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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  comfortable worry-free transportation - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By j thompson - March 18 - 5:50 am

  The Camry XLE is quiet, refined, high quality and comfortable transportation. Now I know why it is the number one or nuimber 2 selling car in the U.S. Seems to do everything well and gets 37 mpg on the highway. Am very pleased.

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  Mixed Feelings about this one... - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By iownabuick - March 18 - 5:05 am

  I bought a used 2008 Camry last October. I REALLY like this car, the Toyota Camry was something that Ive always wanted. Someone in the latest review had mentioned they had to get their water pump replaced, I had to do the same. Fortunately they caught it when I got my oil changed, because my coolant reservoir tank was empty - good thing I have a warranty.... Then, the last few weeks I was hearing this really loud scraping noise - at first I hought it was my breaks, but turns out I need a center exhaust pipe.... wont know if that gets covered under the warranty until tomorrow...thats another story, wish I had enough space to tell you about the poor customer service I experienced.

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  Stylish and sluggish - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By BC - March 17 - 8:26 am

  This is my fourth Camry... best looking, poorest performing. Sluggish, like a person trying to run in water. Shifts often and hard; especially on an incline and on cruise control. Hesitates when accelerating after slowing down, especially coming out of a turn.

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  Car seat is very badly designed - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Samir - March 17 - 12:50 am

  Car seat for 2009 Camry base model are designed very badly. Because of this I am starting to develop back pain. I will not recommend anyone to buy this car unless Toyota changes its seat model and makes it back friendly.

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  Pretty car but runs lousy.. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Driving me NUTZ - March 14 - 6:06 am

  I was so excited when I bought this car. My mom swears by her Toyota & I have always heard great things. This car has caused me nothing but worries. The transmission is horrible, it shifts/revs horribly at the wrong times, it putters when it hits 1 1/2 rpms while coasting unless you rev it or hit the breaks, if you try to start the car in really cold weather it makes a horrible grinding noise, the dash rattles ALL the time, when I try to accelerate getting on the freeway it doesnt move & scares me and when it does move it revs even after take your foot from the gas. I took the car in once for several of these issues & was told it was fixed & could not find other issue. Going back Monday!

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  Can a Mercedes owner really like a Toyota - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By camry 300TD - March 13 - 12:40 pm

  Daily commute 100 miles times 23 years. It has take four used 79-83 Mercedes diesels to get me this far. (However saving one seems only prudent.) Bought the 01 used 36600 miles. Although the Camry doesnt give you the feel of the heavy Mercedes, its ride is acceptable. The Camry takes less maintenance so far than the over engineered Mercedes. The 4 cylinder does fine, very smooth.

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  Toyota Camary LE - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bus208 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Great running vehicle - very smooth riding and lots of power. Mileage is very good but expected maybe a few more miles to the gallon.

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  2007 Camry SE - I4 - Auto - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By carnut1973 - March 10 - 9:18 pm

  Purchased my 2007 Camry SE, 4 cylinder, auto brand new in December 2006 to replace a car that was totalled in an accident. The Camry SE with the factory ground effects/spoiler/6-spoke alloys has a much better look than the other Camrys and that is the only reason I purchased it. Chose it over a slightly used 2005 Acura TSX-auto. The black cloth interior and special gauge lighting specific to the Camry SE also helped seal the deal. The Camry SE was comfortable, quiet, reliable, good on gas and as stated earlier, easy on the eyes.

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  accelerations terrible but you dont need it cuz - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Disappointed - March 9 - 12:30 pm

  I turn on my GPS and then I use my phone Google map to make a game out of the fact that the navigational system in this car will take me completely in the wrong direction is only funny because I have an option otherwise its not very funny cuz I paid for it

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  An Outstanding Ride! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By PharmMaster - March 9 - 8:33 am

  I am a little tired of people calling the Camry boring on this site. Of course its boring, but it will be happily running when most "sporty" rides like Jettas and Mustangs are being sold for scrap. My Camry rides like a dream and can blow the doors off most SUVs and other sedans. I love the look on some peoples faces when I blow by them in my "boring" V6 Camry. If you want a car that will run forever, never leave you stranded, and has plenty of power go for the V6!