The Most Reliable Years For The Toyota Camry: Which Generations Are The Best?
40 years and eight generations is a significant history for any vehicle, but even more so for a car as popular as the Toyota Camry. This mid-sized sedan has consistently been among the best-selling passenger vehicles for decades. Take away trucks and SUVs, and the Camry is the most popular car in the U.S., as recently as 2022. Given how many Toyotas are on the road, it’s natural to consider one for a used car. Which leads to a logical question, “Which generation of Toyota Camry is the most reliable?”
And it’s wise to consider this query because despite Toyota’s reputation for dependability, not every Camry is perfect. But why look at reliability by generation instead of by model year? There’s nothing wrong with drilling into the details of a particular year, but there are several advantages to exploring a vehicle by generation.
- Consistent Looks: Generally, cars within a single generation don’t have radical changes to their looks. There might be updates to the front and back (called a refresh), but overall the vehicle will stay consistent in appearance from the first to the last year of a specific generation. This is helpful if you’re a fan of how that generation looks.
- Similar Size: Models years within the same generation remain the same size, inside and out. So, if you fit well in a 2012 Toyota Camry, you’ll be just as comfortable in a 2017 model. Similarly, if a 2002 Camry is the right size for your garage, a 2006 edition will be no problem.
- Comparable Equipment: For the most part, engines and transmissions don’t undergo radical changes within a single vehicle generation. There may be horsepower tweaks and other adjustments, but automakers usually save significant introductions (like the debut of a powerplant or gearbox) for new model releases. Knowing this, you can be confident that the model years within a generation will perform similarly.
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Toyota Camry: The Generations
Part of asking, “Which generation of Toyota Camry is the most reliable?” involves knowing how the generations and model years line up. Here’s what you need to know.
Our review of which generation of Toyota Camry is the most reliable will skip the first three iterations. Frankly, any vehicle over 25 years old will be prone to problems as parts wear out due to age. It’s hard to assign a reliability label to any automobile that can be considered a classic car!
Our efforts begin with the fourth-generation and newer Camrys. We’ve analyzed what carcomplaints.com and Consumer Reports have to say about specific model years and combined the results into a generation-by-generation review.
HERE ARE THE TOYOTA CAMRY YEARS TO AVOID
Let’s take a look at this longtime popular sedan and investigate which Toyota Camry years you should avoid based on publicly-reported issues.
Fourth-Generation Toyota Camry: 1997-2001
Verdict: A Passing Grade
The boxy and somewhat bland styling of the 1990s is evident in the 1997-2001 Camry, but the rakish hood and taller backend laid the groundwork for future designs. From a reliability standpoint, owner reports (via carcomplaints.com) of troubles number in the dozens, which is reassuring considering Toyota sold more than 2 million Camrys during this time.
Not to mention, these cars have over two decades of use. Consumer Reports (CR) ranks the 2000 and 2001 model years as better for predicted dependability (CR has no Camry reliability info before 2000). We won’t give this fourth-generation a wholehearted endorsement because these Camrys will soon be classics, too. However, careful shopping and a mechanic’s inspection should be able to spot one worth buying.
Fifth-Generation Toyota Camry: 2002-2006
Verdict: Caution Advised
Although the fifth-generation Camry embraced some curves, its styling didn’t turn any heads and reinforced Toyota’s legacy for play-it-safe designs. The company only now is shaking off this reputation for boring-looking cars. These Camry model years aren’t terrible when it comes to dependability, but owner complaints increased significantly for the 2002, 2003, and 2005 model years.
Interestingly, CR gives the fifth-gen Camry better overall reliability marks. So, we advise being cautious if you’re considering a Camry from this era. Skip the first two years (2002 and 2003) and treat other examples on a case-by-case basis.
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If you’re ready to start shopping for a used car and reliability is a priority for you, take a look at our list of the top 10 most reliable used sedans on the market today.
