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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  My 2001 camry - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By RobinG - December 19 - 10:00 am

  You know those commercials where the car owner says "I love my Toyta Camry!"? Well, I can now add myself to those ranks. The Camry is a well built, reliable semi-luxury sedan I think. I love the feel & you do have a real sense of driving a car that will take care of you if you take care of it. I am a sold Camry owner for life!

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  Front End Shimmy - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By nursenicholas - December 19 - 3:33 am

  Have had the car for over a year now and have been having a front end shimmy at highway speeds. This started at 9000 miles. The tires have been balanced over 3 times and now Toyota corporate is coming out to investigate vehicle. The dealer is telling me I may need new tires at 18,000 miles. New tires will cost over 1000 dollars. Loved the car at first but now am not sure. JBL audio system is poor and muffled in my opinion. Have a tear in the leather in the passengers seat and Toyota denied the warranty claim to repair it. This car has been in the shop so many times I cannot even count on both hands. I would urge any new car shopper to drive and consider all options before you purchase.

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  Bland. Basic. BULLETPROOF. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By London Lad - December 18 - 9:34 pm

  The bad bits first; the Camry is so bland to look at, its almost a stealth vehicle. Its equally bland inside. Possibly the most beige car in the history of the world. The drivers seat lacks adjustability and takes some getting used to. The CE version that I have does not have remote locking and cruise control. For the first time in 20 years, I have to key my car open. Now for the good bits; this car is surprisingly engaging to drive. Nimble, surefooted handling with crisp, well weighted & balanced steering. The 4 cylinder 2.2 engine is not as punchy or as refined as the 24 valve twin cam V6 units I drove for years, but its lively and responsive. More importantly, this relatively simple engine is ultra reliable. And its easy to work on because its well laid out with plenty of room - not that Ive needed to do anything. Also, it is a non-interference engine, so timing belt failure will not cause disaster. And lastly, its fuel economy is excellent. Its a perfect commuting car. The aircon is ice cold, the transmission silky smooth. It had done 131k when I bought it, now up to 153k. No issues other than the passenger side external door coming off. Update: car is now up to 170k miles. I replaced the rear shocks, springs and mounts using pre-assembled Gabriel Guardian units. The job was really easy. Fitting them took 2 hours, the most fiddly part of the job was removing the interior seats and trim to get at the mounting bolts. Cost of parts $250 This car now handles like its new. I also replaced the thermostat at 160k $75 for metal housing, thermostat and coolant. Job time, 15 minutes thanks to the time engine layout. The more I drive this little gem, the more I love it.

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  Bland. Basic. BULLETPROOF. - 2001 Toyota Camry
  By London Lad - December 18 - 9:34 pm

  The bad bits first; the Camry is so bland to look at, its almost a stealth vehicle. Its equally bland inside. Possibly the most beige car in the history of the world. The drivers seat lacks adjustability and takes some getting used to. The CE version that I have does not have remote locking and cruise control. For the first time in 20 years, I have to key my car open. Now for the good bits; this car is surprisingly engaging to drive. Nimble, surefooted handling with crisp, well weighted & balanced steering. The 4 cylinder 2.2 engine is not as punchy or as refined as the 24 valve twin cam V6 units I drove for years, but its lively and responsive. More importantly, this relatively simple engine is ultra reliable. And its easy to work on because its well laid out with plenty of room - not that Ive needed to do anything. Also, it is a non-interference engine, so timing belt failure will not cause disaster. And lastly, its fuel economy is excellent. Its a perfect commuting car. The aircon is ice cold, the transmission silky smooth. It had done 131k when I bought it, now up to 153k. No issues other than the passenger side external door coming off. Update: car is now up to 170k miles. I replaced the rear shocks, springs and mounts using pre-assembled Gabriel Guardian units. The job was really easy. Fitting them took 2 hours, the most fiddly part of the job was removing the interior seats and trim to get at the mounting bolts. Cost of parts $250 This car now handles like its new. I also replaced the thermostat at 160k $75 for metal housing, thermostat and coolant. Job time, 15 minutes thanks to the time engine layout. The more I drive this little gem, the more I love it.

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  Overrated car - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By JJooee - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My Camry was a 5-speed, which was the only plus. This car was fairly reliable, never had any probs with it. Of course that is the camrys selling point: reliability. Reliability aside, this car was a piece of crap. It had horrible accelleration (sp?), poor handling, and was a boring ride overall. No power to the engine at all. What a supreme disappointment! The Accord is a much better car-- go with the Accord. I wish i had :(

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  Fine Car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Mark - December 15 - 5:40 pm

  My wife and I bought this car almost three years ago now used. We love it, it is a very good and reliable car, never have any problems at all. Typical Toyota reliability, and preformance, I woudl recommend this car to everyone. If you are able to find one the manuals are great, not as smooth as our other car, a honda, but still shifts well we have 75,000 miles and still orginal clutch.

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  99 anderson analysis - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By robert e anderson - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vechicle after my mother passed away.I HAVE BEEN TO savannah, Charleston to visit my daughter and grandchridren the car handled and performed excellent, got alot of turned heads as we passed other drivers. Been to toronto and the car dove and performed excellent. the car maintained through the dealer, has brand new michelen tires oil changed every 3000 miles to keep performance up.

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  Best car I have ever had - 2018 Toyota Camry
  By Swaterhouse729@gmail.com - December 14 - 1:40 pm

  I have had my 2018 XLE a little over a month. We have taken a number of road trips so far and love the car. The safety features are fantastic, and I especially like the radar cruise. We drove through some very windy conditions and it handled great. The seats are very comfortable for driving, as well as riding and there is plenty of leg room front and back.

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  Franks Opinion - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By fgaydafrank - December 14 - 1:23 pm

  This is the 12th new vehicle (5 of the others were also Toyota"s) that Ive purchased new over the past 22 years, and it appears that this car is going to be the cream of the crop!! Although Ive only put about 4500 miles on the car in 5 months.

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  Nice car for the $$$$ - 2005 Toyota Camry
  By Donald - December 14 - 8:46 am

  I purchased a 05 Camry Le in July, traded in an 03 Xterra for it. Lots of features for little $$$. The best thing i like about it is the gas mileage, which is terrific at over 30 miles a gallon. great overall car for the $$$