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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  Should have got the Fusion - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Me - December 13 - 3:46 pm

  Regret buying the car. Wish I would have gone with the car I really liked, the Ford fusion, because the Camry is not as good as they are made out to be. Not a cool car at all and not really reliable.

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  Long time toyota owner - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Scott - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 2011 Camry after trading in 2007 Solara. Car rides great and very comfortable. Price was right, especially with zero financing. MPG is respectable. Much better ride than my folks 2010 Honda Accord!

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  CAMRY HAS SLIPPED - 2013 Toyota Camry
  By Les - December 13 - 6:48 am

  Our 2013 does not measure up to our 2002. Its noisy, has uncomfortable seats, poor visibility, glare from dash reflects on windshield, poor audio, and rocks side to side with minor road undulations. We also had an 87 which we loved, but the 2013 has seriously slipped.

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  A review to help you avoid regret - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By aravind - December 12 - 2:43 pm

  I bought this car smitten by its exterior look and interior comfort. Yes, it is very comfortable, esp for the price paid. The interior is classy, the standard MP3 is useful, the host of curtain bags and standard features add to the plus. Also the car is very quiet and looks like a lexus. However the infamous hesitation is so very apparent. I drive in rush hour bay area traffic and it is just a huge letdown. The start is very bad. The 20-40 mile range hesitation is worse. The transmission is just terrible. Period. And it is not just the 4 cylinder syndrome. I drive a 94 Nissan GXE which I prefer over the new camry. That should explain it. It is downright dangerous to merge on freeways.

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  love my 18 - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Sarah R - December 11 - 4:31 pm

  Traded in my 14 for the 18. Saw the new body style and fell in love. We went in to buy a 17 at low price with them trying to get rid of them for the end of season. After both my husband and I drove it, we both knew that the 18 was the way to go. Super easy to drive, comfortable seats, good handling. Still wont be driving it in the snow, as my husband is an loyal Subaru fan with the AWD. So we will be leaving the Camry in the garage in the winter and driving his Subaru. The Bluetooth in the Camry is great, super easy to set up. The cruise control is nice on highway trips, not having to keep adjusting the speed. I am in love with my 18 but cant wait to see what the 2022 is going to look it. We upgrade every 4 years, right now I wouldnt trade my 18 for anything.

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  Very Disappointed, Uncomfortable Seats - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By AngelaE - December 9 - 11:40 pm

  This is my third Camry, after owning 2000 and 2002 models. I did not like the LEs interior from the beginning; it seemed cheaply made and had sharp angles. We wound up buying an SE because my husband preferred the sporty look and insisted we couldnt go wrong based on our experience with our previous Camrys. The following day I realized that this car has the most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. Every time I drive it I wind up with a headache or sore neck. The headrest cannot be adjusted backwards or forward and pushes my head forward. I took it to the dealer to see if there was any solution, but they were unable to help. I am ready to dump this thing and I have only had since May!

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  Rough Ride on Camry SE - Should have kept LE - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By camryboom - December 9 - 3:38 pm

  Great looking car, but it rattle my teeth to ride over just about any road. The only time the ride is smooth is when the car is stopped. Every bump on the road is sent into your seat and up your spine. Someone please tell me this gets better over time. Also, the stereo is blah ... my 2011 had a cranker. This one has no brut force. Big disappointment there ... would take my 2011 back in a heartbeat.

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  Camry 07 - not what I expected - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By disappointed - December 8 - 1:23 pm

  This is my third Toyota, and my last one. Im disappointed seeing that every time this car consumes more gasoline. Ive been measuring the miles/gallon since I purchased it, and it never goes higher than 23 mpg in a mix of city and mostly highway. Also, it hesitates when I press the gas, and 3 seconds later it accelerates with a jump! It doesnt feel safe!

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  My Camry LE Experience - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Young - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has been such a great vehicle that we have decided to purchase another Toyota Camry LE 4-door sedan as our last vehicle now that we are retiring. The car has been very reliable in every way -- starting in -20 degrees weather (and above 109 degrees) without a problem. We live in a mountainous area and our Camry handles the climbs (and grades) without a hitch. Plenty of power and get-up-and-go. Its a great car! You will never regret purchasing a Toyota Camry LE (or upgraded model).

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  a good buy - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By tasso - December 8 - 10:00 am

  i just purchased my 1997 camry le, and it is an exceptional family automobile.I know that it will last for a good long time.