2012 Toyota Camry Review [Video]

[AutoGuide.com]

Best-seller improved: all-new Camry prepares to cement a decade in the top sales spot

The reengineered 2012 Camry is good, it just doesn’t make for a good story. You see, we understand that along with all the facts and opinions, you want to read a good piece of automotive journalism. And as journalists, we want to write it.

There are plenty of compelling stories out there, from an underdog like Hyundai defeating its rivals, to an “oh how the mighty have fallen” story like Consumer Reports slamming the new Civic. But no one wants to read about a winner that was expected to win all along, especially not when it’s done so nine years running.

True, the new Camry isn’t a decisive victor in the mid-size sedan category, although it does stand out in certain areas (namely the Hybrid model and overall fuel economy).

FAMILIAR SHAPE, MORE CHISELED LINES

Don’t let the somewhat subtle makeover and the fact that the car shares the identical dimensions with its predecessor fool you. The 2012 Camry is all-new. Sure the measurements are essentially the same, but there’s little carry-over, as is evidenced by the fact that it weighs anywhere from 150 to 200-lbs less than the old model – even more on the hybrid. That weight savings alone goes a long way, translating into better fuel economy, improved dynamics and reduced braking distances.

While from a profile it’s nearly identical to the outgoing model, the design changes front and back are a noted improvement, with some added angles and fewer bulbous humps. The grille now stretches out to the headlights, which gives the car a wider look and is certain to translate into a meaner looking NASCAR racer, while the chrome strakes on the side skirts add a touch of Lexus class. Overall it’s handsome, though not exactly alluring.

CAMRY REGAINS FUEL-ECONOMY LEAD

What isn’t new about the Camry is what’s under the hood, with last year’s 4-cylinder and V6 engines carried over. The base offering is now gone, with the 2.5-liter making 178-hp and 170 lb-ft. Thanks to the car’s lighter overall weight it does feel a bit peppier and is certainly adequate. As for fuel economy, it’s jumped considerably and Toyota can once again lay claim to leadership in this category. Rated at 22/33-mpg last year, the new Camry manages a 25/35-mpg rating. That’s identical highway mileage to the previous class-leader, the Hyundai Sonata, but represents a 3-mpg advantage in the city.

Read the full review at AutoGuide.com

[GMTurboDiesel]

Am I the only one who was hoping for a more imaginative expressive design? This new iteration to me looks worse than the outgoing model.

[prnc_chrmng]

yeah, I agree. From the picture the back end looks the same as the current.

[XenoRad]

Originally Posted by GMTurboDiesel

Am I the only one who was hoping for a more imaginative expressive design? This new iteration to me looks worse than the outgoing model.

You're not alone. I hardly like any current Toyota design except for the RAV4, the Hilux and maybe the Landcruiser V8.

They're replacing a fluent design that flows for a new angular one that is just uninspired. The worst examples are the 4runner, the face-lifted Corolla and this new Camry.

[Yuko]

Now that I looks that the new Camry in a different light, it's not bad looking. they could have push the design further but I guess thay are being reserved now. But I'm not diggin' the rear-end and the oversized chrome fog lamps surrounds.

[aznstylez]

Did the guy say the V6 has 168hp and 148 ft lb of torque? I'm curious since that is lower than the I4 and the hybrid?

[84Cressida]

^ It's 268 and 248, but I think he did say 168 and 148 accidentally.

[aznstylez]

Originally Posted by 84Cressida

^ It's 268 and 248, but I think he did say 168 and 148 accidentally.

Do you think the dude should get slap in the face since it's misleading information to the public? It's on the internet.

[JimBowNut]

Originally Posted by aznstylez

Do you think the dude should get slap in the face since it's misleading information to the public? It's on the internet.

[Streaker]

Looks like a whale ready to feed on plankton!

[PRetentIoUS]

I've gotta say the Camry represents everything that's wrong with American car buyers. Nothing quite says I feel like driving an unresponsive boring appliance quite like Camry. even the Japanese don't want Camrys. the fact that this is the best selling car in America is just embarrassing.

[84Cressida]

Originally Posted by PRetentIoUS

I've gotta say the Camry represents everything that's wrong with American car buyers. Nothing quite says I feel like driving an unresponsive boring appliance quite like Camry. even the Japanese don't want Camrys. the fact that this is the best selling car in America is just embarrassing.

Yeah, all Americans should be driving rough riding, non-practical sports cars with loud exhausts, poor fuel economy, and cramped interiors. Throw the kids on the roof, don't ever go grocery shopping, and don't ever have an injury that prevents you from driving a manual.

[aznstylez]

Originally Posted by PRetentIoUS

I've gotta say the Camry represents everything that's wrong with American car buyers. Nothing quite says I feel like driving an unresponsive boring appliance quite like Camry. even the Japanese don't want Camrys. the fact that this is the best selling car in America is just embarrassing.

Yes...it is quite embarrassing to the American public and companies that the Camry is the Japanese best selling car in America. American companies....you better step your game up!!!

[a_mao]

im a toyota fanatic and have been since i was 14. i was waiting to see what the new camry would look like before choosing to buy brand new. and this is it? it's so BORING and bland. though it may have awesome reliability, i also want a decent looking car. im going to wait and see what the se trim looks like in person. for the first time in my life, i'm going to have to consider giving a honda accord a look.:head bang:

[deadrx7conv]

Boring and bland is what makes the Camry a success. Glad that they didn't go overboard with the bubblegum treatment, as many of the other automakers did but still don't sell anything in volume like the Camry.

I hope that the 150-200+lb diet becomes norm for the rest of the Toyota lineup during makeovers. Most cars have become bloated during the past few revisions. Glad to see it lighter. Love to see Corolla and Yaris lose 150lbs, along with the Scion fleet. Mom's 2011 Avalon seems too heavy but the 3.5L makes up for it, and rewards you with frequent trips to the gas station. The Highlander/Venza need a diet too.

I have two Camry's, 99 and 04. Both are 4cyl and are reliable and get great MPG(with just enough pep to keep with and ahead of traffic if needed). I think I might seriously consider the 2012 as a replacement for the '99, not that MPG is back to 5sfe days!