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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  An honest opinion - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By SecondCamry - March 19 - 8:53 pm

  I did a lot of research before purchasing and read many reviews regarding the cars harsh shifting in low speeds. After driving it for 3000 miles I understand now what was meant. The will not let you cruise at low speeds when releasing the brake. In stop-and-go traffic the car seems to be confused about what gear to be in. However once you reach higher speeds the car is very smooth and gives an impressive ride. I just really hope they will figure some way to take car of the shifting issue in city traffic, its a little annoying. MY HUMBLE RECOMMENDATION - test drive the car for a while to get the feel of this issue and see if it bothers you. Hope this helps.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By cpossenti - March 19 - 1:13 am

  Wonderful car on highway or back roads. 18 Gal tank gives you less stopping time on trips. Comfort and reliability.

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  Beautiful car with wonky insides - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Sean M - March 16 - 1:56 am

  I have driven many Toyotas over the years, and they have all been engineered with rock solid precision and very high quality inner workings... until this car. It may be that 2007 was the low point of Toyotas quality slump. I bought this car used at about 135000 miles. From previous experience, thats not even halfway to end of life for a Camry. At first it was a pleasure to drive -- leather interior, JBL sound, smooth ride with little engine noise. However, at 145000 miles suddenly we had to have the transmission replaced (not repaired) -- a $3800 expense. At 153000 miles it started leaking transmission fluid, and at 155000 Ive had to park the thing because of the $900 transmission pump replacement cost. In addition, weve had increasing engine noise, more corrosion problems than I would have expected, and smaller electrical issues. It may be that weve got an outlier, but this is not a car to expect to thrive on the long haul like the 1990s Camrys did.

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  Manual transmission - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Terry Gut - March 15 - 3:13 pm

  The 2005 Camry is convenient and even comfort vehicle. However, the manual transmission on Camry STD 5M I am currently using is certainly the worst one Ive ever tested. Those who are thinking about manual transmission should stay away from Toyota.

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  Never a Toyota Again - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By minnetonka - March 15 - 4:43 am

  I bought myself a car that has been back for several defects, including rattles from dash area. Apparently a service bulletin was issued by Toyota, but I have had it in 4 times and it is still rattling over road bumps. I had to have the trunk lid adjusted, the rear bumper cover reattached, a door arm rest cover replaced as it was shipped from the factory with a chip off the fake plastic silver. The front A pillar cover had to be be reattached as it was loose causing another constant rattle. The fit and finish that i thought Japanese car makers were supposed to be famous for did not pertain to my car. Irregular gaps in dash area. The leather on the seats seems very cheap. 4 cylinder is weak.

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  love my camry - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By sprof - March 13 - 10:00 am

  camrys are the best! excellent comfort, reliability, fuel mpg outstanding. never a problem; just general maintenance

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  Some Surprises - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By VFI Greg - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Within a week after taking delivery I (and others in the vehicle) noticed several squeaks & rattles. The dealer has ordered a replacement center dash and is still trying to resolve the noises coming from the parcel shelf area. Loose seatback was repaired as was exterior door rub guard. I was surprised as this vehicle came so well rated. I average 1,500 kms per week so time will tell how this unit will hold up.

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  YOU CANT BUY BETTER CAR UNDER $20.000 - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By pleiadian - March 13 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST CAR FOR MONEY..........

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  Our new Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By satisfied - March 11 - 12:36 am

  We are long term owners when we purchase a vehicle. After 4 1/2 months, 3500 miles - we are not at all dissatisfied with our decision to purchase another Toyota. Very dependable, good looking and economical. Glad we went with the 4 cyl. I like the car.

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  losses value quick/dislike seats color - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By ka - March 10 - 4:19 am

  Things I dislike about this car. Price- extra cost for navigation system, blind spot sensoring (over $ 3,000 extra for these features) This comes standard on Hondas, Mazda and other cars. Noticed used Toyotas lost 20 % of value in first year or do. If you buy this car at $ 27,000 plus financing bringing it to $ 30,000 after two years it is worth less than $ 20K. Disliked interior seat colors- would stain very easily if that ketchup/mustard drips out of a hamburger or coffee spills.