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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  Large Blind Spots make it less then good - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By mukesh - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Its been about 7 month since I have this vehicle. Its quite and powerful vehicle with lots of room. Everything is build nice and works well. Drove it 600 miles in one go and no problem. The mileage I am getting is about 18 in city and 23 on highway.

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  Once I Got Rid of the OEM Tires... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By DenverBrian - November 9 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car from Toyota. Im a Camry vet from 92 and 96 (skipping the horribly de-contented 97-01 model), and after 18 months I am still in love with the car. Unfortunately, Toyota spoils the experience with inferior tires at the start - avoid the Bridgestone RE92s if you can. They lasted all of 30K miles. I now have Yokohamas and have an even quieter ride - and incredible wet and snow traction missing from the first 18 months. Another picky gripe is that the nav system is far too nannyish about not allowing the driver to use when in motion (although you can press touch-screen radio buttons to your hearts content at 80 mph).

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  Thumping noise in right rear suspension - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By RussB - November 9 - 10:00 am

  There is a thumping noise in right rear suspension. Washboard roads and streets of Pa cause this noise to be very annoying. Have had to dealer 3 times and still not fixed. Dealer say Toyota is working on a repair for this problem as other cars also have the same problem. NHTSA has other report of same problem. Thought I was too fussy about it until my grandson who was riding in rear seat said Is that noise safe? Also have a sulphur smell from time to time with heat/ac on. They didd repair valve cover gasket but still there is an occasional oil smell.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By CHaywood - November 4 - 1:16 pm

  I love my Camry inside and out. Ive gotten so many great compliments. And it feels good to drive a car that is heads above every other car make. No complaints here. Give me a Toyota anyday! I got the LE trim in Barcelona Red Metallic. It sure is pretty and very fun to drive!

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  2016 Camry XLE letdown - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Disappointed - November 3 - 11:07 pm

  No fog lights available so far from Toyota. Only getting 30 mpg on highway driving (calculated--computer displayed 32 mpg). When is the cruise control going to look factory instead of add-on? Ride/handling is fine but overall quality not very impressive in a competitive market. $500 additional rebate started one week after purchasing the car--really stinks.

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  I Love My Toyota - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By Neva Rogers - November 3 - 10:00 am

  My car lacks cruise control. It does not have ABS. I have had very small problems. I take my car to the dealer and treat it like a baby. It is my joy.

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  Excellent Buy - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By anoop - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this toyota as a demo model and loved everything about it from the way it drives to the gas mileage and lots of other neat features. It has never given any problems so far. Has about 30k miles on it and hoping for it go many more.

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  My experience at heartland - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By CAROL COWAN - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my last camry so very much for the last 5 years that I knew when I Buy a new car I would want another one. I love the ease in driving it, the room inside for all I do with the grandchildren and dogs. IT gets super gas mileage and even though my trade in only has 28,000 miles on it our trips to the ocean and mts have been comfortable and economical.

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  Theres a reason Toyota is the top dog - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By olstein103 - October 31 - 11:16 am

  I received the car is about 78,000 miles on it. The only problem that has bothered me is the struts/shocks. The electronics are flawless, the day to day driving is excellent, and the fuel economy is amazing. The previous owner(my new stepbrother) is known for destroying his cars, and when I got it, I was so suprised at how well it took his beating. He is the person who would never maintain a vehicle ever. So my opinion of this car is excellent and would recommend it to anyone.

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  1st Time Camry - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By LNGRDR - October 30 - 11:16 pm

  First Camry Ive owned. Was sold by the reputation for quality, reliability, and the 2007 redesign. Seem to handle quite well and is quiet for a 4 cylinder. The transmission is not the smoothest. Some downshifts are abrupt and the clunk reminds me of the sound of a Harley shift. Otherwise, it seems to ride and handle well. Brakes are excellent and fuel economy is great for a car this size. Has a slight rattle from the driver side door.