Here is Senior Editor Erin Riches with a video review of the 2012 Toyota Camry. This video covers the whole Camry range but features running footage of our long-term Camry SE.
See the video after the jump...
Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
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_feloniousmonk says:
01:04 PM, 02/16/12
So...who, or what, is she looking at instead of the camera?
Also, I like how your "short-list" contained pretty much every other mid-size car.
socale46 says:
01:12 PM, 02/16/12
I can see why the SE might overtake the LE as the best selling model (if you take out fleet and rental sales).
I'd still only consider the V6 or the Hybrid.
Damn shame they don't offer a 6spd manual :(
canddmeyer says:
02:14 PM, 02/16/12
Hmmm. So the "M" class is sponsoring a Toyota video. I couldn't get past the advertising to watch the video.
steevmitch says:
02:23 PM, 02/16/12
i'm sorry to throw my two cents in on this car, but i just can't stand it. the Camry has been a visual dud for years and continues to be so. yes, the SE model makes it better and more visually appealing, but it's lipstick on a pig, imho. i was behind one on the tollroad this morning and i thought to myself, "that is the UGLIEST backside i've seen on a car in a long time". the taillights and all that mess just look terrible. it doesn't get any better from any other angle.
i owned a 94 Camry (amazing car) and it, and maybe the model year after, was the last of the good ones.
socale46 says:
03:07 PM, 02/16/12
^Lucky for Toyota most buyers care about the quality of the product then the looks. I can definitly see how this car could be called "boring"... but downright ugly?? Says more about you then the car...
I've owned a Camry and if I were in that market segment I wouldn't want an overstyled "look at me!" vehicle. I'd want a car that drives and acts like exactly what it is: a family sedan.
You're not supposed to stand out when you're driving a $20k family sedan... when you do it looks like you're trying too hard and desperate for attention.
If you want that then save up and buy a BMW, or get a used one.
ne1butu2 says:
03:35 PM, 02/16/12
I never thought I'd say it, but I think that this generation actually looks worse than the previous Camry. Terrible in, not in an ugly way, just a bland and very disjointed way. The competition has become so fierce that I don't know how anyone could consider this. You can get some really good cars for the money and, aside from the Accord, I'd want all of the ones mentioned before considering the Camry.
socale46 says:
04:52 PM, 02/16/12
^I never thought I'd hear anyone say that either lol. Have you seen last years Camry!? I mean neither car is "ugly" (I can't really think of any cars in this segment that are downright ugly, maybe Suzuki Kizashi? even that's not actually ugly)
But in boring factor I really can't see much worse then last years model. The interior upgrades alone are enough of an upgrade to warrant progress.
Everyone will have thier own opinions on what looks good and doesn't. But I just can't see anyone making the arguement that this camry is even more boring then the last one... and what I really mean by that is the last camry was SO BORING there's no where to go but up lol
church123 says:
05:53 PM, 02/16/12
This video was done better than the first one I saw. However, a couple things:
1. Dump the shots with Erin just sitting there in a chair looking off camera. She looks uncomfortable and rightly so. She's not carrying on a conversation or an interview. That sort of posing and framing makes it tough on her. In contrast, the shots of her talking while driving are much better. More candid, topical and fun. That's not so easy either, but she did a good job there (just don't look down at the camera Erin).
2. Incorporate some walkaround stuff while doing the presentation. Seeing how various parts of the car move, or look from different angles is very useful. Erin can be on camera pointing out stuff if you like.
Good job and keep refining the technique.
agt1717 says:
09:13 PM, 02/16/12
Looks are subjective, i would say the Camrys styling is non offensive overall, the tail lamp is little messed up, buy the interiors are a huge improvement over the previous generation.
But in terms of reliability ,dont think any mid sizer can beat the Camry in the long run.
The most common 20+ yr old mid size cars you see are camrys, followed by accords.
hermperez says:
10:48 PM, 02/16/12
Nice video, could be longer.. and church123 gave good advice.
ed124c says:
08:52 AM, 02/17/12
Donna does the walkarounds.
Style is nowhere near the top of my list. If the ugliest car in the world had the "stuff" I wanted, I would buy it. Of course, there aren't any ugly cars, in my opinion.
The good things about the Camry overshadow the bland styling.
se_riously says:
09:02 AM, 02/17/12
_feloniousmonk says: "Also, I like how your "short-list" contained pretty much every other mid-size car."
Notable absences from the list in this price range include:
Mazda 6
Nissan Altima
Chevy Malibu
Chrysler 200
Suzuki Kizashi (if you can find a dealer)
I also find the "ugliest" hyperbole to be entertaining. I hardly think this ranks up there with the Aztek, but to each their own.
cruiserhead1 says:
11:23 AM, 02/17/12
The styling is forgettable but when I kicked the tires on it, the latest Camry was surprisingly nice.
It's understated but feels like a quality product.
I like the interior and it feels solid and has a high quality look about it. It is simple and clean, and feels slightly Germanic in that way.
to626n says:
09:00 AM, 02/19/12
Styling is subjective, I however think the new Camry is a handsome car, especially in SE trim.
Flashy, "hey look at me" cars only get you so much. The NUMBER ONE reason the Camry has great resale value is because of it's reliability.
autt says:
02:12 PM, 02/19/12
I recently bought a 2012 Camry SE I4, similar to the one in the LT test series. I would have to agree that on the outside its a very unremarkable car. On the inside its much improved over the previous model. Ride quality on the SE is less comfy on the slow roads by a little bit when compared to the previous generation LE but its a huge improvement if you like better handling, less float and a more luxurious feel especially when going above 40 miles or on the interstate. It felt like a mix of a 2008 Lexus ES and a 2006 Lexus IS though perhaps with a little less refinement. The main reason to consider the Camry are price. Dealers can offer up to an average of $3500 off from MSRP. Another reason is that Toyota has priced there 6.1' Navigation with entune package very reasonably with the SE trim level. My car is a Super White with black interior. Soft-Tex leather trim and aforementioned GPS package and not much more. I couldn't afford the Conv. package or the full leather package. So no heated seats, rear view camera, homelink or push button start. Price was 23260 and 25100 OTD with tax, title and fees. I am happy with it though I am a bit dubious about the Super White outside color and the complete lack of chrome especially on the grill. Still the outstanding price, interior will hopefully keep me in this car for at least a decade if not more.