2013 Toyota Camry Overview

2013 Toyota Camry Overview

Overall User Score

5⁄5

Based on 1 review

The Camry carries over into 2013 untouched as the results roll in from Toyota's 2012 redesign of its midsize sedan. Some drivers talk about an apparent quality difference between the fifth and present seventh-generation Camry, complaining about relatively cheaper materials, harder seats and a flimsy headliner, but they agree the newest generation is still better for its safety ratings, stability control, additional airbags, fuel economy, engine selection, transmission, suspension and on and on. Only the latest Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Passat threaten the Camry's value on a budget, and though they're quite comparable since the redesign, reliability is where Toyota clearly draws the line.

Improved from fender to fender for 2012 with a new 6-speed automatic transmission, more robust 4- and 6-cylinder engines, improved driving dynamics and a complete restyling throughout, the 2013 Toyota Camry is again somewhere toward the front of the pack depending mainly on your handling preferences. It's not the exciting ride of a Mazda, nor does it have the responsive ride of a Honda, but it is one of the quickest 35-mpg-highway 4-cylinders to 60 mph, offering awesome pep and good economy across the entire lineup, with an SE trim level featuring dynamics closer to the fun spectrum, though still not exactly what most would call sporty. Instead, Toyota would like you to enjoy a quiet cabin with a long-lived suspension that absorbs shocks, so the Camry's handling continues to be middling, though it was improved—to much driver acclaim—for this latest generation.

Aside from the rare manufacturing defect and common software issues in non-essential gadgets, drivers can't find a thing worth complaining about in the latest generation—and that's saying a lot with such a massive outpouring of driver reviews. It's a budget value midsize that gets the job done from its adult-accommodating seats for all to its 15.4-cubic-foot trunk, but drivers say the Entune accompanying the stereo upgrade could use some tuning up to respond a little quicker, and its navigation system really likes the scenic route a bit too much. Given the only other significant problems were manufacturing hiccups, such issues don't need a timed re-release and could even be fixed already.

The base L, bottom midlevel LE and top-shelf XLE share the same suspension, base 4-cylinder engine and styling, differing mainly in their graduated progression of features and available options. As before, the V6 engine upgrade is available to SE and XLE buyers only, and each trim level gets additional features with the bigger engine, like bigger wheels, Entune and even a rear-view camera (XLE). For those demanding a bit more vigor and appeal, the upper midlevel SE trim affords the more enticing suspension and more chic style than ever before, let alone any other present Camry, but the previous generation's LED lights and driver controls for passenger windows are nixed in the remake and don't appear to be available anymore at all.

Regardless of trim, every Camry is front-wheel drive with an obligatory 6-speed automatic transmission directing 178 hp and 170 lb-ft torque from its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine under the hood by default. Fetching 25 mpg city/35 highway, this 4-banger takes just 8.1 seconds to reach the 60 mph benchmark, making it an all-around all star. The optional 3.5-liter V6 available in the SE and XLE isn't too shabby, either, hitting 60 mph in a class-average 6.6 seconds with its 268 horses and 248 lb-ft of torque—all the while sipping fuel to the tune of 21/30, but drivers say both EPA estimates are a bit low compared to real-world performance.