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Acceleration
"Camrys with the 4-cyl engine furnish adequate go with either transmission, but
feel taxed with the automatic when attempting quick acceleration in the 35-55-mph
range. V6 versions impressively strong in all situations. Hybrid a bit sleepy
on takeoff, otherwise performs like the conventional 4-cyl/automatic-transmission
model. "
Value
"Camry is a perennial Consumer Guide Best Buy among midsize cars, and the redesigned
2007s improve on a winning formula. They add standard safety features and gas/electric-hybrid
fuel thrift to a long list of continuing virtues. This still is no excitement
machine--not even the sporty SE version. But every Camry is a class benchmark
for refinement and workmanship, and is backed by Toyota's strong record for reliability
and resale value. "
Ride
"All models comfortably absorbent, even on severly cratered roads. All also suffer
moderate float over large humps and dips at highway speed. SE has better body
control on its firmer suspension, but thumps a bit more over sharp bumps on its
17-inch tires."
Economy
No opportunity yet to measure yet. EPA estimates are similar to 4- and 6-cyl Honda Accords. EPA estimates for Camry Hybrid are highest in midsize car class. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
Noise
"Wind rush muted at highway speeds. Tire thrum annoys only on very coarse pavement.
Four-cyl engines, including Hybrid's, suffer moderate high-rpm engine roar, are
unobtrusive otherwise. Silky V6 very quiet in all but full-throttle acceleration."
Comfort - Front
"Head room is 6-footer adequate, even beneath sunroof housing. Fine leg room
on well shaped, comfortably padded seats. Steering wheel now telescopes as well
as tilts, helps fine-tune driving stance along with ample seat settings. Styling
slightly impedes visibility aft and to right-rear; clear sightlines elsewhere."
Comfort - Rear
"Ample leg and knee space even for 6-footers riding in tandem. Head room less
generous but OK, as is cabin width for three-abreast travel. Seat cushion not
long enough for best support, though. Easy entry/exit despite slightly narrow
thresholds."
Controls
"Toyota's usual large, legible, strikingly lit gauges and logical, handy switchgear. Hybrid replaces other models' tachometer with an unhelpful ""power"" gauge, but has a center-dashboard screen for displaying power-flow and fuel-economy data. No opportunity yet to evaluate optional navigation system, but it's the same as in other Toyota models and thus easier to master than most. Cabin materials lack luxury-level richness but look ""quality,"" enhanced
by many soft-touch surfaces, tasteful faux metal or wood trim."
Cargo Room
"Trunk has useful shape, though slightly less overall volume than class norm.
Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges eat into space a bit, and trunk opening too small
for bulky boxes. Note that all but SE and Hybrid have folding rear seatbacks
with handy in-trunk releases; XLE folding seatbacks also have a pass-through.
Cabin storage ample in all models."
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