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:

• 

  Glad I Got 3.3 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Great Car - August 14 - 8:43 pm

  This is a great car for the money, Feul economy for the size and power of engine is great. If you want to speed take out of overdrive and the shifting is great, I avg. 26 + mpg. A/C is quiet and car rides great Im glad I got this car Its sporty and fun to drive and very powerfull and fast. I feel safe and have plenty of room and trunk is large with folding seats. I got a great deal and very happy.

• 

  Switched from Honda to Toyota - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By D MacDonald - August 14 - 7:04 pm

  1. Toyota has slightly higher reliability 2. Better sound system. 3. Honda has ugly cheap tiny sounding speakers mounted at left/right front corners of windshield. 4. Toyota better price. 5.Toyota dealers much easier to deal with. 6. Been with Honda for 28 years, time to try the "other guys".

• 

  Good car, not great quality. - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By spring1991 - August 13 - 11:18 am

  Bought at 120,000 for $2500. Car was in good shape but after a year and 11,000 more miles, Ive poured about $5,000 worth of repairs into it. There was an overheating problem, needed a new catalytic converter, engine seals, etc. The power windows & locks stopped working at 125,000. I did all routine maintenance to it, and I know the first owner took very, very good care of it. Despite these repairs the car is still pretty reliable and does its job. Dont be so sure that the car will run forever though. Im thinking of getting rid of it already.

• 

  Still the best value on the market....Great safety - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Irwin Friedman - August 13 - 7:32 am

  My only disappointment is that Sirius/XM is not part of the standard radio. I had to purchase a Xm radio. I understand that in order to have XM, you must purchase a V-6 or order a 4 cyl with the XM radio as an option....very expensive.

• 

  Camry fever - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Bryan Lumley - August 12 - 2:27 pm

  Very reliable car. This is my fourth Camry. No major repaires and I have never been stranded on the side of the road. If you want a reliable car this is it.

• 

  Progress and Its Discontents - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Goodtogo - August 10 - 8:43 am

  Great: Its a Camry with probably good reliability, overall cost management, decent comfort and perks, fine drive-ability. I dont regret buying the car and Im sure it will serve us well for a long time. BUT, I owned a 2003 Camry and at 185000 miles have given it to my son. Heres what I miss/dont care for in the new one. (1) Six speed transmission shifts all the stinkin time, at the slightest hill. Even in cruise going downhill. Its irritating and I wonder if it will shorten the life of the transmission. (2) The front seats arent quite as comfortable (but the back is more comfortable). Sure beats the Accord. (3) Interior storage spaces arent as roomy or well-put together. I miss the double center console, the room open tray in front of the shift knob, the large glove box, and large door pockets. Oh, and the pull out drawer to the left of the steering wheel. Now its a cheap feeling flop-open thing. (3) Its hard to brighten/darken the instrument panel (now you have to reach to a button behind the steering wheel, similar to the way youd reset the trip odometer. (4) The sloped windshield frame creates a blind spot on the right side. A bit of a problem, for instance, when navigating a parking lot with people and cars walking around. (5) I change my own oil, so Im going to have to miss spin-on oil filters. The car now has a cartridge filter (as in a motorcycle) that will require a new tool. This wont be an issue for a couple of years, since they now give you free oil changes for that long. (6) My wife doesnt care, but I miss having a handbrake for a little extra control in bad weather. Now its a foot pedal, which is useless except for parking. (7) The extra info screen is great, but it makes the current instrument panel cramped and busy. I thought the 2003 instrument panel was very easy on the eyes. (8) I just feel a little more cramped in the car and I cant quite figure out why. But again, cars change. Ill adapt. Itll last. But Im just not convinced this is as great a car as the 03 was when I bought it. Ill try to do another post in a year and well see.

• 

  Its nice - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By veronica vasquez - August 10 - 6:14 am

  There is a noise everytime i hit a bump on the street like something is loose.

• 

  MR Reliability - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Eddie O. - August 9 - 3:43 pm

  I have 108,000 miles on my camry and it still runs like new. I bought it with 25000 miles on it in 2001. I would not give up my camry for any other car on the road. It looks and rides great! If you are in the market for a fuel efficient and reliable car, GET A CAMRY!

• 

  Love it - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By camrymycar - August 9 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car 3 years ago with 95k miles. It caught my eye because I was looking for a toyota coupe. I love this car because it is very comfortable and quiet. The engine is smooth and quiet and the tranny puts the power down very smoothly. For a four-banger, it has good pickup and a good-sounding redline. Quick shifts, smooth power, smooth ride, quiet, reliable, dependable, good trunk space, nice sunroof, good-looking, comfortable, sporty, just perfect. It could have more storage space in the interior and better cupholders though. The paint is chipping on the front and fading with sunburn, but that comes with age. Needs more steering feedback but is a great car with a comfortable ride.

• 

  Honda to Toyota - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Dick - August 9 - 12:30 am

  I traded in my 2008 Honda Accord for the Toyota. Both are V6, fully loaded, including nav. So far Toyota wins hands down! Although about $1200 more, it is worth it. Quieter on the highway, better fuel economy, better sound system, smoother transmission, bigger trunk, more comfortable seating, equal acceleration. The Honda nav had more bells and whistles, like an altimeter. I tried to save a few dollars on the Honda and discovered it was not worth it.