Test Drive: 2009 Toyota Camry
As American as Toyota Camry.
Once you give that phrase a minute to sink in, it doesn't seem that great of a stretch that the Camry could easily replace apple pie as a slice of Americana.
As the best selling car in the U.S. for years, the Toyota Camry has it all - great style, comfort, and reliability. Sure, there have been a few minor blips on the radar screen since it debuted in 1983, but what top performer doesn't face plenty of critics? The bottom line is Americans love Toyota's stalwart mid-size sedan so much that stories of those on their third and fourth Camry abound.
Toyota wisely makes this beloved vehicle available in various trim levels - the LE, SE and XLE grades - and a Hybrid model. But what these cars have in common is more important than their differences.
Overall, the Camry is just an easy car to drive, literally and figuratively. The car's ride is smooth and powerful, easy in and out of traffic and tight spaces with nary a care. Add to that the Camry's reputation for reliability and minimal maintenance and you can see why its American love story continues.
While some may quibble that the Camry is not as athletic as its competitors, in either style or driving, it is a muscular car in those areas. Camry's distinctive look, which sports 16-inch steel or aluminum wheels (Camry, LE, XLE and Hybrid models), a honeycomb grille, and distinctive halogen headlamps, clearly sets it apart from the pack. If extra styling is what you want, consider the sport SE model that flaunts plenty of stylish pluses including aluminum six-spoke 17-inch wheels.
Remember, Camry is apple pie not crème brule, but what's wrong with familiar consistency? For Camry, that translates into excellent acceleration and braking plus smooth handling. Toyota notes the Camry is designed with an eye to spice up the commute. I don't get that vibe but in fairness I didn't drive an SE. The standard Toyota I drove felt solid and confident, which is not a bad boast to make.
Plus the gas mileage is something to get excited about. The four-cylinder manual and automatic Camry models have city/highway fuel economy ratings of 21/31 mpg, and powerful V6 models have 19/28 mpg EPA-estimated ratings. The Camry Hybrid, which combines a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an
electric drive motor, returns an EPA-estimated 33 MPG city/34 mpg highway.
As you'd expect, the Camry has received top safety ratings.
2009 Toyota Camry Interior
Inside the cabin, Toyota notes the seat frames also are designed to help absorb side collision loads. Dual-stage advanced SRS front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag are standard on all Camry models. The front seats use Toyota's Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat design and a host of other top-of-the-line safety technologies.
But let's not forget the fun the Camry offers too. Inside it's roomy cabin are multiple storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side pockets, a large front console box with a power socket and auxiliary audio jack, large cup holders, and plenty of other nooks and crannies.
As you'd expect, the Camry is a techno-geek's dream. All Camry audio systems can play CDs with MP3 files and there are plenty of other gadgets - from an optional ionizer technology to reduce airborne mold spores to hands-free calling systems - to keep even the pickiest gear head engaged.
Plus Camry's design makes driving easy. Large instrument panels are easy to use and offer an array of handy data including outside temperature, a trip meter, average speed, average fuel consumption and more.
If you're hauling kids around, the 60/40 fold-down rear seats give the Camry 15 cubic feet of luggage space (space varies for other models) - also ideal to stow and haul sports equipment, books, and other kid-friendly bulk.
Little extras in the trunk - including a grocery hook - let you know that the designers had families and convenience in mind.
With an MSRP starting at $19,145, it's no wonder Americans are sweet on the Camry.