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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  Overrated as usual - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By jdowmiller - July 6 - 12:50 pm

  Purchased this car after a teenager totalled an otherwise perfect Nissan. Bought it based on the endless positive reviews here and elsewhere. I wasnt expecting much more than a safe commuter but it hasnt even lived up to that modest task. I have the usual problems: steering rack is broken - this is totally unacceptable, especially for a "high-quality" car; strut mounts rattle; rotors needed replaced and now brake pads squeal (regardless of brand or amount of adjustment). My belief is that Toyotas reputation for quality is based solely on their indestructible cars of the 80s and very early 90s. This generation of Camry is simpy an average car overall.

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  The War Horse That Would Never Die - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Spencer - July 6 - 12:06 pm

  My wife got this car new before we met in 1999. It had 18k on it when I came along. Now its less than 500 miles from 400k. It has been the epitome of reliable. Its had some replacement items (front struts, some axle work and transmission at 370k), but that is to be expected for a car that has been driven the distance of earth to the moon...plus another 161k on the surface of the moon! The only design flaw are the plastic door handles which over time simply break off. My brother-in-law owns car dealerships and actually sold my wife this unit but even he said theres no way to retrofit a metal handle on the doors. So I just get tie wraps and loop them through to allow easy entry to the car. Weird? Sure, but I dont care. No car payments is a good kind of "weird" so Im driving this sucker til the wheels fall off. Even then Ill just throw some spares on and go another 400k! This is to update my original report shown above. 13,000 miles later and shes still running. As noted above my Camry shows her age (original gray exterior paint has some degree of fading in spots but this is 20 year old paint, so that should come as no surprise. Overall, I couldnt be happier to drive this highly durable vehicle and hope I can still say this a few years from now.

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  Better than an Avalon or Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - July 6 - 6:23 am

  After 55,000 miles I am still impressed. Tested Avalon and Lexus and just not worth the money compared to the XLE V6. Get about 30 MPG routine driving, still surprised at comfortable ride and quietness. JBL sound system still works excellently, as does everything. The layout of the dash, consoles, etc. is much better than the Avalon or the Lexus. Have not had to replace or repair anything. The leather shows almost no wear compared to other cars I have had with leather. Doesnt get any better than this.

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  Fast - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By wu - July 5 - 10:53 am

  We have had this Camry about two years now, and it is not a boring car but it is smooth, comfortable and has good road manner, and overall it is a good car.

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  Car is great, but sucks too - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By slick_willie - July 4 - 7:50 pm

  Attention. The manual is crappy in 1-2 or 2-3. It just is a bad combination to have the wallowy suspension and clutch be not smooth. The only way it is decent is if you are trying to use it like a racecar, but most people dont drive to 4000 rpm and then shift. Cupholders.. This car is TERRIBLE. If you take a trip and have a cooler,, forget it. You drink a can of coke for you and your passenger. When you want another one? Where can you put it? NOWHERE. on my honda, I can put 4 cans under the radio (zero for the camry) I can also put 6 cans in the door. ZERO for the camry. The door storage is worthless except for a paperback book. in 3rd -6th gear.. I love it.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned By Far!!! - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Ryan Norred - July 3 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased my Camry eleven months ago as a replacement for my 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 S which had battery & transmission problems & its a huge improvement. The first car I bought was a 2006 Toyota Corolla S which I drove for five and a half years with no problems, so Im happy to be back with Toyota! I still love it just as much as when I first drove it off the lot! Despite mine being a XSE with the sport-tuned suspension, the ride quality is not that bad, handling is responsive enough & the interior is quiet. The 3.5L V6 engine is very powerful, very smooth & very quiet. I test drove a 4-cylinder version as well & its pleasant enough, but bought the V6 for its extra refinement & rarity. The seats are comfortable & the interior has plenty of legroom. I love the styling very much both outside & inside & the touchscreen controls are simple. Mine is Black with the black leather/suede interior with the red stitching which has a very tasteful & sporty look! Its about as fuel efficient as my previous car, but with nearly 100 more horsepower. Im planning to keep this car for at least ten years as it has all the horsepower & luxury features ill ever need & it will likely be very reliable as Camrys always have been!

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  Camry is great - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By theraywatcher - July 2 - 9:03 pm

  Bought my 1997 with 59,000 miles and have not looked back. Besides the oil changes and other "wear" maintainance, the only repair I had to do was a powersteering rack replacement. The car now has 112,000 and still going strong.

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  Amazing Car! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By norminator78 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best cars ever made, period. The engine is bulletproof, quite, and pretty responsive for being as economical as it is. I averaged 35 on the highway! It has the perfect amount of interior room, the way it is laid out is perfect, and it has a very roomy trunk. I was very surprised at how great the factory speakers sounded when I swapped out the original cassette player for an Aiwa CD player. I sold this car with just over 160,000 miles on it, and it still ran and drove just as well, if not better than most newer cars I have driven. I only sold it because I wanted stick. I wish I hadnt sold it!

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  Camry is a solid car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By californiacam - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased an 05 Camry XLE V-6, I could not be happier with it. It was not the cheapest car I looked at, however it had the most bang for the buck.

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  Boring, quiet, but great resale - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Geek with cars - July 1 - 9:40 am

  This is my second Camry and I certainly like the feel and look of it, however, there are some mechanical flaws with the tranny that have made me question the purchase. It rides quietly but is so vanilla that handling wise I find myself bored. Some may find that good, but the car cannot be pushed on ramps or tight turns. In the end it will be a great car for 16 year old daughter to drive. For me, I think I am going to need something else soon