2012 Toyota Camry
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2012 Toyota Camry Review
What's New for 2012
Interior
By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating: 7.6
America's top-selling passenger car for the past nine years, the Toyota Camry receives a major overhaul for 2012. While the seventh-generation of the front-drive sedan retains its midsize status, a new look, new features and an even more people-focused personality are all aimed at infusing its well-honed practical persona with a new measure of emotional appeal that Toyota hopes will curry favor with younger buyers. Available in L/LE/SE/XLE trims with four-cylinder and V6 (SE/XLE) gasoline engines as well an impressively redone Hybrid variant in LE/XLE variations, the 2012 Toyota Camry will need every edge it can muster as it takes intense challenges from perennial arch-rival, the Honda Accord, as well as formidable foes like the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and also-new-for-2013 Chevrolet Malibu.
You'll Like This Car If...
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.
You May Not Like This Car If...
Its comprehensive list of enhancements notwithstanding, those with more avant-garde styling preferences still will find the 2012 Toyota Camry sedan falls short in the head-turning department, especially compared to the current sedan-class benchmark, Hyundai's high-profile Sonata.
What's New for 2012
The 2012 Toyota Camry sedan is a generational redesign that builds on the midsize sedan's historic strengths by complementing its practical nature with an even more modern character and better value at all trim levels.
Driving the Camry
Driving Impressions Toyota engineers diligently worked to improve the new Camry sedan's structure and suspension. More high-strength steel increases rigidity of the body while trimming weight – significantly on gasoline models and...
by over 230 whopping pounds on the Hybrids. Revised chassis components and new geometry give all Camry versions a more confident feel with better ride compliance and body control, changes that are particularly noticeable when the going gets twisty. Numerous new noise-abatement technologies also make the 2012 Toyota Camry far quieter over most roads. Without a doubt, the biggest beneficiary of the 2012 Camry remake is the Hybrid. With major mass reduction, handling dynamics on par with its conventional kin, and a redone Hybrid Synergy Drive system that finally has the engine/motor/transmission triumvirate speaking far more directly to each other, the most fuel-efficient Camry variant should have far greater consumer appeal regardless of the price of gasoline.
Favorite Features
Upgraded Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)
Taking a much-needed next step in the greener arena, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid features a comprehensively redone HSD system that's lighter, tighter and far more impressively integrated – improvements that yield more spirited performance under all conditions and a stunning 30-percent bump in key fuel economy numbers.
Toyota Entune
Still a work in process, Toyota's new Entune multimedia/telematics system already shows solid introductory capabilities and offers both a user-friendly interface and the promise of an ever-expanding group of downloadable apps that should make it a worthy state-of-the-art rival to in-car alternatives of its competitors.
2012 Toyota Camry Details
Interior
The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry cabin adds both space and contemporary sophistication, highlighted by a leather-covered "layered" dash set off by trim-specific instrumentation and a center cluster inspired by portable music players. Headroom is up in all positions while aft passengers also gain significant hip and legroom. Other key plusses include more supportive front buckets and a revised lower cushion on the 60/40 folding rear bench seat that adds stretch space for the middle rider – although minimal padding still limits the center perch to part-time duty. Trunk space also is up, modestly in gasoline-powered Camrys; but by 2.1 cubic feet in the new 2012 Hybrid.
Although its external dimensions are virtually unchanged, the 2012 Toyota Camry's fully redrawn bodywork adds an edgier flair. The new sedan sports a bolder front and rear look with more expressive contours and character lines that impart a wider, lower look and a more wedge-like profile. Helping the cause are a host of subtle touches like mini-strakes on the mirrors and taillamps that channel air to improve stability, and new underbody work that further reduces drag. Unique front/rear/side-sill styling adds more cosmetic swagger to the Camry SE while blue-trimmed "Hybrid" and "HSD" (Hybrid Synergy Drive) badges visually define the most fuel-efficient 2012 Camry.
Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment
Impressively packaged at all levels, even the base Camry L sedan offers numerous power assists, air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA audio with AUX/USB/iPod inputs, Bluetooth, Toyota's STAR safety system and 10 airbags. The LE adds keyless remote entry, multifunction steering wheel, and an upgraded Display Audio sound system. Moving up to the Camry SE nets you a dedicated sport suspension/wheel/tire package with unique trim, Softex covered sport seats and paddle shifters. The top-line Camry XLE sedan features dual power seats, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof and premium fabric or leather (V6-only) upholstery. Both the SE/XLE V6s add Navigation and Entune multimedia telematics, HD radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The Camry Hybrid sedan offers LE and XLE trim-level appointments.
Optional Equipment
The 2012 Toyota Camry sedan's extras roster is confined to color choices on the L trim and a power driver's seat and moonroof on the LE. Upgraded Display Audio packages with Navigation and Entune – including a 10-speaker premium JBL system with energy-saving GreenEdge speaker technology – dedicated Convenience Packages and Leather-trimmed Ultrasuede Sport Seats with deluxe trim also are available on SE/XLE models, while SEs can be had with a power moonroof. Camry Hybrids offer a Leather Package, Moonroof Package and two tiers of JBL-enhanced Upgrade Packages, one with Navigation and one without.
Under the Hood
Focused drivetain revamps yield impressive gains in both performance and economy for all 2012 Toyota Camry sedans. Modest internal enhancements to the largely carryover 178-horsepower 2.5-liter four and 268-horse 3.5-liter V6 coupled with revised final-drive ratios in their standard 6-speed automatic transmissions, plus lower-rolling-resistance tires, help raise EPA city/highway numbers by three mpg on four-cylinder Camrys and one mpg on V6s. While its electric motor remains unchanged, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine replaces the previous 2.4-liter in the Camry Hybrid, which also features lighter, more compact and better-managed electrical components – including a new battery pack and a CVT (continuously-variable transmission) automatic with new ECO/EV modes. While the total hybrid-system output rises from 187 to 200 horsepower, preliminary EPA figures – 43/39 mpg for the LE and 41/38 mpg for the XLE – reflect a huge 30-percent uptick in fuel economy.
2.5-liter in-line 4
178 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
(PZEV 173 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm)
170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
(PZEV 165 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm)
EPA City/highway fuel economy: 25/35 mpg (6-speed automatic)
3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
248 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA City/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (6-speed automatic)
2.5-liter in-line 4 plus a 105-kilowatt Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous Electric Motor and Ni-MH battery pack
Engine: 156 horsepower @ 5,750 rpm
Battery: 141 horsepower 4,500 rpm
Total hybrid system (engine and battery): 200 horsepower
Engine: 156 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
Battery: 199 lb-ft of torque @ 0-1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 43/39 mph (LE with CVT automatic), 41/38 mpg (XLE with CVT automatic)
Pricing Notes
Toyota has placed more emphasis on total value for the 2012 Camry while encouraging more buyers to consider moving beyond entry-level trims. Although the 2012 Toyota Camry L sedan opens just under $22,800, a $710 rise versus a comparably equipped 2011, the spread between the high-volume LE – which now starts $200 lower at around $22,300. Four-cylinder SE and XLE models start just under $23,800 and $25,500, respectively, roughly $1,000 and $2,000 under their 2011 counterparts. Stickers on the V6 SE and XLE sedans are unchanged, opening around $27,400 and $30,600. On the Camry Hybrid front, the LE gets a $1,150 price slice to start just under $26,700 and the premium XLE version opens below $28,200, reflecting an $800 drop from the 2011 LE Hybrid with an upgrade package. Historically, the Toyota Camry has shown above-average reliability with similarly robust long-term resale stats. Intense competitive pressures notwithstanding, that tradition seems likely to continue on with this new Class of 2012.
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2012 Toyota Camry Consumer Reviews
Based on 106 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.
