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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  2017 SE - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By glideslope - February 13 - 5:03 pm

  This is my first Toyota since my first Accord in 2000. I sold my 2012 Accord. My wife has had RAV4s in the 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4 generations. She loves them. I really wanted a new Accord. I was looking at the 2017 Sport. Not the Sport SE. No matter how many times I drove a 2016 I simply could not deal with the CVT. Now to be honest, there were traits the Accord had that I really preferred. Specifically handling and front seat comfort. However, my SE while no sport oriented midsize sedan is very satisfying. I only have 1,200 miles on it but as my wifes RAVs have been, I have not noticed a single manufacturing issue. The interior IMO is no louder than an Accord. My SE has the lousy Bridgestone Turanza 400s and they account for 75% of any road noise. So, Im really liking this purchase. Its plenty quick enough for me. Has very strong brakes IMO, and can easily maneuver in any situation I might find myself in. I expect it to be bulletproof as 98% of Camrys are, and It was $2,800 less that the Base Accord Sport CVT would have cost me. Highly recommended.

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  A Sports Sedan in Sheeps Clothing - 2011 Toyota Camry
  By Bob - February 13 - 10:00 am

  We just handed down our much loved 2000 Camry V6 to our daughter. After driving the LE I4 and the LE V6, we tried the SE V6 and immediately loved it. The SE has front and rear strut tower braces, 15% firmer springs and shocks, firmer bushings and anti-sway bars and lower profile tires vs the LE and XLE. The result is a stiffer chassis, a firmer ride, flat cornering and better steering . There is some tire thump on cracks in the road because of the low profile tires. Overall, the car has a sporty feel compared with the other models. Most salesmen said they didnt notice any difference, but if you like the LE ride, you may not like this model. It tracks straight even in cross winds.

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  Love most of my Camry... - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Marilyn - February 12 - 7:51 am

  I’ve driven Toyotas for years and have encountered very few problems. My dealer, Cain Toyota, in Canton, Ohio is reliable and the sales and service departments are great. I love my 2018 Camry XLE—EXCEPT for the Entune, the GPS and the hands-free phone. Toyota obviously kept “ improving” until they successfully screwed up the technology. No one can help me...I can’t use the hands-free phone because of horrible feedback. No matter how many times I log in, I keep “waiting” for Entune to connect. I am terribly frustrated.

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  Love My Camry - 2006 Toyota Camry
  By dc - February 9 - 7:33 am

  I dont drive my car that often but when I do it is like driving a luxury car. I dont have any complaints about the car. I have had one problem with the car. The throttle body position motor had to be replace on the car with the mileage under 10,000 miles. Car had no power (get up and go) at all and check engine light came on. Fixed by local dealership. Runs great now.

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  Toyota Camrys Suck - 2008 Toyota Camry
  By camrytoyosucks - February 8 - 9:50 am

  I have express the pain i feel to have bought a toyota 2008 Camry, my car is only 3 years only has 25,000 miles! I barely drive the thing because i work so close to my house....and now i have problems...the so called brake booster is broken and it cost 1,500 to repair! I have taken my car to the dealer since i bought it and now i get this...oh its "wear and tear"what they told me....its riduclous...i have to agree with the person below me...Toyota is making BAD CARS! Stop buying...i cant belive they are doing this to me...they offer to only pay the labor but i still have to pay the part which is $972!! For a car i barely drive and take care of since i bought it!!! Im SOOOO DISAPPOINTED !!!

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  Tired of it... - 1998 Toyota Camry
  By amitamit - February 8 - 8:06 am

  I drive a Camry LE. I am tired of this vehicle. Although it is more reliable than superman its just not enjoyable. There is a significant decrease in speed and acceleration when i turn the a\c on. Little plastic pieces pop right off. And you really have to nail the gas in order to keep up with the flow of traffic. As of this summer i will no longer own another camry as long as i still have a breath in my body. But dont get me wrong it is a reliable car no engine or mechanical problems what so ever. Just a boring vehicle.

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  A decent value for your money - 1997 Toyota Camry
  By CaMrYmAn - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car just recently, because my parents have owned them for years now, and they seem to be great cars. I believe that the 4 cylinder can be a bit sluggish at times, but it pays off in gas mileage. The only other con I seem to find in my camry is the suspension. Its a bit rough on bumpy roads. The reliability cant be beat by any other when it comes to the engine. It never fails me. I have not one problem at 93,000 miles.

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  New to Camry - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By docrock - February 8 - 2:00 am

  First new car I ever purchased. Traded a 2000 Maxima - nice car but i wanted a new car. Only 150 miles on odo, have not taken any long road tipr yet, but am looking forward for it. Paid 22k for special edition Camry (too much?)- sun roof, JBL stereo, special paint, ABS, side air curtain. Only driven around town so far, but am impressed with build quality so far.

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  Lexus at a Camry price - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By Jeff - February 7 - 3:56 am

  I got the Base Camry and was surprised at how many things are standard equipment on this car. It is very quiet and comfortable. The acceleration is amazing and the fuel economy is great. Today I drove to work in a heavy rain and I felt very safe in this car. It has a lot of safety features.

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  Lasted forever - 1993 Toyota Camry
  By twinturbo - February 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Camry for 9yrs. and I have had no real problems except for 200,000 miles I had to replace the transmission. But, now at 283,000 miles shes starting to die. I love my car and would actually buy another. Toyota makes some great cars, and they last forever. I hate to do it but, I think Im going to have to put my car to rest. If youre looking for a reliable, long lasting, fun car this is the one for you.