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 love it! - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Norb - August 29 - 7:50 pm

  Replaced one set of tires and brakes at 75000 miles, battery after 9 years. Had one check engine light (I didnt fasten the gas cap securely). Regular 3000 mile oil changes. One new headlight, license plate lights just this year. Dark green paint not a bit faded, fake wood trim on inside mottled/faded (only complaint). Best car Ive ever owned, dont hesitate to go on long trips.

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  The Shudder Monster - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Rocco - August 29 - 9:28 am

  Look it up. Most of these cars are defective with a torque converter shudder under light throttle, heck...Ive been through TWO torque converters and now a new transmission. Still shudders. I wish this was 90s Toyota when their cars were actually good. Nope, this is cost cutting Toyota. Transmission doesnt even have a dipstick. Trading! Two words.....Call Honda

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  Great used car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By camrybug - August 29 - 4:40 am

  I bought my Camry for my college daughter two years ago with 85,000 miles on it. Two years later, at 115,000 miles, I have had no repairs AT ALL! The car is pleasant (not exactly a head turner) but does everything flawlessly. Great gas mileage and does exceptionally well in snow. I was surprised to find that it had ABS, a power drivers seat and a CD player. Toyota put a lot into a relatively inexpensive package.

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  Good buy - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By boyboy - August 26 - 7:06 pm

  We had the car for 7 months drives well specially with use of sequential shift. The dealer give couples of thousand below mssrp+ apr and I get the car in 3 hours. Gas average 24 mpg not bad and I got free remote starter. Awesome deal

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  my 4th toyota - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By NAT.C - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this is my fourth toyota,1990,1992,1999 and now a 2002.my only complaint a thumping sound coming from the rear suspension on bumpy road.took it to two different dealers and they cannot find anything wrong with it.maybe they hear it,but dont know how to fix it. except for this problem everything else works like a charm after over a year of driving it.

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  4 months of research pays off ! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Camry Ted - August 26 - 1:00 am

  I have owned the 07 Camry SE V6 since May, and I must say that it was worth having to do 4 months of research to buy this car.I test drove and compared similar 4 door sedans like the Maxima, Accord, Mazda6, and noticed that none had all the features,performance,comfort ,safety,and looks that the Camry has.Plus to get the great MPG for a 268HP engine is amazing! The ride is quiet-takes bumps smoothly.The acceleration is not the best, but once it gets going it GOES! Plenty of leg and headroom all around the car.Gauges are well placed and well lit at night.I would highly reccomend this car If your looking for a sporty, roomy, 4 door sedan with good gas mileage

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  BEST FRIGGIN CAR IN THE WORLD! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By codaddictions - August 25 - 5:30 pm

  I bought this car from a guy on craigslist and she was already 18 years old. Haha shes as old as me already and she has still been going so strong. Has 203,000 miles on her and runs like a new car. The only thing that has given out on her was a part on the fuel injector and that was fixed she was up and running like a champ again. Her muffler gave out only a week ago and I dont really blame her since shes had the original ever since she was made. Love this car to death. Shes cute and that little baby blue color; shes not just a car shes my baby! LOVE THIS CAR TO DEATH. I hope to burn her out to 300,000 miles <3<

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  Bullet Proof Car - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By bechman74 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car since 1998. Bought it with 26K miles and now have 133K in Oct 2004. My wife put it into a ditch 9-11-01 by accident and dented the compressor and radiator...it has been to the shop for this accident ZERO times! I recently ran over a concrete barrier avoiding a crossing SUV...ZERO damage. The sound of the doors closing is still solid as the day we bought it. I had to replace the thermostat at 125K. We had the water pump go out at 40K and it was replaced under warranty. Brakes were replaced around 115K. Great vehicle that is used solely as a daily commuter for a round trip of 40 miles...and still gets ~29mpg!!!

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  toyota 2001 - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By parrotpapa - August 24 - 10:00 am

  great milage plenty of room in side and trunk

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  better than expected - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Easy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  nice car,decent seats,smooth drive train,great on the highway.No complaints with the car so far,I purchased it with 7k on the odometer Ive put 26k on it so far with 2 trips down south.The original bridgestones wore out after 20k miles and were replaced with an all season kelly VR- 225/55 series tire.This made it handle way better although the ride is not as soft as before.The black paint and alloys still looks good,JBL premium system sounds good and over all the car is wearing well.Window tinting and the fat tires give it an agressive stance,it also gets a lot of stares. Someday Ill add leather seats,it also looks great next to my black Highlander. (No more GMs for me)