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 OK - not great - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mworld938 - October 16 - 11:26 pm

  I needed a comfortable commuter that I could also run around with the family in. This car fits the bill as my Civic was too small (was a great car though). Comfortable floaty ride. No transmission issues. 4cyl is slow! Interior looks OK but is built a little cheap. Exterior looks good. Mileage has met the EPA sticker and I just started. I am happy with the car but experience no passion. Still a Japanese Buick (and thats OK for me).

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  Get a CAMRY - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By F.Irasos - October 16 - 7:23 pm

  I have been driving this car (SE V6) for the past 10 days and so far I love it. Everyone who sees it thinks it is a Lexus. The ride is smooth, comfortable, and fun. I got the leather sport package with JBL sound system and it is great. Why spend 5 - 10 K more for a Lexus when you get this awesome car for much less without sacrificing anything.

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  Nice, but not nearly the best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By ff - October 15 - 2:00 am

  A car built to serve daily routines, devoid of any fun or excitement

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  Best car Ive owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Jim - October 13 - 6:23 pm

  Camry was recommended by two mechanics I knew before buying a new car. Bought it for my wife and she loves the car. The room inside is great and the trunk space is fantastic. 4 cylinder is peppy enough for most driving situations and the gas milage is great. The car has no wind noise or road noise. Very well laid out interior. We will always own Camrys from now on.

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  Camry forever - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Toy4life - October 12 - 9:23 pm

  I bought mine 3 years ago almost to the day with 150,000 miles on it. I cant believe its already been 3 years, but got me thinking, this is the best car Ive owned. Ive owned Chevy, Fords & Toyotas, had a Tundra before this, but didnt like all the gas on the Tundra. Anyhow, this car is like Ive heard, Bulletproof, now has 205,000 miles on it, never a problem. I change the oil myself every 3000 miles & drive it 50 miles 4 days a week. It still gets, & Im amazed by this, going 60-65 mph on the freeway, 37 miles a gallon! I use fuel/injector cleaner once a month to aid in this. The white paint is still in great shape with a twice a year waxing. Could be the million mile car!

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  Should have done it sooner... - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Steve123 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I went and test drove both a v6 LE and a v6 XLE. Even though (both on line and at the dealer) the price difference was ~1500, its a world of difference. If I was reviewing an LE, I would not rate it as high. The XLE has an awsome Lexus like ride. Controls are where they need to be and are easily reached. My wife absolutly loves the car. She was a bit skeptical at first though. Anyone considering a Camry should test drive an XLE first, then try the LE. Youll be glad you did

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  Ho Hum - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Jack - October 9 - 7:10 pm

  Boring Boring Boring. It better be dependable and have high resale because it is not meeting expectations for performance or economy. HAH! We drive moderately and the best we have ever gotten is 27mpg. In town we usually get about 20mpg. Id hate to see the mileage that someone who rabbits and rages will get. It handles very little better than my pickup. On the positive, it is very roomy for a midsize and the back seat head and legroom was the best we found for the price.

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  Love my camry - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By rick - October 7 - 11:16 am

  Solid car, good transportation, reliable, great gas mileage, no mechanical problems, changed the oil regularly, third set of tires, will drive it til it falls apart.

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  Pleased with my Choice - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Roger - October 6 - 3:43 pm

  After months of research and many test drives of competing vehicles in the same class, I ended up with the CAMRY SE 4 cylinder and could not be happier with my selection and the cars styling vs the CE or LE or even XLE. If choosing a Camry, SE is the way to go.

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  Surprisingly... Terrible Car - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Shane24 - October 6 - 1:13 am

  I purchased my 1993 Toyota Camry back in April of 2005. I bought it with 125,000 miles. As soon as I bought it everything started to go wrong. I had to replace two head gaskets. Two Oxygen sensors. A wheel bearing. Two CV shafts. Of course all of this didnt go right away. But I only put 15,000 miles on it since I bought it, and thats a lot to go wrong. Plus for a V- 6 it didnt seem that peppy. Also I got horrible gas mileage. The one good thing is that it ran smooth. Ive had enough of it. Im going to trade it in. I have owned a lot of cars in the past, but nothing was ever this bad.