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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  Mr. Dependable - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Dr. Q - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This has been a GREAT all around car for us. We have had it for about 18 months and have had nothing but good things to say. The Camry is spacious, comfortable, and quiet. We have a 2 year old and one more on the way, and we have no problems with fitting car seats in the back.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Krishna_Kondepudi - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Fun to drive and excellent price to performance ratio. Proud owner.

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  Get the V6!! - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Average Joe - February 13 - 6:46 pm

  I bought my camry used in 02 with 54k already on it. Ive added 40k miles cross country and up and down the East coast. The water pump broke at about 70k miles and took out the timing belt ($400 to repair), but otherwise Ive not had any problems. Id definitely buy the V6 - mines a 4-cylinder and is fine for regular driving but doesnt have much of any reserves of power when you need it. I find the seats very comfortable and I love the interior layout. The fuel economy is great, too - I can go over 500 miles on one tank on the highway (Ive gotten as much as 33 mpg).

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  A great car - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By schmidbo - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Im headed to 200,000 miles with the XLE. Usual stuff has been replaced (brakes, timing belt, radiator etc) and the car just keeps on going. A great smooth ride.

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  Replaced Honda Accord EXL - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - February 10 - 8:53 am

  Honda V-6 got 27 mpg, 30 on I-5. Getting 25 on 4 cyl Camry w/80 less HP. It is gutless, but expected it to be, as we were trying to be more environ conscious. Interior is cheap- feel like I am driving an older Impala! Recently car started "surging" on the highway at 60-65 mph. Took to local dealer who refused to examine vehicle w/o me paying for fuel exam! Toyotas official line on surges are "floor mats." I was astonished and will never buy another Toyota, although we have had many, beginning with Corona, Cressida, Camry and Corolla before this Toyota. Overall it is very boring, seats uncomfortable, gets lousy gas mileage; is full of cheap plastic everywhere. We plan to sell it asap!

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  Glad to see it go - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By clem - February 9 - 10:46 pm

  This car was crap pulled to the right all the time felt like I had been in a boxing match every time I drove it, dealer ship said it was the road, also wore tires out like crazy, had the 4 cyl no power and a lag when you took off never knew if it wanted to go, and now the things are running away. Guess thats the road too, anyway got out of it. Bought a Kia borrego SUV road doesnt make it pull to the right goes when I push the gas and stops when I want it to good luck Toyota

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Steve - February 9 - 8:00 pm

  Purchased our Camry about 9 months ago, and havent looked back since. This is our first toyota and certanly wont be our last. Since owner ship weve put 50000kms on the car and it hasent given us 10 minutes trouble. The car rides beautifully and has no problem crusing at 90mph all day. The trunk is roomy, back seat has huge amounts of leg room. The city mileage is not as great as we expected, but highway mileage far exceded the manufacturers #s. The power of the 4cyl is right on par with other manufacturers. I would highly recomend this vechicle to anybody that wants a reliable, comfortable and roomy family sedan.

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  Its the engine, stupid! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By dwarn - February 9 - 11:16 am

  I debated whether to go 2006 or 2007, but when I saw the 3.5 V6 with VVT, and its impressive mpg projections, I was sold. Have had it for only 2 weeks now, but the ride is incredible, I am averaging 23.2 mpg in the city, and when I need to go, it goes! The new body design and advanced features made this more attractive than a 2006 Avalon, for several thousand less.

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  Just like everyone else - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By bnschmidt - February 8 - 11:42 am

  This is an extremely popular car (even in 2012) and I understand why. Comfortable interior, great visibility, fine gas mileage. The fuel gauge went out on mine at 140,xxx miles, inconvenient but the light does still come on when low, so it works out. First Toyota, so the high revving is something I had to get used to. Soft ride, will probably last another 20 years!

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  2005 Toyota Camry (base) - 5 spd manual - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By DAN - February 7 - 6:46 am

  Great car... I have put mostly highway miles on mine and am still on the original brakes after almost 5 years and 63000 miles. My only gripe is the paint/finish. I opted for a dealer- applied 5-yr super simonize wax and even with that, I still have deep chips and scratches. From driving on the hwy, I wouldve expected minor scratches on the hood from rocks, but these are like gouges. Other than that, this car has been amazing. Ill definitely purchase another Toyota as soon as I get 200000-250000 miles on this one.