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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  Excellent ,Reliable, Comfortable - Dull? - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By elemming - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Tied with Accord as best basic 4-door sedan in America. Extremely reliable and comfortable. This is you basic family car - those looking for excitement should look elsewhere.

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  Entune JBL audio sucks, everything else is Toyota! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Michael Y - June 11 - 7:43 am

  Purchased XSE at a great deal, like its driving but suffers its JBL audio. The sound quality is beyond bad, even worse than my old 98 Camry. It has no clarity, no bass. Anyone with a minimal requirement on audio quality if you still must have a Toyota, research sound quality upgrades prior your purchase. I have not found a path to upgrade yet, still doing my research. Besides the sound quality, I like everything of it. We are a Toyota family, have owned all Toyota vehicles and never disappointed with Toyota quality. But this new purchase, Toyota reputation is ruined by JBL. Shame on both of them.

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  The Best Vehicle Weve Ever Owned - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By Nick - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  My grandfather purchased our 2000 Toyota Camry XLE V6 brand new in fall 1999 fully loaded with all the options and accessories: with only one option lacking: fog lights. I am happy to say no one has suffered as a result. It was effectively a Lexus ES. The 3.0L V6 engine in this car makes it the most responsive car I have ever driven. When I need to pass someone on the highway, its a snap. I cant imagine having anything less under the hood. Yet its so quiet at idle that I can barely hear it. This car can barrel down the highway at 80 miles per hour as smooth as silk. I will drive this car forever, or until it dies, which doesnt seem possible anytime soon. Its 100% reliable.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By dmkhnr - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife, and have no regret with the purchase.

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  1995 Toyota Camry - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Christina1 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car - very reliable, however ho hum to drive. Has never stranded me anywhere. With all the mileage, I have only had to replace a battery, tires (normal wear), brakes, ABS sensor light, shocks, and struts. V6 has good acceleration

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By john - June 8 - 7:53 am

  Ive driven my 2008 Camry LE 1,375 very pleasant miles so far. It is very comfortable, roomy and fun to drive. Fuel economy is excellent. The 2.4L 4cyl 5A has plenty of pickup when needed on the highway. I would recommend this car to a friend.

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  Camry vs Accord - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Greg - June 4 - 1:50 pm

  I bought the 2006 Camry SE 4cyl auto. I have also owned 3 new Accords (83,90,99)and 4 new Toyotas (81,99,05,06). Avg 100k each. Lets face it, they are both great cars for the money and deliver as advertised if you take care of them w/routine maint. I chose the Camry this time because it is much quieter on the hwy than the Accord, the dash seemed simpler, and the Accord too low to the ground (I am 62" 230#,it is just easier to get into a taller car). The SE is sporty w/the 17 alloy wheels. I also got the spoiler but dont really like the look of it. Next time I will order the LE, forget the spoiler and just put some nice chrome wheels on it.The LE has better looking trim/lights/lettering

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  Rattles and Poor Fuel Economy - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Bren - June 3 - 2:41 pm

  Avoid this car like the plague! This car has loud rattles in the dashboard, passenger front seat(had to take the headrest to lessen the vibrations), doors, and multiple pillars! Fuel economy is terrible. I get 20-22 city and 27-31 highway, mixed is 22-25. The car is SUPPOSED to be rated for 25/35. The dealer blames driving conditions, which is BULL. For 25k, this car comes bare with only a backup camera. Dealer is unwilling to help. They said they would get me in contact with a Toyota rep...... That was two months ago. Materials are super cheap. Do yourself a favor and buy ANY OTHER car. Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, KIA, and Subaru all get better fuel economy, have higher horsepower ratings, and come with a butt load of features for the same amount of money. Im NEVER buying another Toyota again!

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  386 thousand miles and still running - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Novalee - June 2 - 3:41 am

  My husband and I bought this car last year with 350 thousand miles on it. For $1500 He drives it 5 days a week about 90 miles a day. Now its up to 386 thousand, its by far the best car weve every owned.

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  Big problems cropping up - 1996 Toyota Camry
  By grillman - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Camry new in 1996 and its been pretty solid until this year. It developed a major transmisssion leak and rear main engine seal leak at 85000 miles. This is a very expensive repair as the entire front subframe had to be removed to fix the leaks. Now the steering rack is leaking and this is another $500 repair. So much for Toyota QUALITY and RELIABILTY. No vehicle with this mileage should have these problems. I tried to get Toyota to pick up some of the cost for these repairs and they basically blew me off. This is my last Toyota.