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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  my lease is up - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By cherrypond - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I am leasing this car and my time will be up next month.. For the three years Ive had this car, i have never had a problem. I take it in for routine oil changes etc. and thats it!!!now deciding if I should buy it or lease another>>>Its toyota from now on!!!!

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  Camry XLE better than Avalon or Lexus - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Carolina Bob - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Tested Avalon XLS and Lexus ES300. Even the salesman agreed the Camry is a much better buy. Paid less than TMV and then got the $1,000 rebate and Toyoguard at same price. Toyoguard is not a good product, but Southeast Toyota does it to upper end cars as they receive them. Avalon with almost comparable equipment was $4,300 more from same dealer and Lexus was $3,000 more with older model sound system. At 3,500 miles, its a great car, well designed and appointed. Not sure what good RDS radio is in Southeastern US though.

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  Impressed - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By atomicalex7 - October 4 - 11:09 am

  I recently drove my grandmothers camry on a 800 mile round trip road trip with 4 adults and a trunk full of stuff. At first, I was worried about the power because we were going to be going up and down mountains all day, but there were no problems. Even up the steepest grades, no power was lost and it even stayed in overdrive. A majority of the time the car was pushing 80, and the ride was very relaxing with no road noise and responsive steering. It was a very comfortable car to ride in and the trip average was 30mpg both ways. The car has 68,000 miles and the only thing that was ever replaced were tires, brakes (65,000 miles) and a steering bushing.

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  Some Job !!!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By matt noce - October 4 - 9:36 am

  I had the 2001 Camry, which was great & still is. (sold it to my neighbor). When I drove the 2007, v6 Camry, I laughed my you know what off. Theres nothing to say except, Toyota has done some job. I cant believe the way this machine rides.

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  Review of new Camry purchase (2005) - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By FirstTimeCamryBuyer - September 30 - 5:36 pm

  This purchase represents my first Camry and I have been very pleased with my purchase. I bought the 4 cyl. as opposed to the 6 and have been very pleased with the mileage. So far, in mixed driving, with the majority being highway miles, Ive gotten just over 32 mpg. The car is very quiet on the road. The fit and finish of all the surfaces, materials, and seams are very well done. The interior, with leather, is quite nice. I purchased the car for $24,042, after taxes, tags, etc., which was quite good considering the many features - leather, moon-roof, 6 disc changer, alloy wheels, side impact / curtain airbages, etc. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase.

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  1st Toyota For Me....Im Impressed - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Coach1404 - September 30 - 5:00 pm

  I gave up my 4-door pickup for fuel mileage, and picked a great car w/my Camry! The pickup this little engine has blew me away..engine sounds and feels strong. After switching oil and tranny to Amsoil, Im now getting around 26 city and 36 highway! Roomy back seats ..even for long trips. Decent looks...(came w/rear spoiler) I considered a Honda..(no offense intended Honda) but after getting "into" this car for a while, I KNOW I made the right choice. Purchased used w/48,000 miles on it, yet car still feels "tight". A few small upgrades/improvements could be made, but if you want the best of aboth worlds, GO GET YOURSELF A CAMRY!!!!

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  Camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By Elena DeLucia - September 30 - 11:20 am

  My seventh Toyota and it is a pleasure. I still have my 87 Camry wagon and it is in great shape as well. Reliable, reliable, reliable and hold their value well. Once I had a fancy expensive sports car, I dont need to look pretty while I wait for the tow truck in the hot Arizona sun. Six Toyotas and not a single complaint on any of them and I have never been left on the side of the road by any of them.

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  Great beater or first car (96 camry LE) - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff - September 30 - 7:06 am

  My dad got me this car when I was 17. It was truly a bargain at $3300. Even though it had 91000 miles, it still runs great. The only problem was that a window did not work. But that isnt too bad. The power isnt great with only 125hp but it uses high revs to maintain better acceleration. It is great with gas and also very reliable. A year ago, my dad brought a 04 camry. It is crazy how much it didnt change since my 96 camry. If you are looking for a cheap car, make sure you get one that lasts. And I believe the camry fits this description.

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  Buyer Beware of Paint & People Problems - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Richard - September 29 - 6:36 am

  The car itself is very good. However the paint is peeling and the dealer and zone rep refuse to acknowledge the problem. They first tried to say that it was re-painted (I bought it new and would probably remember if I had had a new paint job). Once we got past that issue they decided that I was 3 months out of warranty and 18,000 miles over as well. Apparently Toyota only expects their paint to last 36000 miles or three years. It is a great car, but at $500.00 a pop to have the paint fixed I seriously doubt if I will ever own another Toyota product. Too bad their management personnel and dealers dont have the same level of integrity as their cars.

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  Some Plusses and Some Minuses - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Company Car Driver - September 27 - 3:43 am

  V6 with 6-speed automatic is excellent - very smooth, quick to downshift, and very fast. The acceleration is great. There are too many design flaws. The front seat cushions are way too short - I feel like my legs are falling off the edge. Power adjuster needs more range The front doors are a long reach to close once youre inside. You have to lean half way out the car to close them. The power window lockout switch also locks the 3 passenger window switches on the drivers side! When I lock the windows, I dont want the kids and dogs to operate them, but I want to have control over them. The A/C compressor and recycle buttons are too easy to engage. They need a firmer detent.