What Year Camry is Most Reliable?

In 2021, the Toyota Camry was the sixth best-selling vehicle and most popular sedan. Price, fuel efficiency and safety are the top considerations for Millennials when shopping for a vehicle, and the Camry checks off all the boxes.

The 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It can get 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway and with a starting price of $25,845, the Camry also is a budget-friendly midsize sedan. What year Camry is most reliable? The following models received J.D. Power’s Dependability Award in the midsize car category:

2016 Toyota Camry (named most dependable in 2019)

2014 Toyota Camry (most dependable in 2017)

2011 Toyota Camry (most dependable in 2014)

2006 Toyota Camry (most dependable in 2009)

What Defines Reliability?

Every year, J.D. Power releases its list of most dependable vehicles across numerous different categories. Winners are based on the ratings and responses of vehicle owners who score the vehicle in three areas: Quality & Reliability, Driving Experience and Resale Value. Cars are evaluated when they are three years old; this means that 2022’s winners are 2019 models.

The most reliable Camry models might denote the model years that the vehicle received the nod as the most dependable vehicle in its category (midsize sedans). Currently, four model years rank as the most dependable: 2016, 2014, 2011 and 2006.

This doesn’t mean that other Camry models aren’t dependable; it simply means the Camry wasn’t the most dependable vehicle that model year. To understand the Camry’s reliability, car shoppers might review the vehicle’s score for Quality and Reliability through the years.

Taking into account the score for Quality & Reliability from the dependability awards through the years, here are the most dependable Camry models ranked by Quality & Reliability score (from 2006 to 2019):

• 2014 Camry: 92

• 2015 Camry: 90

• 2006 Camry: 89

• 2016 Camry: 89

• 2011 Camry: 87

• 2012 Camry: 86

• 2017 Camry: 86

• 2008 Camry: 85

• 2009 Camry: 85

• 2010 Camry: 85

• 2018 Camry: 85

• 2019 Camry: 85

• 2013 Camry: 84

• 2007 Camry: 83

Car shoppers who are looking for the most reliable Camry models might focus on the model years 2016, 2014 and 2006. The 2014 Camry received the highest Quality & Reliability score of all the models, however.

Unfortunately, newer models beyond 2019 have not been scored by owners yet. To better understand what the models offer, buyers might want to read reviews from owners and/or review safety scores and reports from the IIHS.

Every buyer has their own focus when it comes to choosing the best car or even the best model year. Some focus on price, others are focused on safety and fuel efficiency. The modern Camry scores well for safety, and it has some of the best MPG specs of midsize sedans on the market.

About the Most Reliable Camry

Based on the Quality & Reliability scores from J.D. Power, the 2014 Toyota Camry ranks as the most reliable model year. What should buyers know about this model?

The 2014 Camry received an overall dependability score of 89. It received a 92 for Quality & Reliability, an 83 for Driving Experience and an 88 for Resale Value.

The 2014 Camry also received a Top Safety Pick award/rating (for models built after December 2013) from the IIHS. In addition, this model year offers decent fuel efficiency specs—25 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway.

How much should buyers expect to pay for a used/pre-owned 2014 model? Prices can vary based on availability; buyers also might find lower-priced 2014 models for cars with higher mileage.

However, some models might be priced around $16K, while others are priced a bit higher or lower. In addition, buyers also could find pre-owned 2014 Camry Hybrid models; hybrid options for the Camry go back to 2007. Buyers might expect to pay more for a hybrid.

The Hybrid Camry

Auto manufacturers are gravitating towards more fuel efficient vehicles, and many are introducing new electric models. Toyota offers a range of hybrid models of some of its most popular vehicles. The 2022 Camry is offered as a hybrid option, but, again, the Camry hybrid has been available since 2007.

The hybrid model is more expensive than the standard Camry. The 2022 Camry Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $27,980—slightly more than $2K higher than the standard Camry. The hybrid offers much higher fuel efficiency and can get up to 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway.

For car shoppers who want to get the most miles out of their fuel tank, the hybrid Camry might be the better option. The 2022 Camry received a Top Safety Pick+ rating/award from the IIHS, but the hybrid option was not reviewed or scored separately.

The Space of the Camry

The Camry offers space for up to five. It includes plenty of space for cargo, too; the Camry includes 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

It’s also suitable for taller drivers. It offers 57.7 inches of shoulder room, 38.3 inches of headroom, 55.4 inches of hip room and 42.1 inches of legroom in the front seat. However, the interior dimensions of each model year might be different.

Is the Camry Difficult to Find at the Dealership?

Car shoppers who are focused on the Camry as their go-to vehicle might also understand that not all models are plentiful at dealerships. In fact, some popular models are incredibly hard to find.

Since the Camry is one of the most popular vehicles in the country, is it hard to find a new model? The answer really depends on the dealership and their current availability. However, Toyota’s main website doesn’t provide any specific notes about orders being halted for new models. In the case of some popular vehicles, manufacturers stopped taking orders.

When shopping for the Camry, buyers typically have plenty of choices. As MotorBiscuit notes, there are 13 trim options and three engine choices for the Camry. Choosing the best Camry might take a bit of research on the part of the buyer; this isn’t a model where there are simply a handful of choices.

In addition to the different trims, buyers also could elect to add options. Then there are the color choices. The Camry is offered in 13 different paint options, including four that offer a separate hue for the roof.

While the base trim 2022 Camry might start at $25,845, the most expensive trim (the XSE V6) is priced at $36,270. For the Camry models, there is quite a variety in price range, color options and even upgraded features, too. While the plentiful choices allow for buyers to create their ideal vehicle, it also could take a buyer a bit of time to decide what they want.

To explore their options, buyers can use Toyota’s ‘build’ option that’s offered beneath each model. This lets the buyer create their ideal vehicle and see the price, too. After building their Camry, buyers can decide to reach out to their local dealership.

What to Consider When Shopping Used Models

The Camry is known for being a safe, affordable, fuel-efficient and reliable car. Not all buyers want to buy a new model, though. Some car shoppers prefer to shop used or pre-owned models.

Prices for used models can fluctuate based on the mileage, age and condition. To better understand the history of the vehicle, buyers can request to see a Carfax; the report can help buyers understand the number of previous owners and it also notes any accidents (plus other information). Buyers also can request an independent (third-party) inspection, too.

When buying a used or pre-owned model, car shoppers also might want to take a test drive. This can help the buyer learn more about how the car handles; the test drive also can help the buyer listen for any odd noises and note any other potential issues.

Buyers Can Consider Leasing a Camry

Not all drivers want to own a car; for this reason, dealerships offer leasing as an option. A vehicle lease is a long-term rental. A lease typically extends for around two or three years.

During this period, the dealership handles basic maintenance like oil changes. However, the driver is still responsible for keeping the car in good condition. While leasing comes with mileage stipulations, they also offer more affordable monthly payments.

A lease might be a good option for those who don’t drive too far on a daily basis. If the driver exceeds the mileage limitations on the lease, they might face fees of up to 15 to 20 cents per each mile over the limit.

Some drivers like the lack of commitment associated with leasing, though. Once the lease ends, the driver can simply return the car. Again, monthly payments for a lease are typically more affordable than loan payments for the same vehicle; this might allow drivers to opt for a better vehicle.

Dealerships also might offer promotional offers related to leasing. However, those interested in leasing need to read all the details of any promotion—those low prices only might be applicable to qualified applicants.

For buyers looking for the most reliable Camry, used models could be an affordable and reliable option. However, the 2022 Camry is a budget-friendly, safe and fuel-efficient option for buyers. With 13 trim options, there might be a new Camry that’s a fit for any buyer.