Sixth-Generation Toyota Camry: 2007-2011
Verdict: Run Away As Fast As You Can
Forget that Motor Trend named the 2007 Toyota Camry its car of the year when the sixth generation launched; performance and value mean nothing if you’re waiting for a tow truck. Carcomplaints.com ranks the 2007 edition as the most complained about Camry ever made (2008-2011 don’t look so good either). Further, CR’s caution stretches into the 2009 model year. Given what the data shows, we strongly advise skipping the sixth-generation Camry altogether. Don’t waste your time or money.
Seventh-Generation Toyota Camry: 2012-2017
Verdict: Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
Toyota must have worked extra hard with the seventh-generation Camry to overcome the shortfalls of its predecessor. A minimal number of owner complaints backs up a more premium look, and CR gives every year of the seventh generation its best ratings for predicted reliability.
Admittingly, 2012 shows a higher number of owner complaints than subsequent years, but this is far lower than 2007, the last first-year of a new-generation Camry. We suggest skipping the 2012 (and all model years representing the debut of an all-new generation), but otherwise, we give seventh-generation Camrys a double thumbs up as a used car choice.
Eighth-Generation Toyota Camry: 2018-Current
Verdict: Proceed With Caution
Give Toyota credit for breaking the Camry mold with the design of the eighth generation. This svelte sedan is bold, aggressive, and easy to differentiate from earlier models. Other than an uptick with 2018 models, owners are mostly silent about the latest Camry. This could mean the car is rock solid, or it’s too early to tell if there are any substantial reliability issues.
CR does give the 2018 and 2019 top marks for predicted reliability, but rankings trail off with the newer Camrys (2020-2022). Given the uncertainty about first-year gremlins and mixed CR rankings, proceed cautiously. Skip the 2018 Camry, and ideally, find a used eight-generation Camry with remaining factory warranty coverage.
Wrap-Up: Which Generation of Toyota Camry Is the Most Reliable?
It’s clear that no Toyota Camry generation is 100% trouble-free. But we recommend the seventh generation as the best overall regarding reliability. The 2013-2017 (remember to skip 2012) model years represent an ideal blend of dependability, value, and relative newness.
Camry Generations: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which generation of the Toyota Camry is the best?
A: The seventh (2012-2017) generation of the Toyota Camry is often praised for their reliability, performance, and overall value. This generation introduced more advanced technology and safety features, as well as improved fuel efficiency, making them a popular choice among consumers. It did receive plenty of complaints, but you can attribute that to its popularity.
Q: Are there any years of the Toyota Camry that should be avoided?
A: While the Toyota Camry is known for its reliability, some years have had more reported issues than others. It is generally recommended to avoid the 2007 and 2008 models due to reported engine problems (excessive oil consumption, blown engine, etc.), as well as the 2009 model due to reported issues with the interior accessories (melting dashboard and defective locks) .
Q: How does the Toyota Camry compare to other cars in its class?
A: The Toyota Camry consistently ranks high in reliability compared to other midsize sedans. Its combination of quality, performance, and value make it a top choice in its class. The Camry offers a comfortable and spacious interior, a smooth and quiet ride, and a range of engine options to suit different driving needs. Additionally, the Camry has a strong resale value, making it a smart investment for consumers.
Q: Are older Toyota Camry models reliable?
A: Yes, older Toyota Camry models, especially those from the fourth generation (1997-2001), are known for their reliability. Despite their age, these models have a solid track record and are considered a good choice if you’re looking for a used midsize sedan with a reputation for longevity.
Q: Are newer Toyota Camry models just as reliable as older ones?
A: Newer Toyota Camry models continue the tradition of reliability with improvements in technology, safety, and comfort. While some newer models may have experienced recalls or minor issues, overall, they maintain the Camry’s reputation for dependability.
Q: What common issues should I be aware of in older Toyota Camry models?
A: Older Toyota Camry models, while generally reliable, may experience wear-and-tear issues such as oil leaks, wear on suspension components, and aging interior materials. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can mitigate most of these concerns.
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