By David Adams
The Toyota Camry has a suggested retail price of $25,840. This spacious car feels bigger than it actually is and provides a comfortable ride. Photo by David Adams.
One driver in seven drives the most popular family sedan in America, the Toyota Camry, according to a recent media release, highlighting the trials and tribulations of Toyota Motor Corporation. Toyota is the largest producer of automobiles, having more production and sales than General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, or any other manufacturer in the world.
Recently, people have shied away from Toyota because of media reports and factory recalls; however, Toyota continues to sell a great many cars to loyal customers and to those who truly believe, as do I, that Toyota builds great cars. And while sales have taken a hit and continue to linger, Toyota leaders continue to struggle with sales and recall issues. With the back and forth finger pointing and repetitive jabbering from the media, a percentage of the buying consumers have probably heard about enough of these complex concerns and are content to just let the automotive marketplace, regulators and history produce the final chapter.
Both young and old have purchased Camrys, and continue to do so even today, with the average age of people purchasing a Camry at around 47. Surveys indicate Camry customers are looking for comfort, reliability, safety, performance and economy, all of which are found in the Toyota Camry, whether equipped with the four or six cylinder engine in base or fully optioned configuration.
The recently delivered media review Toyota Camry was a beautiful blue ribbon metallic 4-door SE V6 Sedan. As so many of the review vehicles are that show up at my doorstep, this Camry was heavily equipped with a long option list. The Monroney window sticker included voice-activated DVD navigation system with integrated satellite radio, smart key, dual temperature controls, backup camera and Bluetooth, a 268 hp V-6 engine and six speed automatic transmission, a $1,090 moonroof, and as you can see, an upgrade to the wheels: 18-inch 10-spoke alloys. While the base manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $25,840 plus D&H of $750, the optional equipment items brought the bottom line to $33,485, well within the range of comparably equipped completive makes.
The Camry SE’s leather covered seats are quite relaxing and spacious, and the interior is roomy, both front and back, having the feel of a larger car. Camry’s comes with a comfortable ride, a bit firm but not harsh, a very nice sound system, and fit and finish that competes with the best. While not sporting, handling is quick to respond and secure, and corners relatively flat for such a comfortable sedan. Highway noise is somewhat noticeable, particularly when cruising on concrete freeways, the road noise from the tires can invade the passenger compartment and override conversations, but overall the interior noise level is reasonably subdued and pleasant. While the ride is firm, it is compliant and forgiving, absorbing tar strips and minor potholes with a gentle demeanor, without unduly sacrificing handling. The curb-to-curb turning circle is a very short 36.1 feet for good maneuverability in tight places. The V-6’s robust power can be felt when accelerating from a stop light, during passing conditions or cruising up our 7 percent Colorado passes, and is always waiting for the command from the driver’s right foot.
EPA fuel economy estimates is stated as 19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway for the six cylinder, which corresponds to the review findings, and 22 / 32 mpg for the four cylinder. The Camry Hybrid does even better with 33 / 34 mpg. Camry’s basic warranty is 36 months/36,000 miles while the powertrain is covered for 60 months/60,000 miles for the non-hybrid models. Government safety ratings give the Camry five stars, the highest classification, for frontal and side crashes.
The Toyota Camry is deserving of its customer base. Why do so many people make Camry their car of choice? Perhaps, because few other cars combine Toyota’s reliability, longevity, fuel economy and value for the money.
For more information, visit www.toyota.com.
