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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  SLOW RESPONSE-HORRIBLE BRAKINGS - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Joe - June 16 - 3:45 pm

  I have the new 2018 Camry LE, 1200 miles in and the throttle response is horrible. You have to really press down on it to even get it going. The shifts are horrible and jerks a lot. Cruise control at 80mph and will jerk like crazy after 10 minutes, the 8 speed transmission might be to blame. The entertainment system is trash, Bluetooth will disconnect every 10 seconds, I was told this is due to Toyota pushing out the new 2018 too fast and not updating the intune system. The brake dust is crazy on this thing, 1 day of simple driving will create a huge brake dust mess. Brakes are ehhh ok but nothing like my 2017 Corolla. Wish I woul have waited for the 2019 Camry. Now I am stuck with this POS.

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  Fix the fuel tank - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Toby - June 16 - 2:26 pm

  Everything with this car is fine except there is a deep thud sound coming from the rear of the car after we take off from a dead stop. We had it in the shop 3 times already and it only has 1000 miles on it. The first time they put padding around the jack and tightened the spare tire down some more. They said this should do it. I took the car back in a few days later as it was still making the noise. The mechanic said that a baffle in the fuel tank was loose and that was the noise we were hearing. They ordered us a new fuel tank and it didnt fix it. We took the car back in a week later for a Toyota engineer to look at it and he said that it was the fuel tank but nothing could be done bout it

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  2011 Camry Questions - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By s4short - June 15 - 10:24 am

  I like my new car but have only had it less than a week. I was very unhappy to learn that the key/fob I have would cost $400 to get a duplicate. I would have asked for that amount off the purchase price. Also, the manual recommends folding the side mirrors in before going through a car wash, but it doesnt say how. If anyone knows where I could get a key/fob cheaper and how to fold the side mirrors in, I would appreciate the information. Also the car is red and everybody knows red cars go faster than other colors so I have to be careful.

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  Bad quality - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By amarka01 - June 15 - 4:18 am

  Bought Toyota Camry based on quality reputation. We have 2001 Highlander also. Begining there were recalls (leak above driver side visor let water in, gas pedal/accelerator/floor mat issue, VVT (sp?) hose, transmission slippage). At 89K miles water pump broke. Dealer said its $1,400 to replace as V6 models have major labor to remove engine parts to get at pump. I had replaced Ols Intrigue that had same issue at 105K miles and was much cheaper to replace. Will not buy Toyota again...will go with Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, or Hundai Sonata.

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  Why buy a Lexus ES 330? - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rocky2 - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  If you are secure enough to live without the Lexus nameplate on the ES 330 you can have essentially the same vehicle with the Camry XLE 6 cylinder. The Camry body style is a bit more subdued but the same creature comforts and driveline components are there for your enjoyment...along with the $6,000 to $8,000 you save.

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  I wouldnt have it any other way! - 1992 Toyota Camry
  By JRR - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Camry with 46,000 miles, and now it has 146,000 miles. Aside from tires and oil changes, the car has been nearly maintenance free. I keep thinking about buying another car, but this one doesnt have a thing wrong with it. It is roomy enough to throw all of my stuff in, and comfortable & reliable enough to drive anywhere anytime.

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  Loving It - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Keli - June 14 - 9:40 am

  We love the pick up the car has, Im impressed with the gas MPG. Its been very true to advertisement on saving gas. This car rides so smooth you feel like youre floating. Its easy to handle and Fun to Drive. The 3 kids have more than enough room in the back to be comfortable. Truck space isnt limited and I really enjoy that with 3 children and all their things.

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  Honest review. - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By DL Hatton - June 14 - 8:26 am

  I really like the car. Its the best car I could find for the money I paid and Ive always wanted a Camry since they started making them 20 miles away from me. I got it when they were clearing out the 2017 models to make room for the new ones, so I got a great price. The only complaint I have is a little bit of wind noise around the drivers side window. Even though the LE is the base model, it has plenty of features to it and I didnt need or want most of the things found in the higher priced models. So I am very satisfied with the car and Im glad I bought it. Its not the most exciting car but at my age I dont need speed. And I didnt want a sports car, or a car that rode like one. I wanted a good, smooth riding, reliable car that will serve me well for a long time. It does everything well you expect from a car.

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  Nice - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By ian - June 13 - 1:40 pm

  Just got the standard XLE two days ago. The car drives great, is very quiet and has sufficient power.

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  Happy Camry Owner again - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Dubrich - June 12 - 3:46 am

  Purchased a 2007 Camry LE in sept 06. New/hot body style and no one wanted to deal. Put 102k miles on in 3 1/2 years. Smooth &very comfortable ride just as good as my wifes 05 E320.When Toyota offered 0% for 60 months, it was a no brainer. Also allowed for me to upgrade to the XLE with all of the bells and whistles.