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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  2001 Toyota Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By jenny541 - August 17 - 5:10 pm

  I have loved my Toyota Camry! It drives super smooth and the V6 engine is awesome. Besides being a safe car, it feels safe. It handles curves well, stops quickly and Ive never lost control of it. Even in the snow, it has only fish-tailed once!

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By AH - August 16 - 9:56 am

  Almost bought the 6-cylinder but, opted for the four. Fantastic gas mileage! Packed the car for a weeks trip and it was loaded...no problem going up the hills to the mountains! With gas prices the way they are we felt we couldnt go wrong with the Camry. The trunk is spacious and held lots of cargo. Very happy with our purchase.

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  Love my XLE 6 - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Tom Brown - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Like the previous Camrys we bought it for its ride, reliability and value. Have also owned Accords and chose the Camry over the Accord because of better ride, bigger trunk, and towing capacity. Glad the we didnt wait for the new Accords as the back end is unattractive. Like some previous reviews Ive read have had intermittent problems with the transmission jerking slightly between 40 and 50 both during acceleration and deceleration. Of course it did not do it when I took it to the dealer. . Love the car overall and would recommend it to anyone. Liked the Avalon also, but couldnt justify $2500 difference in price.

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  Reliability...what reliability!?! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - August 15 - 3:53 am

  My family has always owned Toyotas and reliability was always ok but not perfect. When it came time to pick a car for myself after graduating I thought the sensible thing would be to buy a Camry. I was wrong. This car has been nothing short of a nightmare. In less than a years time of ownership, I now know almost everyone at the dealer service desk by name! First it was transmission problems which have never been completely resolved. A dead battery caused by electrical issues,(not my fault) that left me stranded. Radio died after only 3 months. Exterior paint has not held up well though first winter. Other more minor issues including a tail-light bulb that keep going out.

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  Best Ever - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By toyotaown2 - August 14 - 4:12 am

  This car is a blast to drive, and great to ride in. The room inside is exceptional for a car that provides this type of performance. No matter if you are in the front passenger seat or back seat. All the little features really make this car special. Great gas mileage and got a great deal. Without a dobut this car is a great choice, and oh, Lifetime Waranty makes it all the more special.

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  Superb reliability - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By Very happy customer - August 14 - 1:55 am

  Bought my 94 Camry 2.2L in 2011 with 107,000 miles. Now has 157, 000 and have only replaced the starter and oil changes. Starter went out due to sitting in the garage for almost a year, due to circumstances, not mechanical issues. Honestly the best car Ive ever owned. The reliability of this car is ridiculously high. Last winter we got a ton of snow and she powered through everywhere we went with no issues. Even had to push my girlfriends SUV into our driveway with it. Cant go wrong with this car, my only complaints are: the the A/C hasnt worked since I bought it due to a leak. And the muffler rusted off, so its louder than normal but not excessive. Parts are easy to find and cheap to buy if you need them. Highly recommended Around 25-30 mpg,

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  An Amazing Buy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By nutcake - August 13 - 4:33 pm

  I love this car. The key less entry is great for shopping. It drives really smoothe. This is my third Camry, I had a 96, 98, and now a 2007. Very roomy.

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  The Poor Mans Lexus - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By GregVas - August 12 - 9:36 pm

  From day one, the Camry has exceeded nearly all my expectations. The engine is strong providing brisk acceleration. The interior is top notch and the navigation system is very intuitive. The sound system is superb providing clear and crisp audio - even when played loudly. From the heated seats, to the push button start, to the MP3 capability and on screen selection capabilities this car is truly a joy. Im consistently amazed at how much response there is off the line from the V6. And, the response doesnt end there, at highway speeds when you punch the accelerator the engine downshifts and provides a surge of forward motivation.

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  Nice value - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bryan - August 11 - 4:33 am

  We bought the 2007 Camry CE after trying the Honda Accord LE, CRV, Toyota RAV4, Matrix, Prius, Subaru Forester, and Legacy. Hands-down, the Camry was the quietest, most comfortable car; although the Prius was cool, but overpriced. Auto transmission is smooth, 4 cyl. engine is strong enough for everyday driving, handling is crisp with a good feel for the road, fuel economy is great. Many safety features are standard this year. We have only put about 200 miles on it so far, but we like it! I would definitely test drive one if you are shopping for a mid- size sedan. We even started out looking at small SUVs and found this gem. :-)

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  A dream car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By hmurphy - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in 1996 and it has provided trouble-free driving ever since. I even used it to tow a U-Haul over the Rockies. Everything still works perfectly and it still feels new.