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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  Camry: Great Commuter car for LA - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Cindy - January 12 - 1:13 am

  Great dependability for 110 miles a day and more in LA traffic. I now have a car I can count on getting me to work and home every day. It has never misbehaved.

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  Different than most Camrys - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By aippapa - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought new in 1994. Sportier than most other Camrys and has a look that still seems modern after all these years. Rock solid in all ways and the V6 is still quick and responsive. No squeaks or rattles or rust after 157K miles and we intend to keep to 300K if possible. A great car!!

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  Great Road Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By IMRTIRD - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Car was bought for the purpose of taking lengthy trip around the United States. It has performed well. The fuel economy is excellent on the open road - 30mpg. Ride is stiff, just how I like it. Trunk space is more than adequate. The fold down split rear seats a plus. The 18 gal fuel tank is a plus for long road trip. Seating is very comfortable for long trips.

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  My New Camry XLE V6 is Great - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By scott trees - January 8 - 7:40 am

  Ive always owned Toyotas (after one disastrous Pontiac purchase). I just bought the 05 Camry XLE V6. It has much of what an Avalon has in terms of accessories and is very similar in other aspects to the higher priced Avalon. I still have my 98 Camry and 84 Cressida, both of which still run great! I highly recommend the new Camry.

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  2012 Camry XLE at 50k miles - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Gerry B. - January 6 - 9:04 am

  We bought this car as an early lease turn in with 22k miles. This is our third Camry & it was in excellent condition at the time of purchase. The car has a nice ride with comfortable seating. Leg & headroom in front & back is ample for 6+ foot occupants. The MPG is excellent if you drive moderately. Low MPG is 30 in stop & go traffic. The high MPG is 35+ at 75 MPH. The transmission shifts smoothly & the RPM is typically 2,000 at all set speeds. The speed shifter is handy & smooth allowing early downshifting on steep hills. The engine has reasonable acceleration for a 4 cylinder & is easy to work-on. Most of the negatives are interior related. The center console is an oversized box which is easily solved with a $12 tray purchased online. The entertainment controls are marginal. The band & station selector is sized positioned well on the steering wheel, but changing bands causes the station to revert back to the first preset rather than retaining the ones selected. The AM to FM volume disparity is high requiring that AM stations be boosted by 10. Toyota could not solve either of the previous problems. The rocker type air selector is difficult to use because you must look at the display as you cycle through the selections; a single button for each air selection is safer as they minimize your eye-time off the road. The backup visibility is poor as the trunk is high. Although, a highly rated backup camera can be purchased for $100 & installed by DIYers in a few hours. The windshield has a lot of dashboard glare possibly due to its angle or paint gloss of the dashboard. The visors require updating as the extenders are narrow & do little to block the sun with the visor on the side. Why doesnt Toyota use sliding visors like GM? They have been around for many years & work well. The most serious issue, in this car, is coasting speed. It is a safety issue as the transmission does not slow the car when your foot is lifted from the gas pedal. Maintaining control down big hills requires downshifting & heavy braking. Toyota claims it is done purposely to improve MPG. While this problem may just be with our car but I have not read other reviews with a similar complaint & Toyota could not fix the problem. Only one repair, besides 2 small recalls, was required in our 2.5 years of ownership. A single element, in the rear window defogger, was open which caused radio static with the defogger on. Turns out that the antenna is located in the rear window & was near the open element. The defogger problem was finally diagnosed & it was replaced after multiple complaints. Overall, this year & model Camry has exceptional reliability & is enjoyable to drive. Hopefully, the few problems have been fixed in more recent years.

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  Love it - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Arthur Spooner - January 5 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new in 2001. I get 27 city and 33-35 hwy. The seats arent as comfortable as Id like. But that is not a big issue. Ive not had any problem with it whatsoever.

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  Camry lives up to reputation - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By joe - January 5 - 9:13 am

  This car runs better now than when it had 20,000 miles. It held its value and I am always being asked if I want to sell it and I cant let it go yet anyway. Great bang for the buck especially in this economy. Buy one youll love it; this 4 cylinder blows away many American 4 and 6 cyl of the same year. You wont regret it.

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  Excellent Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Mountainview - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  Gave to our son 2 years ago for College use. Gave another 1999 Camry XLE car to our daughter. Both have very low maintenance, 28 Hwy mpg, 24 city 4-cyl. Very reliable. Only issue with both cars is the low exhaust pipe clearance over the bumps. Suspension system had to be changed in about 2006.

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  Worst Car I Have Ever Owned - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Disappointed - January 3 - 9:26 pm

  Transmission is terrible -- acceleration lag is a safety issue. Transmission also cant decide what gear it wants to be in. Interior noise level is unacceptable - this is one noisy car on the freeway. Drivers seat hurts my back. Air recirculation button randomly goes off. Tires were shot after 27,000 miles of gentle driving. Will not buy another Toyota.

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  Suspension is Horrible - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By NoToToyo - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it used with low milage a few months back. So far they have changed; both lower control arms, all strut mounts, one wheel bearing and one strut... after all of this it still makes LOTS of suspension noise. A mechanic at the dealer says it is a problem accross the board with 97-2001 Camrys. As well, Ive also heard of sludge problems on the V6 engine, great.