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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Scout GPS Link - 2016 Toyota Camry
By RLC - February 10 - 2:19 pmIjust bought a 2017 Camry. I love the car but hate the Scout GPS Link and related technology. Did I say hate, I mean LOATHE !!!. Its beyond me why Toyota does not offer Android Auto. I need to buy another new car, this one for my wife, in approximately 3-months. While, I like Toyota, I probably wont buy another Toyota because of Scout and the other on-board technology.
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Scout GPS Link - 2016 Toyota Camry
By RLC - February 10 - 2:19 pmIjust bought a 2017 Camry. I love the car but hate the Scout GPS Link and related technology. Did I say hate, I mean LOATHE !!!. Its beyond me why Toyota does not offer Android Auto. I need to buy another new car, this one for my wife, in approximately 3-months. While, I like Toyota, I probably wont buy another Toyota because of Scout and the other on-board technology.
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Scout GPS Link - 2016 Toyota Camry
By RLC - February 10 - 2:19 pmIjust bought a 2017 Camry. I love the car but hate the Scout GPS Link and related technology. Did I say hate, I mean LOATHE !!!. Its beyond me why Toyota does not offer Android Auto. I need to buy another new car, this one for my wife, in approximately 3-months. While, I like Toyota, I probably wont buy another Toyota because of Scout and the other on-board technology.
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Excellent sedan - 2005 Toyota Camry
By Henry Regeth - February 10 - 12:16 pmFinest auto Ive owned. Looks, handling, finish are all superb. I have never checked actual mileage but know it goes a long way on a tank. Four cylinder has power to spare, who needs more. Freeway handling is excellent, before you know it youre at 80 mph plus. Reliability excellent, Ive yet to make a repair of any kind. Love the large trunk. Tremendous value for money spent. I will definitely buy another.
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From Point A to Point B - 2017 Toyota Camry
By awolfs - February 10 - 2:55 amEdmunds gave me a good number to expect to pay. I actually paid a little less. My old Camry was 21 years old. This one is nicer and better in just about every way. I dont need to tear up the highways. I just want to go safely from Point A to Point B. My chief requirement of a car is that when I turn the key, it starts; when I push the gas pedal, it goes; when I push the brake, it stops; and it feels solid to drive. Not having excessive maintenance is a plus, but I dont know how this car will be. The old one was great. I like how this car feels when I drive it. I havent figured out all the bells and whistles yet, but those I have, I like.
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No Repairs after 98,000 Miles - 1999 Toyota Camry
By Permanent Customer - February 8 - 10:00 amI bought this car brand new in August of 1999 with 39 miles on it at 19 years of age. I havent had any problems with my car at all. Ive only had to get the oil changed when supposed to, change the brakes, get a new set of tires, and change the brake lights in the back.
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Very good, but a few minor complaints. - 2007 Toyota Camry
By JF - February 7 - 10:30 amIve had no significant transmission problems. There is some hesitation when starting quickly from a stop (if there is a fix for this, I will likely have it done). Other than that the tranny has been very good. No reliability problems of any kind thus far with nearly 18K on it. My mileage averages 25, but it easily gets 30 or over on the highway. Overall the smoothness, ride and handling is excellent. Power is adequate for a 4cyl, and just about what I expected.
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JBL Premium Audio System with 10 speakers - 2015 Toyota Camry
By KJordan - February 6 - 10:53 amThe Toyota Entune JBL Premium Stereo System with the 10- Greenleaf speakers is terrible! Absolutely no bass whatsoever, no matter what you do to try an achieve it. When you fade all of the volume to the rear of the car, there is barely any volume. When you look in the trunk, you will see that Toyota left the passenger side large speaker housing empty. For a car that stickers for around 35K, you would think you would get a stereo that would be impressive. This is definitely not the case. I get so frustrated, I just turn it off. Toyota needs to fix this for their owners!!
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Wonderful Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
By Ron Keeling - February 6 - 12:36 amExcellent Car. Only two things already mentioned in other reviews .. shifting between 1st and 2nd gear could be better. and pickup is a little slow. We also have a 4 cyl Corolla, and pickup is better in the Corolla. Aside from these 2 things, its a wonderful car.
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Excellent Car! Highly recommended! - 2005 Toyota Camry
By Jennifer - February 4 - 8:46 pmI love my XLE V6 2005 Toyota Camry! Before I purchased my camry, I test drove a LEXUS ES330...because the salesman was so arrogant about the LEXUS product and would not drop the price, I took my business back to Toyota, only to find out that the car I actually purchased XLE V6 Camry IS the same car as the ES 330...it just isnt as posh. But hey, the price was nice and so was the car. It drives so CHOICE! I LOVE IT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE!!!
