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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  I might be the exception... - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Hal - October 18 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my SE on Superbowl Sunday, 2007. I hardly use it. Ive put 6k miles on it in 2.5 years. This is my third Camry (93, 91) and while this is the first one I bought new, I think it doesnt compare to my old 93. The main problem I have with it is handling. I rarely, if ever, get a good, straight parking maneuver. The added front axle length makes it like driving a shopping cart. The 93, on the other hand, had nearly perfect handling and agility. Also, even though I rarely drive it, somehow Im losing gas. I estimate around 100 miles to the tank, under 10 mpg. I will have it checked at the dealer. Would I recommend it? No. But, nearly everyone whose seen it loves it.

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  Tight Handling + Quiet - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By AIRFORCEDINSTAAR - October 17 - 11:13 pm

  I am hoping the 09 has all the transmission bugs of the previous two years worked out! I would have to say that this car is a excellent vehicle for family it has five star crash testings all the way around except rollover which is a 4! My first Toyota almost 1000 miles and glitch free!! Great ride.

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  impressive vehicle - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By erie - October 17 - 10:00 am

  IÂ’ve owned this Camry since 1996 and it has been extremely reliable. I love this car.

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  I am a believer - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By macord - October 16 - 12:30 pm

  We have always been a GM family and had large SUVs and Trucks. My wife just traded in her 2001 Chevy Tahoe which we bought new for a 2012 Camry XLE. This car has it all. Luxury without the luxury price tag. We did about 8 weeks of research before making our decision. It was between the Sonata, Optima and the Camry. Sure Hyundai and KIA are tempting with their warranty and I have to say that is the only thing Toyota is lacking in. It really came down to quality and reputation. The other two companies are really starting to stick out, however I think Toyota is still the leader. Very nice car. Make sure you ask about the Costco program. We paid 200.00 over invoice Renton, WA Toyota is awsome

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  Very Happy with Camry LE Automatic 4cyl - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ctcamryle - October 15 - 5:03 am

  I got this car last week and have about 150 miles on it. The car had initial hesitation around 40 MPH but maybe I was getting adjusted to the new car. I have not noticed any problems that other users have mentioned. The front car windows made creaking sound when rolled down but that automatically disappeared in a day. So far, its running great. The mileage seems to be good too as the fuel indicator still shows approx. 3/4th tank full (after 150 miles). The ride is quite even at 70 MPH and the pick up is decent (not like V6). The car handles well on road even in rain and light snow. The interior is very roomy and spacious and Toyota has given some nice standard features in LE. Way to go!

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  unhappy - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By unhappy2 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This is certified new vehicle with 34000 miles, car is burning oil, transmission does not change properly when AC is on. Tires and brakes had to be replaced. Dealer told me that Camrys burn 1 quart of oil every 1500 miles!! Refused to fix trans, said no problem. This is because car is under original warranty. I wont buy another one, thats for sure.

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  Great Car - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By lmjones - October 13 - 11:50 am

  I got my Camry used two years ago, and its been an exceptional car. Its slowly falling apart (console top came off, drivers door handle on outside off and inside is cracked and ready to come off, drivers window is off track, mufflers shot, shock housings shot, a few rust spots, dent on the rear quarter panel, etc.), but Im pretty rough on my cars. Aside from the recalled engine issue (somethings not sealed? Im not sure, but it burns oil like no other, and when I take off a huge cloud of smoke comes out the back end), Ive had no major work done on it. Great little car! Ill probably be getting a newer one (looking at 06 models) next year.

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  Toyota Quality - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By mehollin - October 11 - 10:00 am

  180,000 miles and still going strong...this car has had no major maintenance (only replaced brakes, battery, and alternator).

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  Great No Hassle Cushy Car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Sienadingo - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a solid reliable car that is very comfortable to drive.

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  Camry now lower in standards than a Yugo - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By whoisme - October 11 - 3:38 am

  Before you buy this car, rent one . Second find a good tune on the radio and fade to the rear and fade is what it does there will be no sound . Dealer says that is how its made. If you have owned a previous model dont expect the same ride or comfort level. My prior was a 2010 LE and I would take it back if I could. Now to my last fight with Toyota, park the car on a level spot ,look from the rear, it will lean towards the drivers side its called the Toyota lean. The last spec quoted to me was 1.5" is good and no correction. I was lent a 2015 se and it also is the same. Maybe I am anal but it bugs the hell out of me. As to the interior the glove box is a joke no room, the carpet " what carpet" Oh the floor felt is very cheep maybe a little thickness might eat some of the road noise. Enough of me wining its a love hate relationship with this one.