There is a lot to love about the 2013 Toyota Camry, but there are also a few disappointments as well. There is no denying that this manufacturer excels at making some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the road, but unfortunately this does not make up for mushy handling and numb steering, which is what you experience in Camry. If you can deal with a little vagueness, then there are a lot of good qualities about this sedan though. Base models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 178 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. These models reach 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, which is average. Fuel economy is among class leaders at 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The optional 3.5-liter V6 is definitely praise-worthy. It provides 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, and can reach 60 mph in a quick 6.6 seconds. Fuel economy is once again impressive, yielding 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
• Audio - The base audio system already starts out ahead of others in this class with a six-inch display, six-speakers, and a USB interface. Those looking for a more dynamic listening experience will appreciate the available 10-speaker JBL® audio system.
• Navigation - The available voice-activated navigation system will get you to your destination with turn-by-turn directions.
• Entune® - This feature is available on higher trims. Entune® include real-time traffic and weather, Pandora®, OpenTable®, Bing™, and more.
• Smart Key System - Models equipped with this feature let you start your car with the push of a button, as long as you have your key fob on you.
The 2013 Toyota Camry is a -Top Safety Pick- of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received a -Good- rating in roof, front, and side-impact protection. Four-cylinder models do take a little longer than average to brake though, stopping from 60 mph in 129 feet. Models equipped with a V6 get stickier tires and can make the stop in 119 feet. A few safety features to appreciate include:
• Stability control
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Traction control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Child seat anchors
• Engine immobilizer
• Rear door safety locks
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Tire-pressure monitoring
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Daytime running lights
• Dusk sensing headlamps
Camry received a much needed redesign for 2012, which carries over for this model year. A sedan that was once boring is now quite attractive and expensive looking. Arched wheel wells add to the aggressive stance and fluid lines in all the right places allow this sedan to look great from any angle. Higher trims even improve upon this look with 17-inch alloy wheels and exterior styling treatments.
The interior of Camry is surprisingly classy. The quality materials and handsome stitching are characteristics you would expect to find in a much more expensive vehicle. Although the front seats are comfortable, it is the spacious rear seat that boasts a reclined angle that earns the vehicle a lot of praise. The thin front pillars provide fantastic outward visibility, and the steering wheel controls that come with the touchscreen interface allow you to keep your hands where they should be.
Camry's trunk space is decent at 15.4 cubic feet. If you need a little more space for longer items, but still need seating for a rear seat passenger, you will appreciate the 60/40-split rear seat.