[fve]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_EdhiWtAVc[/fve]
By Derek Price
Automotive Writer
If the Toyota Camry is anything, it’s consistent.
That’s one of the things that makes this a tough car to review. No matter how much technology is updated and new features are rolled out, this is a car that remains true to its mission — giving drivers a quiet, comfortable, dependable way to get around.
It’s not exciting, but that’s part of the reason it’s been so successful, including being the most popular car in America for 14 out of the past 15 years.
As a basketball coach would say, it focuses on the fundamentals.
After getting an all-new design for 2012, the Camry’s body remains the same for 2013. It’s more expressive than the previous generation of this car.
The Camry doesn’t try any flashy slam dunks or alley-oops, but just hits baskets and free throws so consistently that you can’t imagine playing a game without it.
After getting an all-new design for 2012, the 2013 version sees some minor updates. The biggest is the addition of a rear cross traffic alert feature for cars with the Blind Spot Monitor system. If you’re in reverse, and the system senses a car driving toward you from the left or right, it beeps to get your attention.
Aside from that, it’s the little details that stood out during my week-long test drive. It has storage bins everywhere and a tight-fitting, high-quality feel to all its switches and knobs.
My test car, a Camry SE, came with what Toyota calls a “sport tuned suspension” and “sport tuned electric power steering,” but I think that’s a mistake with this car. If you want something sporty and exciting, you really ought to look elsewhere because that’s just not what the Camry does best.
The Camry SE has a dash with a modern look and tightly built feel. One upscale touch is the use of stitching on the soft-touch materials on the top of the dash, making it look like fine upholstery.
It’s a better car with the normal, softer suspension. It’s got such a smooth, quiet ride that it doesn’t make much sense trying to mess with that.
Power on my test car came from a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that makes 178 horsepower, but you can also get it with a 3.5-liter V6. Personally, I’d stick with the four-cylinder engine because it’s such a good match for this car and gets better gas mileage. It’s rated for 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
The other big thing you’ve got to consider with a Camry is its long-term reputation.
The Camry has been around since 1983, and since then it’s pretty much become the model for what a modern, midsize, four-door car should be. It’s known for being dependable, comfortable and quiet, and the latest Camry still lives up to that reputation.
It’s not the most exciting car around, but it’s built on such a solid foundation that it remains the go-to family car for millions of buyers.
At a Glance
RATINGS
Style: 8
Performance: 6
Price: 7
Handling: 6
Ride: 9
Comfort: 9
Quality: 9
Overall: 8
What was tested? 2013 Toyota Camry SE ($23,400). Options: Carpet/trunk mat set ($225). Price as tested (including $795 destination charge): $24,420.
Video Review:
What’s cool about the Toyota Camry
Why buy it?
It’s the safe choice for sedan buyers. If you want a roomy four-door car with a quiet cabin and soft ride, it does a great job.
Why hesitate?
An optional sport suspension package seems like a poor fit for such an otherwise comfort-focused car. If you want something sporty, there are better options.