The color of money
By Donna DeRosa Email | Blog
Date posted: 06-18-2006

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/07.toyota.camry.hybrid/07.toyota.camry.hybrid.bdg.500.jpg

Vehicle Tested:
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid Hybrid 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $30,667

What Works:
Peerless hybrid system, excellent fuel economy figures, refined good looks, kicking audio system.

What Needs Work:
Trunk space very limited to accommodate hybrid battery, sluggish in steep uphill climbs.

Bottom Line:
Toyota is without equal when it comes to hybrid technology.


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http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/roadtest/07.toyota.camry.hybrid/07.toyota.camry.hybrid.r34.500.jpg




It's not easy being ... jade, emerald, lime. We're tired of the word "green" and refuse to use it. Although it has come to mean environmentally friendly, it can also imply naiveté, immaturity or a lack of sophistication. Not fair. The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid sedan is pure smarts. It's fresh, refined and above all, very, very normal. It deserves a new hue. Sage is a good variation. It's descriptive and wise at the same time.

More than any other hybrid we've driven, the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid has the most seamless transition between electric motor and gasoline engine. If we didn't tell you it was a hybrid and let you drive it, we doubt you would notice. And unlike Toyota's Prius, which was purposely designed to look special with its little shifter and Alpine cable car-like design, the Camry Hybrid looks almost identical to the non-hybrid Camry. They're driving among us and you don't even know it.

A horse of a different color
Toyota's Camry Hybrid uses a 45 horsepower electric motor mated to a 147 hp 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder gasoline engine, resulting in a net 192 horsepower. The system adjusts power between gas and electric, or uses both, as needed. A continuously variable transmission helps the engine operate at maximum fuel efficiency. Engine torque is rated at 138 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm and electric motor torque at 199 lb-ft at zero to 1,500 rpm. We've grown accustomed to hybrids feeling somewhat sluggish, but this new Camry Hybrid feels surprisingly robust.

On the dash, instead of revs, you will find an MPG consumption meter depicting the electric/gas power ratio. The only exterior variance to the non-hybrid Camry is a slight difference in undercarriage design, which reduces aerodynamic drag and helps increase fuel economy. But that's it. The most noticeable difference will be found at the fuel pump.

Testing the claims
On one 17.2-gallon tank of gas, Toyota claims you can drive 650 miles. Rated at 40 mpg/city and 38 mpg/highway by the EPA, the Camry Hybrid was daring us to test it. So we conducted our own fuel economy experiments and got similarly dramatic results. On our city loops, we made moderate starts at traffic lights and were careful not to exceed 45 mph. We averaged 38.4 mpg.

Likewise, we experimented on the freeway, setting cruise control to 60 mph and watching the fuel economy gauge hover just above the electric motor level, blending electric power with a minimum of gasoline. On inclines, the meter climbed to 40-percent gasoline. We averaged a staggering 42.4 mpg. Granted, this was with a completely charged battery that could draw full electric power. But it goes to show that if you drive this car prudently, you really can travel more than 650 miles per tank.

During our time with the Camry Hybrid, our overall fuel economy was 32.6 mpg.

Compare the Camry Hybrid EPA numbers to the Honda Accord Hybrid, which is rated at 25 city, 34 highway. In fairness, the six-cylinder Accord Hybrid doesn't really use its hybrid technology for maximum fuel efficiency, but rather to supplement its 253 horsepower. Another fuel-efficient option could be the Volkswagen Jetta diesel. It only offers 100 hp, but is rated 35 city, 42 highway.

But is the Camry Hybrid slow?
OK, you feel good about the environment, but do you have to sacrifice performance? While our test driver thought the car felt like "an ice cream truck" at the track, those of us who weren't pushing the Camry Hybrid through the slalom course after a BMW M6 were decidedly more generous. The Camry Hybrid may feel dull after driving a high-performance car, but when you look at the actual numbers from the track, they're on par for the front-wheel-drive midsize sedan segment.

