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Toyota Camry (6th Gen)

07-11 · Toyota Camry

88out of 100

The XV40 is the Camry that Toyota got right on safety, 5-star NHTSA, IIHS Good, while keeping the 2AZ-FE's proven reliability.

Score breakdown

85/ 100Reliability×2.583/ 100True Annual Cost×3.090/ 100Safety×2.089/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A thoroughly competent midsize sedan. The XV40 kept the 2AZ-FE but improved refinement significantly. 5-star NHTSA and IIHS Good ratings arrived. The hybrid variant (XV40h) exists but the 4-cylinder is the pick. ESC was optional only, not standard.

Why it's on this list

The best-value Camry generation for used buyers. $8k–$12k gets a clean XV40 with strong safety ratings and sub-$400/yr maintenance. The 2AZ-FE is among the most serviced engines in America.

The honest trade-offs

ESC is optional, not standard, check the window sticker or build date. 2AZ-FE oil consumption on high-mileage examples. No manual available. The 2007 first model year had a floor mat recall that should be verified closed.

What to buy and what to avoid

09-11 LE or SE with ESC option confirmed. Verify floor mat recall closed on 07-10. Check oil consumption on any example over 120k miles. The hybrid XV40h is reliable but repair costs are higher.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,540 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$388 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$173 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,940 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,480 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,601 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,141 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
26[5]
MPG city / hwy
22 / 32[5]
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl (2AZ-FE)
Horsepower
158 hp
Torque
162 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
15 cu ft
Stock tires
205/65R16
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
14%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
No

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$388 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.3[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
60%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$18 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Toyota Camry?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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