2012 Toyota Camry Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015 Toyota Camry & Aurion as a used buy.

Graham Smith reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 Toyota Camry as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1999-2014 Toyota Camry and Aurion.

NEWThe Camry might be one of the country's top selling cars, it's hugely popular in the business world, but it rarely gets more than a casual glance from the wider motoring community.It's always been the fall-back car for those who don't really care too much about what they drive. Most know about Toyota's reputation for reliability, and appreciate the resale that comes with the brand, but few care about anything beyond those fundamentals of car ownership.The release of the new eighth generation, Australian-built Camry thus passed by with little fuss being made of what was in many ways a much-improved car. Toyota revised its model line-up, giving more separation to the fleet models and the new sportier models that were aimed more at the private buyer.The Altise was aimed at fleet buyers, while private buyers got to choose from three variants of the newly named Atara: S, SX and SL. The Camry has never been renowned for its looks, it has always sat comfortably at the conservative end of the styling scale, but the new model in 2011 was quite attractive with clean lines and a handsome profile.Inside, the cabin was a much more pleasant place to be with more room and better comfort, and a more appealing dash layout. Beyond the cabin there was a good-sized boot.Power came from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 131 kW and 231 Nm, enough to endow the mid-sized sedan with impressive zip. It was sufficient to keep up in the cut and thrust of city traffic, and still cruise comfortably on the open road.It was also more economical than the old model, with Toyota claiming the fuel consumption was reduced by a full litre per 100 km. Backing up to the engine was a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission, with the final drive being sent to the front wheels.On the road the new Camry was quiet, handled nicely and rode with admirable smoothness. With a full arsenal of safety gear, including seven airbags, ESP, traction control, rear cameras and blind-spot alerts there was no question about it getting all the ticks of approval ANCAP could hand out.NOWMost Camry owners praise their cars. They particularly like the roomy cabin, the big boot and the fuel economy. Those few who criticise it usually complain about the performance of the engine, although there are fewer complaints about the 2.5-litre engine than there were about the smaller engine in the previous model.There has been one recall of the Camry. That was in 2012 when Toyota reported there was a possibility that the fuel hose connecting the main fuel supply line to the engine could have become wrinkled during manufacture. If so, it could result in a hole in the fuel hose that could cause a fuel leak.When checking a car prior to purchase check the service record to make sure all is well in the maintenance department. One thing you don't have to worry about with the Camry is a timing belt change; they have a chain that doesn't require changing.SMITHY SAYSEighth time round Toyota's quiet achiever became a much more desirable car.Toyota Camry 2011-2013Price new: $30,490 to $39,990Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, 133-135 kW/231-235 NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, FWDEconomy: 7.7 L/100 kmBody: 4-door sedanVariants: Altise, Atara A, Atara SX, Atara SLSafety: 5-star ANCAP

The Toyota’s Camry and Aurion are built in Melbourne and have many changes from the original Japanese design to suit them to our local driving conditions and Australian drivers’ tastes.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

Camry Sportivo was a popular choice in the previous lineup. It had a bit of sporty sass about it (for a Camry) and the mandatory boot spoiler, alloys and mild body kit. The Sportivo name itself has a certain ring to it. That's why we find it perplexing that the name has been summarily dropped, replaced by the  Atara SX nameplate.VALUEBut it's the new Sportivo complete with alloys, boot lid spoiler and mild body kit. It's the penultimate Camry in the new lineup selling for $35,990 which is sharp pricing when you look at what you get. Paddle shift for one, a full size spare, fixed price servicing at $130 a pop, reverse camera and plenty more. Atara SX has sports seats to go with its sports flavour and partial leather upholstery along with a sports multi-function steering wheel, even the pedals have been given the treatment.Then there's that new dash — looks like it came from a car costing twice as much — looks like a Lexus dash in this case with a large 6.1-inch touch screen controller and a host of electronic and multi-media connections and systems.DRIVINGChanges have been made under the skin with sports suspension and other local input to make Atara SX a satisfying drive. It doesn't feel like Camrys of old, that's for sure. Even the 135kW/231Nm four cylinder petrol engine feels lively while drinking a scant 7.1-litres of regular unleaded per 100km. On the road it offers up sharper responses than other models in the range and it even feels like the six speed auto has been recalibrated to sporty.All Camrys are “Australianised" in terms of dust sealing, noise and vibration reduction, suspension setting, steering, brakes and other stuff. And Toyota does an excellent job of it — so good we wonder why our spec' cars aren't the standard international specification. But the yanks still like them mushy. Pity.We appreciated the ECO warning light in the dash that lets you know when you are driving most economically. It's all you really need rather than systems that deaden the car's response. That's going too far.VERDICTFive star crash safety, bluetooth, electric power steering and it's Aussie made — gotta like that.