With a 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds, you won't win any drag races in the Camry Hybrid, but no one will make fun of you as you try to merge onto the freeway either. The numbers aren't bad compared to the previous-generation non-hybrid Camry with an inline-four engine, which took 10.3 seconds to reach 60 mph in our comparison test against a Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The Accord, which was also a four-cylinder, managed 9.5 seconds while the Sonata, even though it was a V6, took 8.2 seconds. For the record, the V6-powered 2007 Camry XLE cut 0-60 times to 6.5 seconds.

Braking numbers were comparable within this segment as well. The Camry Hybrid's four-wheel disc brakes brought the sedan from 60 to 0 mph in 135 feet. Not terribly impressive. But the previous four-cylinder Camry from our comparison test took 146 feet. The new 2007 V6 Camry did it in only 124 feet. One thing to note: The hybrid's brake pedal is fairly sensitive and takes some adapting to avoid jerkiness.

The electronic variable-assist power rack and pinion steering felt precise and in proportion with the weight and size of the car. The chassis rolled a bit in sharp turns, but not so much to be bothersome. The Camry Hybrid uses MacPherson struts in front and dual-link independent MacPherson struts at the rear, and rides on 16-inch Bridgestone tires. The ride is comfortable around town and on the highway. It feels stable, and handles potholes and bumps well.

Vehicle stability control with traction control limits the car's high-performance ability in favor of safety. But in a hybrid, smoothness is what matters most — moderate acceleration and even braking will equal maximum efficiency.

Interior comforts
Our test Camry was loaded with more than $4,000 worth of option packages full of niceties like heated leather seats, a voice-activated navigation system, power moonroof and first aid kit.

Contributing to your clean lifestyle, Toyota outfitted the Camry Hybrid with an ECO button for the A/C unit to conserve energy and a Plasmacluster air filtration system, which is basically like an Ionic Breeze for your car. This helps us feel a bit better about the giant hybrid battery that lives behind the rear passenger seats.

Fine quality materials are used throughout the interior. The power seats are infinitely adjustable and remain comfortable and supportive even after long drives.

At lower speeds, the Camry Hybrid is quiet inside and out, eerily quiet, pedestrians-beware quiet. When driving on the highway, however, interior quiet was disturbed by road noise penetrating the cabin.

Overall length is the same as the previous-generation Camry, but this 2007 model sits on a 2-inch-longer wheelbase. This edition is also an inch wider, providing a little more hip and elbow room. Even the backseat felt roomy, although for long drives two rear passengers would be more comfortable than three.

Cargo capacity is lacking at only 10.6 cubic feet compared to the non-hybrid Camry, which offers 15 cubic feet. The rear seats fold down but only pass through to the trunk on one side in order to protect the hybrid battery.

Soon to be America's best-selling hybrid?
Fear not the hybrid lifestyle. You don't have to drive around in something that looks like a pod. Our only difficulty with the car was driving up very steep hills. The engine complained loudly. So if you live in the Hollywood Hills or someplace similarly vertical, you may want to opt for more power. You could go for the V6 Honda Accord Hybrid, which is similar in dimensions but will cost you $5,000 more than the base Camry Hybrid's $25,900.

If you care about quick green light take-offs, the new V6 non-hybrid Camry may be more your speed. But if you drive under normal everyday conditions and would like to get more than 500 miles out of a tankful of gas, the Camry Hybrid is a sage option.

The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid will leave its competition chartreuse with envy.


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Sounds like a very solid review. Thanks for posting!

cool review.

Positive overall.

It'll do good nonetheless because (1) it's a Camry, and (2) it's a hybrid.

This will be the car that will truely bring hybrids to the mainstream imo. :thumbup:

Just found this site. People giving live updates of there Hybrid MPG online. :thumbup:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/

Just a few from the site...

Camry

Average - 37 MPG
Best - 42 MPG
Worst - 34 MPG


Prius

Average - 48 MPG
Best - 72 MPG :uh:
Worst - 33 MPG


Civic

Average - 47 MPG
Best - 61 MPG
Worst - 35 MPG


RX400h

Average - 25 MPG
Best - 29 MPG
Worst - 18 MPG

I test drove one and was very impressed. You really couldn't tell if you were on electric or gas power and the transition was smooth and almost un-noticeable.. Acceleration was decent and perfect for around town driving. The only thing that kept me from buying it was it does not qualify under the special CA bill which allowed hybrids to drive in carpool lanes. This was going to be my wifes commute car. Only the Prius, Civic, and Insight qualifies as of 2006. I guess because it did not meet the 45mpg requirement. Darn, only 5mpg off. Regardless, it seems to be a very well built car/hybrid.

