The 2012 Toyota Camry continues the model's history of outstanding fuel economy. (Photo Credit: Public Domain/IFCAR/Wikipedia)

The 2012 Toyota Camry SE midsize sedan continues the brand’s tradition of fuel economy par excellence. However, as the Detroit Free Press notes, the aesthetics might just betray a leaning toward economy of construction. See how the latest in the ultra-popular Toyota line stacks up.

Seventh generation brings much of the same

Platform and powertrain are quite similar to previous Camry models this time around. Fuel economy, features like voice-recognition and passenger room are worthy elements that are sure to please any discerning consumer. The 2012 Camry has these in spades, and it starts at $21,995.

What some critics have noted is the look of the Camry SE’s interior. Too much plastic, spaced irregularly, is a recipe for potential breakage and eye strain. As the Free Press also notes, wind and road noise are also very noticeable. Then again, Camry is billed as an economy car, not a luxury vehicle.

Oh, the spaciousness

From passenger space to trunk size, the 2012 Toyota Camry SE ranks at or near the top of its midsize sedan class. Considering that the Camry has stiff competition in the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and VW Passat, Toyota’s achievement is worthy. From the Free Press,

“The passenger compartment provides plenty of head and legroom. The trunk is large, with a wide opening for easy loading.”

But things quickly get dark.

“The trunk liner is flimsy and lacks an inner handle. The lack of padding contributes to a tinny sound when you close the trunk.”

Road and wind noise leaks into the passenger compartment because of Toyota’s economy when it comes to insulation.

“Tall, relatively flat sides” make the 2012 Camry SE look like “a big greenhouse,” the Free Press continues.

Good power in an economy car

Toyota doesn’t spare much horsepower, even in the base model of the new Camry. The base model comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that cranks up to 178 hp. A 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and a 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine/electric hybrid combo are also available. The latter, which sports a continuously variable transmission, starts at $25,900.

EPA rates new Camry tops in class for mpg

The four-cylinder base model of the Camry stands even with the Hyundai Sonata for class-leading fuel economy, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It gets 25 mpg city and 35 highway.

Acceleration from the SE’s drivetrain is reportedly very solid, and the ride is soft, even it it does lean a bit in quick cornering.

Entune it up, drive it off

The 2012 Toyota Camry SE will be the automaker’s first vehicle to use the online infotainment system Entune, which links up with smartphones and uses what is reportedly an “outstanding” voice recognition system.

Overall, the 2012 Camry SE’s fuel economy, features and reliability make it a shoo-in to give the competition all it can handle.

AutoGuide.com review of 2012 Toyota Camry SE

Sources

AOL Autoblog

Detroit Free Press

2012 Toyota Camry

Is your new vehicle on the Toyota recall list? (Photo: yutai.tw)

Things have been tough for the automobile industry this past year. Gross overestimation of public demand, corporate mismanagement and a marked decline in sales left America’s automakers at the government’s doorstep crying for handouts. The scenario for automakers abroad wasn’t much different. That’s why the recent Toyota recall (see list here!) couldn’t have come at a worse time. Toyota had already unveiled a 2.3 million car recall. Now eight models have been suspended from U.S. sales so that a gas pedal problem can be fixed. That will take 57 percent of 2009 U.S. sales numbers off the table, says The Wall Street Journal. Various sources indicate that Toyota lost $7.1 billion in 2009. Their reputation for reliable cars had been solid.

What has caused this trouble?

It has been discovered that the design of the gas pedal mechanism is such that the pedal can become stuck, causing sudden acceleration. The defective parts are apparently used in Toyotas in the U.S. and Europe. Toyota may have to recall two million cars in the latter, too.

What if it happens to you?

Deputy Online Editor Jeff Bartlett of Consumer Reports says that it’s a progressive problem, so early action is recommended. “Drivers who experience sudden acceleration should put the transmission into neutral,” he says. Don’t just pump the brakes. Get out of gear to eliminate additional acceleration; you’ll still be able to steer and brake.

Models on the Toyota recall list

If you own one of these model Toyotas, don’t panic. According to the Christian Science Monitor, call your dealership to arrange an inspection. Toyota also has a hotline at (800) 331-4331 for more info. Here are the models on the Toyota recall list:

• RAV4 (2009-10)
• Corolla (2009-10)
• Camry (2007-10)
• Matrix hatchback (2009-10)
• Avalon large-size sedan (2005-10)
• Highlander crossover (2010)
• Tundra pickup (2007-10)
• Sequoia large SUV (2008-10)

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