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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  First Toyota owner - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By james florez - May 2 - 11:16 am

  This is the first time I own a Camry SE to this date I have been extremely satisfied, the ride, comfort and the feel of quality in the car is superb. As an owner of a Honda for over thirteen years, I can frankly attest that Toyota (Camry SE) is of superior quality.

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  Beauty and the Beast - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By CoastRider - May 1 - 1:40 pm

  1000 miles on new 2005 Camry SE V6. Interior: This vehicle has less front leg room than my old 95 Camry. Carpet and seat fabric quality not up to par as in older models. Seats feel very hard and uncomfortable for this tall driver. Radio controls hard to reach even with long arms; should be angled toward driver. Driving: Be prepared for a harsh ride in the SE as the sport suspension will alert you to every small bump and dip in the road. 17" wheels and tires look good but are very noisy on grooved freeway pavement. The V6 likes to be driven fast. Engine exhaust note has a nice "throaty growl" to it. At low speeds, transmission and engine seem to lug. Car shifts into 5th gear at 40 mph?

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  Feedback after Camry Recall - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Toyota Camry LE - April 30 - 11:16 am

  Service improved for Accelerator and Floor mat recall. It took almost two months to get the recall letter while Toyota developed a solution. We now have two McGill service people doing good work. Were hearing the problem could have been electronic but no one knows. I prefer to not let my wife drive the car. After this car is gone, we will go back to Honda where service is better. We would like another Honda CRV.

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  Nice, but not the best Ive had - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By jschuman - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, but not as good as the past ones. I had to replace both front axles for $800 at 80K and replaced many seals due to leaking oil since 30K. Ive owned Camrys since 1986 and still love them compared to GM products.

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  Odd Problem on A Reliable Name - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By CamryDriver - April 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Camry about 6 years ago and I love it but I have always had a problem with the CD Player. When I would brake, the CD that would be currently playing would skip until I fully stopped. Just this year my check engine light came on and went off and did that for a few months. I thought it was an electrical problem because the car drove fine and I was linking it to my CD player. The electrical tests checked out fine so I then needed to go get the oil changed. It turned out that my engine oil gelled all in my engine. I was also told there is nothing that can stop this problem and it can happen again in another few

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  Very Happy - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By MIKE A - April 28 - 9:36 pm

  Im very happy with my Camry. My parents have a 2000 Camry and never have had a problem. Stunning looks and plenty of room to boot. The bluetooth option works great, Nice touch in a car at this price level.

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  2007 Toyota Camry LE 4 dr Sedan - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By annec - April 27 - 5:03 am

  I purchased the Camry on reputation and recommendation. I am not a car geek and do not have the knowledge or time to deal with car problems. Well, I am becoming a auto expert by necessity. My problems are: hesitating then surge between shifts, windshield wipers that move with power that rocks the car to the point that it feels like it will roll over, plastic parts falling off, cruise control is so unreliable I dont use it, bad mileage, and, last but not least, half the windshild blacks out when driving at night through areas without street lights. The dealers answer, "It meets Toyota specifications." Any suggestions will help. Do I qualify for the lemon law?

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  #1 for a reason - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Hazem - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought an XLE with sunroof and leather and my wife and I absolutely love the car. Its very roomy but not bulky. The interior is beautiful yet simple. The overall build quality is fantastic. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy, inside or out. The trunk is huge, the gas mileage is great, and the price is reasonable. It drives very well. The engine is really quiet and smooth as silk. The handling is a nice mix of performance and comfort. The most significant feature of the car is its proven reliability. Toyota really hit a home run with this car and I cant praise it enough. If youre going to buy one be sure to get the leather and the sunroof.

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  Transmission problem - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rk - April 26 - 9:10 am

  I put up 245000 miles on my previous 1987 Toyota Camry. I did not have any problems, except for regular wear and tear. On my 2002 model, at 119000 miles, It has developed transmission problem. It takes long time to change to higher gear and jerks. If you accelerate, it makes noise and slips. Speedo meter does not work. It stays most of the time at zero and suddenly shows the speed and goes back to zero. I changed sensor, but no use. It needs all the engine mounts to be changed.

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  Toyota is the best - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Fardarter - April 25 - 6:46 am

  There was no need for me to purchase a car of this class. While I enjoy driving powerful, well-built, new cars, a smaller car, like the Corolla or a Honda Civic would have served me just fine. The Camry, however, not only has an elegant and attractive design. It holds the road magnificently. Having learned how to drive in Italy, I have chosen the manual 5-speed model, which turned out to be economically wise. Having full control of the gear shift, I make up to 38 miles with a gallon on the highway and never less than 30 in city driving. The engine is poweful and the vehicle has the right weight for its length and width. Its stability is enviable even on rainy roads.