I drove one, and was disappointed by the difference in handling compared to the regular 4-cylinder car. The throttle calibration also needs work.

My full review:

http://www.epinions.com/content_239031062148

Price after tax credit is quite good, though.

I drove one, and was disappointed by the difference in handling compared to the regular 4-cylinder car. The throttle calibration also needs work.

My full review:

http://www.epinions.com/content_239031062148

Price after tax credit is quite good, though.
are you going to pay ClubLexus for linking to your commercial site or what? I am not sure if that is allowed.
I know many sites are not doing much about your shameless advertising, but other advertisers pay for their exposure.

I drove one, and was disappointed by the difference in handling compared to the regular 4-cylinder car. The throttle calibration also needs work.

My full review:

http://www.epinions.com/content_239031062148

Price after tax credit is quite good, though.

That's nice, except virtually every single review of the Camry Hybrid disagrees with you, and that lends very little credibility to your review.

Yes, because handling and sporting characteristics are so important when buying a family sedan, and a hybrid one at that :rolleyes:.

Indeed, you seem to be shamelessly advertising yourself everywhere. Do you own a Lexus, or are you even a Lexus fan? If not, I don't see why you are a part of this site :uh:

are you going to pay ClubLexus for linking to your commercial site or what? I am not sure if that is allowed.
I know many sites are not doing much about your shameless advertising, but other advertisers pay for their exposure.

You quoted his link to epinions.com a HUGELY popular site where people can post their own reviews of products. So I highly doubt that's his site. Or did you mean the link in his sig?

That's nice, except virtually every single review of the Camry Hybrid disagrees with you, and that lends very little credibility to your review.

Yes, because handling and sporting characteristics are so important when buying a family sedan, and a hybrid one at that :rolleyes:.

Indeed, you seem to be shamelessly advertising yourself everywhere. Do you own a Lexus, or are you even a Lexus fan? If not, I don't see why you are a part of this site :uh:

You're out of line. Get off his case, he's entitled to his opinions.

You quoted his link to epinions.com a HUGELY popular site where people can post their own reviews of products. So I highly doubt that's his site. Or did you mean the link in his sig?
i mean link to his site in his sig and other posts he made today with link to his site for comparison purposes (there was at least one for sonata and one for magazine comparisments). I wrote this post after seeing his other posts today.

he is of course entitled to his option, whatever it is, however most of what he does is post 2-3 sentences and then link to check it out on his site... which is commercial site.

He does that all day long on many different sites.

All sponsors should pay for their listings, and not advertise. If he has an option about anything, he should state it here and not link his site. IE, if tire rack employee has an opinion about how good some tire is, he shouldnt post an link to tirerack site (and they wont, they will pay for add) but rather state that opinion here.

I dont see anyone else doing what he is constantly doing.

You're out of line. Get off his case, he's entitled to his opinions.

Read what spywolf says in his #13 reply, most of the stuff he says is exactly what I mean, so I'd rather not repeat it.

His replies tend to be short and quick, and mainly promotional posts to get people to his website. I've seen him posting at many, many different websites, and like spywolf said, I don't see anyone else doing what he is constantly doing. He is an annoying nuisance on many other forums.

He never posted anything about it's fuel economy, which is the main purpose for buying it.

And I apologize if I am out of line, but this is ClubLexus is it not? And most members here DO own a Lexus, right (or at least, are Lexus fans)? I mean, this isn't some completely generic forum board like autoweek, because apart from Car Chat, the rest of the forums are very Lexus-specific.

