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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  Owned since brand new in 2003 - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By bagui1984 - April 19 - 9:06 am

  I have owned this car since 2003 when it was bought brand new. I am 29 now and the car now has a bit over 126,000 miles. I have not experienced the dreaded stripping head bolts yet, and hope I never have to experience it. Ideally, I would love to use this car until 300,000 miles. I bought the car because of Toyotas reputation on reliability. I have added lots of mods on this LE, Homelink, HID projector headlamps from a Lexus, Wood grain, Fog Lights from the XLE model, TRD rear sway bar, just to make this car a bit fun to drive. I love it thus far, no real problems yet and hopefully forever.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By luvmycamry - April 19 - 8:50 am

  I have always had the best experiences with a Camry, and my 2007 is no exception from that! I bought it new in 2007 and I have loved it every time I drive it. It is very reliable and comfortable. I love how easily it maneuvers and always runs very quietly. It is so spacious throughout and the way the colors are done inside is nothing short of genius because it is so easy on the eyes! Also, I have close to 30,000 miles on it now and I only need to have my tires rotated every other oil change because there is always perfectly even tread wear on them. This is by far the best car I have ever had!

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  Love the Ride but annoying to Drive - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Ed EE - April 18 - 7:23 pm

  First time Toyota buyer just loved the comfort and ride of this tight car. Clean, traditional and conservative styling. Very quiet ride - so much so that sometimes I didnt think the engine was still running. Peppy V6, good handling, gas mileage in high 20s. This top of the line XLE is so well equipped that it could have been a Lexus. But then Toyota cheaped out and didnt even include floor mats.

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  Brilliant car - 1995 Toyota Camry
  By Andrew - April 18 - 10:46 am

  The Camry is perfect Ive never had any major problems with it at all! Being that I just passed the 200,000 mile mark and it still runs strong! Brilliant! Even on my long trip to Seattle from Portland. It keeps its power as long as you maintain the car plus with the power button option it makes it even speedier! My mileage is great, close to 30. The interior design for me is awesome because Ive painted my interior to be black and chrome so its exactly like a luxury vehicle on the inside! Like brand new! Anyone can make these cars look expensive thats what I love about them!

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  $31K 2007 Carmy V7 XLE w/Nav = Yugo - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By SJTim - April 17 - 10:03 pm

  This my 3rd brand new Toyotas. After 2.5 yrs+ ownship, the 2955 miles on the odometer is my testimony of this car bought brand new in Aug 07 and most miles are going to the dealers to get things fixed,inc. sunroof adjustment,replacement of leather driver seat cover,disformed windshield molding,rattles/squeaks,SAFETY RECALLS. I dont want to drive the car at all. All the rattles/squeaks drive me crazy and want to just crash it. I am still driving my old rear-ended-legally- totalled-but-mechanically-perfect 97 V6 Carmy LE very day and enjoy every mile on it. But this 07 top-of-the- line is a very different story. With all the choices in the $30K+ segment, this is very likely my last Toyota/Lexus.

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  This car saved my life!!! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Kathy - April 17 - 4:57 am

  I was the victim of a brutal hit and run today. My car survived!! The front end took a huge beating. I am alive!!! Thank you Toyota. My son still has his Mommy! I will buy Toyota again and again! Car is fixed $6k later. Still no maintenance problems. I just replaced my car battery after 12 years!!

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  LE V6 168K UPDATE - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Mike Krahn - April 17 - 12:40 am

  Purchased car 12/27/06 besides having the oil line replaced when I hit 120K and then again most recently for the three recalls which was the floor mats, oil line, gas pedal the car is still running strong. First tune up, trans serviced was done at 120K. No problems with the transmission so far. Make sure when it comes time to replace tires they are V rated. Had unknown tire dealer sell me H rated tires which he claims would be just as good, but come to find out the V rated tires are stiffer than the H rated tires which in turn when hitting pot holes damages the steel wheels.

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  Toyota slipping badly - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By ray3503 - April 15 - 3:03 am

  Its clear to me that as Toyota grows they are unable to maintain the qulality standards they set. The Camry im driving is slow, the controls are in poor positions, it handles squishy and rattles. The exterior body styling is ok i guess, but this car is so vanilla and so ho hum its hard to recommend it. I think the US car companies are putting out much better cars than the Camry, and the Accord sits in a league by itself in this segment.

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  Test Drive and Buy! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By SE n VA - April 13 - 2:53 am

  My wife and I love our 07 V6 Camry SE w/navigation. We test drove the competition and this Camry out performs them in nearly all categories. As soon as we came back from our test drive, my wife said she loved it and she didnt want to test drive anymore cars. This car performs beautifully on the highway. The car accelerates very quickly without flooring it. Floor it and youll be happily surprised... the car wants more! With Toyotas high reliability standard I know this car will stay in our family for many years. If you can find an SE w/nav, you had better buy it that day. The body kit on the SE definitely enhances the appeal of this car.

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  Great car but not for Northern Climates - 2012 Toyota Camry
  By ykmichae - April 11 - 5:39 pm

  Im writing this after 8 months (7,000 km) of ownership. I live in far northern Canada. Other than the behavior of the car at extreme cold (-35C and below) and the problems I describe below with the keyless entry, Id highly recommend the car to anyone. Cant see how you can get better driving enjoyment and value at this price.