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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  My 07 break through!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Annette - March 31 - 11:50 am

  What can I say. I feel like a million bucks in this new sleek, sporty yet power design. Its got great features, gets the ooos and ahhhhs as you are driving. Heated seats, passenger reading lamps, dual temp controls, leather interior, moon roof, Bluetooth wireless technology, nice trunk space, steering wheels controls for just about everything you need to touch!! Its a "wow" what are you driving type car and even owners of this one, will stop and have a conversation. Now that is what I call a car with pride!!!

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  Best Car Value "Ever" Nominee - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By family man - March 30 - 7:13 pm

  I hesitated buying this car in 1997 because I thought it was pricey for a 4 year old car with 84,000 miles on it. Eight tears later in 2005 with 215,000 miles on it, I have no regrets. It is by far the best performing and most reliable car Ive had. I have no reason to buy anything else. Parts may be more expensive than average but because of the low failure rate, I have saved big time and enjoyed a fine car.

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  TOO MANY PROBLEMS - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Tim Morello - March 30 - 3:33 pm

  I love the engine in this car. V6 has more power than you will ever need. However, there are too many problems with the transmission. Hesitations at acceleration, constantly shifting gears for no reason. Very cheap plastic parts and terrible squeaks and rattles.

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  So So Sedan - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By marym - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I thought the Camary was going to be a good car having owned a Celica previously. The car is making clunking noises from the rear. Having taken it into the dealership for them to check it out they said there is NOTHING wrong with it and they heard nothing...hard to believe. It is starting to make a noise in the front left wheel now. I am looking into a Nissan Altima for my next purchase.

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  "I think I can.... " 2013 Toyota Camry SE - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Frank Bunson - March 30 - 1:31 am

  When you see a 4600 lb. car with a 4 cyl. Engine and 6 speed automatic transmission...RUN! We never had a problem in three years of owning this car running to the store and post office. This year we decided to "drive" our vacation and do the Nevada/Utah Canyon lands. By the time we got to our destination I SERIOUSLY considered flying home. By the time we got home, driving through two mountain ranges, and hi desert, there was no doubt! We MUST get rid of this car! It was so much work just getting it up and down the roads that it just beat us half to death. I am a "driver"! The wife knows how. Toyota IS ashamed! In ALL respects, this automobile should never have been put on the road! I THOUGHT I was buying the car that is the 2016 Camry. My NEXT action, after returning my rental car, is to get rid of this beautiful junk!

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  Better than new - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By Dylan - March 28 - 4:16 pm

  Bought in 05 with 148000 kms in perfect condition. Very well built (much better than most new cars), incredibly reliable, but a bit boring. The V6 is very smooth and quiet but it lacks low end torque and seems to bog if you step on it. Ride is very smooth but floaty and needs to be more controlled. Steering is not very sharp. Tranny shifts well most of the time, but short shifts in normal mode and hangs on to revs too much in power mode. Quality of materials and build is awesome. Leather is excellent quality but front seat padding is hard and pinches the thighs. Overall a very good car with some minor shortcomings.

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  A Legend in its own class - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By vj - March 28 - 10:00 am

  What I am about to share with anyone is truly a feat on its own.I own a 1998 Toyota Camry LE (4 cylinder) and I currently have about 246,000 miles on it.This is not a typo, but I do actually have more than 246,000 miles on the car.

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  Renumber the speedometer, please - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By PlasticMan - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The cars ride is remarkably smooth and quiet on a variety of road surfaces, but perhaps a bit too soft. It is very easy to speed in this car without realizing it. Better use the cruise control on the highway! Steering could be a bit tighter though. The 4 cylinder is quite peppy and I have not regretted buying it instead of the V-6. Gas mileage is excellent for this size car. Transmission shifts are very very smooth.

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  Love our Camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Bigg E - March 27 - 7:40 pm

  My wife and I love our car. It gets great gas mileage, rides smooth and has just the right amount of power. We both like the sporty look. We would never have bought any of the other bland looking Camry models. Im a big guy and I am very comfortable driving this car. We have not had one problem with our car. Would definitely recommend.

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  Satisfied Camry Owner - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By California Camry - March 25 - 4:43 pm

  A couple of years ago I used Edmunds in the process of selecting a used vehicle. I was impressed by the favorable remarks of countless Camry owners. Subsequently, I purchased a well maintained 2000 V6 XLE with about 90K on it. I have been very satisfied with this car. Rides nice, plenty of power with the V6 which I recommend to anyone who needs the extra power for highway merging and traveling up steep highway grades. Getting about 27 MPG highway with the A/C on. No problems inside or out. Recently had the routine 90-100k maintenance performed. Prospective owners should not skip this. Not a luxury or performance auto, but dollar for dollar the most reliable and practical sedan so far.