2007 Camry Hybrid Nice Ride but a Bit Pricey (http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2006-07-20-camry-hybrid-test-drive_x.htm)
Updated 7/21/2006 9:09 AM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this Subscribe to stories like this
The interior is roomy, with easy-use-controls, including radio knobs.
Gallery Wieck
The interior is roomy, with easy-use-controls, including radio knobs.
Each new gasoline-electric hybrid seems to advance the breed — smoother, more interesting, more useful than what's come before. The 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid does that in some ways, but judged by the regular-production test car, it also has backslid.

The point of a hybrid is to provide better fuel economy than a similar gasoline model. The Camry hybrid is rated a commendable 40 miles per gallon in town, 38 on the highway, 39 mpg in combined driving. No others except small hybrids do better, not even tiny gasoline-power cars.

The test car's trip computer showed 32.7 mpg in 390 miles of mostly suburban driving, punctuated by short freeway hops.

Little attempt was made to drive conservatively, so that should be easy for most people to match, or better, in normal driving.

But unless you drive extraordinary miles, the fuel-cost savings alone, even in the days of $3 gasoline, might never repay the premium price automakers charge for hybrids and the typical dealer markup on top of those premium prices.

Throw in the tax credit, though, and the math changes. Camry hybrid, for example, is about $2,400 more than the most-similar gasoline Camry, a four-cylinder XLE (that's the fanciest trim level) with a sunroof. (It has a fuel economy rating of 24/33 and 27 in combined driving.)

Camry hybrid qualifies for a one-year, $2,600 credit on your federal income tax. So you save enough on taxes to pay the price difference.

Only if you buy soon. Toyota's sold enough hybrids — Prius, Camry, Highlander, and some Lexus models — that as of the fourth quarter this year, the tax credit to its buyers is cut in half. Second and third quarters next year, it's only 25% of the current amount. And it goes to zero the fourth quarter next year and forever after unless the government changes the law.

Makers who sell fewer hybrids — which is everybody else who sells hybrids — will hit the 60,000-unit trigger point later, keep the full $2,600 tax credit longer, and thus present theirs as better deals than Toyota's hybrids.

Here's where the Camry hybrid disappointed.

Noises. The center console creaked on the Japan-made test car. The electric motor's inherent whine seemed unusually loud, especially under braking when the motor turns into a generator and recharges the battery pack. Toyota says such whines are just part of a hybrid's nature and probably bother auto writers much more than normal people.

Vibration. The four-cylinder gasoline engine shudders when it's automatically started and begins taking over from the electric motor as the driver demands more power. On the test car, the shake seemed more pronounced than you get starting the engine in a conventional gasoline car.

Toyota says the hybrid system runs the gasoline engine up to 1,000 rpm before starting it, which is supposed to improve the transition between electric and gasoline power.

Steering. Fine at lower speeds, it seemed to allow the car to drift at highway speed, failing to hold the on-center position that makes long drives much easier.

And here's why none of those might matter.

Fuel economy. Duh. Try to find some other nice car with honest room for five adults that will give you mid-30s real-world mileage.

Camry-ness. The latest version of the Camry, hybrid or otherwise, is dandy.

Roomy, outfitted in premium style, it has simple and easy-to-use gauges and controls (including a radio with fat volume and tuning knobs, as God intended), feels generally pleasant, is nimble where it counts most — dodging dingbats on the road and parking in tight spots.

The hybrid has a fold-down rear seat. That's despite the battery pack in the trunk, just behind the back seat, that could have been used as an excuse to make the rear seat solid.

The battery cuts down the size of the pass-through opening between the trunk and the interior when the seat is folded, but it remains big enough to be useful. Thanks, Toyota.

Trunk space, though, is skimpy, about 27% less than in a gasoline Camry and 34% less than in the Prius hatchback hybrid. Take your luggage or golf clubs to the dealership to be sure things you really use really fit.

Pep. Not a drag-racer, but sprightly. Toyota says that its conservative tests show standstill to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, and that auto-magazine tests show quicker times.

For comparison, the powerful V-6 gasoline Camry does 0-60 in 6.8 seconds by Toyota's watch. The four-cylinder Camry makes it in 9.3 seconds.

The hybrid is quick enough that you are unlikely to feel deprived, even during those full-blast runs up the ramp to merge with maniacs on the big road.

