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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  Disappointed - 2015 Toyota Camry
  By Disappointed - July 5 - 3:53 pm

  My family has owned and used many Toyota’s prior to the 2015 Camry. We even have the 2014 Camry. After having the 2015 Camry for 5 years now, I must say I’m disappointed in this model. I’ve had the battery replaced about a year into owning my vehicle. With the replaced battery, my car still had a few moment when it has to jump started. Moving forward, the speakers and screen aren’t that great. My 2014 Camry had a larger screen with a clearer image as well. There is a vast difference between both cars when I use the back up camera at night. The volume has to be turned on tremendously in the 2015 Camry in order to get a decent sound going. Also, the paint has started rusting and chipping off of this car already, which is crazy since I’ve had other Toyota’s had more wear and tear but the exterior paint is still on. I’m highly disappointed in the 2015 model. I don’t know if Toyota was trying to rush, but the quality of the Camry model definitely went down. They focused more on the aesthetic, but neglected the aspects of the car that makes it a quality car.

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  Worst decision Ive ever made in my life - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By F - September 20 - 7:17 am

  The wind noise from passenger side window in the this car is overwhelming at anything over 30 mph. When I took it into my dealership (Clearwater Toyota in Florida), their Service Advisors advice to me was to "play heavy metal music at loud volumes" to drown out the noise. Nice. This was my first (and will be my VERY LAST) Toyota purchase. Complete garbage. Will be selling this piece of junk at my earliest convience. Avoid this car like the plague, especially at Clearwater Toyota in Clearwater, FL.

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  2010 Toyota Camry DONT Trust - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By MUTHUKRISHNAN SELVARAJ - May 15 - 5:50 pm

  Many of us believe that TOYOTA is a best brand and it will run atleast for 100000 miles. I also felt the same and bought the car from a dealer earlier in 2013, a 2010 Toyota Camry. Now the miles is around 84000. I used to do my oil checks, vehicle check properly. Last month also i did there were no issues reported. All of the sudden this sunday the engine started to make noise. No rains, no animals no accident it started to behave on its own. The Check engine light and VSC light started to glow, i am shocked to see this happening. I went to TOYOTA Dealer they said this is a serious problem. A car having trouble in engine within 84000 miles I was also crazy to hear it. I called the Toyota motors they simply state the engine is out of warranty and they cannot help on this as they provided only the warranty for 5 Years or 60000 Miles. Even though I explained the situation they are not ready to listen anymore and they simply declined the request. With no other options left i have to go back to my Toyota Dealer again now he told about 6000$ after an hour talk he reduced to 4000$. The part is coming only around 1000$ but the service charge they are asking for 3000$. The problem is with the ignition coil and when i read it in the websites there are chances that the car could have been gone uncontrol and its a risk factor for anyone to drive. Toyota is not ready to accept this as its fault. I believe they need to value the customers and their safety. They feel after 60000 miles whatever happen to the owner they wont care. Its a bad attitude.

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  2010 Toyota Camry DONT Trust - 2010 Toyota Camry
  By MUTHUKRISHNAN SELVARAJ - May 15 - 5:50 pm

  Many of us believe that TOYOTA is a best brand and it will run atleast for 100000 miles. I also felt the same and bought the car from a dealer earlier in 2013, a 2010 Toyota Camry. Now the miles is around 84000. I used to do my oil checks, vehicle check properly. Last month also i did there were no issues reported. All of the sudden this sunday the engine started to make noise. No rains, no animals no accident it started to behave on its own. The Check engine light and VSC light started to glow, i am shocked to see this happening. I went to TOYOTA Dealer they said this is a serious problem. A car having trouble in engine within 84000 miles I was also crazy to hear it. I called the Toyota motors they simply state the engine is out of warranty and they cannot help on this as they provided only the warranty for 5 Years or 60000 Miles. Even though I explained the situation they are not ready to listen anymore and they simply declined the request. With no other options left i have to go back to my Toyota Dealer again now he told about 6000$ after an hour talk he reduced to 4000$. The part is coming only around 1000$ but the service charge they are asking for 3000$. The problem is with the ignition coil and when i read it in the websites there are chances that the car could have been gone uncontrol and its a risk factor for anyone to drive. Toyota is not ready to accept this as its fault. I believe they need to value the customers and their safety. They feel after 60000 miles whatever happen to the owner they wont care. Its a bad attitude.

