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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  No More Toyotas For Me - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Pgcorky - December 5 - 4:13 pm

  I think we all know the Camry history, solid - if unexciting - performance coupled with legendary Toyota reliability. Unfortunately, its clear that Toyota has seriously lost its edge and my confidence. At just over 80,000 miles the engine on our Camry seized - and its likely that oil gel or sludge is the culprit. Even following the manufacturers recommendation of 7,500 miles between oil changes was insufficient. So we basically now have a junk car when we thought we had another 100,000 miles in her. I guess Im a Honda man now.

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  95,000 Miles & Still Running - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By 3camrys - December 5 - 5:16 am

  Ive purchased all my Camrys used. This one was three years old when I purchased it with 34,000 miles. Im almost at 95,000 miles and Ive had no problems at all! Always go with the Certified Used Vehicles with a good warranty because you never know if the previous owner took good care of it or not. If youre looking for a reliable, comfortable, economic car, go for a Camry.

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  All Around Great Car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Ben Franklin - December 4 - 6:26 pm

  This is an all around great car. Good performance, good layout on the inside, soundly built, quiet - low road noise, large trunk. It has good pick up - there is a computer control of how it accelerates and this can act a little funny some times. It "learns" how you drive and adjusts for your driving style. Im not sure its always the best thing, but not a reason to avoid this car.

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  A Camry or a Lexus? - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By dc_sports_rule - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been very impressed with the purchase of my Camry LE back in June of 1999. The car is 4 years old today and rides just like the day I picked it up four years ago. The OEM General Tires were replaced by Toyota within the first two months of ownership. The General Tires were defective and replaced with Michelin XW4s. The car is very quiet on the road and the reliability has been flawless.

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  Best Decision - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Katie R. - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I test drove more cars than I would care to admit, coupes, sedans, SUVs. I thought I had my heart set on an SUV but didnt find anything nice in my price range. Then I saw the Camry XLE on the showroom while looking at the Highlander, and asked to drive it. That was it! I fell in love with it and bought it after shopping the dealers.

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  Grey Rocket - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Errol Carter - December 4 - 8:54 am

  This is a quality sedan with good gas mileage in the city and on the highway. It has performed well and continues to give good service.

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  Rating of Camry LE 2007 - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Rating Camry LE - December 4 - 2:46 am

  The look is much improved. Serious disappointment in gas mileage - particularly over my previous 1999 model. Interior is very nice and much improved. The car does have more power, is both wider and longer than previous models. There is a delay in the initial accleration. The ride is, as in previous models, very smooth and luxurious.

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  Loaded XLE V6 - Magnetic Grey - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By GC-VA - December 3 - 11:50 pm

  All around well conceived mid-size sedan. Looks great in XLE/ V6 trim with dark grey exterior. Smooth, comfortable, reliable, fast. A discreet near luxury car that is sexier and sportier than previous Camrys.

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  Toyota Disappointment - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dave - December 3 - 5:56 pm

  Have 2200 miles on this vehicle and am getting around 30 mpg on trips. Have the same problem others have been experiencing with hesitation in acceleration. Also vehicle hates to decelerate below 30 mph on level ground without braking. Hates to slow going downhill even when in 3 gear. Using the brake so much will must likely result in premature pad replacement. Have a real concern when starting the car as it revs so high and when putting it in gear it backs up extremely fast. Have had it back to the dealer twice and contacted Toyota customer service. No action has been taken to resolve the problem. Seems like Toyota is not adequately addressing the situation. Very disappointed.

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  Disappointed with throttle response - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By dbb - December 1 - 6:56 am

  I bought my Camry in January 2007. It now has 4200 miles. I like everything about it except low speed throttle response. From dead stop and cruising above 40 mph it is ok, but slowing down to 10-20 mph and needing sudden burst of acceleration to merge into hole in traffic, nothing happens for what seems like seconds when I put gas pedal down to floor. I become a traffic hazard. My wifes 1999 Toyota Sienna has always had consistant and powerful throttle response at any speed and situation, I want the same in this new car.