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:

• 

  Great car so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Doug - March 9 - 5:06 am

  Just drove 1600 miles from New York State to North Carolina and back. Averaged 32 mpg for the trip. Powerful engine just ate up the hills of West Virginia & Virginia. Im 6 ft 3 and fit comfortably in the car. Great car so far. Hope it proves to be as reliable as other Camrys.

• 

  So far......well you know - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By llhoops - March 9 - 12:23 am

  The Camry meets all of my expectations. It is a solid, dependable, good looking vehicle that has proven itself to be the best value in its class. I treated myself to the navigation with bluetooth capable telephone functions. Combine that with the adjustible heated leather seats, smartkey entry and starting, and the traction control and you have a damn nice car (lexus like) right at $30,000. But, it does not turn heads (although the the new body style is not as soft as previous years). There are a billion Camrys on the road yet I still feel special in mine. It is a safe choice.

• 

  Great Car - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By mlance - March 8 - 10:15 pm

  I purchased the 2012 Camry LE about 4 weeks ago. I absolutely love it. I had been driving a 2009 Camry which was a company car and was sold on the quality. The 2012 is even better! It gives a tighter ride, smoother and quieter. I took it on a road trip last weekend and the gas mileage was great. I drive mostly around town which is a combination of interstate and normal town driving (red lights, etc.) and this past week was averaging almost 32mpg - fantastic! The car has the five spoke rims and the small spoiler and gets sevaral comments and looks. I highly recommend the 2012 Camry!

• 

  my next car will be a toyota - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By p.p. - March 7 - 10:00 am

  1 battery 1 set of new tires ,new front disc pads. of course new wiper blades & filters. other than that im very happy! I now compare all others to toyota quality.

• 

  Acceleration Issues & Rattling Noises - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Gabe Schick - March 7 - 1:40 am

  I read every review on this thread and it appears I am 1 of about 20 fellow 2004 Camry owners who have experienced similar, if not the same, issues with acceleration and/or rattling noises near the driver side firewall area. Its a shame, because prior to this Camry, which I purchased used from Carsense in 2014 w/76K miles on it, I was a devoted Toyota owner. Now my opinion of Toyota has changed. My advice to someone considering this model would be to move onto another option. Dont take your chances. And research EVERYTHING prior to signing the dotted line. Dont pass on the extended warranty either (even tough thats not a 100% guaranteed safety net either).

• 

  My beloved 1995 Camry XLE - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By spittle72 - March 5 - 7:43 pm

  I just had my 95 Camry finally towed away after the transmission died last year. 2nd Owner 229,875 miles Motor still ran strong. Never had a problem with it. Still got $500 for it.

• 

  SkyBluePearl - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Kelvin - March 5 - 1:23 pm

  I love the new color that was added this year (2005) for the Camry. I had a 2004 which I traded in as soon as I saw the new Sky Blue Pearl. It is nice. Its a XLE V6. Smooth ride.

• 

  Hawaii 99 Camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Francis - March 5 - 10:00 am

  What I dont like is the left foot block on the floor. It causes my left leg cramps, and does not allow me to stretch out, especially on long drives. I removed it, and there is a stud on the floor, but, it is easier to live with. Otherwise, it runs like a champ, drives very well, and feels good.

• 

  1999 Camry LE V6 - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By rod81 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 99 Camry for almost 3 1/2 years now & have almost 35,000 miles on it. I have never had any problems with my Camry & I am extremely satisfied. There are many mid-size family cars out there, but only few meet the high level of reliability that Toyota has put into this car. The only car that i like as much as this car is the Honda Accord. On the other hand, one thing that lacks with the Camry its engine. The engine could use more horsepower & umph. Also the quality of the components is not as good as its strongest competitor, the Honda Accord. But overall, I would definitely suggest the Camry as one of the best cars on the road.

• 

  Camry SE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rbowen - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have today about 17500 miles on my 2002 Toyota Camry SE. I have never driven a car so hard and so long in less than twelve months. The car is everything as if just off the showroom floor. My Camry is just a notch above the base model SE with just the electronics upgrade and though unneeded, an ashtray. The interior is roomier than previous Camrys with plenty of headroom. The interior is tasteful and pleasing to the eyes throughout a long drive. Through my driving, the car is suprisingly quiet. Engine revving isnt the way to scare pedestrians in this car but the engine lets you sneak up behind them.