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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  best of many - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Gurple - June 9 - 9:03 am

  I bought this car new in 98. My only real gripe with the car is seat comfort, the seat bottoms are too short and I have never fit the car. I guess I should have paid for a power seat, maybe I could have found a comfortable position. Durability has been terrific, 92 thousand miles, orig brakes, only replaced battery, gas cap, tires and tail light bulbs. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. The V6 engine has excellent power and is smooth. Ill buy another Toyota, but one that fits me next time.

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  A Well Designed Family Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By JerryS - June 9 - 3:13 am

  Looking for a basic family sedan, I drove numerous brands over many months. The quality of construction, ride, quietness, and legroom are excellent. While the 4 cylinder does not have the punch of the Honda Accord 4 cylinder, the comfort and quietness of the ride won out. Others have complained about the "pause" on downshift when hitting the gas. Its there. But it doesnt bother me the way I drive. Seating front and rear is excellent.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By CarGuyOne - June 9 - 1:30 am

  Excellent car for the money. Comfortable, standard features are more than adequate and the reputation cannot be beat.

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  21 K dollar Rattle Trap - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By johnk - June 7 - 4:13 am

  I started getting rattles from the dash area as soon as I drove it off the dealers lot. Took it back 7 times and they could not resolve it. Told me to drive and bring it back before the 36k mile warranty and they would try again to fix the rattles. Brakes feel spongy and original Goodyear tires were lousy in rain. Changed to Yokohama tires and drives like a different car. City gas mileage is only 22. Highway is 34. Last Toyota for me. Will buy Honda Accord or Civic. Toyota dealer support is lousy. They dont spend much time trying to fix warranty problems.

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  This car is ok, but..... - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By yesitsme. - June 7 - 2:16 am

  I bought this used with 77,000 miles on it. The previous owners too good care of it. The fabric was nice and like new. Someone eventually ran into me at 101,000 and totaled it. It was good on gas, very comfortable and had power seats which I liked. The stereo sounded good when dialed up loud. The car looked nice except for the back looked outdated. I did a few minor repairs plus some major ones. There is a long bar in the front by the engine forget what they call it. It was going to cost me 1,200 to have fixed, I found someone for 700. It had some dry rot. Then around 100,000, the struts were going bad and that would have been 800. The owners had EuroTour Big O tires that were great and lasted a long time. Overall, an acceptable car. Too bad it was totaled.

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  2007 SE Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jablusonata - June 6 - 9:52 am

  I have been very dissappointed with the 07 SE Toyota Camry. I purchased new and it currently has about 65k. So far I had the rotars resurfaced; reset the right front end fender; and after replacing factory tires, the back of the veicles makes a loud metal rubbing sound. I have taken it back to the dealer and the tire store and they both are unable to "duplicate" the noise. I wish I could get a straight answer. Has anyone experienced this problem? This is the 1st Toyota that I have ever had problems with.

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  Follow up review - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By asmith9779 - June 6 - 12:26 am

  The main reason for this review is to add the "broken in" gas mileage. I first reported at the start that the 4 cylinder Camry got 34.4 at 70 MPH, this in May 2006, highway, 24-mpg all around driving. After 24,000 miles I am getting 36.5 mpg at 70 miles an hour, highway. At 75mph I get 34.5 mpg. At 55 mph I get over 50 mpg. The car has like 4 times the power of our old VW beetles. So, to us, this car really flies. My 93 Cadillac has more power, but my wifes Camry rides and drives better, believe or not. I still love my old Cadillac, but the Camry is really a great car. Its also easier on my wifes back on trips.

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  my 3rd Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By LGL - June 5 - 2:00 am

  you can benchmark it against the lexus ES300. From quality to comfort, it is great. The ride is second to none,the 4 cyl is all you need, and you get great gas mil. The fit -doors,dashboard,seats is all perfect. buy this one and dollar for dollar you will not go wrong. Dont be fooled and purchase something cheaper you will get what you paid for. By the way, Champion in Corpus Christi will treat you right!

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  Automotive Excellence - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Rambotx - June 4 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Camry XLE provides the owner a wonderful driving experience. The fifth generation Camry design is stylish yet practical. It has a roomer interior that adds to the refined sense of the car. Everything inside is easy to master. The 2.4-liter, twin-cam powerplant with 157 horsepower provides smooth power. The interior is quite with little or no noise from the outside. Overall, it is a great value!

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  Sorry I bought this vehicle... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Shannan - June 4 - 6:46 am

  I bought this vehicle on July 23, 2007. Here are the transmission problems Ive experienced: 2-3 second delay while accelerating. Re- calibration of the ECM has knocked that 2-3 second delay down to 1-2 seconds. Transmission is "confused" and CONTINUALLY shifts at speeds of 28 to 35, 38 to 42, and 45 to 51 MPH. At this rate, the Transmission will go out @ 37,000 miles (right after my Warranty expires!) It is in the shop now (4th time in 29 days) this time theyve had it for 5 days and counting. To the Poster from 08/14/2007, if I wanted to "use the shifter" to drive my car, I would have bought a manual...Im not whining, Im stating the facts. I, too, smell lemons.