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 Auto - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Marvin Schubbe - November 12 - 3:26 pm

  I just feel the car is quality throughout. The car has a solid feel from closing doors to handling on road. Probably the best 4 cylinder motor on the market with excelent mileage and performance. Top notch rating on interior comfort.

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  Buy Somethng Else - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By ToyotaIsGoinouth - November 12 - 1:23 am

  The reputation of Toyota may have been hard earned in the past but now is quickly waning. The "organic" break pads went out at 36,000 miles. We lost the engine at 40,000 due to the engineers at Toyota putting a rubber piece of hose on the oil return to the top of the engine. Buyer beware! Stay away from this car and dont bank on Toyota any longer!

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By unsuk - November 11 - 10:00 am

  A Great Car, would not have another kind.

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  Things fall off - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By lb - November 10 - 5:40 pm

  Bought used in 2002 with 30,000 miles. As for reliability couldnt be better. At 100,000 miles replaced belts, hoses, & water pump. Thats it!! but the interior seems cheaply made. At 135,000 miles there is a leak that we cant find and back window has come off track Cover for fuse box on side keeps coming off and carpet is coming from under the door. Front seat broke. But at 32 mpg Ill keep it til the doors fall off. Fairly good on brakes and tires. My daughter will get in when she gets her license. May buy something a little more exciting then.

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  Great so far - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - November 9 - 9:43 pm

  Traded from an 03 MB C240, and this car is vastly superior. Quieter, smoother, more fuel efficient and has had no problems except for the clip for the rear sunshade came loose, easily repaired by dealer. Have almost 25000 trouble free miles so far and everything holds up way better than my MB. I am satisfied with everything unlike my previous car which was in shop 18 times for warranty work in less than five years, and according to the courtesy driver, is normal for MB.

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  Fantastic Camry! - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By French - November 8 - 9:23 am

  We bought our Camry new. Other than regular maintenance it has been wonderful. We had good luck out of the factory tires, 55k before they needed to be replaced. I will admit I wanted the Altima first because I thought the styling was more sporty but all it took was a test drive and I was sold on the CAMRY! The ride is so quite, plus there is no motor noise. I bought my Camry for fuel economy and Ive never been disappointed. My daily driving is a combo of city/hwy. I average 28-29 mpg. If I hit the hwy on a long road trip it is nothing to hit 36 mpg. We drive the wheels off- great ride, drive, fuel - NO COMPLAINTS! Ive now owned my Camry for 3.5 yrs - I will own another one!

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  It grows on you - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By Onxyl - November 6 - 10:56 pm

  Purchased a 2004 LE V6 Camry used. Already have a 2001 LE V6. 04 model has a different body style that is vastly quieter and somewhat larger. The 04 was the first year for the 5 sp auto on the V6 and improves mileage on trips and decreases noise at high speeds, but the transmission shifting is much worse (and erratic) in the city than my 01. All TSBs have been applied. Dealer indicates it is operating as designed. Transmission also now requires Toyota fluid (vs Dextron 3 for 01). Ride seems somewhat smoother, but this is less noticable than the improvement in cabin noise. Rear doors are longer, making exit/entry more difficult. Trunk went from large to absolutely huge.

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  Easy To Choose - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By tyoater - November 6 - 6:55 am

  When it comes to picking a midsize sedan for a family of 3 or 4, Toyota makes it simple. The popular Toyota Camry proves year in and year out why America relies on Toyotas bread and butter sedan. Comfort....yep, its there. The Camry suspension is one of its signature features that people like. Its not meant to give a sporty, low to the ground race-car feel, but rather a comfortable, quiet, and tranquil ride. Speed....the 3.5l V6 provides a generous 268hp. Pickup is impressive with a 0-60 in under 7 seconds. Roominess...This is Toyotas roomiest Camry to date. No problem hauling 4-5 people comfortably in this vehicle. Dollar for dollar the Camry cant be beat!

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  my rosiemy - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By blueeyes - November 5 - 10:00 am

  my 95 toyota camry has been a great first caar for my new family. it has ample trunk space for the stroller, pack and play and stil have room for luggage. as much as i love my car, i need to trade it in for a minivan.hopefully a toyota sienna!

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By Elliot - November 4 - 11:40 am

  Its a great car, love the features, fuel efficient V6, safety features, and overall quality!