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Toyota Camry Hybrid Review

greenwad submitted on 07/14/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 7:43 AM
from: carwad.net

[27] user comments | category: Reviews

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Tags: toyota passenger, toyota, toyota camry, toyota camry hybrid, toyota camry review

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Toyota Camry Hybrid Review

For a few years now, the auto industry has been dramatically shifting toward greener vehicles, particularly hybrids. Right now, Toyota is the clear frontrunner with three different models: the pioneering Prius, the Highlander Hybrid midsize SUV and finally the Camry Hybrid sedan. All of them enjoy strong sales, the Prius more so than the others.

In response to critics who said that hybrids are always considerably more expensive than regular models, the Japanese auto giant made the Prius accessible to a larger number of buyers. Hot on the heels of the successful second-generation Prius, the Camry Hybrid was introduced for the 2007 model year.

This is still the good old Camry as we know it. Aside from the powertrain, the only difference separating the hybrid from the gas-powered model is the pair of light-emitting diode (LED) rear tail lamps. Of course, there are subtle “Hybrid Synergy Drive” badges on the front fenders, but overall, the bodywork is identical, with the same flowing design and timeless appeal that have made its predecessors famous. While visual ties to the Toyota family are striking, no innovative design cue can be found.

Likewise, the interior styling is particularly understated. At night, the ambient lighting is very soothing and the dashboard is pleasant to look at. While ergonomics are beyond reproach, I should mention that the hybrid-exclusive trim on the center stack is nothing more than light green plastic. One thing’s for sure: the Camry is one of the most refined entry-level midsize sedans out there.

The Camry Hybrid is rather comprehensively equipped. Satellite radio and JBL premium audio are included, making the car even more enticing for buyers.

Abundant room awaits front and rear occupants, thereby enhancing their comfort level. Given the size of this car, storage is appropriate. The trunk is very accommodating as it is, although total capacity is significantly reduced by the batteries located behind the rear seatbacks.

The seats are quite comfortable and offer a good though uninspiring driving position. This Camry boasts an ultra-quiet interior due in large part to the hybrid powertrain. When running in full electric mode, you don’t hear a peep from underneath the hood. Even when standing outside, you would never know the car is “ON”. Read Article

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bulldogz - 7/14/2008 10:16:46 AM

-1 Boost

A Prius is $30k??!! For an extra $3k you could just get a 3-series. Christ, I thought they were only $23k, wow that's steep.

reply to this comment

800over - 7/14/2008 12:04:30 PM

+8 Boost

Prius is 23k....in the US, the article is Canadian. (which just dropped it's price to 27600)

0to60 - 7/14/2008 6:17:39 PM

+2 Boost

I hear that it can get REALLY expensive when you add options. Like close to 40k... but that may just be hearsay. That would be crazy. You could get a yaris or something and afford the diffrence in gas.

HSCenterconsole - 7/14/2008 10:23:47 AM

0 Boost

If this is the future of cars, the future will be very boring.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 7/14/2008 11:43:01 AM

+2 Boost

"Toyotas are not known for offering real excitement to drivers and the Camry is no exception. The automaker does not seem to realize that human beings — not robots — sit behind the wheel and that they like to have some fun while driving."

it's a lovely appliance.

reply to this comment

MichaelTaylor - 7/14/2008 11:46:30 AM

-7 Boost

I drive a Camry 3.5 V6. Let me tell you, this car drives much better than a BMW 325i. Now that car is a joke. How much money are you paying for that BMW badge and an underpowered V6 engine?

HSCenterconsole - 7/14/2008 12:33:13 PM

+4 Boost

FYI for Michael Taylor:
BMW no longers makes the 325i. It was replaced by the 328i that has an INLINE six that produces 230hp. BMW does not make any cars with a V6.

enthusiastx11 - 7/14/2008 12:43:45 PM

+4 Boost

michael: you're either A) a joker or B) a complete nutjob

Maverick2020 - 7/14/2008 12:51:30 PM

+2 Boost

MichaelTaylor,

You never cease to amaze me with your ignorance. Thanks for the laugh.

