2012 Toyota Camry OVERVIEW
All Camrys get a six-speed automatic – for the first time, no manual is available. The standard engine is the 2.5-liter 178-horsepower four-cylinder, but an optional 3.5-liter V6 with 268 horsepower is available on SE and XLE trims. The V6 gets up to 30 MPG highway, the four a very competitive 35 MPG. Power windows and mirrors are standard, along with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth and USB input. LE adds automatic headlamps and power door locks with remote keyless entry, as well Bluetooth. SE tries to please shoppers looking at sportier sedans. It comes with stiffer suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights and more aggressive seats. XLE gets leather seats, a power driver's seat, power sunroof and Toyota's Entune infotainment system. A navigation system is also optional on SE and XLE.
The Nissan Altima is similarly quiet and will do up to 38 MPG highway with its four-cylinder. But the design is just as conservative as the Camry's. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu offers a hybrid-electric Eco trim, as well as a turbocharged four-cylinder, but is smaller overall. The Hyundai Sonata is just as fuel efficient but has a more stylish exterior and interior, but the sleek roof cuts into headroom. The Volkswagen Passat offers both a manual transmission and a fuel-efficient TDI clean diesel engine, along with a vast rear seat and trunk. But the Passat's gas engines are not as fuel efficient and VW doesn't have Toyota's reliability reputation.
None of the competition can match the Camry's sales record and few can approach its record for worry-free ownership. Shoppers return over and over for the Toyota's dependability and cosseting ride and noise qualities that make the Camry one of the best picks for a midsize family sedan – provided an enthusiastic driving experience isn't a priority. But it offers buyers a quiet experience with lots of space and a fuel-efficient range of engines. In all, it represents one of the most pragmatic buys in the segment and presents no reason why it shouldn't continue as the country's best-selling car, or prevent loyal customers from returning to Toyota over and over.
