Motion Potion: Dynamic synergistics
The Camry Hybrid gives a satisfying, firm ride in a car that is easy to drive. The Synergy system spends the bulk of its time monitoring all of the different parameters of the car in motion (engine speed, vehicle speed, throttle position, battery charge, current draw). From this information it constantly calculates the best and most efficient mix of power input. At any given moment the vehicle may be propelled by the engine alone, the electric motor alone, or a combination of the two. As conditions continually change and the vehicle follows varying driver input and demands from tertiary loads (such as the A/C compressor), the Synergy System may direct engine power to charge the hybrid battery while still pushing the vehicle forward.
One thing we noticed early on—at low speed, the transition between electric mode and "engine on" is not completely smooth. There is a just barely perceptible “thunk” as the engine starts and begins to apply power. It lasts for just half a second and then it’s gone. At higher speeds and lower loads, the transition is completely seamless. Given the complexity of mating an internal combustion engine and electric motor into one cohesive hybrid unit, we think Toyota has done a marvelous job.
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The Enviro-meter: Impressive numbers
As a full hybrid, the Camry can be fueled up at any standard gasoline station—and visits will be fewer and farther between with a 17.2-gallon tank that gives a range of about 670 miles. Our mileage fell squarely in the estimated range at 39.4 mpg, driving a combination of light and easy urban to twisty-turny country roads with some highway cruising thrown in. Scott thinks it would be possible to hit 42 mpg or so with an easy foot—and he actually drove the Camry Hybrid several times intentionally light and easy to use the electric mode as much as possible (translation: within all speed limits).
Compare that to 24 average mpg for a regular Camry, with a range of 412 miles. According to fueleconomy.gov, the Camry Hybrid’s petroleum oil consumption is about 10.1 barrels of crude annually—compared to 14.3 barrels for the conventional Camry. Driving an average of 15,000 miles per year, greenhouse gas emissions for the hybrid tally up to 5.4 tons/year, where the regular Camry will spew out a higher 7.7 tons/year. Now that’s some impressive carbon-cutting without giving up any creature comforts.
The Camry Hybrid is also an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and meets California emissions requirements. It is for sale in all 50 states.
When it’s all said & done: Affordable bread and butter
Overall, this is one heck of a nice car. For the size and weight of this car, the Camry Hybrid gives a satisfying ride with stellar fuel mileage. And that’s what a lot of folks are after—especially in this price range. Toyota knows what it’s doing by taking its bread and butter sedan and going hybrid…yet the question remains, will folks love the Camry Hybrid as much as the regular Camry? We think they will, especially in light of the rising fuel prices at the pump.
*Note on warranty: (CA, MA, NY, NJ, VT, CT, ME, NH, and RH qualify for a 15-year/150,000-mile hybrid-related warranty)Pros:
- exceptional fuel mileage
- smooth, comfortable ride
- super family car
Cons:
- lacks pizzaz
- instrumentation not intuitive
- stiff seats
Who Should Buy the Camry Hybrid: Anyone looking for a fuel-efficient family car.
Who Should Not Buy the Camry Hybrid: Anyone looking for an exciting, thrilling ride.
Rebate & Credit Run-down: The second year’s a charm
Buy the Camry Hybrid and you’re qualified for a $650 tax credit--until 9-30-07, that is—so don’t dally. This, coupled with the hybrid’s first year’s fuel savings of $733 (compared to driving 15,000 miles in a similar Camry SE) will just about negate the $1500 hybrid price premium (as compared to a similarly-equipped 2.5-liter Camry SE) in the first year of ownership. After that it’s icing on the cake as your fuel and carbon contributions are cut as much as 60 percent in progressive years of ownership, as compared to a conventional Camry.
Details and Specs:
Technical Features: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine with 244.8 V nickel-metal hydride battery (150 lbs.) for a combined output of 187 horsepower
Safety Features:driver and front passenger advanced airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and driver’s knee airbag, anti-lock brake system
Interior Features: premium JBL sound system with Bluetooth hands-free calling technology, 60-40 split fold-down rear seat
Exterior Features: P215/60 R16 all-season tires and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels
The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid is built in Georgetown, Kentucky. However, quite a few components for the hybrid system are built in Japan before being shipped to Kentucky for the final assembly. Georgetown can handle 48,000 units annually, with additional demand filled from Japan.
Page One: Initial Impressions, Insider's View and Fuel-ability
Photos from the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid test drive and review
