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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  Some Camrys are trouble! - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By opher - March 29 - 11:56 am

  My wife purchased a brand new Toyota Camry in Feb. of 2004. We took it off the lot and thought wow what a car, great interior design and fun to drive. However several months down, my wife whos a very careful driver said the check engine light came on. We took it to the dealer and they fix it. A few months later again "Check engine"! Next the A/C system started leaking water into the passanger compartment. Dealer took care of it, but how annoying! Today the car needs servicing again, the steering column is making a loud noise when i turn the wheel. Look out, and get a warranted car.

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  Great Car for the money! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By James Lumbert - March 28 - 5:43 pm

  This car is about as good as it gets without spending a lot more money. I have everything from alloys to spoiler and a V6. I could have spent more on an Impala, but why? I know my Camry will be around a long time and be worth something even longer!

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  Dash popping up - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tanner - March 28 - 2:36 pm

  My wife and I love pretty much everything about the Camry except the sluggishness at times when hitting the gas pedal to merge in traffic. And the fact that we have had it back to the dealer 2 times, soon 3, to try to fix the dash. Right next to the clock and the windshield it keeps popping up. It is really annoying.

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  Scout GPS Navigation Very Unreliable - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By R. CAUDILL - March 27 - 6:12 pm

  I have a 2017 Camry equipped with Scout GPS navigation. Scout is positively horrible. The audio instructions dont sync with the graphic maps, its constantly restarting, it will not accept voice commands accurately, and it averages about 1 out of 10 in finding an address or location. Recently, I was sitting in my dealerships parking lot and Scout couldnt find the dealership. I have addressed this with my dealership three times and with Toyotas Help Line once. On all occasions, I have literally been told: 1) That they are aware that the system has problems and that they get a lot of complaints about it - one service Mgr went so far to say that he stopped using it in his car, because it was so unreliable and just uses Google maps from his phone and 2) Toyotas Help Line told me that they were aware of the problem and were working on a fix, but did not have a software update scheduled. So at the end of the day, I have a GPS system in my car that doesnt work and Toyota knew that it didnt work when they sold me the car. Toyota should be ashamed of this kind of behavior. Its hard to believe that they have knowingly done this and are unwilling to fix it.

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  Disappointing for Toyota tradition - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Don Rieder - March 27 - 10:50 am

  This is my first Toyota purchase. I felt that if bought a Camry, I could kiss any frustrations goodbye. Not true! This car has an annoying lag time when the car is slowing down ( stop and go traffic), and then you try to accelerate. There is a dead spot, then it jumps ahead, as if the transmission doesn"t know which gear to go in. This is the new Drive by wire technology according to Toyota. The local dealership has acknowledged this a problem, and they are working on a programming change, but in the meantime, the car can be very aggravating to drive. They must resolve this problem. I will not put up with it. As for gas mileage, it is not as good as stated. The car does have lots of power.

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  Love it! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By MSV - March 26 - 8:33 am

  I have the I4, LE Touring trim. I live in Canada and drive in the snow often. Love the traction control and stability control features. Heated mirrors are great for snowy days. The I4 horse power is adequate (158) but I could have used more hp. Although, the engine torque is good enough to get you up to the highway speed fast. The 2010 I4 models have more power. (If you really like more horse power get the V6 which is the same for 09 and 10 models). The audio quality is OK but not impressive. Camry is a good choice if you like a plush, luxury-like ride. If you prefer a more responsive less comfy ride, consider other options. Overall, I am very happy with my Camry.

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  Good Sales Car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By blueviking - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Camry has been a very good car for me. I put on average 42,000 miles per year and this car has been the best value for the money. I have not had to change brake pads or mess with the rotors like I have done with the Ford Taurus( driven 6 Taurus). Ride is smooth and quite, the milage I figure is in 28 to 32. I will buy another Camry because of its overall value in the long run.

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  Great, but flawed. - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Lmiller - March 25 - 10:00 am

  There is a intermittent noise in the dash. The Car has 20 more horsepower than the Mercury Sable it replaced, however seems to have less performance. Rear vision is poor with the spoiler. Love the spoiler, cant see over it.The brake pedal is mushy, but brakes are good. The exhaust pipe hangs down six to ten inches on every Camry I have seen. Looks very Tacky. I no longer have to look at Camrys and rebadged Camrys (Lexus) to identify them. I just look for the exhaust pipe hanging down under the rear axle.

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  Like driving in a living room - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - March 22 - 4:53 pm

  This is really a comfortable car with a really smooth ride and it is extremely quiet. Its not very exciting, its a family sedan, thats what it is. I went with the black for a touch of excitement. We just got, but we are very pleased and there is no safer Camry then the 2011 with the brake assist, VSC, TRAC, seven air bags, and an accelerator cut off standard. My one complaint, in 2011 is it really that difficult to put keyless entry, a manual seat with decent adjustment options, and more trip information on the base model. Toyota should take a tip from Hyundai on that one, they include a lot of nice features standard. I still sent with Toyota though for obvious reasons. Great buy for sure.

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  Toyota Camry - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Ava - March 22 - 12:01 pm

  It is an OKAY car for the price. Nothing about the car is impressive. Its a dependable car for the price.