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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  Love this car - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - April 11 - 12:23 am

  I just recently purchased this car. The exterior finish is exceptional. The interior is plush and well thought out. The audio system is fantastic. All this plus great mileage too.

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  Reliable and Attractive - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By Fran - April 10 - 11:30 am

  This is my 2nd Camry. I would definitely buy another. Only normal repairs & maintenance needed. Valve seals and head gasket all but cured a problem with excessive oil consumption problem at about 160k mi. There is no noticeable rust on the body and at 178k mi it still handles well. The biggest flaw is the seat belts that wont retract.

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  Replaced my T-Bird - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By Rick - April 9 - 3:33 pm

  I traded a 97 T-Bird (last of the "big Iron T-Birds). I expected less from the Camry , but have been pleasently surprized. Not as much "top end", but peppy, great handleing, and good economy. Had to make a number of "long trips" immediately after purchase and enjoyed each of them. Will buy another when the time comes...

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  Two Dud Camrys In A Row - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By jereece - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had two Camrys since 1993 (93 and 98). I have been very disappointed with both of them. Both have had electrical problems and the exterior seems to scratch and get dull easy. My latest Camry has had many problems including: - Carpet coming out in front and back - Visor latches broken - Door console pulling apart on front two doors - Engine rattles - Rear seat belt broken - Seat belt buckle sticks - Left turn signal flash rate doubles when the front head lights are on. - Center console lid latch broke

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  Its an ok car! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Charles - April 7 - 8:00 am

  Replaced a 2002 with this new 2007 XLE Overall after 2 weeks of driving it I have some disappointments outlined below that come with ownership. I now have 2,320 miles on it and mileage has been 25 as an average so far, about what my 2002 got. Has already been in the shop for a bad sensor that was replaced under warranty.

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  We love our Corolla! - 2017 Toyota Camry
  By Chad Vegas - April 5 - 10:15 am

  What can I say? I was a little hesitant to get a Corolla because of the size of the car. Im a big guy and thought that it would not be big enough for me. When we test drove the car it turned out to be very spacious both front and back and we love all of the standard features that came with the car. All in all it was one of the best decisions we made to go with the Corolla.

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  Very pleased. - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Brent - April 5 - 6:03 am

  I am very pleased with my purchase. It has been absolutely reliable with no repairs needed - just routine oil changes. As far as comfort, absolutely amazing. Extremely quiet with a great ride and ZERO squeaks/rattles. The 2.4L four cylinder engine is wayyyy ahead of its time. Lots of low-end torque and smooth power delivery. The 05 facelift of the 5th generation of Camry looks classy and chrome accents in the interior were a nice touch. The car has a very upscale feel. I wish side/torso airbags were standard instead of optional and that 4-wheel disc brakes were standard as well. Both of these issues have been addressed in the 2007 redesign.

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  Excellent Car - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By twocruzin - April 4 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this car new in Jan 1994 and have put over 250K miles on it. The engine has never been touched and it does not use or burn oil. I have strictly followed the maint schedule & use Mobil 1. I just recently replaced all 4 struts because I intend to keep this car for at least another 100K miles. Over the years, Ive replaced a few parts. Other than the struts, the most major thing being all 4 window regulators. This car still drives and rides great and we do not hesitate to jump in and drive cross country - which we just did. This model year was one of the best Toyota ever built. Im glad I bought it. It still gets well over 30 mpg on the highway. It has 25 coats of wax on it.

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  Poor Mans Lexus - A true Toyota - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By XLE lover - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for almost a year now and reads 98,000mi on it with no problems whatsoever. Just replaced the timing belt. there is a whining sound on the wheels that I dont seem to understand. The dealer said that the wheel bearing work fine and I replaced four new tires, and still the whining is still there. I compared it to my wifes Solara and she doesnt has this problem in her car.but like other consumers, engine is very quiet,strong, responsive and similar to the ES300, and the earlier Avalon models, if I am not mistaken. Excellent performance on the freeway. I never get tired of driving this car and I plan to keep this car forever!

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  I Love My Camry SE V6 - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By IndyMacAddict - April 3 - 12:33 am

  Ive always wanted a tough looking car with the muscle to back it up. But, my family demands more functionality than a small two door hot rod. The Camry offers everything I was looking for. Power, looks, comfort, room, and fuel economy to boot. The Camry has it all. It drives like its on rails thanks to the sport suspension. This is not the boring Camry of old. This car can move! Acceleration is outstanding. I have had the pleasure of proving this to unsuspecting Accord V6, Malibu LTZ, and Altima owners with a good stoplight whoopin. At the same time, we enjoy state to state road trips due to the quit, comfortable ride. The Camry SE V6 does it all.