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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  2003 Camry XLE review - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By bombayite - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Great deal for a great car from dealer in central NJ. Quiet ride even at highway speed, wonderful JBL audio w/6 disc changer, comfortable leather seats. Wood trim on dash, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather seats w/heated front seats, power driver/pass. seats. Power Moonroof, ABS, largest trunk in its class (all mid-size sedans incl. luxury).

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  Transmission Problems - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By First Camry - May 15 - 1:13 pm

  This was my first new toyota purchase. After a lot of consumer report reviews, 2009 Camry was my first choice. This is an excellent, comfortable car to drive. But, we are having troubles with the downshifting on the auto transmission. This transmission can go into a "gear hunt" looking for a gear to drop into when downshifting. Also can drop into a lower gear without cause so the car will nose dive. Camrys had transmission troubles in the past... they could be back for 2009.

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  Oil today and gone tomorrow! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tonya Stafford - May 14 - 12:27 am

  I have had oil consumption issues since about year one. I have owned it 8 years and have complained continually about the oil consumption issues. It uses a quart by 1300 miles after an oil change and another quart at 1100 more. I have driven it until it wouldnt crank only to discover there was no visible oil on the dip stick. I had the oil consumption test and qualified, waited almost a year on a waiting list to find out by accident that it was not documented correctly. I recently qualified again and am now waiting for the necessary parts which could take some time to come in. Seriously, my engine might be shot by then. Not sure Ill buy another Toyota, after all, this is the same car that caused me to almost crash as my gas peddle got stuck and drove me through main street at about 65 mph! Toyota should be better than this. Other than those two major problems, the car has been pretty good. My husbands Toyota Tundra is 14 years old and has 200,000 miles with no problems yet and we bought it new. Toyota might have slipped on quality where it mattered during the years my car was made. I traded this car in September of 2016. Toyota had still not managed to get the parts to fix my cars oil consumption problems. It had a sticky dash that was on recall and I was just less than 200 down on the list to get it fixed. It had 123,000 miles on it. I just could not deal with the issues anymore. I did not replace it with a Toyota.

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  trunk open button too close to view button - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By bill t - May 13 - 3:23 am

  1. On XLE with driver assist, the 360 view button is next to trunk opener button. I wonder if someone accidentally touching it may cause the trunk to open while driving. This is a usability flaw. 2. I would wish for the more European look of the Accord although I really like the active safety features found on Camry. 3. In California, there is no way to order driver assist pkg with navigation (integrated real navigation instead of the connected fake navigation), not even driver assist pkg with audio pkg without the panoramic roof. I see only in FL you may configure without the panoramic roof.

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  Surpasses Expectations - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pierrelonesome - May 12 - 3:30 pm

  After ignition, while engine running it cant be heard (scary!). While driving encountered smooth ride. Accleration was right there (when needing it) passing those Mac trucks on the NJTPke! Encountered no noise. My height is 61 I have no problem with headroom, (legroom just a little tight). The body paint is superior! Im in love with this automobile. It gets you to your destination smoothly, safely and quickly!

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  Shars Review - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Sharleen - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my car. It is very smooth, gets great gas milage and it is just a fun car.

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  2002 Toyota Camry LE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Lizard - May 12 - 5:36 am

  My 1st import in 20 years. Why buy a Lexus? Great balance of comfort/power/economy. We drove 6600km to east coast of Canada in July. 32 (ave.) mpg imperial @ 70 mph. Engine is too quiet at idle; wife didnt check tachometer & tried to start the already running engine.

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  2007 Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By GIowa - May 8 - 2:50 pm

  I own 2007 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder. My 5th new Camry over past 11 years. Ive loved the previous Camrys..hate this one. I cant get over 24 mpg, it downshifts on slightest hill, even on the interstate. When I run A/C, it constantly shifts down 2 gears & lurches back & forth. It even shifted down far enough & redlined to 7.5 the other day on the interstate, when I turned on the A/C & it was slightly windy. It lurches on corners. Dealer installed software update & agrees it is awful, but nothing more they can do.

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  Disappointing - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Georgesparks - May 7 - 8:50 pm

  Smooth ride but headrest is so uncomfortable I had to reverse it. Dash control background is black - looks like a black hole in many situations. Somehow, I can never get the seat position perfect to be comfortable. I wish speedometer was labeled in 10 mph increments, its very easy to go faster than you thought and get a ticket. A pain to reach for seat belt - it manages to get stuck behind door frame somehow. 5 speed is a dream to drive, shifts perfectly. Great car with minor but continual small irritations.

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  Awesome 2007 Camry SE V6! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By lovesucker - May 6 - 10:50 am

  After looking at many competitors, I made a final decision that Im very excited about. The Toyota SE V6 is one incredible car. The power that comes with the V6 is such a great asset to have. While cruising at 80 MPH on the freeway, you cant even tell how fast youre going and if you need to gas it, boy, this car has some major power! Its clean and luxurious and the rear seats for the kids are very roomy. The Nav with bluetooth is something you just have to have. The bluetooth is so convenient and easy to use. I used to always want to hang up while driving on my cell but now Ill talk all day. I LOVE MY CAR!