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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  overall great car - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By AAC - February 16 - 3:56 am

  Have put over 120000 miles. Starter replaced at 90000 other than that only maintenance items have been done very reliable. Still very quiet and comfortable, interior still nice except where the power window switches on both fornt door panels are seperating. Although not as nice in style, its a way better car than our same year (98) Honda Accord that required several repairs, next time sticking with Toyota.

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  Camry is good - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By rob - February 15 - 2:23 pm

  I bought the V6 version before I realized I would be driving about 40k a year. Although I am currently getting in the high 20s and low 30s for the mpg. I spend about 3 hours a day in the car and it is fairly competent. The driver seat could use more upper lateral support as I tend to lean out of the seat towards the center. The car has a superb ride for a Lincoln or Buick, but I wish now that there was an SE V6 for the stiffer suspension when I bought the XLE . The car is well equipped even better so than the Accord, which I have owned several and think I prefer overall. The Camry is overall a solid car and sure to please the masses.

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  Got the feeling? - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By autoboy156 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  On my 96 camry i had to replace the charcoal canister 2x in 2 years. i feel as though the camry is not as reliable as one would expect from toyota. Also the brakes on the LE arent that great either because of the disc/drum setup, you have to plan ahead to make a smooth stop or else there will be excessive nosedive as well as the car stopping to a jerking motion. Acceleration with the 4cyl runs out of pep after 0-40mph. this car isnt made to go fast but it is a good commuter cruiser car. Not intended for those with a lead foot.

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  Ilove my Toyota - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By littlewalty - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I just love "My Toyota Camary" I feel safe in my car, the ride is smooth and comfortable. The sound system is wonderful.

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  Its not your fathers sedan - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Warren Richards - February 14 - 8:07 am

  Nice car at reasonable price. My cons would be that the seats in the front do not raise enough for me at 59 and also the stereo system in the LE model sounds like a portable radio. Ive had a have a Camry LE years ago and the stereo system sounded like it belong in a midsize car nice sound. The sound on this system is not very good with radio and CD player

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  Toyota like a war tank. - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Toyotafan - February 11 - 6:16 am

  To SNP Camry..The vibration on your new car comes from the way the tires are mounted. As you may know, toyota does not install good tires on its cars. My suggestion, take your car to the nearest dealer and ask the technician to dismount the tires. By doing so, they will be able to match the two marks, inside the tire and the other being on the rim. In light of that, the technician should consider doing a dynamic balance on the wheels and should not experience any problems thereafter.

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  My second Camry LE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By David_H - February 11 - 2:46 am

  The 2005 Camry LE replaced a 2003 Camry LE. There was nothing wrong with the 2003. With 50K miles on it, it had still a quiet, comfortable ride, but I wanted a different color and the features the 2005 model. (ABS brakes, power drivers seat, steering wheel mounted audio controls, five speed automatic, and auto-on lights - and the price was almost the same as the 2003!) The Camry has a comfortable, quiet, refined ride. The four cylinder engine is smooth, quiet, and peppy, and the cabin has plenty headroom for me (Im 64".) The five speed automatic shifts smoothly, but it is a little busier than the 2003s four speed. For the money, the Camry is a very good value.

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  2400 miles later - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Eroc69 - February 8 - 9:46 pm

  OK, Ive had my 07 V-6 for 2 full months. WOW what a disappointment. There are as many rattles, squeaks as my old 97 Grand Prix. Worse when its really cold but thats ok. The engine is still phenomenal and it does get good MPG. The seat comfort is not as it was and I found that the gas-brake pedals are offset too much to the left of my body centerline. The tranny housing is too wide and as such causes an unneeded bend in my right leg, RE: KNEE PAIN. Still a quiet car, looks good, good MPG, but the rattles even if NOT moving are a major distraction. WAIT til the 08s come out to buy one.

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  93 Camry - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Victor - February 6 - 7:56 am

  Extremely reliable in all kinds of weather. My total expenditures for repairs in the 14 years I have owned it are less than $600. Hate to sell it but the wife wants a new car! New car payment will be around $600.

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  2007 Toyota Camry CE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jimmy - February 6 - 4:03 am

  This is a great car. I love the 4 cylinder engine. It gets great mileage, and runs great. I also have several American cars that are fairly new. This car is ten years ahead of those.