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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  An excellent vehicle - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Terrie - November 5 - 8:10 am

  The Camry SE is probably overpriced in the Camry style, however, it does provide almost all features advertised. I find the comfort and interior design to be very good. Fuel savings are important and this 4cyl does the job.

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  You cant go wrong!! - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Runner 3604 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has been flawless in its function and design. It has run great since day one. The only services performed to date are an alignment, the 30K service and routine LOF and tire rotation. The dealer has been excellent both in the buying process and service. I hope to have this car into the 100k range. I believe that the secret to keeping these cars in top shape is to follow the service guides faithfully.

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  Paint Job and Thigh Support / Engine - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Artie - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I feel that my legs are half way on the seat and the other half on mid air! Im 510 195 lbs. dads 98 Ford Taurus SE is just as fast Im wondering if the 2003 5-speed automatic transmission is quicker than the 4? Bad paint job/or defective. I have toyoguard double clearcoat sealant, and its chipping off from the hood and on smaller areas around the vehicle. What a bummer! DONT BUY BLACK!!!

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  Reving to go - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By arjam - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been wonderful with my new Camry. I could not asked for a better vehicle. It is roomy and comfortable. It drives so smoothly. Im glad I made this purchase. I will defintely buy again.

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  Good Car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By LKB207 - November 3 - 10:40 am

  I didnt really purchase the car but my family rented it. Rides very nice and is very comfortable. Best Toyota I have ever ridden in. The motor is very quiet and the car is very nice. Keep it up Toyota!

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  2002 cmary xle - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rev4 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car based on quality, exterior looks and interior looks. Performance was important but not at the top for consideration. However, my expectations for performance are based on every day driving needs, not on image or hard driving. I dont drive my cars hard. This car is more than adequate for all normal driving needs. My other car was an 1997 acura cl which drove/performed very nicely. This XLE models is Lexus like in its looks and quality. Indeed, my black XLE can easily be mistaken for a black 2002 Lexus ES 300. This is a very attractive car.

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  Stepping up from 2001 Camry - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Eric Skinner - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the SE version with the new 4 cyl. Thought about the V6 but couldnt see paying $2500 since the 4 pulls strong, much stronger than the 2001 4cyl I had. The ride, due to the SE suspension tweaks, is a bit jouncy but not irritatingly so. I have not had a chance to drive it to the Oregon coast yet to see how it handles. The JBL sound system is excellent. Overall, the car is a huge improvement over 2001- -more room, more power, more comfort. Still not a head-turner, though...

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  Very Dependable and Comfortable Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By safehold - October 29 - 1:58 pm

  Brought the car new in Jan 2002. Initially a few bugs as the first year model. It had a dash noise which the helpful dealer fixed under warranty in their second try. Fuel filter changed under warrant at 5000 miles. Those are the only things wrong and the car is at 140,000 miles today. Very dependable and comfortable car which I drove everywhere with my family in it. Only regular maintenance and mobile 1 full sync oil with 10,000 OCI. Recently I cleaned the Throttle Body and idles like new again. Will keep it until wheels fall off, but it seems I will wait a long time for new cars as this one is strong.

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  Dinas Review - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By cdina64 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  My Camry has been the best car that Ive owned. I really havent put many miles on my car but enough to know that its a great car. The only thing that I havent liked about the Camry is the tires that came on it when I bought it new. The tires need made the car ride rough and caused loud road noise.

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  Worth Buying...By Mohan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mohan - October 28 - 4:53 am

  Myself a Honda fan but going from Accord to an all new 07 Camry was a great experience! Fun and powerful 3.5L 6cyl. great handling. Proud to be called a Toyota owner!