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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  A car to be enjoyed for all seasons. - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rita - July 10 - 3:03 am

  When you get behind the wheel you can feel comfortable and relaxed with all the luxurious appointments. Everything is easy to reach and understand. It feels designed with the driver in mind. I love my Camry LE. Im over 70 years old and havent felt better about any other car Ive owned.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Melinda B - July 7 - 4:20 pm

  I bought my Camry 8 years ago, used. I fell in love with it right off. Its so comfortable to drive! I never have to worry about mechanical problems, which is a blessing! Every time I think about buying a new car, I test drive a few, but in the end, I cant even think about giving up my pretty little Camry!

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  07 Camry SE V6 One GREAT car. - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By delraybob - July 6 - 10:06 pm

  This car drives fantastic, looks great, perfectly acceptable power and handling. A perfect balance of affordability, power, luxury and features. Ergonomics and engineering are second to none at any price. It is the only vehicle I have owned that I am totally pleased with. It is a great departure from my prior vehicles which include a Corvette, Dodge Ram, Sedan De Ville and Explorer. All of the above vehicles I liked but all had some type of issues. I am really pleased with the Camry so far. I have tinted the windows and may add some 18" or 19" wheels but that will be all. Everything else is perfect just as it is, from the one touch sunroof to the steering wheel mounted controls.

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  Stunned in a bad way. - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Leah Najjar - July 6 - 8:27 pm

  Our 2005 Camry Le needs an expensive repair, so my husband suggested we buy a new car. Its a beautiful disappointment. We have a brand new car that I dont trust. The clock is losing time, the radio has static when I turn on the defroster, and it sounds like the transmission is going to drop out of the car when I press my foot on the brake and put it into reverse. Its not even a month old. The dealership wants to replace the rear windshield, since the antenna is bad. I want a new car. No windshield will be as good as one that is factory installed. Even before the problems began, I noticed the low quality of the materials within the cabin. The carpet is thin. Its almost like lint on paper. The doors to the change compartment and console are so much thinner than the 2005s. I cant even put a business card in there. It makes me think that if they skimped on the materials that the consumer can see, what must be happening under the hood? No, I do not trust this car at all. I started out with a great Celica, and this is my third Camry. Every buy was an improvement but this one. How do they sleep at night, knowing theyve done worse than before?

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  Death of the American Sedan - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Ed - July 6 - 6:26 pm

  I was a loyal Ford/Mercury sedan buyer, until I walked into the Toyota dealership. Ive always heard about the quality of the Camrys, but once I test drove the car, I was hooked. The ride far surpassed anything I had been previously driving. Surprisingly, the 4-cylinder engine is peppy and I dont miss the 6-cylinder Sable that I had. The fit and finish is also exceptional. Id like to believe that American sedans will improve to the level of Toyota and Honda, but after driving my new Camry, it seems like the U.S. is light years behind. The new styling is great as well and you sit higher, with a more commanding view of the road. A great car for a reasonable price, well worth the investment.

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  Follow up after 25k miles - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By John74 - July 6 - 6:33 am

  After 1 yr and 25k miles later we still love our Camry. Avg. City/Hwy fuel efficiency is a solid 32mpg and no problems to speak off. Tire wear is normal (rotated twice), the leather seats are showing no wear at all, the paint is still factory glossy. A seatbelt mechanism recall was taken care by the dealership within 1 hour.

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  So nice, and so fun! - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Christina - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2007 Toyota Corolla LE and I was very impressed with it; however, my grandparents needed a vehicle, and it was easier for me to get a car. So I "upgraded" to the Camry. It sits a little lower to the ground, but the ride is smoother and theres so much room! The power driver seat is nice, audio controls on the steering wheel are convenient. I dont mind the plastic dash, but some dont like it. Ive read some criticism of the look of the 07 and 08 Camry, but I think the "bulbous" nose is actually cute.

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  My Wife and I Fight Over Driving This Car - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Matt L. - July 5 - 11:35 am

  My wife and I both love this car. Everything about it from the looks, to the ride, to the power is great. Lots of tech. We both like that it reads your text messages to you while your driving. Navigation works great. The backup camera is crystal clear day or night. Very comfortable car. We have taken two, long drive family vacations in it and it was never uncomfortable or made us start squirming in our seats. The engine, although we only have the 4 cylinder, is very smooth and has a lot of power. We like that is has a true six speed transmission instead of a horrible CVT transmissions like they are putting in most newer cars. The car has a huge trunk and is also very roomy on the inside. Weve owned this car since October of 2014 and we have been very pleased with everything about it. One very minor complaint is the JBL Audio system. For the money it doesnt sound that great. Not terrible, but could definitely be better.

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  Feels like a 30k+ car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Patrick - July 4 - 3:26 am

  We only have 150 miles on it but we love this car. Dash is beautiful with BRIGHT gauges. Leather seats and interior fit and finish feel like a much more expensive car. The car just soaks up bumps (we live in Metro NY area so there are plenty of them). For 25K we got 16 inch alloys, v6, heated seats, climate control, traction and stability control, leather, moonroof, 6 CD changer, adjustable pedals, side airbags, tilt wheel and more. Are you kidding me???

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  Performance review - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By aa - July 3 - 3:30 pm

  Moving from another vendor (Audi A4) to the Camry meant the Camry getting a hit from a driver evaluation. The time to reach peak performance is almost at redline, not something I want to do for any vehicle needless a new one. If improvement could be made or factory tuning modifications offered to allow for better engine performance, that would help. Overall though for the engine statistics, the engine performs excellently.