Why is a Toyota Camry a good car?

In short, the Toyota Camry is a dependable, comfortable sedan with strong resale value and efficient powertrains.

It blends reliability, safety features, and practical everyday usability to appeal to families, commuters, and anyone who wants low ownership costs over the long run.

What makes the Camry stand out

The Camry's strengths fall into several core areas that matter to most buyers. Here is a concise list of the standout traits:

• Exceptional reliability and longevity, with many Camrys running well past 200,000 miles with routine maintenance.


• Strong safety tech, including Toyota Safety Sense features such as pre-collision braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, often standard on new models.


• Comfortable ride quality and a roomy interior, with supportive seats and a quiet cabin for long trips.


• Competitive fuel economy, especially in the hybrid models, which can deliver excellent mpg for daily driving and highway cruising.


• Solid resale value and a wide dealer network, helping reduce ownership costs and ease of trade-in or sale.


• Reasonable maintenance and ownership costs compared with many rivals, aided by simple, well-engineered components.

Taken together, these attributes make the Camry a dependable vehicle for daily use and long-term ownership.

Engine options and performance

The Camry is offered with a choice of powertrains designed to balance efficiency and acceleration. Typical configurations include:

• 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine with available all-wheel drive on select trims; broad power for daily driving and good efficiency with an automatic transmission (8-speed in most years).


• Hybrid option pairing the 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for notably improved fuel economy and a combined output that remains smooth for city and highway driving.


• Performance-oriented variants with stronger acceleration in higher trims, such as those with sport-tuned suspensions and distinctive styling, while recent model years emphasize the four-cylinder plus hybrid lineup for a balanced mix of power and efficiency.

Engine choices let buyers tailor the Camry to efficiency or performance priorities, while keeping Toyota reliability and a comfortable ride at the core.

Buying considerations

When shopping for a Camry, it helps to weigh how you’ll use the car, how important efficiency is, and which features you want. Key considerations include:

• Budget and trim level: The base LE provides essential features, while SE/XSE trims add sportier styling and more equipment.


• Gas vs hybrid: The hybrid models deliver higher mpg but carry a higher upfront price; long-term fuel savings can offset the difference for many buyers.


• Safety and tech: Toyota Safety Sense is commonly standard or optional depending on year and trim, and modern infotainment supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most recent models, with options like premium audio available.


• Warranty and maintenance: Toyota’s warranties and a strong dealer network help keep ownership costs predictable, with routine maintenance generally straightforward and affordable.


• Resale value: Camry’s reputation for reliability supports strong resale value, which can improve total cost of ownership.


• Driving dynamics: The Camry emphasizes comfort and stability over sporty handling, which is a plus for many buyers but may feel less engaging than some rivals.

Understanding these factors helps you pick the right trim and options for your needs and budget.

Potential drawbacks and alternatives

Every car has trade-offs. For the Camry, potential drawbacks to consider include:

• Not the most engaging to drive compared with some rivals; steering and chassis are tuned for comfort rather than sporty, agile handling.


• Interior materials and features can vary by trim; base models may use less premium plastics, while higher trims offer more upscale finishes and tech.


• Some rivals offer more premium-feeling interiors or sportier styling at similar price points.


• Cargo and space are solid for a midsize sedan, but if you need maximum cargo versatility, a midsize SUV might be a better match.

Alternatives in the midsize sedan space include the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Nissan Altima, each with its own strengths—so a test drive is essential to see which suits your preferences best.

Summary

The Toyota Camry remains a benchmark for reliability and practicality in the midsize sedan segment. It offers a balanced blend of comfortable ride quality, solid safety features, efficient powertrains (especially in hybrids), and strong resale value. While it may not be the flashiest or most engaging option in its class, its predictable ownership experience makes it a dependable choice for daily commuting, family duties, and long-term ownership.

Why is the Toyota Camry the best?

