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:

• 

  Dissappointed - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By jhunter - August 22 - 9:13 am

  Most people I talked to said they loved their Camry and would buy another one. As of right now I would not. My 07 Camry pulls to the left and I have taken it in twice and the dealership says it is fixed. Like others have said the cruise is not the best and sits at 5500 RPMs for an extended period of time and accelation is poor from stop signs most of the time. Also, the shifting in the transmission is herky jerky.

• 

  Slightly Disappointed - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By alexj - August 21 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my 02 as a demo in March of 02. It had about 1900 miles and seemed to be a great car. Currently, I have a water leak in the cabin when it rains and the service dept was unable detect or determine the source. Also, the front drivers side suspension seems to be loose. Although no problem was detected, I was advised that there was "paint- less" dent removal done. This leads me to believe it has been wrecked. Im suppose to take it to the body shop for further inspection of the leak. Also, Im gonna do a test drive with a service tech to demonstrate the bumping noise Im hearing from the front driver side suspension. My 98 LE was a much better vehicle. FRUSTRATED.

• 

  Impressed in Ohio - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By TheGR8BGeezy - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I havent had this car long, but I already love it. I bought it expecting some problems, and there are some, but they are nothing that is too expensive. The steering rack needed to be replaced along with the radio, nothing too major. Overall, Im very happy and impressed with the car and the way it has held up.

• 

  Better than an SUV - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Sanjay - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought an SUV but after a careful research on the interior dimensions, Camry is very close to most mid sized SUVs in terms of interior space. Also, it sits taller than its competitors, and is shorter than at least a few SUVs by a mere 4 inches. Add to it the quality, comfort, and reliability of Toyota. Sure, Accords and Maximas have tons to offer too, but this a great product at a great price. One word of advice - You CAN get it for less than the TMV. I played 3 car dealers against one another, and actually got it $1200 below invoice, and almost $1000 blow TMV. THANK YOU EDMUNDS for providing SO much good information!!!

• 

  Breath of fresh air (literally!) - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By mjw612 - August 19 - 6:13 am

  Bought the car in May after totalling my 04 Jeep Liberty in Feb. With all the amenities, I feel like Im in a much more expensive car! Temp controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth works perfectly with my motorola, JBL sound system is crystal clear, AUX input is great for the iPod, and the car has a much more refined appearance than its predececssor. I like the "fraichir" fabric and actually prefer it somewhat over leather (especially on extremely hot or cold days!).

• 

  Old Reliable - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By Old Reliable - August 18 - 11:40 pm

  Thank goodness for reliable transportation. Bought in 2000 with 36000 miles. Only mechanical issues were some exhaust/catalytic converter problems. (NOT CHEAP TO FIX-1000 miles over Toyota extended warranty-which Toyota has admitted as manufacturing problem, but will not pay for). Ive owned 4 cars in the past 30 years, 3 of them a toyota. Theyre definitely boring, but reliable. The interior is cheap, and having 77000 miles on a ten year old car, it should look better than it does. Trim has been fading and falling off since 2000. Power window issues, release for gas cap has been broken for 9 years.

• 

  Looks Are Deceiving!!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Joe V. - August 18 - 9:43 pm

  This is my 5th Camry. So far its been wonderful to drive! I took it on a 230 mile round trip and recorded 33.9 mpg. This was with A/C all the way. The interior is much more comfortable than my last 3 Camrys and the exterior styling is oh so chic. For the basic LE model, I think you get a lot of bang for the buck.

• 

  Great handling Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Tony - August 18 - 12:50 pm

  This is the 3rd Camry my wife and I have owned--and by far the best. Handling is excellent-with little sacrifice from usual Camry ride. Performance is generally good for a 4, but a little lacking on upgrades. Very roomy and comfortable. Loved the stability control during a Cleveland winter. We like the styling a lot- different from usual Camrys. No problems so far (11,000 miles over 14 months).

• 

  Great Value - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By JohnR - August 17 - 2:23 am

  This 2011 Camry is a tremendous value for the money. Compared to the main competition (Accord, Altima, Sonata) this vehicle was clearly head of the class.

• 

  tejjtjtj - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By wrjd554 - August 16 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle is just AWESOME. I just love the sleek design and I love Toyota because theyre vehicles are the MOST reliable out of all other makes. The only car I would ever buy is a Toyota. The XLE model has many advanced features and the best thing, they arent at all hard to use. Toyota is just awesome. I bought a USED Corolla in 1995 and currently it has around 110 K miles and is still running great. I would recommend Toyota