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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  More fo your money - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Camryfan - December 20 - 7:30 pm

  I would highly recommend the 2002 Camry if you are in the market for a new car. When I first started looking at new cars a few months ago I was almost certain I would purchase the new Nissan Altima. Before I made my final decission I thought I should also test drive the Camry.It took me only a few moments to be glad I did. While the Altima is a fine car, the Camry is more spacious, quieter, smoother, more comfortable and has a much richer feel. This is the fist Toyota I have owned and I love it.

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  very uncomfortable driver seat - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By horrible front seats - December 19 - 2:36 pm

  Bought a 2010 Toyota Camry XLE V6 last 8/19/09, I commute to work 150 miles each way, about 300 miles roundtrip and this car is very good except for the very uncomfortable driver seat. the seat thigh support is not long enough to be comfortable, Im 59" and after 1 hour of driving, I would start to have cramps on the back of my right thigh. The driver seat cushion is not thick enough to be comfortable. My buttocks starts to hurt after 1-2 hours of driving that I want to stop driving and get out of the car to stretch my legs to relieve the cramps on my right thigh and relieve pressure on my sore buttocks. I usually drive 3 hours each way to work, about 6 hours roundtrip.I weigh only 225 lbs.

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  Material and Mechanical Parts are so Cheap - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Thuy Vp - December 18 - 1:35 am

  I own 2005 Toyota Camry (this is my 2nd Camry) and the quality of this one is terrible. The fabric inside has rolled up cotton ball. The fabric of the ceiling inside the car was all falling apart. The plastic inside is all loosen up. Its value is really bad compared to my previous Camry. My sister bought a 2012 Camry and the same thing happened to her. The material is so cheap. Not to mention all the mechanical parts - they dont last like the old Camry. We decided No more Camry and had shared this problem with everyone we know.

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  Camry gets you there and back - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By chiefman - December 17 - 4:03 pm

  This car is what American cars strive to be- dependable.

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  Hybrid Model - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bobby - December 15 - 4:03 pm

  The car now has 4800 miles and has been very reliable. I notice when the gas motor starts when running electric mode, more than I thought I would but not very noticable. I actually get better highway mileage than sticker show. My best is 46 but can almost always get at least 42. City driving is 39.5 almost always. GPS is accurate but not as easy to use as previous models. This is 3rd car with GPS. Ride is very good and handling nimble enough.

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  I think a lot of you missed the boat... - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By noobosaurusrex - December 15 - 3:16 pm

  270HP, 0-60 in 5.8secs?? Whats not to love? Ive beat Mustang GTs (thats right, the 300HP V8s) in this thing. I went for the fully loaded Camry SE, only thing I didnt get was a sunroof bc it takes away ur overall headspace. Seats are comfortable, its got sporty firm perforated leather, not soft wrinkly XLE leather. I see alot of people complaining about this car, but in all honesty, if you take care of it, things tend to stay new. I upgraded my interior to an ash colored wood grain. So it looks good with the black leather and silver accents. Its a V6..I bought it for style not for fuel economy...then again my other car is a 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 (11mpg) :O

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  Best Car Ever - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By kendradoll - December 15 - 10:00 am

  It has never let me down!!!

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  Tall People Beware - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Erik Savage - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The car runs great, but is not designed for everyone. Leg began cramping to the point of numbness days after I bought it, but the dealer and manufacturer were unsympathetic; politely listened but took no responsibility. Scouring the internet, I found similar cases for people 6 and over (Im 6). Ill have to sell the car at a loss after driving it for only a few weeks. Buyer beware: take a LONG test drive.

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  My First Toyota - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By belaircarguy - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded my 2000 Dodge Intrepid for 2003 Camry. Camry has a light touch, easy steering, parking and visibility. Nice ride, but not as much fun as the Intrepid, which was low slung and hugged the road like a sports car. Build quality is good, and car has an airconditioner that could chill meat! Great for those hot July days.

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  Im not keeping it... - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By Termitesforhire - December 14 - 4:00 am

  About a month ago I started shopping for a more comfortable car for my 36 mile commute to work. In an ironic twist of fate, I wound up with a 2012 Camry SE. The car rides well and handles alright for such a large sedan, but the front seat is a deal breaker. Six hundred miles in and I know for sure Im not keeping it. Ive sporadically driven it the past two weeks and its killed my back. I looked long and hard for a comfortable car and got stuck with this. Ive already spoken to my dealer, who is more than willing to try to get me into something comfortable. If that doesnt work, I will be switching back to my old car, which has fortunately not sold yet. If you are at all a tall person, examine this car carefully to make sure that you can get comfortable in it. Im 6 (not freakishly tall) and apparently the Camry is horrible on taller drivers. Google it. Its a shame because its an otherwise great car. After having this purchase go so poorly Im afraid to buy any car now.