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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  Reliability at its finest - 2014 Toyota Camry
  By Morgan - February 22 - 5:30 pm

  Im 19 years old and was looking for a reliable car that I could trust and feel safe in. I do a lot of driving each day from work and school, and often take many trips to Portland/Seattle. I previously owned a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta that I loved, but unfortunately kept having issues. So when I decided to take out a car loan I did a lot of research on reliable vehicles and found my 2014 Toyota Camry LE at wilsonville in Portland. I couldnt be anymore pleaed with this car. MPG is great and such a smooth, and comfortable ride. Everyone is super impressed by the look of the interior of this car because it doesnt look cheap like some other vehicles. I hope to get plenty of years out of this car and will defiantly recommend Toyota to anyone!

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  I hate the Stereo, but I do love the car - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Iris - February 21 - 8:33 pm

  I love my car but I hate the "premium" audio. I cant hear speakers in the back. In my opinion the fade control doesnt work properly. By the time you get the fade far enough to the back to hear anything, the front speakers become mute. Everyone that I have demonstrated the stereo to, all agree that its sound output is weak. I wish I did not pay more money for this substandard upgrade (which wasn’t cheap). If I had not paid extra for a "premium" sound system, I could almost understand, however I paid more money for a premium sound system and this is unacceptable. I went to professional car stereo installers (one of whom sells and installs JBL systems) to see if they had suggestions. They agreed that the stereo sound is substandard. They said that there was no way to increase the sound output or reconfigure the existing system. They estimated a minimum $1,000 complete system swap out. The 2nd car stereo specialist that I went to said exactly the same thing. I wouldnt be so upset if I had gone with the standard, basic system, but Toyota claimed that this is a "premium" upgrade and turns out that it is actually substandard in comparison to a basic system. I paid too much for this upgrade and I am deeply discouraged by this and even though the car is wonderful, every time I get in the car to drive it, it upsets me that this is what I paid for.

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  2005 Camry LE - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By harley - February 20 - 8:03 pm

  I traded my 2002 Toyota Tacoma Pre Runner 4-door truck for my 2005 Toyota Camry LE. The main reason for the trade was gas mileage. But I got much much more. I love the Camry for its smooth ride, handling, size, mpg. Its an overall great car!

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  We love our wagon! - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By Mr. Davis - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Our 93 Camry wagon is the best car weve ever owned. Heavy feel, fun to drive, powerful, large cargo area, unique looking...just great!

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  CAMRY vs. ACCORD - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By shawncarter - February 20 - 10:00 am

  From used to having a 1998 Honda Accord EX to now a Camry I feel more like a Toyota person and feel more at home plus maintaince costs are cheaper!

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  Still early..but so far so good - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Radioman - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I was happy with a 98 Corolla, but it was totalled in a rear ended and decided to move up to a Camry this time. For cost and other reasons, decided to go with used one from Hertz. So far, it is working out well. But, as noted by others here, I am hearing a slight rattle in drivers side doors when it hits uneven surfaces -- seems to be worse when the car has been sitting out in the sun and plastic expands. Also noticed a slight surge on upshift and downshift, but that may just mean belts need adjusting (it has 28K). Also notice the slightly mushy breaks, but overall gives a good ride. Not happy that theres no "idiot buzzer" if you leave your lights on.

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  SImple, reliable and quite - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Nandkishor - February 16 - 7:46 pm

  Almost no sound after being run for 75k. Looks simple with no fancy outlook but is reliable with greater fuel aconomy than some new cars owned by my friends. Transmission is great with no sudden jerks in rpm meter.

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  A great car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By eigendude - February 14 - 10:46 am

  Bought it used a few years ago. Besides the normal maintenance and a few burnt lightbulbs, the car is very reliable. Nice, smooth ride, good acceleration (manual transmission), good gas mileage. Starting to have a few rust spots (live in Montreal, Canada), but nothing bad. Overall, its a great car.

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  8 time in the shop and still rattles - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Phoenix driver - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Camry expecting quality and reliability. Ive had it 2 months and have had to take it for repairs 8 times. First the rear suspension made noises. That was fixed after two tries. Then the overhead light rattled. The handles on both front doors rattle. They added foam to both doors four times and it still makes noises. Now the radio has started rattling. There is a delay between prssing the accelerator and the car moving. Toyota says signal has to be processed by the central computer. However that is dangerous in an emergency situation. And the brakes are soft by design. You have to floor it. Im selling this Toyota and never buying one again.

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  Very Good, But With Problems - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By BigBird - February 13 - 8:10 pm

  Not the "bulletproof" Toyota I expected, but still a very good car for the price. The intermediate steering shaft went @ 36K and the water pump was leaking slightly @ the block. Both fixed under warranty. The front drivers seat has a squeak when you sit down and the wipers squeak against the window (tried both after market and Toyota replacements). Unlike others, no problems with the paint, rust @ the trunk lid, odors from the A/C or heater, or the auto transmission (shifts fine). Makes you wonder if Toyota has "built on Monday" problems like GM used to have. Got 60K out of the original Potenza tires -- I know, thats unbelievable. Rotated them often and watched the pressure.