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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 24 / 34 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $16,000–$20,462 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2012 Toyota Camry at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $16,000–$20,462, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Camry sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2012 Toyota Camry is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Toyota Camry ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $16,000 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 42%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Camry model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.4/10 | $29,720 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $29,720 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $28,855 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.2/10 | $27,989 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.2/10 | $27,123 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $26,258 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.1/10 | $25,392 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $24,526 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $23,661 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $22,795 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 8.0/10 | $21,929 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $21,064 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Air bags / Frontal / Sensor/control module-inactive 16/01/2013 · 13V014000 | Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and… |
|---|---|
| Electrical system 17/10/2013 · 13V442000 | Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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