5 Best Toyota Camry Years To Buy & Years You Should Avoid

The Toyota Camry, one of the most famous vehicles in the market, is well-known for its reliability, durability, and strong value price on resale. The Camry has become a good choice not only for individuals but also for families looking for a comfortable midsize sedan on an affordable budget.

However, like other car brands, the Toyota Camry also has some advanced model years that stand out for its amazing features, performance, and durability. This article will delve into the best Toyota Camry years to buy, their prices, safety systems, features, and some years that you should avoid.

The History Of The Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry was introduced in 1983, quickly gained a massive reputation, and is known for being a well-built, reliable car. It came onto the market as a compact sedan, but in the 1980s, it eventually evolved into the midsize category.

Over time, numerous redesigns, inventions, and technological upgrades have made the Camry one of the best and most successful cars in the world. In 1987, the second Generation of the Toyota expanded its size to become a midsize sedan. 1997 was the year when Toyota introduced a very new design focusing on the refinement and safety of their customers.

The Camary became the best family-friendly sedan when it brought a more luxurious and tech-focused model to the auto industry in 2002. The eighth Generation of the Camry was launched in 2017, and it featured the most advanced technology-based design with improved fuel efficiency and high performance.

Top 5 Best Toyota Camry Years To Buy

A good decision can make your life road life easier from a driving perspective. However, a small analysis based on your preferences and needs helps you to make a good selection. So, if you’re have made up your mind or planning to buy a Toyota Camry, then here are some of the best years that you should consider:

2005
2012
2015
2018
2020

2005 Toyota Camry (5th Generation)

In the list of the Toyota Camry best years and most reliable used midsize cars, the 2005 model of Camry has a good reputation. The 2005 model is from the fifth Generation of Camry that ran from 2002 to 2006. However, for buyers who are seeking a used car at an affordable price, the 2005 Toyota Camry can be a fit option.

Why it stands out: Its excellent reliability, fewer maintenance issues, and attractive functional design are the reasons for its standing out.
Key features: V6 engine options or four-cylinder, high fuel efficiency, and a comfortable interior are the key features of this model.
Reliability: According to the stats and driver’s reviews, a 2005 Camry can easily drive for over 200,000 miles with very minimal repairs.
Downsides: It has outdated technology, and its design is a bit outdated compared to today’s modern standards.

2012 Toyota Camry (7th Generation)

The 2012 Toyota Camry model is from the seventh Generation and comes to the market with more enhanced comfort and increased fuel efficiency. The Toyota also brings better features and safety systems in this model.

Why it stands out: It is a complete packet of reliability, efficiency, and comfort. Upgradation of modern technological systems like Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen interface makes it one of the first advanced Camrys of that time.
Key features: Excellent fuel efficiency, advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, and a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (with an optional 3.5L V6) are some of its key features.
Reliability: longevity and solid reliability make 2012 a great choice for a used car owner.
Downsides: As compared to some competitors, its interior design is not much upscale.

2015 Toyota Camry (7th Generation)

The 2015 Toyota Camry is also a part of the seventh Generation, impacting customers significantly with its more aggressive design & styling, updated technology, and improved handling. 20215 is also regarded in the list of best Toyota Camry years.

Why it stands out: The defined exterior and the enhanced safety features are the reasons behind the 2015 Camry’s having a strong concern in the midsize sedan category.
Key features: Standard rearview camera, entune infotainment system, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring are some key features
Reliability: Camry’s model offers top-notch reliability and long-term durability to its buyers.
Downsides: Its higher trims can be more expensive.

2018 Toyota Camry (8th Generation)

The 2018 model year of Camry is a complete redesign and belongs to the eighth Generation. With a more stylish approach for buyers and modern tech features, this model has a reputation and stands out among the best model years of Toyota Camry.

Why it stands out: The 2018 Camry stands out for its sharp styling and modern technological improvements, built on the new TNGA platform of Toyota.
Key Features: The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite, Standard Apple CarPlay, and emergency auto braking system are some of the most useful key features of this model.
Reliability: It consistently has good ratings for durability and performance, making it a great choice for drivers who have internet for long-term vehicles.
Downsides: The downside is that the styling of the 2018 Camry may not appeal to everyone.

2020 Toyota Camry (8th Generation)

With more improvements and standard features, the 2020 Camry is a more redefined model, launched as an eighth-generation vehicle. By having a good rating, it is considered one of the best Camry models for those seeking a nearly new advanced vehicle on a normal budget.

Why it stands out: High resale value, excellent reliability, and various safety features are the reasons why it stands out.
Key Features: Some of its fabulous features, such as standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and excellent fuel efficiency, make it a good choice in the eyes of attractive buyers.
Reliability: Quality and consistently good reliability feedback make it a great investment.
Downsides: The downside is that some drivers may feel underpowered by its base engine.

Toyota Camry Years To Avoid

It’s a common thing in vehicles to have some model years to avoid due to their more frequent issues. However, the Toyota Camry also has some years with more issues that you should avoid. Based on the consumer reports and reported problems, these models include:

2001
2007-2009
2008

2001 Toyota Camry

The 2001 model year of the Camry is from the fourth Generation, considered the worst year due to its transmission and oil sludge issues.

2007-2009 Toyota Camry

The 2007-2009 years is a part of the sixth generation Camrys, having a big number (than average) of complaints about oil consumption and engine problems. So, you can avoid it safely if you don’t want to spend heavy costs on an old model.

2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2008 year has reported some problems with its hybrid version. These problems will lead to costly repairs that you would not want.

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Estimated Prices Of The Best Model Years Of Toyota Camry

Based on the typical market values and previous stats, here is the estimated price range of the 5 best-used model years of the Toyota Camry. Please note that these mentioned prices can vary depending on mileage, condition, and trim level of the vehicle:

Best Toyota Camry Years	Estimated Price Range
2005	$3,500 – $6,000
2012	$7,000 – $11,000
2015	$12,000 – $16,000
2018	$18,000 – $23,000
2020	$22,000 – $28,000

In A Nutshell

Because of its unbeatable reliability, improved fuel economy, and advanced technological safety features, The Toyota Camry has led the midsize sedan market for a long time. Some of its model years, like 2005, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2020, offer great value to buyers with minds in used cars.

On the other hand, buying its 2001, 2007-2009, or 2008 model years may cause potential headaches because of reported engine issues with these models. Moreover, buying a car from the best Toyota Camry years will provide a stunning driving experience, fewer repairs, and a good value on resale.

I hope that my provided comprehensive comparison between the best and worst years for Toyota Camry will enhance your knowledge and clear all your confusion regarding its model years.