Top 10 Reasons the Toyota Camry Is a Great First-Time Car

• Proven Reliability for First-Time Car Owners.
• Affordable Maintenance and Ownership Costs.
• Great Insurance Rates for Young Drivers.
• Safety Features That Come Standard.
• A Smooth, Comfortable Drive for Beginners.
• Tech That New Drivers Actually Use.
• Strong Resale Value.

What type of person buys a Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle. From its outstanding fuel economy to its sleek exterior design, the Camry offers a variety of features that make it an attractive option for car buyers.

What is special about the Toyota Camry?

The Toyota Camry is special for its combination of renowned reliability, excellent fuel efficiency, and a balance of performance and comfort. It is also notable for its extensive suite of standard safety technology, which is a major selling point. Recent models feature an all-hybrid powertrain for all trims and available all-wheel drive, while also offering modern technology like larger display screens and advanced driver-assist features.
 
Key features that make the Camry special

• Reliability and Resale Value: Toyota has built a long-standing reputation for durability, and the Camry consistently ranks as one of the most reliable vehicles, which contributes to its strong resale value. 
• Hybrid and Performance Options: The latest models are exclusively hybrid, offering powerful yet efficient performance. Drivers can choose between standard front-wheel drive and an available Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive system. 
• Advanced Safety Technology: The Camry comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like pre-collision alerts, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert, providing a comprehensive safety suite. 
• Modern Technology: The interior is equipped with modern technology, such as large touchscreens and smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
• Comfort and Space: The Camry is designed with a spacious interior and a smooth, quiet ride, making it a comfortable choice for both drivers and passengers, especially on long journeys. 
• Balanced Driving Experience: The car is engineered to provide a responsive and confident ride with a well-tuned suspension and steering, appealing to drivers who want more engagement. 
• Value: The Camry has long been praised for offering a lot of features and performance for its price, making it a strong value proposition in the midsize sedan segment. 

Is the Toyota Camry a good reliable car?

The Toyota Camry is widely considered very reliable, with consistent high ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, and a reputation for longevity that often exceeds 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. While most models are dependable, some generations have specific issues to watch out for; for example, the 6th generation (roughly 2007-2011) had engine oil consumption and transmission problems, and a few models in the 8th generation (2018-2024) had issues like piston problems or electric water pump failures.
 
This video discusses common problems with the 8th generation Toyota Camry and its reliability: 1mNot-So-Handy Car GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
Generally reliable models 

• Fourth generation (1997–2001): Known for excellent reliability, particularly the four-cylinder engine. 
• Seventh generation (2012–2017): A dependable generation with good reliability ratings. 
• Eighth generation (2018–2024): Generally reliable, though some specific models have common issues (see below). 
• Specific model years: 2014, 2015, and 2021 models are often cited as particularly reliable. 

Models to approach with caution

• Sixth generation (2007–2011): This generation is known for engine oil consumption and transmission issues. 

Potential issues in the eighth generation (2018–2024)

• 2.5L 4-cylinder engine:
  • A small number of 2018 models had issues with oversized pistons that could score cylinder walls.
  • The electric water pump can fail and trigger a check engine light.
  • Some high-mileage engines may consume oil due to a failing PCV valve, worn piston rings, or other issues. J.D. Power reports the 2022 model received a J.D. Power reliability score of 84/100, while the 2023 model received 88/100.
  • A timing chain tensioner rattle at startup can occur, which may lead to engine damage if maintenance is poor.
• General issues:
  • Some owners report interior rattles and squeaking brakes.
  • The infotainment system can be annoying to some, but this is a minor issue and does not affect reliability. 

How to maintain reliability

• Follow the maintenance schedule: Regular oil changes and other maintenance are crucial, especially for the eighth-generation 2.5L engine. 
• Use the correct oil: Ensure you are using the manufacturer-recommended oil weight for your engine. 

This video discusses 3 years of ownership experience with a Toyota Camry, covering its pros and cons: 1mExoticCar PlayPlaceYouTube · Apr 17, 2025