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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  GOOD CAR - BAD DEALER - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By green thumb - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota purchase. No problem there. The dealer gave us a great deal, but on delivery they claimed the vehicle did;t come with floor mats and they didnt provide a full tank of gas. it has taken us approximately 6 weeks to get a check refund to cover these items. This happened only because I threatened to report them to Consumer Affairs. It is hard to find an honest dealer. My wife had a similar problem when she purchased her Highlander.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owened - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By T. Alva - August 9 - 4:20 am

  Bought new in 1999 (V-6 2000 model). Ive put over 168,000 miles on the car (driven across the US twice). In snow, ice, & sandstorms. Never a whimper of trouble. Getting 30 mpg. at 70-75 mph, and 20 mpg in-town. Replaced tires three times (Michelin Hydra - the best), windshield once, brakes done three times. Use only Mobile-1 oil. The only problem I had was when replacing timing-belt, had a new water-pump installed since the access was there. Service center used a non-toyota (cheap) pump that went bad in two months. New Toyota pump replaced and been running perfectly since (68,000 miles ago). I hate the thought of having to sell this car.

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  steering - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By michellett - August 7 - 6:59 am

  Overall I like the car, but feel my 2013 Camry was "easier to drive" and more comfortable. The main problem Im having with this car is the steering feels too tight, like it has too much resistance. My 2013 Camry was so easy to steer, barely any resistance, and could almost turn it with only my finger. Now I feel like I have to always be gripping the wheel tightly, and actually put effort into turning it. The pedals feel stiff as well, especially the brake. Im hoping after it gets broken in it will loosen up somewhat.

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  toyota - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By bob dole - August 6 - 10:00 am

  very good. a excellent choice for anyone who wants a very good used car that is automatic.

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  Its a Lexus Jr.! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By KC Houston, TX - August 6 - 10:00 am

  It is meant to be a larger family car that is more refined in nature and has a long, long, history of auto reliability. That Camrys nature is reflected in smoothness and comfort. Its a Lexus ES300 Jr! The Camry is a great car for the price. It has a wonderfully quiet cabin (minus the crisp tire/road response) and looks and feels like a much more expensive car. Handling could be improved, as well as the horsepower, but my wife and I are quite pleased with the 2003 Camry.

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  The Epitome of Reliability! - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Camrys for Life! - August 5 - 8:53 pm

  Our Camry is now 13 years old and is still uber-reliable with plenty of power thanks to its silky smooth V6. Still on the original A/C and no problems except some rust. The car always starts on the first turn of the key and it just keeps going and going. When it came time to purchase a second family car, we bought an 05 Camry 4-cylinder. You know what? The 95 compares favorably in terms of comfort and ride quality! We added reverse sensors and an aftermarket radio and the car is downright perfect. Still looks like new (I detail it every other week) and one guy offered to buy it as he walked by! We love both our Camrys equally.

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  The best buy available today - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Thomas - August 5 - 6:40 pm

  Once I decided to trade-in my 2009 Accord due to the annoying amount of road noise and front brake issues I test drove every thing in the $20-30k segment. I may have gone with the Fusion if it were not for the cheap interior. I really liked the Sonata however I didnt want to risk the poor resale value. I chose the Camry as I was willing to give up some handling for fit and finish and ride. The mpgs are great too. This is the first Toyota Ive owned and couldnt be happier. Like the Accord there are a lot of Camrys out on the road but I dont feel it takes away from its underrated looks. I think the exterior design is very fluid and could have easily been a more expensive car.

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  I love my Camry! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Momof2 - August 4 - 4:20 pm

  We bought this Camry one year old. It has 112,500 miles now. I plan to keep it at least a few more years because it is so reliable. Catalytic converter failed in 2009 in a different state but the Camry got us home! That is the only major repair. This year we drove it 13 hours one way on vacation and got 36 mpg with a full trunk, 2 adults & 2 kids!

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  bad a/c - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By daisy - August 4 - 2:06 pm

  This is my 2nd Camry. I have had major problems with A/C. The compressor, motor, and other components had to be replaced. Getting parts was a real hassle. Also, the intermittent wipers did not work when I bought it. I have had to replace tires at less than 30,000 miles which is rediculous. I dont know if I have a lemon or what.I am aprehensive about the A/C.

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  Unhappy - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Depressed - July 30 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car with 11000 miles on it and now has 81000 miles. Its now starting to give us trouble. The catalytic converter went out at 81000. The transmission failed at 81200. What next? Not the best car Ive ever owned.