I know the car is too close to the edge. Usually I just crank up the radio. Once I thought it moved itself to the center of the road, so i wasnt so close to the white line. I am wishing I had leased now so I could get something probably equally as annoying in three years, but maybe, by then it will be a smooth quiet voice rather than those annoying beeps!!! (I got the 2018 but on here, I had to type in 2017 as there is no button for it)

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  Smooth Riding Beauty - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By AmJosh - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for an Impala, but as soon as I saw this camry, I was bought. It has everything that I wanted, like sunroof, alloy wheels smooth ride and a knock out punch form the V6 and a very good music system with cassette and cd. Realiability and ride quality are unbeatable as for any Toyota. Although handling is not quite stiff, but its very much accurate and more than sufficient for turning with 10 to 20 above speed limit on freeway exit ramps. I love this car.

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  I love this car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By auburnfan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my first Toyota of any kind, a Camry. I love driving this car, because it handles so well. I love the quiet engine. This car is a must have for anyone looking for a dependable, smooth, and comfortable ride. I havent had the car for a very long time, but I can say it is a car I look forward to driving.

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  NOT MEANT FOR SHORT PEOPLE - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By dendennnn - November 2 - 7:12 pm

  I am 5 feet tall. I have to pull my seat out so close, that I cant even pull down the visor when the sun is out or itll hit my head. (Also pulling the eat in and out sucks because the button makes it move so slow.) The Camry is meant for tall, big or buff guys. Not for a 5 foot lady! Its a good car. Some cons are that it doesnt even have a compass. I cant fast forward my music either. It is a reliable car and its good on gas. I never fill up more than half because the as wastes less this way. I get about 20-23 mpg.

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  Not what I expected from Toyota - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By WJROCK07 - November 1 - 5:16 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Camry because of the looks of the redesigned model and because of the "legendary" Toyota quality and reliability. As of today, I am a bit disappointed in the build quality of the car. First of all, the interior has way too many cheap plastic parts (like the cheap plastic center piece that houses the clock.) Second, during this past winter, an annoying dashboard rattle has developed in two places.(by the right speaker & behind the instrument panel). Also, Toyota has continued to make the Camry larger, but has failed to increase the horsepower of the 4 cylinder. Therefore, more RPMs are needed to accelerate which kills my fuel economy.

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  Great car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By toyota3000 - October 30 - 11:03 pm

  I traded a Yaris in for the Camry, lost about 8-10 MPG, but the 3.5 is a great engine. If you want mileage, get the Yaris or Corolla. If you want the Camry, AT LEAST get the 2.5 four. Great power and very quiet engine.

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  2 years and 20,000+ miles later - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Kevin - October 30 - 10:13 am

  Very smooth and comfortable traveling car. Toyota quality built into this car. Huge trunk. Great sounding stereo. This car makes me feel safe when driving, especially with optional 4-W ABS. Very good car for driving in snow and rain.

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  Great commuter - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By crisart - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This was a great purchase. Never worried at high altitude, in the snow, in the heat, it always ran beautifully. Routine maintenance and tires were all it needed.

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  Not the quality I expected - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By irishlager - October 30 - 9:31 am

  This is my first Toyota. As time goes on, I am less and less impressed. At 32k I had to replace my tires. At 40k I had to replace all four struts and all four sway bar links. These are all premature repairs and I expected more from Toyota.

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  great car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Woody - October 29 - 12:10 am

  I just bought this car and it is a great car, with a lot of standard options for its price.