Fuel prices have edged higher in the past week and that's the direction they'll keep going for now.This week the Australian Institute of Petroleum fuel price report shows the national average for unleaded petrol rose by 1.5 cents a litre in the past week to 137.7 cents.The metropolitan average rose by 1.8 cents to 136.3 cents, while the regional average rose by 0.9 cents to 140.5 cents.CommSec chief economist Craig James says: "The bottom line is that motorists should expect petrol prices to edge their way higher if the positive mood on financial markets continues.Filling up the car with petrol is the single biggest weekly purchase for most households, so the future course of petrol prices will be keenly watched by any consumer-dependent business."But surely not so closely as they're being watched by you. With that in mind, we've found the cars that on current prices can be fuelled for about $1000 in a 15,000km driving year.These cars get Carsguide's Triple-F rating - they are all family and fuel friendly. We've used the manufacturers' claims for combined conditions, so if you're driving is mainly urban you'll go north of these numbers; if there's a good open road component it will be south.We've taken broad averages to arrive at our round figures (see below) but they are indicative of what you can achieve with judicious driving and making your visits to the bowser on the days of the lowest pricing.ANNUAL JUICE USE TAKES INTO ACCOUNT:National average price in the 12 months up to Friday July 27 according to Australian Institute of Petroleum15,000km annual averageManufacturer's claim for combined fuel useULP: 134.7 centsDiesel: 137.9 centsFAMILY SEDANToyota Camry HybridPrice: from $34,990Thirst: 5.2L/100km unleadedAnnual juice use: $1068.60If Toyota is synonymous with sci-fi looking hybrids, its best one is cloaked in anonymity. Indeed it doesn't get much more anonymous than a Camry, the Hybrid version of which looks exactly like the common or garden petrol version.It shares the good bits - seven airbags, five-star crash rating and a full-size spare wheel - but its economy is staggering: 5.2L/100km versus 7.8L/100km for the petrol Camry.  It's also quieter. In addition to using one-third less fuel, it costs $130 for each of the five services for the first four years or 75,000km.The price premium - $1,500 more than an equivalent petrol-only model - might pay off but the Hybrid model can tow only 300kg and the boot is slightly smaller. The top version, with near-Lexus levels of luxury, costs $41,490.FAMILY WAGONHyundai i40 Tourer dieselPrice: From $34,490Thirst: 4.7L/100km dieselAnnual juice use: $1,001.10In contrast with the gormless i45, Hyundai has done a great deal of local adaptation work on the i40 sedan. Even if the wagon does not yet have its specially-adapted-for-Oz suspension settings, it is a much better proposition than the i45.That miraculous fuel figure is for the manual, the action of which is a bit like stirring a stick though thick mud. Yet while the auto is claimed to use almost a litre more per 100km, on open road run between Sydney and Brisbane Carsguide recorded only 4.4L/100km.In any case, the sheer driveability of a diesel combined with a good auto makes it preferable. In solely city duty, the i40 is more likely to use above 8.0L, which is surely still worth it given the diesel's open road flair.SMALL SEDANHonda Civic HybridPrice: $35,990Thirst: 4.4L/100km unleadedAnnual juice use: $937.20Honda does a couple of obvious hybrids and one that's far less so. And the Civic version is arguably the best of its breed. The new Civic is a big jump from its distinctly average predecessor. It is up on quality and is simply far better to drive.It uses two power sources - petrol engine and electric motor - but unlike the Camry (and Prius) which can separate the two when needed, in the Civic Hybrid they work in tandem.This is technically simpler but returns higher fuel figures. The Civic Hybrid gets 4.4L/100km against the Prius's 3.9. Still, it's more spacious than the old model and needs smaller batteries so the boot is bigger.The rear seats don't fold down to increase luggage space. It gets a five-star crash rating, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and six airbags, but a space-saver spare.SMALL HATCHVolkswagen Golf BluemotionPrice: $28,990Thirst: 3.8L/100km dieselUnlinkAnnual juice use: $809.40Golf can be played in a range of colours but the most efficient is blue. In VW-speak, it's BlueMotion, the in-house term for those selected models tuned for maximum economy and minimum emissions.The Golf BlueMotion costs $28,990 $1000 more than the Golf 77TDI that it replaced but comes only with a manual gearbox. But you're prepared the shift for yourself in order to save the planet, aren't you?A plethora of fuel-miser tech here  low-rolling resistance tyres,  stop-start system, brake energy recuperation, slippery aerodynamics, tall gear ratios and a gearshift prompt indicator  are added to the already frugal 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. It's also a brisk performer with Golf's usual excellent handling and ride comfort. It works as well in city traffic as it does loping along a country road.COMPACT SUVMazda CX-5 Maxx Sport dieselPrice: from $39,040Thirst: 5.7L/100km dieselAnnual juice use: $1,214.10This slips us well over the grand mark, but torque isn't always cheap especially not 420Nm of it. CX-5s are selling like cold beers at the cricket because they are at least in diesel form very lively, economical and practical wagons.There's no doubt the CX-5's success is due to it enlarging in the appeal of the Mazda3 hatchback. But it's a better vehicle thanks to the SkyActiv tech that covers body, engine, transmission, suspension and platform. The bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine has class leading economy via its six-speed auto, despite the added weight of all-wheel-drive. Compact enough for comfort in city traffic, it's also very roomy with excellent rear seat leg and head space. The cabin could be a bit more stylish, but it’s simple and the controls are easy to operate. The rear seats split and fold flat. On the road the diesel version slaughters the petrol model.CITY CARFord Fiesta TDCiPrice: from $21,490Thirst: 4.4L/100km dieselAnnual juice use:  $937.10In any guise the Fiesta is well made, affordable and a driver's delight. As a diesel it's also lean running. Made in Thailand, it's big on value. The 88kW/200Nm make this lightweight city car something of a hot hatch, with steering and handling to match.As with other diesels originally derived from Europe, you have to change gear for yourself, though with the arrival of the next EcoBoost petrol engines next year, Ford's excellent twin clutch automatic could become available. Sedan and hatch are identically priced.Though the five door brings the extra load flexibility of its ilk, the sedan's boot approaches that of the next class up in terms of capacity. It'll swallow a monthly grocery shop all right. The diesel is specially calibrated for maximum fuel efficiency and features a coated particulate filter to keep emissions low. The Zetec spec, at $23,490, is worth the extra spend.

