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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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mae8596 - March 25 - 1:53 pm

  I totaled my Scion tC a month ago and just bought a Camry LE 4cyl today. I have been quite impressed with the way it handles and the torque. It does surprisingly have a bit of "pep in its step" I am quite happy with this purchase and I would recommend this car. My brother referred this car to me and I have never been happier with a purchase.

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  dont settle for 4 cyl or softness - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By thegman - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I needed a car with good gas mileage,is reliable and less than 10k. I prefer cars with some personality and some performance. I installed a set of progressive lowering springs (about 1.2 inches) What a difference and with little compromise to ride quality. Threw in a K&N filter. Well worth 30 some bucks for a couple hp, cooler growl from the motor and improved throttle response. Upgrade to some 215/55/16 all season tires and this car is now looks better handles and brakes better and sounds better on throttle. All for about $1500 bucks. TRD offers a supercharger for about $3500 installed. This car now becomes fast!

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  Solid Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Hybrid - March 25 - 10:00 am

  2002 Toyota Camry! To me that means reliability. The car has a lot of power for a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder. It performs nice with the exception on very loose steering. Uneven pavement will cause the car to pull easily although the alignment is right on. .

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  Camry 11 - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By mls4deals - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 03 Camry LE to commute from san diego to LA DAILY...and put 40,000 miles on it in a flash without getting worn out. Im sellin it for almost what I paid for it (on sale @ 15,688) since I put in the moonroof, spoiler and tinted window and the white car looks like the SE sport model and buying a 2004 Camry LE limited edition now that I am driving regular miles again. I love the cars handling, comfort, utility and mileage as well as performance and beelieve it to be the best car offered for the features and value it offers. IF ou havent driven one before you buy any car...DRIVE THIS ONE..and your decision will be a "NO brainer" :)

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  Great Value - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BRJ - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Camry continues to deliver a very reliable and practical package. Ride is comfortable and quiet, very quiet. In fact I would say its on par or even better than some high-end luxury cars. This is my second V6 LE and I am not disappointed. The only gripe I have is the start up pick up and erratic / delayed shifting at start. The pick up issue can be overcome by flooring the gas. Overall, very happy with the choice I made. You get a lot of car for your $$ compared to the competition.

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  Fantastic Car - better than Honda by far - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By knowpwr - March 24 - 5:01 pm

  Love this car. I drive aggressive and engine is quick from start and passing. Handles well in city and quite on the highway - especially since replaced the factor tires which werent that goo. Drivers seat is very comfortable. Good visibility. Have had for 3 years and not a single issue. I love the interior - it is super functional and easy to do everything. I use the aux input for my iPAD and Sandisk MP3 player. My Son has a Honda Accord (same year) and I like the Camry ride, handling, and interior much much better. The Accord drives rougher and steers harder IMHO. Tough to improve on this Camry.

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  Awesome and Rageing - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Anand Raj - March 24 - 12:36 pm

  I have driven many cars in my life. I feel that the Camry XLE V6 4Door Sedan drives no less than a Mercs or a Lexus. The smoothness make me wake up everyday morning to drive the car to work.I love my Camry and yes nothing else can offset the V6 engine and Camry with the price I got it for. My car is 2005 but smooth as a 2009 Lexus. What else can I say and ask more than a Camry.

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  Recommended with Reservations - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By DallasRealtor - March 24 - 2:00 am

  13,500 trouble free miles. Comfortable, even on long trips. Noticeably quiet with refined road manners compared to our 99 Accord EX. Excellent braking comes in useful in sudden stop traffic. Lots of useful space and compartments. Convenient access in/out. Only major complaint is transmission lag is quite noticeable, especially while merging with short windows of opportunity( Ex: On/Off Ramp = same lane).

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  GREAT CAR FOR FUTURE TODAY. - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By JGOODWRENCH - March 24 - 2:00 am

  SAW AT CAR SHOW LIVES UP TO EXPECTATIONS

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  Problems Galore! - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By toycar - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for less than a month and it has been to the dealership 5 times to fix problems. First one tire had 45 psi pressure then the wheel alignment was off. Tires are noisy. Why cant they check the vehicle before delivery?