That's a nice improvement over Prius, Honda's Civic hybrid and Ford's Escape hybrid, all of which struggle unpleasantly under some demanding conditions.

Price. Toyota has cut more than $1,000 from the typical $3,500 hybrid premium, a big step forward.

The well-furnished test car was $27,649. It lacked leather, a navigation system but not much else. Even a base model — $26,480 — has more features than most family cars. Unless you're used to absurdly lavish machines, you won't feel deprived.

With all factory options, the sticker would be $30,390, at which point the bargain status gets thin. And consider that dealers typically are larding on $1,000 to $2,000. Decide whether the bitter taste of overpaying is worth it to get the full tax credit and to start getting better fuel economy now. Later, when the hubbub cools, the price goes down and so does the tax credit.

Don't think hybrids cool off? Toyota's Highlander hybrid — a crossover SUV at a time those are the rage — went on sale a year ago and now is selling for $1,000 to $3,000 less than the window-sticker price, the online shopping sites report.

Civic hybrid, on sale since last fall, is down to window-sticker price — no dealer markup — the onlines say. Likewise, Escape and Honda's Accord hybrid.

Camry hybrid is a nice package, but buying one suddenly requires a stressful amount of hand-wringing and reasoning.

2007 Toyota Camry hybrid

What is it? Camry front-drive, four-door, midsize sedan powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor for improved fuel economy. Unlike other Camrys, most of which are made in the USA, the hybrid is manufactured in Japan. Camry hybrid production shifts to Toyota's Kentucky factory this fall.

How soon? On sale since May.

How much? Starts at $26,480, including $580 destination charge. Expect dealer markups of $1,000 to $2,000, online car-shopping sites say.

Toyota says the hybrid is $2,415 more than the most-similar gasoline Camry, four-cylinder XLE with sunroof.

How many? In June, the hybrid was one of every eight Camry sedans sold. The Kentucky plant will be able to build 48,000 per year. If demand is greater, the balance would come from Japan.

What's the drivetrain? 2.4-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine rated 147 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 138 pounds-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm, linked to a 105-kilowatt electric motor with 199 lbs.-ft. from the instant it starts to turn to 1,500 rpm. Toyota rates the total power at 187 hp. It declines to specify at what rpm and to provide a total torque rating. A continuously variable automatic transmission links the gasoline engine and electric motor. Traction control is standard.

What's the safety gear? Normal bags and belts, plus front, seat-mounted side-impact bags, front and rear side-curtain bags, driver's knee bag, anti-lock brakes, anti-skid system.

What's the rest? Dual-zone climate control; power steering, brakes, mirrors, locks, windows, driver's seat; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo; tilt-adjustable and telescoping steering column; cruise control; auto-dimming rearview mirror; proximity key that allows unlocking, starting when the key is nearby.

How big? Same as other Camrys: 189.2 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, 57.2 inches tall on a 109.3-inch wheelbase. Weight is listed as 3,637 pounds, about 300 pounds more than a similar gasoline model.

Passenger space is listed as 101.cubic feet; trunk at 10.6 cubic feet.

How thirsty? Rated 40 miles per gallon in town, 38 on the highway, 39 in mixed driving. Test car's trip computer showed 32.7 mpg in 390 miles of suburban use.

Regular fuel is specified.

Overall: A little too much noise and vibration, but very nice generally.

Just found this site. People giving live updates of there Hybrid MPG online. :thumbup:

http://www.greenhybrid.com/compare/mileage/

Just a few from the site...


Prius

Average - 48 MPG
Best - 72 MPG :uh:
Worst - 33 MPG



The 72mpg is Wayne, a hypermiler. If I got my facts straight, that was on the trip to HybridFest at Madison, WI this past weekend. He did 700+ miles to that tank. That's really good for a US-spec Prius. A Japanese-spec Prius is tested at 82mpg under the Japanese 10-15 cycle (35km/L) and they get 750 miles to the tank consistently, lucky b******s

Edit: My mistake. His record is 67.3 mpg and 733 miles.

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=22170&st=0&#entry291799