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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  Unbiased - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Gerald - June 19 - 3:53 am

  Weve had the 4cyl Camry LE for over 2 years. Great car, but a little bland. Ride is floaty, comfortable, and handles reasonably well considering. Interior too light colored to keep clean. Small squeaks under close scrutiny. Brakes without ABS, OK. Opt for ABS for better brake feel and stopping distance. Acceleration light, but buzzy at times. Some interior materials get scratched as do the hubcaps against the curb. Steering is light, but very precise. Stock radio provides good bass. Overall, great car, 9/10. QUIETER than the Accord at highway speeds meaning less fatigue. Reliable. Would purchase again, but with side airbags. If purchasing, go with the alloys and side airbags.

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  A simply reliable ride - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Dain - June 19 - 3:19 am

  We have had great success with this purchase. The dealership was not much help and costly but the vehicle has been very reliable for the past 7 years. No major malfunctions. It does use a little oil. Toyota had a recall on this but with a "Toyota Test" they decided it did not use enough oil to warrant a fix. It uses about a quart over 1500 - 2000 miles.

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  Great used car - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Simon - June 19 - 12:13 am

  I read many of these reviews and I was on the lookout for some of the various issues that owners were concerned about. I paid approx. 10K less for a certified 09. If I had purchased new, I would say the car is not worth the money, as a used car...its a no brainer. I got a "good" car, good panel fit, no rattles, whisper quiet at 70mph,killer fuel mileage and low insurance cost. Im 63" with a bad back...no issues with seat comfort.

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  Over 200,000 Going Strong - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Ward - June 18 - 7:33 pm

  I am the second owner of this car. Have used dealer to maintain according to schedule. Other than 3 small fender dents, looks and shines like new, despite salt and heat of northern Ohio. Still gets 21 city, 26 highway. Runs on Sunoco regular gas! (Needs at least middle premium with other brands.) Original motor, transmission, AC all working fine. Drivers leather seat showing wear. Wish I could drop a hybrid engine into it.

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  WOOOOOOO - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By jacob357 - June 18 - 2:02 am

  Overall it is a great car if you upgrade it a little also dont run it into a mercury like my freind ashton did to his jeep

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  2000 Camry love it - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By David Carrier - June 17 - 11:30 am

  Love my 2000 Camry.You raise the hood to check the fluids, you close the hood... because it needs nothing but usual oil changes,etc. Although i have had to put on brakes on him a couple of times (70k miles). Thats the only thing, really are the brakes. Other then that ... love that car. Got my dad away from Cadillac after he saw the way my Camry wasnt in the shop!! dave

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  2ND CAMRY - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By LIN - June 17 - 9:43 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND CAMRY-I LOVE MY CAR-THERE ARE MORE SAFETY FEATURES-IT HAS PLENTY OF POWER-I HAD GREAT SERVICE FROM MY FIRST CAMRY AND FEEL THIS WILL BE THE SAME EXPRIENCE. A FUN VEHICLE TO DRIVE!

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  2010 Camry SE V6 - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By AJD - June 17 - 8:03 am

  Just picked up a 2010 Magnetic Gray Metallic SE V6. Loaded with everything minus Navigation. Considered the Mazda6, Altima, and Acura TSX. This car is very smooth and very quick. The V6 is silky. Does not handle like a sports car, but then again, its not one. However, it is a perfect car if youre looking for a smooth ride, nice features, a touch of luxury, and some serious heart racing acceleration with the V6.

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  2011 Camry XLE - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By jerryaustin - June 17 - 4:57 am

  We purchased a 2011 Camry XLE 6-cylinder 2+ weeks ago. I have been very impressed with the car so far although I know all new cars drive well. We traded in a 2001 Honda Accord wiht 160,000+ miles on it. Loved the Accord, but the Honda dealers in our town have very few vehicles and are charging MSRP for the ones they do have. I know the Camry is supposedly boring, but thats what I wanted. I want quiet and reliable. Our old Honda was a little noisy, but to be fair it was a 10 year old car. A few reviews I read reported the Honda reported the Honda as noisy primarily due to the Dunlop tires which were selected for enhanced mileage. I might have bought another Honda, but there really

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  Chucks - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Chuck - June 17 - 2:23 am

  This vehicle is very dependable. This is my 4th Toyota, I still have 3 since they run forever. Just change the oil and go.