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ValueQuality
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ReliabilityPerformance
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ComfortStyling
Love this car !
By LC (FL) on Wednesday, July 31, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,969
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Fun to drive"
Cons: "Even the passenger can't access navigation option."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Love this car. I get great gas mileage, plus for a four cylinder I am amazed at the available pickup it has when wanted."
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Good value for the money
By WAM GA (GA) on Sunday, July 28, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Stable on the highway when passing the bigrigs"
Cons: "Cheep tires"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"Purchased the vehicle new (Camry SE) in January of 2013. I drive a good bit so I quickly rack up miles on a vehicle. Fuel mileage has been good. The lowest mileage that it has given was 25 mpg, this was sitting in heavy stop and go traffic. Most of the time it averages 28 to 30 mpg commuting to and from work. The only thing that I can complain about is the tires, they seem as if they are low quality (cheep) and generate some road noise. Other than that the car has been great."
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Love, Love, Love from Mini van to Camry
By BRE (VA) on Wednesday, July 24, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
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- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "roomy interior, love the moon roof, nice interior"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Just purchased the 2013 CAMRY SE. I We traded in an 05 Nissan Quest. As you can imagine cars have come along way. I love how comfortable the seats are front and back. I really am happy that I got the moonroof. I am still learning features on this car. I was a little nervous going from a minivan to the Camry but I am so happy I did."
1 person out of 4 found this review helpful
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Looks good, drives good but gas mileage poor
By Pattie (UT) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,200
overall rating 7 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Handling & 6 speed auto improvement over previous."
Cons: "Poor gas mileage - see last paragraph of review"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5
"Traded 2000 V6 Camry for new 2012 4 Cylinder Camry LE on a 3 year lease. "I miss my old Camry". The new Camry handles a little better as it doesn't have as much roll on sharp turns and has a tighter turning circle. It does well in heavy traffic and with the 6 speed transmission responds quickly. I do like the new look for the exterior but the interior really is a disappointment. The materials look cheap particularly the seats and floor mats. The grey cloth seats are easily soiled and already look worst than the 2000 Camry. It is easy to see where Toyota cut corners. Overall, I like the way it handles and drives better than my older Camry but the quality is much less. The biggest concern I have is the mileage. After 8200 miles I average 19-21 MPG in the city and with 75%/25 city/ highway only 22-23 MPG. I got much better mileage in my 2000 V6 using. The main reason I traded was to lower my gas expense and to get a cleaner burning auto. Toyota's claim about the mileage is vastly over exaggerated. I am now in negotiations with the dealer however their attitude is that it is not their problem."
7 people out of 8 found this review helpful
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Will not purchase again.
By dw (OH) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000
overall rating 3 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
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- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "great looking"
Cons: "Burns oil rapidly. Toyota refuses to repair."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"Looks great, drives great, but burns 1 quart of oil every 1200 miles and 4 quarts every 4800 miles. Vehicle only holds 4.7 quarts. Have had it back to dealer on four occasions. Dealer informed me that this is within toyota specs. Called toyota engineer and was again told this was within toyota specs. Toyota refuses to repair vehicle. Owners manual states that toyota accepted specs is burning 1 quart per 600 miles. Buyers beware. Will not purchase another toyota."
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful
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Quality overall, excellent
By RW (MD) on Monday, July 22, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Quality overall is great. Car is made to last. Fun"
Cons: "Handling v. good, though still like a sedan."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"Chose the SE model. Fit and finish excellent, much better than the Mazda 6 I also looked into. Interior is really well done, feels like a more expensive car. 4 cylinder and 6 speed automatic has plenty of pickup, no problem weaving in and out of traffic around the DC beltway. Handling is very good, not as responsive as some but it's tight. It handles like a midsize car. Very quiet and comfortable ride on trips, rear seats actually have enough leg/head room for two adults."
1 person out of 2 found this review helpful
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