New 2011 Toyota Camry Continues Legacy of Efficiency and Comfort
With no major changes for the year, the new 2011 Toyota Camry returns with the same predictable comfort, convenience and conservative appearance that has made it one of the most popular mid-size sedans of all time. Keep reading to review vehicle specs and compare the 2011 Camry to other top family cars for the year:
New Toyota Camry Styling
The Toyota Camry is by no means a head-turner. The buttoned-down appearance of the vehicle is simple, elegant and largely par for the course. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Not everyone wants an aggressively styled sport sedan. As such, if you're not one to seek out the spotlight or try to stand out from the pack, then the Camry fits in with your personality just fine. Otherwise, you may be better suited behind the wheel of the more stylized Honda Accord or distinctive Ford Fusion.
Inside, the Camry also places its focus on function rather than form. Plenty of room and well-bolstered seats provide good comfort for up to five passengers. The dashboard is laid out with ergonomics in mind, making AC and radio adjustments as simple as possible for the driver. Standard features for the Camry are adequate, but no especially impressive. A better starting feature set can be had on the Hyundai Sonata and Suzuki Kizashi.
New Toyota Camry Performance
Drivers interested in the Toyota Camry tend to be more interested in mpg than mph. Certainly, Toyota knows this, as they once again deliver a vehicle that offers a ho-hum driving experience while providing stellar fuel efficiency. For 2011, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine musters 179 horsepower. While handling and acceleration are less than pulse pounding, the Camry shouldn't get many complaints from the average commuter or stay-at-home mom. For those who want a little more power under the hood, a 268-horsepower V6 engine is also available.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Camry performs well with an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The upgrade Camry offers some of the best V6 fuel efficiency in its class, with 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Of course, for those truly intent on conserving fuel, the new 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid can be had for a few dollars more.
If you want a more sport-oriented sedan, then good options include the Honda Accord, Mazda MAZDA6 and Nissan Altima. For improved fuel efficiency without the hybrid price premium, look into the 2011 Ford Fusion.
New Toyota Camry Safety
The 2011 Camry comes with a good mix of safety features. All Camry models come with seven airbags (including driver's side knee airbag). Other safety equipment includes stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and automatic height-adjusting rear seatbelts. Though the 2011 model has yet to be crash tested, the wholly identical 2010 Camry received a best-possible rating of "Good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
If you're looking for added safety, the Volkswagen Passat and Suzuki Kizashi both come standard with rear-passenger side-impact airbags - something not available on the Camry. The IIHS also names the 2011 Hyundai Sonata as a Top Safety Pick for the year.
New Toyota Camry Reliability
Toyota's recent recalls have brought question to the Camry's long-standing reputation for reliability. The 2011 Camry is one of the first Toyota vehicles to be released after its debacle with unintended acceleration. By all accounts, the issue has been fixed on the 2011 model. Still, some reviewers complain that the fit and finish of the new Camry is slightly subpar from previous models, which may lead to minor cosmetic deterioration over the long haul. However, for all intents and purposes, the Toyota Camry is a reliable vehicle that shouldn't require too many trips to the auto shop.
New Toyota Camry Prices
The new 2011 Toyota Camry is competitively priced with a base MSRP of $19,595. A number of competing models can be had for about the same price, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Ford Fusion.