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:

• 

  Best Car Ill Ever Own! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Native49 - January 17 - 3:00 am

  I bought this car in Feb 2005 with 55k miles. It now has close to 103k, and runs the same as it did with 55k. Ive done nothing to it but oil changes and routine maintenance. It may have a 2.2liter 4cyl and 135hp, but Im almost always the first one out of the gate when the light turns green, and I pass easily on the freeway, even when going up a 9% grade that lasts for 10 miles. I dont drive hard, either. I rarely go above 3000rpm, and never over 3500 (max hp is reached @5200). Ive taken it on two different road trips which were 2/3 highway driving and 1/3 city, and overall gas mileage was 32mpg. I will keep this car and see how many miles I can put on it before it needs repairs.

• 

  Mixed Feelings - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By camrydriver - January 15 - 11:06 am

  I bought this car with 80,000 miles and now it has 190,000. Started having problems about 2 years ago. Key wouldnt turn in ignition, $200 to fix. Now I have multiple oil leaks in the front & back of the engine. Radiator is cracked and timing belt needs to be replaced. Woodgrain is cracked and peeling. Rear door handle doesnt work from inside. Struts/shocks are bad. With all problems, its never broken down and has taken me many miles. Not sure if I need to spend the $$ to get it repaired as itll be more than its worth right now. Im torn b/c this is a good car. Moms is 1 year newer and never any of these problems.

• 

  04SECamry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By nicole398 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Sport tuned suspension gives a sure footed drive even on high speed turns. White faced gauges really gives it a sporty look.

• 

  camery - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By lillian - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Well the steering wheel shakes when you drive it gets hot fast, the guy told us that the gasket is probly pinch and that is the reason for the over heatin

• 

  What A CAR! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By ANDY87 - January 12 - 10:36 pm

  When I got my first car at 16 I drove around in an SL-1 Saturn 1995. Then I decided after a couple of years to try out an older Toyota to try out the dependability on my own. I must say this thing has nothing stopping it. Bought it at 129,000, and now I have 160,000 on it. The only things Ive had to replace on it in two years was a new distributor, an engine mount, and the timing belt.

• 

  Bullet proof - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By GAB - January 11 - 4:20 pm

  Virtually trouble free for 70 K miles, mostly in the city. Quiet, comfortable, great gas mileage. Only problem is the rear brakes which shudder occasionally. Would definitely buy again.

• 

  comfortable cruiser - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By petras52 - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Quiet, comfortable ride, le version well equipped, lots of storage space, getting 27 mpg in 50/50 hwy/light city traffic with winter blend fuel and easy going driving style. Decent acceleration with the smooth 4 cyl eng, never felt the need for more power, interior has lots of plastic but at least its tastefully done and to be expected at this price point. Optional jbl stereo sounds good, esp with cds. Overall I think its a good value and I would still buy again even with the current recalls.

• 

  Best car for around 20k - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By charlie - January 10 - 1:30 am

  The best car I ever had its true what people say about toyotas they run forever well in my situation 300k and still running strong and smooth like the day I bought it recommend it to everyone

• 

  Not the best choice for everyone - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - January 9 - 4:53 am

  Overall a solid car with a few shortcomings and no personality. Feels designed for the masses not an individual person. The front seat bottoms are too short and flat for taller people. The brakes are weak- dealer told me Im at 50% front and back after 6 months. I never did understand the option packages in order to get disc brakes w/o a $3000+ option package. Car feels and looks big and bulky. Dealership was dirty and sales staff sleazy. I feel like a schmuck for putting up with the dealer and actually buying a car from them. We bought a Toyota because everyone said it was great. It is a good car but not for everyone.

• 

  Best car ever for this class! - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By tbowen - January 8 - 11:53 am

  So here is my story...I am a home health nurse and do LOTS of driving. Had a 2012 Fusion used with less than 30,000 miles on it. What a piece of junk! Had transmission problems that they cant seem to fix in the Fusions. So I traded it in for a Camry. Wow! What a difference! I LOVE my Camry. I test drove the Camry LE and XLE and did not like them at all, felt underpowered and boring. I test drove the SE and fell in love. The power in this 4 cylinder is remarkable, I thought I was driving a 6 cylinder! I am getting 29 mpg in mixed driving, upwards of 40 + mpg on highway. This is one solid car and just quality built. You just cant beat a Toyota!!!