Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Toyota Camry XLE V6

[Autos_Editor]

The Camry's four-cyinder is all the engine it needs, but the V6's extra power makes it the engine you'll want.

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[Winterpeg]

The Camry SE is the better deal, with improved handling (slight) and looks with less chrome (bling), nicer wheels.......in all a better "appliance"?!   

[mixmanmash]

For a V6 that fuel economy is incredible.  My 2002 Protege's official rating from Transport Canada is worse than that!

Does it really deliver the fuel economy?

[Jaeger]

V6 is the only way to go in this ride.  And man, they have really priced this thing aggressively.

Jaeger

[OliverD]

V6 is the only way to go in this ride.  And man, they have really priced this thing aggressively.

Over 90% of buyers disagree.

I do agree with you though, I was all set on buying a four cylinder Mazda 6 hatchback until I drove one back to back with a V6 wagon. The V6 was just so much more smoother and refined.

[Jaeger]

V6 is the only way to go in this ride.  And man, they have really priced this thing aggressively.

Over 90% of buyers disagree.

I do agree with you though, I was all set on buying a four cylinder Mazda 6 hatchback until I drove one back to back with a V6 wagon. The V6 was just so much more smoother and refined.

Sure - as has always been the case with this car and with the class in general.  The opinion expressed was my own.

Jaeger

[redman]

268hp is a lot to have on a FWD, at what point does the FWD configuration no long make sense ? Toyota's do have efficient 6 cyl engines even besting some 4 bangers out there in fuel economy.

[Jaeger]

268hp is a lot to have on a FWD, at what point does the FWD configuration no long make sense ? Toyota's do have efficient 6 cyl engines even besting some 4 bangers out there in fuel economy.

Not sure I understand the comment or the question.  As long as the car puts the power down without lurching into the ditch or twisting the front end into a pretzel, what does it matter that the car is FWD?  Remember, this is a mainstream family sedan - not canyon-carving sports car.  The segment has been populated by 260hp-plus entries for a good long while now, and torque-steer demons have largely been tamed.

Highway merging and passing is where the up-level powerplants in this class shine.  And in that application, FWD versus RWD matters not at all.  And as you point out, there isn't a big penalty in fuel economy in choosing the 6.

Jaeger

[johngenx]

I was at the dealer the other day, and the 12 Camry is much nicer than the outgoing model.  The interior is a big improvement and the sheetmetal is just enough crisper that it looks good without being polarizing or "non-Camry" like.

The kicker?  The new pricing!!  The upper models are really competitive now.

[Vanstar]

I have also tried out the 2012 Camry, in hybrid, four and six cylinder. The hybrid is brilliant, a really good package at a very good price. The four cylinder is also very nice, with more than adequate power. The V-6 is the performance value of the year!

[Weels]

This is first time i've ever thought this:  I'd rather have a Camry than an Accord.

[JRM]

It's interesting to watch auto manufacturers integrating larger nav screens into the centre stack from a design perspective. I don't think toyota is especially successful with this effort. The dash looks nice though.

I agree, but that toggle steering wheel and cheap looking console have got ot go.

[mmret]

It's interesting to watch auto manufacturers integrating larger nav screens into the centre stack from a design perspective. I don't think toyota is especially successful with this effort. The dash looks nice though.

I agree, but that toggle steering wheel and cheap looking console have got ot go.

The silver edge around the center console screen ruins it. Not a deal killer though.

Otherwise, looks pretty good.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Nobody commented on the chrome on the tail end? It was a major issue on the Verano. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

Nobody commented on the chrome on the tail end? It was a major issue on the Verano. 

The funny, everyone that Buick did not have enough chome before and now it on all their cars and they still  

[Jaeger]

Nobody commented on the chrome on the tail end? It was a major issue on the Verano. 

It wasn't that the Verano had chrome - it was that is was separated into two downward-angled strips that look like angry eyebrows.

Jaeger

[mmret]

Fair enough. I also hate the tail lights.

Honda slapped a big thing of chrome on the 08 Civic facelift and it was horrible. Driving eastbound behind one in the late afternoon was just infuriating. Should have been brought before Congress for a mea culpa.

[Mike]

Nobody commented on the chrome on the tail end? It was a major issue on the Verano. 

It wasn't that the Verano had chrome - it was that is was separated into two downward-angled strips that look like angry eyebrows.

Jaeger

Although still ugly, Toyota used the generic 'chrome between the taillights' formula.  Buick made some angry eyebrows out of chrome.  If I bought the car, and the turbo 6-speed manual could sway me, I would matte-black-wrap the taillight chrome and the hood vents.

[Jaeger]

Nobody commented on the chrome on the tail end? It was a major issue on the Verano. 

It wasn't that the Verano had chrome - it was that is was separated into two downward-angled strips that look like angry eyebrows.

Jaeger

Although still ugly, Toyota used the generic 'chrome between the taillights' formula.  Buick made some angry eyebrows out of chrome.  If I bought the car, and the turbo 6-speed manual could sway me, I would matte-black-wrap the taillight chrome and the hood vents.

Ditto that - they are annoying features, but easily fixable and wouldn't stop me from making a purchase.

Jaeger