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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  Best Car Ive owned - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Mike - December 27 - 12:16 pm

  Ive driven a lot of cars over the years. This one is by far the best. One of best looking cars on road too. Ride is great, quiet, plenty of power in 4 cyl, and acceleration is just fine on hwy. Ive average 31 mpg city hwy. My job is sales, so dependability is key. I dont know what everyones complaints are about here, but Toyota still builds a top notch car. I love the blue color, sunroof, JBL stereo is awesome, tires are great and at 25,000 barely show any wear. This was by far the best car I could have bought for the money, at $400 under invoice. I still see no other car on the road that has the sharp looks of this vehicle, new or otherwise. Buy one used!

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  My Favorite Car - 2002 Toyota Camry
  By Fotie - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. It is perfect and dependable. Very comfortable. I couldnt ask for a better car.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2000 Toyota Camry
  By George H - December 25 - 6:30 am

  Bought my Camry new in 2002, and have had a great experience! With 164,000 miles, I still have only changed timing belt & water pump. Have done all my own maintenance, and gas mileage has gone up since new, to trip average of 35 mpg/70 mph. I love to drive the car, its wonderfully quiet, handles perfectly, supple ride, my only request would be better seats, longer leg support, and adjustable rake. What a fantastic car!

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  From Cadalic to Camry with Joy - 2004 Toyota Camry
  By elza - December 24 - 10:00 am

  After two decades of driving big gas- drinking tanks, I moved on to a Camry which I love. It handles well, is gas efficent and fits my lifestyle so well. I think it is pretty and easy to park! I only wish it had rear-view mirrors that automatically dim the lights of the driver behind you, a carryover from my Caddy years! I wont go back to a gas gussler again!

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  the best car besides a supra - 1994 Toyota Camry
  By cheech adn chong - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i am excited i have researched and found out i can turm my moms old family car into a storty sadan. I am only 14 but i have a crazy admeration for toyota because of how well they performe and the outstanding miles i will put on it. I have already started paying it off and putting money into it to make it nicer than it is. i have big plans for it and i know that it is a reliable car and a very good first. My goal is someday to have a Supra twin turbo V6 becoause it has broken all the rules for a car its perfect and its Toyota.

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  Camery is Awsome - 2003 Toyota Camry
  By Jerrymander - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Best car out there. Period.

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  Best car out there under 30k! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By Darren - December 17 - 11:03 pm

  I bought the SE V6 4 months ago, and I have to say this is the best car you can buy out there for under 30k! Its fast, rides great, roomy, and looks awesome! Everywhere I go It turns heads. People say it looks like a cross between a Lexus front, and a BMW rear end. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  Toyotas for life!!! - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By Abe - December 17 - 8:12 am

  Just 2 words ...Sweet car!!!

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  Love My Camry - 2009 Toyota Camry
  By camrydrvr1 - December 17 - 6:55 am

  I traded in my Saturn Vue for an 09 Camry SE. I traded my Vue due to a new job where I have to commute and hour each way. The comfort, safety, and gas mileage is what made my decision for me. My camry has 70,000 miles on it currently. I have had no problems at all. I keep up with regular oil changes and I keep my car very clean.

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  Very reliable car - 1999 Toyota Camry
  By Dasha - December 9 - 12:03 pm

  I bought the car in 1999. It was new. Since then I just once changed brakes and two times the battery, of course tires. Thats it! I love my car. Ill give it to my daughter when she gets her driver license in October and feel shes in a good "hands".