Agent63 - 7/14/2008 8:58:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Your Camry could never handle like a 325i. You compare it because you wanted one but your parents didn't buy you one so you're stuck with an old man's Toyota.

MichaelTaylor - 7/15/2008 9:27:24 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah the Camry doesn't handle like a BMW 3er but it smokes that underpowered 325i. The German cars are so overpriced and their performance is laughable next to Lexus cars. The IS350 comes with a 306 hp V6 and the C350 for example gets an outdated and overpriced 265 hp V6...what a joke.

MichaelTaylor - 7/14/2008 12:02:31 PM

-1 Boost

By the way, all that red Camry in the photo needs is some nicer wheels and you're all set to go. If you want to drive and have fun while being green, this is the car to get. Hybrids are very good on fuel and low on emissions.

reply to this comment

Htay7500 - 7/14/2008 2:04:32 PM

+5 Boost

"If you want to drive and have fun while being green, this is the car to get."

definetly. it was fun as burnt bread for breakfast.

Maverick2020 - 7/14/2008 2:09:02 PM

+3 Boost

"If you want to drive and have fun while being green, this is the car to get."

Micheal Taylor is the automotive version of a necrophiliac.

Agent63 - 7/15/2008 9:50:37 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

MT,

Your comments are dumb. You say the same old lines every time as if you're some troll who is on repeat.

EL34 - 7/14/2008 12:03:44 PM

+1 Boost

yawn.

reply to this comment

g2ok - 7/14/2008 12:47:55 PM

+3 Boost

The Camry Hybrid seems like the best car to buy in the current market. I see more of them around now, but not on the dealer lot.

reply to this comment

auto001 - 7/14/2008 1:06:21 PM

+1 Boost

I see Toyota's doing its part to save mother earth :) thanks Toyota.

reply to this comment

kpaxx - 7/14/2008 3:41:48 PM

-2 Boost

What by smelting nickel to make batteries! There is nothing environmentally friendly about this car!

mpwr - 7/14/2008 4:27:45 PM

+1 Boost

yes thats right, nothing saves mother earth more than overhyping a deadend technology and then having to deal with the mess later

Homer007 - 7/14/2008 4:34:51 PM

+3 Boost

I'd rather see it buried underground/reused/shoot that crap off the planet or whatever than breathing it inside of my precious lung. Go ahead and stick your head very close to a exhaust muffler of your beloved Jetta TDI and see how long it takes for you to permanently un-hug your TDI, you Dieselchondriacs.

damikco - 7/15/2008 1:33:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Fact: hybrids just deffer the pollution problem placed upon us by fossil fuels.

shabaru - 7/15/2008 1:30:10 AM

+1 Boost

if you go on to youtube and watch a video called prius vs M3 by top gear... you will know which car is more economical... and green... ladies and gentleman... its not about how much MPG there is on the brochure... it's how you drive the car... the prius wwas floored 10 laps around the top gear race track with the M3 following it... and as a result...

Prius: 17.2 MPG
M3: 19 MPG

reply to this comment

kpaxx - 7/15/2008 9:17:15 AM

+1 Boost

the camry hybrid might even get worse mpg numbers than the prius in the same race!

ChicaneShooter - 7/16/2008 3:03:38 AM

0 Boost

you guys are idiots! just the the top gear clowns.

you could try harvesting a wheat field with a weed whacker, and OF COURSE it will be less energy efficient than just idling a combine over it.

it is always possible to MISUSE a machine and "demonstrate" its inefficiency.

ChicaneShooter - 7/16/2008 3:05:11 AM

0 Boost

just like... clowns

huu76 - 7/17/2008 7:05:53 PM

+1 Boost

The Prius is $27,500 CDN now, right in the face of the 2009 TDI which was raised to that price (you used to be able to get one for $22,000 before they decided to gouge customers).

The Camry hybrid is $29,900CDN.

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