2012 Toyota Camry

The 2012 Toyota Camry has been totally redesigned from the ground up this year. It comes in 4 variants, the base model L, an LE model with more additions, a sports model SE, and a top-of-the-line XLE model.

Performance

If you are looking for a car for daily driving duties that will get you from point A to point B then the Toyota Camry is a tough act to follow. It offers higher mileage at lower prices, comfortable interiors and comfortable driving for both the daily commute and the long weekend trips.

In terms of engine performance it comes with both 4-cylinder and V6 engines with both excellent in terms of acceleration, handling and shifting of the gears.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $22,715.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 gallons (64.3 liters) MPG: 25 city / 35 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 189.2 in. (480.5 cm) Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.6 cm)
Height: 57.9 in. (147.1 cm) Width: 71.7 in. (182.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 3190 lbs (1447 kg) Ground Clearance: 6.1 in. (15.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 15.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16 Valve 4 Cylinder DOHC Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 178 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 170 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Camry L MSRP: $21,955; MPG: 25 city / 35 hwy
Option:Camry LE MSRP: $22,500; MPG: 25 city / 35 hwy
Option:Camry SE MSRP: $23,000; MPG: 25 city / 35 hwy
Option:Camry XLE V6 MSRP: $29,845; MPG: 21 city / 30 hwy
Option:Camry Hybrid LE MSRP: $25,900; MPG: 43 city / 39 hwy

Exterior

In terms of the exterior, the Toyota Camry will evoke mixed reactions and possibly divided opinions. For those purely seeking performance the exterior should be pleasant though not exciting, but those desiring a stylish car may not want to be seen in it. Nevertheless, the exterior does not deter its performance in the least bit.

Interior

The interior of the Camry is vastly improved with a new design for 2012. It offers spacious interiors and comfortable seating with increased leg space and headroom making the drive comfortable and roomy.

The boot space is large but the hood does limit the storage of large items as its opening is small. New improvements include the addition of an optional EnTune system which allows synchronization with a SmartPhone to help with navigation and data related services like traffic and weather as well as providing infotainment on the move with booking movie tickets and reading up on restaurant reviews.

Features

The EnTune system will also read your e-mails and messages and even send appropriate replies but will use your mobile carrier’s data. The steering wheel and the cockpit offer ergonomic controls within reach but the touch screen can be hard to read because of its angle especially in bright daylight.

Also, the wood finish is not particularly good-looking and leaves behind the impression of lower quality materials and craftsmanship.

Safety

The Toyota Camry has one of the best safety ratings overall and is a top pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It has scored well in crash tests for the front, the rear, the sides and the roof and other safety features include 10 airbags, brake assist with anti-lock brakes and control for traction as well as a monitoring system for the tire pressures.

On-board GPS tracking also helps with tracking of a stolen vehicle and the car is also linked at all times to a call center that can divert an ambulance or call 911 on your behalf in the event of an accident.

Reliability

The reliability rating is based on the previous 3 years of data accumulation from various sources and the Toyota Camry scores an impressive 8/10 in these ratings.

The vehicle comes with a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles and free maintenance that is periodically scheduled for a period of 2 years or 25,000 miles which also includes 24 hours on the road assistance. Additionally, it also comes with a 5-year or 60,000 miles warranty for the powertrain.

Competition

The Toyota Camry is an ideal choice for those desiring a hassle free car for daily use. As far as the competition goes, the Toyota Camry stacks up well against the competition with only the Volkswagen Passat (MSRP $26,765; 31 city / 43 hwy) offering a three-year period of scheduled maintenance.

The Ford Fusion (MSRP $21,500; 22 city / 32 hwy) and the Honda Accord (MSRP $23,070; 23 city / 34 hwy) are its other main competitors, but the newly redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry with its excellent mileage, powerful performance and excellent interiors continues to remain a bestseller.

Overall Rating
78 out of 100

What others say:

“The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry remains the most conservative-looking pick among mid-size sedans, but if you want comfort, value, and frugality above all else, it’s probably just your style.”Car Connection

“Predictable at moderate speeds, but most models are spoiled by marked cornering lean from their comfort-biased suspensions. SEs lean only slightly less. Steering on all is overboosted and numb, even on the SE. Hybrid steering is the worst. It lacks feel, has inconsistent boost, and delayed response. One test Hybrid suffered an alarming creaking noise from the steering column during cornering. The brakes provide smooth and ample stopping power.”Consumer Guide

“The redesigned Camry remains refined, comfortable, and roomy. Handling is a bit more responsive and the Camry has upgraded interior materials. The three powertrain choices include the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and the Hybrid that uses the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a small electric motor, and a more compact battery. Fuel economy for all three engines are impressive. Bluetooth and a USB port are standard, and Toyota’s Entune smartphone integration is available.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Strong engines; user-friendly and high-tech electronics; comfortable and spacious backseat; top safety scores.”Edmunds

“Arguably better in every measurable way, the thoroughly tweaked 2012 Toyota Camry has what it takes to retain its already bountiful buyer base and make an even-stronger case for consideration by anyone seeking a top-rate midsize sedan with either conventional or hybrid power.”KBB

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