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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  Bullet Proof Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Hamish - August 3 - 4:53 pm

  I drive in the Baltimore, MD beltway traffic and have found myself to be rather relaxed due to the visibility out all the windows, the potent 4 wheel disc brakes, and the beefy 3.5 liter engine. Merging into the flow of traffic is a snap and the ride is quite smooth. I got the 6 disc CD player and the 400+ watt system sounds amazing. The 7 airbags, the traction/braking control option, and the size of the car itself lends to a very confident and safe ride. I would recommend it to anyone with a family (roomy) or single (classy). Way to go Toyota.

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  2002 Toyota Camry MAINTENANCE - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By 02camrymaint - August 1 - 10:47 pm

  I will write mostly about Maintenance 1) My O2 Sensor was on at 76k miles, had to replace Catalatic Converter- fixed it with Company waranty, which is normally 80k miles for Catalatic Convertors- 2000$ TOYOTA Bill 2) At 80k & 135k- Front Brakes shoes and Disc-250$ 3) at 139k- Starter- 300$ 4) at 90k- collant tank leak- 200$ 5) All four tires at 70k and 125k -600$ 6) Front and Back STRUTS are leaking, needs to replace at 105k- estimates around 1600$ TOYOTA Estimate 7) Engine Oil is leaking at 100k miles 8) Replaced Battery at 80k and 125k

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  Transmission lag - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Ted - August 1 - 12:43 pm

  The "fly by wire" feature has caused an annoying lag when reaching certain speeds. Its almost as if the car cant make up its mind what gear it should be in. It constantly downshift and hesitates. Sometimes the car stalls when I press the accelerator to pass another car. Im scheduled for Arbitration with Toyota about this problem. Stay tuned.

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  Poor interior quality - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By John Vantel - July 31 - 11:36 pm

  I bought my Camry 3 weeks ago. I found the following defects on the car in the first two days: Its heater knob was defective. It was turning itself continuously on/off driving me crazy. It does not go off. Interior quality is very poor. All components are plastic and badly aligned. Cabinet on the dashboard does not close properly and it leaves a big gap between its door and dashboard. The trunk does not close easily. I have to strongly slam it every time. I have recently noticed that it is touching the bumper and it also peeled its paint very badly. There was a scratch on the passenger seat and it will probably lead to tearing soon. There was also a scratch on the back bumper.

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  Toyota Camry XLE 4 cyl - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Skip B. - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for three weeks but so far I love it. The XLE has important standard features including ABS, larger 16 inch wheels and power seats, along with lots of other features too many to mention. The car is comfortable, roomy, quiet, and it rides and handles like a dream. Toyota knew what it was doing when it built this car. So far Ive only driven it 200 miles in city driving so I havent been able to gauge the fuel economy.

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  Technology Niightmare - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Steve K. - July 29 - 8:12 am

  Purchased 2018 XSE 4cyl. with all options two months ago. We had a 2016 XSE 4cyl. but thought it was just blah. The navigation system was simple and good but the upgrade stereo was terrible. Now in the 2018, the upgrade stereo is tremendous but the navigation, WIFi, remote start are all a technology nightmare. To think you pay $35k for a new car and you can’t use theses features.

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  Above average - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By none - July 27 - 5:13 am

  This car is sporty looking,but overall its a nice car. Great mileage and i enjoy the motor. So far i had o get a new motor costing around 1800.00 . Hate the breaks and hate the plastic on the front. Love the car tough

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  Loose Drivers Seat - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By gregory - July 27 - 4:30 am

  The drivers seat design is poor. The seat "pops" while driving. I am told that this is a normal feature. It is very distracting to have the seat move when I start and stop. Ive had anti- freeze leaks(4). The cars ride is poor-it has a tendency to roll while driving in a straight line.

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  Transmission - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Benita - July 26 - 3:06 am

  I purchased a 2007 Camry LE in 2006. I have always purchased Toyotas; buying this one was a mistake and will be my last Toyota purchase. I had to have the carpet in the front replaced because my heel went through it. I explained to the dealer that I have a 2000 Camry (still runs) and never got a hole in the floor; they replaced it after threats. The car does not shift smoothly; hesitates. The paint is chipping so badly, the tires wore too quick. I faithfully get this car serviced, as soon as I can afford to I am going to get a Honda or Acura. My underinflated tire light keeps coming on, according to the dealer I can put nitrogen in the tires to prevent this problem.

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  Expensive plain car W/o any added benifit - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mb4life - July 26 - 12:13 am

  Its an expensive commuter/ beater car. Honestly, for the price they charge and what you get, you could find a much funner and more responsive car to drive with a LOAD more features standerd than this. Ive been driving my brother 07 Camry LE and, besides being zippy around town, the positives stop there. The car has 39k on it as of 2012 and, the water pump is going out on it. The paint is HORRIBLE and started flaking when my brother washed it on the front bumper. For the same price, you could get a much better car with a way better warrenty and features. The car has horrible steering and the throttle system is so annoying, it basically feather the throtle for you