Toyota Camry Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
4,530 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 4091 through 4100 of 4,530.00
  • Reliability went down fast - 1999 Toyota Camry
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    For the first 4 years of ownership the Camry seemed to hold up well. On the fifth year, things started to fall apart. The rubberized door handle started to separate from the door switch module. Then the radio went out. Then the car started to smoke when starting up in the morning. This was probably due to the slug problem. The oil was changed regularly at 4000 too. Then the metal clip on the gas door broke, keeping the door from opening. Finally the clearcoat on the hood started to chip off. This after doing regular washing and waxing. What did hold up well was the material on the seats and the had no rattles. But that wasnt enough to keep it for another year.

  • Love it ! - 2007 Toyota Camry
    By -

    I was not sure at first about trading my 01 Honda Accord but have been more than satisfied with the performance, looks, and comfort. I love the interior lighting... very retro. Ride is much smoother than the Honda.

  • Pleasant, comfortable & reliable - 2003 Toyota Camry
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    I got into the car at the dealership and it was the most comfortable of all the cars I was considering. Performance was fine and the car has been reliable requiring only regular maintainance except for a battery replacement. It has been a car that is easy to use in city and great on the road usually delivering 30-32 miles per gallon country and 17 -19 city.

  • A great road car - 2007 Toyota Camry
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    Since purchasing this vehicle, we have driven nearly 3000 miles. The mileage has been both street and interstate, averaging 24 miles per gallon. The seats were very comfortable on a four and a half hour (one way) trip, and wind and road noise were minimal. The ergonomics are very good. The quality of the leather seats appears to be very good. My only complaint with the interior is the color of the fake wood: the yellowish plastic makes for a cheap effect. Unlike Consumer Reports Magazine, I found it easy to reduce glare from the middle stack by reducing the intensity at night. This is our first Toyota and I would recommend it to prospective drivers.

  • Just for the wife - 2007 Toyota Camry
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    Got the car for the wife as a run around town car and I find myself wanting to drive it more than my car. The V6 is outstanding avg 18 city and 28 highway, so not too bad. The interior could use some work to make it not so cheap and plastic looking. Overall a good car, no build quality issues yet.

  • Toyota Technician Fires Manufacturer - 2008 Toyota Camry
    By -

    Theres a lot you need to know about this car before buying it. Firstly, if you DO buy it buy it new but Ideally lease it. Toyota has gotten incredibly shifty about their warranties and their reliability has dropped. I am reviewing this car based on owning it and also based on working on the brand professionally. In the year that I bought this car used, my dashboard has melted and been replaced by Toyota under warranty. My engine burns 1.5 quarts of oil per 12,000 miles due to faulty piston ring design. They will not cover it due to a lack of oil change receipts and the nature of it being purchased used. The gas pedal had a recall that was performed due to it functioning incorrectly. All Toyota Water pumps will leak antifreeze which is considered normal by the manufacturer. The sun visor in this particular model is held up by a metal clip and actually mine fell down while I was driving on the interstate one day. My radio was designed without the JBL option and you cannot upgrade after you purchase your vehicle. The wiring harnesses are not included and they will not allow it to be performed. The radio I was stuck with has major issues - as do many of them on that model. The cd players dont read properly and I went through five of them both new and used. You will be unable to do anything other than upgrade to an aftermarket radio designed specifically for this vehicle. The interior design of this build was built incredibly cheap and lacks durability in all senses. The alignment of the drivers seat is off to the right so eventually you will notice the left side of your seat wear out. The air conditioning system has a bad habit of growing mold and smelling like death due to evaporator moisture. Toyotas legendary paint has once again failed on my vehicle. The clear coat is paper thin and scratching everywhere. Also in newer vehicles, you will find stone chips and rail marks on every single car, even new ones. Trade in value has dropped horribly with this model and Im financially underwater on this transaction. Toyota factory strut mounts are notorious for failure - especially the drivers side front on this model. The drivers side axle is also an issue and has a tendency to make noise and fail. The transmission software on these cars has been flashed several thousand times due to bad programming decisions and hesitations. Every time the car is at the shop there is a new recall open on it. My rear view mirror peeled in half and I ended up replacing it with one from a 1999 Toyota Camry. I actually have stopped working on new cars recently, due to the unreliability of the automotive industry of today.

  • Same Old Camry-- Its Still Excellent - 2009 Toyota Camry
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    This is my fourth Toyota and second Camry; nothing has changed except for more power, refinement, and overall quality. Dollar for dollar its very difficult to find anything better in its class. My vehicle has exceptional acceleration, braking, fit and finish, and more than ample room. I am 62" and a solid 250 lbs. and it is very comfortable. By the way, I test drove the 2008 Honda Accord extensively prior to my Camry purchase. The Honda was very, very nice--but for me the Camry was simply more refined.

  • Super Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
    By -

    The V6 engine is way more powerful than the average driver needs, but I love it! The acceleration is incredible. Handling on the SE is much better than the weaker LE suspensions.

  • Whats not to like! - 2009 Toyota Camry
    By -

    I have always had fast sport cars and performance, quality and style were always important to me but I grew up and gas got expensive so I had to find a car that I could compromise with. The Camry fit that bill. Its not a fast sports car but the 4 cylinder has good performance for what it is. The style is sporty for a 4 door. Its not built like my Mercedes and I dont expect it to be for 45K less but it comes close enough for me to enjoy the car. We just put some nice wheels and tires on the car and that made a big difference in appearance. I now drive the Camry more than my Mercedes because of its fuel economy and I dont mind it a bit, its a fine automobile.

  • camry the unreliable - 2004 Toyota Camry
    By -

    At first we were excited to getting this car, then the excitement faded and came stress from taking it back to the dealership to get it fixed. Three times in a bout 7 months the same problem is happening. We are hoping it will happen again so the lemon law will work and we could return the hunk of junk and get all of our money back.

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