A legitimate top-two sedan (along with the Honda Accord) in the midsize class with an unmistakable reputation for reliability, safety and fuel efficiency now featuring marked improvements in interior and exterior styling.
Introduction
The Toyota Camry has been a staple in the American auto market since the early 1980s. Toyota built its American reputation on this car and the Camry has long stood for quality, reliability, and value. Yet, the Camry has never been anything but a solid sedan. It's not a bold sports sedan and it doesn't attempt to be one. In 2012 the Camry was redesigned with several slight exterior modifications which were more transitional in nature than they were innovative and pushed the Camry towards a more boxy exterior. The 2013 model continues this trend and is more functional than stylish - but for many Toyota owners that's a larger part of the appeal.
The current Camry is powered by modest 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder engine which produces 178 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifter is standard. While this engine won't wow anyone, it's reliable to a fault and 25 MPG/city and 35 MPG/hwy is more than respectable. Despite the engine specifications, this engine is a significant upgrade from past years and proves far more responsive to Camry's of old. A V6 upgrade is still available for those desiring a bit more punch in the passing lane.
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Which Style To Buy?
2013 Toyota Camry L
Recommended for: Mid-sized sedan drivers needing substance over style
The base Camry L is powered by a 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder engine which produces 178 horsepower and 170 foot-pounds of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shifter is standard. In addition, the Camry L features: air conditioning, Toyota's BLU Logic Hands Free System, CD players with MP3 capabilities, six speaker audio system, auxiliary audio jack, six-way adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, four-way adjustable passenger seat, split folding rear seat, cruise control, projector -beam halogen headlights, and 16-inch steel wheels.
Safety features include: Toyota's Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, ten airbags - including driver and front passenger and seat mounted side airbags, driver and passenger whiplash lessening seats, and daytime running lights.
Options on the base Camry L are nearly non-existent.
2013 Toyota Camry LE
Most PopularRecommended for: A slightly upscale mid-sized sedan with plenty of reliability
The Camry Le is a slightly upgraded version of the base model L. It is powered by the same 2.5 liter inline four-cylinder engine and features the same safety features and base equipment, including the BLU Logic Hands Free System. In addition, the LE is equipped with: projector-beam halogen headlights with an automatic on/off feature, an upgraded audio system with a 6.1 inch display touch screen and iPod connectivity, hands free phone availability, keyless entry, and tilt and telescoping steering.
Options are limited on the LE, but a power moon roof is available, as is a driver's and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, and rear-seat reading lamps. A secondary interior upgrade is available which bolsters the seats with backside pockets, and upgrades the driver's seat to an eight-way power seat.
2013 Toyota Camry SE
Recommended for: Commuters and families in need a sportier sedan loaded with features
the Camry SE is based on the LE design and comes standard with the 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine and all the base features of the LE. In addition to the standard features the SE includes: integrated fog lamps, a sport grille, underbody spoiler and sport side panels, 18-inch alley wheels, noise reducing windshield, rear spoiler, dual chrome tip exhaust, Toyota's Etune and Smart Key systems, sport fabric front seats, leather trimmed sport steering wheel, and overhead console.
Options include the same upgrades on the LE (the moon roof, etc.), and an upgraded display audio system with navigation, and satellite radio. In addition, the SE features a Convenience Package which features a backup camera, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, Homelink transceiver, anti-theft system, and Toyota's Smark Key system (only available with moon roof and display audio upgrades). A Leather Package (which is only available if you purchase the Convenience Package) adds leather trimmed heated sport front seats.
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Best Alternatives
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2013 Honda Accord
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2013 Hyundai Sonata
Great fuel economy and a reliable engine, though interior rear headroom is limited.
2013 Chevrolet Malibu
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