Toyota Camry Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
4,530 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 521 through 530 of 4,530.00
  • Oh if only they made all cars like this - 1998 Toyota Camry
    By -

    This particular model Camry has been amazing for our family car. It has 304,000 miles and still going. The cons first: It seems to use up brakes and rotors quickly. Probably about every 20,000 miles they need looking at. It also seems to go through a fair amount of tires... more than the average car. The pros: The list is endless. Transmission and motor are incredibly built as our car has 304,000 miles and still going strong. We will be selling it to a new driver as his first car. The car still looks and drives good and the style is pretty classic so it doesnt look real dated or anything. We are about to get a Highlander cuz were getting older and need a car a little higher off the ground than we did back in 98. Bottom line: This is a Camry extraordinaire! Gotta love the quality of this particular model.

  • Poor Acceleration; Frequent Downshifts - 2007 Toyota Camry
    By -

    I loved my 05 Camry 4 cyl automatic transmission LE, but I hate my 07 Camry 4 cyl automatic transmission LE. By far the biggest problems are the hesitant acceleration of the 07, and the frequent automatic downshifts at freeway cruising speeds of 65 to 70 mph. I dont know if the problem is "drive by wire" or the car weighs too much for the engine size (or both). In addition, the a/c system frequently pops out of recirculating mode on its own. Toyota also moved the controls for the electric side mirrors from a convenient position on the arm rest to an inconvenient position to the left of the steering wheel. I cant wait to get rid of this car, and I only have 6,600 miles on it.

  • why my wife and i are on our 10th toyota - 2004 Toyota Camry
    By -

    nothing less than i would expect from toyota-- after 9 cars from corolla to avalon, its still the best car out there and the one that is most consistantly well built and performance perfect.

  • I LOVE MY CAMRY - 2004 Toyota Camry
    By -

    I thought I loved my 1996 Camry. Well, I was wrong. I LOVE my 2004 Camry, although I kept my 1996 and still enjoy driving it, too. But the 2004 is much improved, not only in handling, but comfort, mileage, etc. It is quieter and rides even smoother. I adore this car. Even with the a/c running and at speeds up to 80 mph, I get 36 mpg on the freeway. You just cant beat that. It is 100% reliable and great to take along friends, or the kids and their friends because everyone rides comfortably and happily. Well worth the $$. Im quite sure that in a few years I will be purchasing Camry #3!

  • Excellent - 2007 Toyota Camry
    By -

    My Camry SE is fantastic. No problems what so ever. People notice this car and it is a pleasure to drive. Great gas mileage and comfortable on long trips. This is my 5th Toyota and I am pleased.

  • Reliable, but very boring - 1995 Toyota Camry
    By -

    My parents bought my Camry new in 1995 and I recently inherited it. It now has 180,000 miles and is showing few signs of its age. Although it has certainly been a reliable car, the Camrys performance is barely adequate. The lack of power becomes a big issue when merging onto highways at high speeds. The car accelerates very slowly and theres lots of body roll on turns unless you take them very slowly. This might be acceptable for the average driver, but if you prefer an engaging driving experience, the Camry is not for you. Ill be selling mine soon.

  • ten years and going... - 1992 Toyota Camry
    By -

    Great dependable comfortable and efficent. Used as a family ride and a commuting vehicle. Good on trips, especially before the dawn of the SUV and Mini-Vans rose up to create visibility challenges. Cant beat the value we have gotten out of the first 10 years of happy ownership.

  • BEST PICK - 2003 Toyota Camry
    By -

    Never drove a car I like more. This car drives like a dream. relieiblity, ride comfort, and safety top the list for me. Unlike the Honda that seems to drive like a sports car wantabe.

  • Wonderful Experience - 2008 Toyota Camry
    By -

    I own the 3.5L V6 XLE Camry. I switched to Toyota after owning German cars for 13 years. The Camry drives very smoothly, securely hugging the road while curbing. The V6 has enough power at all times: on highways while accelerating and from a stop-start state. It is well laid out inside as well. I am completely satisifed with this car. I have had no problems whatsoever - the peace of mind of owning a car that retains its value is priceless. Camrys end up an asset even after 5 years and 100k.

  • 1st time owner of Toyota Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
    By -

    Just purchased my first Toyota vehicle. I chose the camry due to reputation, reliability, gas mileage and quality. I have been impressed so far. I have traveled over 300 miles on a 1/2 tank of gas. Love the smoothness of the ride, is very quiet inside. Love everything about it.

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