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:

• 

  TRANSMISSION DISASTER/FLAWED - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By janda225 - December 28 - 1:58 am

  The car appeared be be a great vehicle initially. I began to have problems with the transmission early on, but the dealership advised nothing was wrong. Now that I have 120,000 mile on it and out of warranty, they recommend a new transmission. The durability on the flawed designed transmission makes the vehicle a liability at this point. Ive read several reviews with the same story. Toyota should have recalled this transmission. That is probably why they changed designs for future models. At this point, I would not recommend anyone to purchase this model vehicle or any other Toyota. It is not a reliable vehicle as they use to advertise. Its garbage. Now I have to spend $4400 on a new trans

• 

  Nice car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By gtbk - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I own this car for 5 days and 600 miles, so far. I traded an 01 Corolla with 68,000 miles. I was looking for a 4 cylinder that has room and power. This car has both. I tried the Altima, nice room and style, no power and harsh shifting. The Mazda 6 no power, seats not designed for 6 footer. Accord felt cramped. The Camrys ride is smooth and quiet! Nice stereo. Controls are easy to reach. The brakes are mushy, but the ABS felt mushier. The hood is suppoted with a gas spring, nice not to have that rod in the way. Plenty of trunk space. I miss the automatic headlights. A great car for the price and of course Toyotas dependability.

• 

  Great Car!!! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Parthiv - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I test drove Nissa Altima and Camry twice befor buying. I was hooked up with Nissan New look. But hat was it. After test driving Camry, I loved it. The car is so silent, road/wind/tire noise is next to nothing. Interior is great and of impressive quality. Milege is Great too - 32 mpg. I loved Nissan Altima exterior style. But now after comparing too and staring for more than 2 weeks of test driving, I like Camry better. Qualiy is better and style is very Classy. More like Lexus. Sound system is too good. With no outside noice, it feels much clearer. So unlike you sit in Hond Civics, you dont have to make it louder to hear.

• 

  Shifts a lot - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Henry 31 - December 26 - 3:50 am

  In many ways this is a very fine car, quiet, good looking, rides and handles well and thus far has been absolutely trouble free. The air conditioning is good and the radio is excellent. It has one characteristic however that can be annoying.I live in level terrain and this camry has a tendency to shift on all overpasses and even slight upgrades when going against the wind. It does shift smoothly but I would now would have to look closely at competing brands before buying this car again. You can nurse this car over these overpasses if the cruise control is not on, but I love cruse control and cruise control can prevent a lot of speeding tickets.

• 

  My Camry is HOT! - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By lovemyCamry2003 - December 26 - 3:36 am

  This car is sporty and quick. Been in the shop one time for a tune up. No problems to date. Bought for the kids, but still drive it for me.

• 

  Camry CE - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By epicmau5 - December 25 - 1:55 pm

  Very reliable as a starter car, I got this to go to college. It had 77k on it when I received it. Now it has around 81k after two years. I did, however, run into a couple problems. One was the check engine light, and the other was the alternator dying on me. The engine was free as it was well within the 30-day guarantee, but the alternator was $200 and self-repaired. Since mine had a starter on it, I cannot use it if I park the car in the winter for more than a few days, otherwise it would start then quit. I live in Michigan, and temperatures can go down to -8 F. Driving is great and very comfortable. Very fuel efficient as I fill up every month, despite driving 4 days a week to school.

• 

  toy - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By tracy - December 25 - 12:36 am

  Interior design only problems Ive ever had. Back of driver seat weak and carpet never has fit perfect but thats being picky. Trunk interior liner piece and loose and wont stay in place. Highway noise has increased with age but still acceptable. Normal maintenance of timing belt and CV joints only large cost incured. Engine and transmission still plenty strong with not a single leak. Still get over 30 mpg hwy and even gets better 35-40 with increase in speed. Cant explain that one. Absolutely no buyers remorse and no plans to sell this one for many years.

• 

  200k, The Most Reliable Car I Have Ever Owned - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By pmireland44 - December 23 - 9:44 pm

  The V-6 is very quick with more HP than most 60s Muscle Cars. I have personally put 200k on the clock from day one and the only repairs so far were wheel bearings and Struts at 150K. It didnt even need brakes until 90K! Still has the original battery. Oil changed every 5K. 25mpg in mixed driving and 31mpg on long trips. Everything still works, the interior has held up well (four kids). The paint has seemed to chip a bit easy but I have been on many 500 mile plus trips through the NW in winter. I have no intention of replacing this car before 300K.

• 

  People who dont like this car have never owned one! - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By mani_o - December 23 - 8:29 am

  I considered all the usual suspects before my purchase- Accord, Sonata, mazda6, Optima, Altima and one by one they all fell off the list and the Camry was left because of its comfortable interior, quality and good looks. I bought a 13 White Camry SE and everyone said this car looks great. My friends and family look the interior and say the outside looks good with sporty lines. Do not listen to the haters! Im glad they are talking so much smack about how "dull and boring" it is. Well for the people who drive BMWs and Porches everyday you might be able to complain. You have got to be really spoiled not to like this car. I got the car i could afford and for the money this is the best!

• 

  Not impressed anymore - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By K. Baker - December 22 - 7:23 am

  Dont like the car at all anymore. Hate the braking system. Funky surge after applying brakes, making you feel like you didnt apply them enough. Locked them up twice because of this. Problems with gears not shifting correctly. Dealer said it was a computer problem and they fixed it - NOT. Still having problems. Press the gas, RPMs go way up, hesitates shifting to the next gear, finally jerks into gear. Headrests are too far forward. Seat belt shoulder harness not low enough (even on lowest setting); cuts across my neck. Console lights dim at night, bright in the day. Passenger side carpet loose. Will be my first and last Toyota.