Teresa’s View
Imagine this scenario at Toyota — you’ve got the best-selling car in America for eight of the last nine years and the powers that be want a complete stem-to-stern redesign. One’s mind immediately recalls examples of popular autos that were destroyed by an all-over makeover. (Can you say Ford Taurus?)
Fortunately, the engineers and designers who produced the sixth-generation Camry don’t have to worry about their jobs. The 2007 Camry is roomier, more comfortable, quieter and more powerful. Except for superfluous creases in the hood, the stylish exterior sports a more modern look than we’ve seen before.
The new Camry is powered by either an upgraded 4-cylinder, an all-new V-6 or, for the first time, a hybrid combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motor.
We recently test-drove the hybrid.
Long touted by the environmentally aware, fluctuating fuel prices have caused hybrid vehicles to gain a new appreciation among the general population. EPA ratings, although chronically overstated, are listed as 40 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for the Camry hybrid. It takes a light touch and a conscious effort to keep a steady pressure on the throttle to get those numbers.
When the gas engine is in use, it recharges the electric motor, so the Camry never needs to be plugged in; making it a reliable and cost-effective commuter car.
Like Don, I noticed a slight whine at lower speeds — I kept thinking I was hearing a siren in the distance — and there are a few decidedly odd noises after shutting the car down, but it’s nothing to worry about.
Much about the new Camry is spot on, but it’s not perfect. There’s no memory for the driver’s seat settings and the navigation system is unduly complicated. More disturbing is Toyota’s increasing use of lower-grade, and occasionally misaligned, plastics parts within the cabin.
What Is It?: The Camry is a four-door, five-passenger, mid-size sedan. The best news is that prices for the 2007 models are similar to those of the 2006 versions. The hybrid will run ya $26,480, including destination charges, but be aware; I’m hearing reports of long waits at the dealership.
Gadget Rating: 7.5 out of 10. Chief among the hybrid’s extensive features is a premium audio system with auxiliary audio jack and Bluetooth technology; automatic climate control; and, new this year, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel.
Safety: All new Camrys come with a slew of safety equipment, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distributor and brake assist. There are front and seat-mounted airbags, side curtain airbags and, my personal favorite, driver-side knee airbags. A tire pressure monitor is standard but Vehicle Stability Control is an available option.
Grocery Sack Test: The hybrid’s cargo area is only slightly smaller than the gas-only versions — most of the batteries are located under the rear seat. However, there’s no excuse for those old-fashioned gooseneck hinges that can wreak havoc on one’s paper grocery bags.