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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  Issues with Acceleration - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By n2b - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 7th Toyota, and a 3rd Camry. In spite of the news about unintended acceleration incidents I bought the Camry because of my past experience with Toyotas reliability. I found the 2010 models acceleration to be most uncomfortable and practically unusable. The response to the pressure on the accelerator pedal was a step up jerk rather than a ramped up response.It was a nightmare in stop&go traffic. The shop manager revealed that the pedal assembly from Toyotas US vendor was the ones needing the modifications to solve the pedal recalls. The Japanese Nippon Denso made pedals were of different design and were recall free. Did a special order with the latter - problem solved. All is well

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  One great car - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By V - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2011 Camry (manual transmission) this month and have been very pleased. I have to laugh at some of the critical comments Ive noticed: if you have driven a lot of different cars, as I have, you know that this car is quiet and comfortable inside like many luxury cars costing many times more. Along with its legendary reliability, it becomes one of the best values youll find anywhere. Its also built in the US, and has more American content than any other mid-sized car.

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  2011 Camry SE, me likey! - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By VegasRPh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I needed to cut my car payments down from $530/mo (lease) to something more affordable, yet fun to drive. Enter the 2011 Camry SE in Super White/Ash Fabric. What a NICE car. I am truly impressed with this car and what you get for the money. Mine has SE Value Package #1 plus the Smart Key, rear spoiler so it is pretty loaded (MSRP $25,990). I am 64" tall and I have plenty of room up front and in the back seat. The 2.5 L/6A combo works well in this car, it is quick and quiet, and should return excellent gas mileage (sticker says 22/32). Interior is well laid out, easy to use controls and all the surfaces feel nice to the touch. The SE has a "sporty" blue hue for gauges and controls.

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  Toyota never again - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By H.K. VALLEY STREAM - September 23 - 3:56 pm

  One month after purchase the check engine light went on and after 7.5 years and 24 dealer visits it still lights up. Two different toyota dealers gave up trying to fix it. The electrical system has also been a problem. Wires in power door failed and so did the wireing harnes in the trunk, and so did the electric motor in rear door go bad. The digital clock in the dash died after one year. Never, never wil i buy toyota again.

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  What a car !! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By camrythug93 - September 22 - 8:50 am

  I just got the 07 Camry 3.5 liter. The car is quite amazing. The turning radius is pretty good. The pick up is amazing. I will post more when I ride around more. Try it for yourself.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By RAH - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a Phanton Gray 2004 Camry LE 4cyl with options like ABS brakes, moonroof, aerodynamic wing, and carpet/cargo mat set a couple of weeks ago and I love this car. It is one of the smoothest, most comfortable cars I have ever owned. All this in a near luxury ride without the cost. The engine is so quite, many times I cant tell it is running unless I push down the gas pedal! The car accelerates and handles very well. Good amount of power for your average person. I wish the domestic car makers would take lesson with Toyota or Honda and produce as dependable cars that would last a lifetime and keep their resale value.

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  GOOD CAR - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By alias 3 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  THis car is very reliable its looks are fine exept I feel that the Honda Accord LX has a litte more weight to it

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  Again, the best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By r. nason - September 21 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Camry only because my wife was retiring and we wanted to upgrade to a new car because of plans to travel. I traded in a 2003 Camry, and I must confess that I almost cried parting with that wonderful automobile; in hindsight, it would more than likely still be running fine. All of the reviews on the 2006, however, made me feel that it was a good decision. I currently have 60,000 miles on the car. Nothing has gone wrong. I replaced both the front and rear disc brakes just a week ago- such an easy job, the braking system was so clean. Replaced the factory tires at about 48,000 miles. The fuel economy of this car is simply outstanding. Always obtain 34- 36 mpg on the highway.

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  Beware of 1st year model - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By pliu1s - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 97 (previous 1st year model) with belief that Toyota would take care of me. Boy was I naive! There were usual bugs: shrieking steering wheel, loose drivers seat, bad strut towers, chattering brakes, multiple dead bulbs, and safety recall. Krauses service manager gave hard time on everything but the recall. Found myself actually forgiving the problems and buying Sienna... until Toyota refused to extend any goodwill on head gasket leak 5 days out of warranty. In a round-about way, Im glad I was too busy last month to finish negotiations on that Sienna. Now IÂ’ve bought an Odyssey. Check out Townhall for how Toyota has treated owners whove developed problems.

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  Voted Best Midsize Sedan for 1994 - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By krg61 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is overall the best car I have ever owned. Sleek and comfortable, no major problems when serviced regularly. Definitely a car for either rush hour or for road trips. When it came down between this and a Honda Accura, the Camry won, hands down.