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  Not what I expected from a Toyota... - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By rdia - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This was the first Toyota I have owned. In the past I had driven Honda, Chrysler, Dodge,Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, Mercedes, Volvo. This is the worst car I have ever owned. The car has a defect with the driveline that the dealer refuses to fix stating that it meets factory specs. The styling is bland. The handling is mushy at highway speeds. The power I expected from the V6 is less than smaller engines I have driven. Overall... I will never buy one again!!!!! Beware if youre looking to buy one it is the only car I know of that does not even offer roadside assistance unless you buy the extended warranty!

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  Very Reliable Car!!! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By John Luten - September 23 - 12:57 pm

  The car is very low mileage and I have gotten the car serviced on a regular bases. Great Michelin tires.

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  Disappointed owner - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By r b - August 9 - 9:58 am

  This car had an oil consumption issue. Toyota considers 1 qt. per 1100 miles normal. For me the oil consumption and loss of gas mileage was not acceptable nor normal. The final detail was the resale value. In 2012 I paid $13,000 for the car. In 2015 a Toyota dealer would only give me $3,000 trade in value. This car was a loss from start to finish. No part of the Toyota ad campaign in true.

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  DO NOT BUY 2016 CAMRY LE - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By G. G. Jayasinghe - May 4 - 1:14 pm

  Do not buy this [non-permissible content removed] car! I used drive 2012 Camry and I had it for 3 years. I never had issues with it and I loved it. I just had an accident couple of weeks ago. Our family needed a car so bad that we decided to buy a new car. The dealership kind of tricked us. They knew our situation and made us lease this crappy 2016 Camry LE. They never asked us to test drive the vehicle, it was around 6.30pm at night, they knew our situation and we trusted Camrys. They used our situation to sell this crappy car to us. We ended up with this hideous looking car that makes me feel like Im driving a piece of plastic. More importantly, there is a distortion in the windshield, mirror buttons arent working properly, and the car stereo jams when I put mirror heaters. And the sound quality is nothing like what we had in 2012 Camry. 2016 Camry is not only cheap looking, its CHEAP QUALITY. Do not buy or lease this crap! We are in a big mess trying to get out of the lease we signed. We only drove this car for a week and totally disappointed in Toyota and Camrys! We no longer have the same trust for Camrys! If anybody wants to buy 2016 Camry, test drive it, and look carefully all the features and functionality. But I still dont recommend buying this car! I dont understand what they have really improved in this car compared to 2012 Camry LE. 2012 Camry LE had a much better, classy look I would say. Camry doesnt have the same look anymore, it looks like cheap version of Corolla.

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  Same car. Why buy new? - 2016 Toyota Camry
  By Alexander - April 1 - 11:43 am

  Shoppers should know about... Camry has no power. Take it to the highway and you will see. I didnt... Transmission shifts too fast and... there is no power. Lost between the gears. My combined MPG is showing 13.5 MPG. Not sure how to reset it. Interior: old dash from the European version. Hate transmission sifter.

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  4th Camry and LAST! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Karen5555 - March 9 - 3:46 am

  I have had 3 other Camrys all were great, the 07s and up are junk..... I had a 05 Camry and I loved it, wish I never traded it in. This 07 Camry has been nothing but problems. I went to a car wash and the cheep paint came off the bumper, the trans has had problems, shifts weird, I have has 4 radios, and the power seat is broken. The dealership was no help at all, I had the car for 8 months with only 65k on it, traded it in for a 09 Honda Accord EXL V6 and Love it, I will NEVER buy a Toyota again!!!