Tell people you drive a Camry and they look down their nose at you.

As well as providing plenty of performance, the Camry Hybrid provides interior comfort and very good ride and handling.VALUEImportantly, Toyota has reduced the price of Camry Hybrid H to $34,990 - a significant $2000 under the superseded model. The upmarket Camry Hybrid HL carries a recommended retail price of $41,990. This is a $1500 increase, but includes $4500 in equipment gains over the old model.The Hybrid uses about a third less fuel than the petrol powered Camry. Let’s do some financial calculations: if it uses unleaded petrol at $1.50 a litre and is driven 20,000 km a year for three years the fuel saving would be $2340, placing the Camry Hybrid within the same economic ball park as the regular Camry petrol.TECHNOLOGYArguably the best feature of the new Camry Hybrid is that it feels like a normal car. It has lots of lovely torque right off the line due to the assistance provided by the electric motor that produces full grunt right at the bottom end of the rev range.Which is something that will appeal to Aussie drivers during their unofficial traffic light Grands Prix. OK not many Camry owners drive like that, but who knows, this Hybrid may well lift the enthusiasts’ impression of Toyota’s Camry and increase sales by a substantial amount.There’s a 10-speaker premium audio system including CD/DVD player and live traffic updates along with digital radio. Camry interior is particularly spacious for both front and rear seat passengers.More realistically, the Toyota hybrid has superb acceleration particularly in the critical passing range between 80 km/h and 120 km/h. Thus making of ease of overtaking and therefore added safety.The official combined consumption is 5.2 litres per 100 km (down by 13 per cent on the superseded Hybrid), with a city cycle of 5.7 litres/100 km and highway cycle of just 4.9 litres/100 km.At the heart of the Camry Hybrid is a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and high torque electric motor. Power is delivered to the front wheels via an electronic continuously variable transmission. It is a potent, yet seamless, combination.DESIGNToyota has enlarged the boot and giving the car light towing ability. Though in both of these often-important areas it does lag behind the standard petrol Camry. The outgoing Hybrid Camry (note the reversal of the words in the car’s name) had no tow rating. This new generation has been rated at a modest 300 kg tow rate, enough to get a tinny to the boat ramp or a box trailer to the tip. The Camry petrol has a tow rating of 1300 kg.Boot space has been increased by eight per cent to 421 litres as a result of the hybrid battery being moved slightly forward. There is a large hatch allowing for long items to be placed in the boot, but the seat backrests can’t be folded down.Toyota has deliberately kept styling changes to the Camry Hybrid to a minimum, again to keep the ‘normal’ appearance we spoke of a moment ago. The radiator grille has a chromed upper section and a 'hybrid blue' Toyota badge. The headlights are framed by blue accented extensions. The rear end has a hybrid blue Toyota badge and the upmarket Hybrid HL gets a boot spoiler and chrome garnish.All cars have a power operated driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, the topline HL also gets power controls for the passenger seat. The Camry Hybrid HL has a blind spot monitor in the external mirrors as well as automatically dipping high beam.SAFETYCamry Hybrid gets all the same safety equipment as the petrol model: vehicle stability control, traction control, ABS brakes with brake assist, reversing camera. There is now a driver's knee airbag, taking the SRS airbag count to seven. All five seats have seatbelt warnings. It comes as no surprise it has a five-star Australasian NCAP rating.DRIVINGAs well as the improved drivetrain, Toyota has also made significant changes to Camry Hybrid aimed at improving fuel consumption and lowering emissions. There are no belt drives on the engine for the water pump, air-conditioning and power steering. These are all now driven electrically, so only consume power when they are in use.There’s an EV button which, if the battery has sufficient charge, allows the Camry Hybrid to be an all-electric car for up to two kilometres. Handy in covered carparks, as there are no exhaust fumes. The steering is much lighter than the current model but still offers good driver feedback.VERDICTToyota believes its all-new Camry Hybrid for 2012 will make hybrid cars part of the norm in buyers’ minds. After living with one for a week we have certainly come away impressed.