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Toyota Camry Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Toyota Camry ranks 11 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 14 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Camry, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Auto reviewers think Toyota made the best-selling Camry even better with a redesign for 2012 thanks to its excellent fuel economy, refined performance and high-quality interior.

Test drivers like the redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry for its roomy interior, best-in-class non-hybrid, non-diesel fuel economy, relaxed ride and smooth engines. With the changes for 2012, most reviewers expect the Camry to retain its position as one of the best-selling cars in the class.

The automotive press says the 2012 Camry gives shoppers a good mix of comfort, engine power, interior space and technology. They’re glad Toyota made improvements where necessary and left other areas that didn’t need tweaking unchanged. Motor Trend says, "Besides being a best-seller, it has arguably been the best car in its class for 20 years, so improvements tend to be incremental, not phenomenal, like those of the '08 Chevy Malibu, '10 Ford Fusion, '11 Hyundai Sonata, and possibly the '12 VW Passat."

The main gripe reviewers have with the 2012 Toyota Camry is its redesigned exterior. Although they think it looks better than the 2011 model, they still note that the Camry has a conservative, bland look. While some say they wish Toyota would make the Camry a little more edgy, they understand that bold styling might limit the Camry’s mass-market appeal.

If you’re shopping for a roomy, capable, fuel-efficient midsize sedan, auto reviewers say the 2012 Camry is definitely worth a test drive.

Other Cars to Consider

With the exception of hybrid and diesel cars, the 2012 Toyota Camry has the best fuel economy in the class. If good gas mileage is especially important to you, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a good option because its fuel economy ratings are better than the gas-only Camry, but it also costs several thousand dollars more. The Camry Hybrid also retains all the features reviewers like about the gas-only Camry, including its performance and interior features.

If you like the practicality of the Camry but are looking for a sedan with more “look at me” style, check out the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Along with its head-turning bodywork, the Sonata also carries many of the same features as the Camry. These include a roomy interior, a fuel-efficient base engine and a competitive list of standard tech features like Bluetooth and USB iPod integration. Reviewers think the Sonata is one of the best-looking midsize cars on the market.

Toyota Camry: The Details

The Toyota Camry has been completely redesigned for 2012. The Camry is available in a stripped-down base L model, a better-equipped LE trim, a sport-tuned SE model and a top-of-the-line XLE trim. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is reviewed separately. See the full list of 2012 Toyota Camry specs.

• "It's been twenty years, but the Camry might have just leapt back to the front of the pack as the worry-free car you'd gladly recommend to your mother - without being afraid to be seen in it yourself." -- Automobile Magazine
• "For those looking for a car that gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss, the new 2012 Camry … is hard to beat." -- Road and Track
• "With its improved interior materials, higher mileage, and lower prices, this Camry ought to retain its sales crown." -- Car and Driver
• "No, the new Camry isn't too different from the last one. And that's not a bad thing." -- Edmunds
• "On the whole the Camry has improved significantly. It remains, more than ever, a poster car for your right brain." -- Cars.com

Camry Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)

Reviewers think the Toyota Camry is comfortable enough for daily driving and long road trips. It’s not as fun to drive as other cars, but test drivers are pleased with its performance. Read More

Camry Exterior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The Toyota Camry has been complete redesigned for the 2012 model year. So far, reviewers are divided on its new look. View Photos

Camry Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)

The Camry has a spacious interior and the automotive press likes the dash layout and use of high-quality materials, though some find fault with a few lower-quality interior materials. Read More

Camry Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2012 Toyota Camry receives a five-star overall rating from the federal government, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names it a Top Safety Pick. Its standard safety features are typical among affordable midsize cars. Read More

Camry Reliability - 4.0 of 5

The 2012 Toyota Camry reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Toyota covers the 2012 Camry with three years or 36,000 miles of basic warranty coverage, as well as two years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. Read More