Camry to Offer Hybrid Power
Friday March 12, 2004
Japanese manufacturers are moving boldly into hybrids while Detroit struggles to catch up and European manufacturers ignore them in favor of diesels. The latter can match hybrids in fuel economy, without the complexity and cost. Latest to get a gas engine/electric power combo is the Toyota Camry, the very symbol of what North Americans want most in a family car. Will we pay more for the privilege? Will we prefer a Camry hybrid to the sensational Prius, which is much prettier and has the advantage of a hatchback configuration? The answers won't be known until Toyota's 2006 models are introduced.
You state that the “sensational” Prius is “much prettier” than the Camry? Give me a break. OK, it might be sensational in a gas consumption sense, but it looks like an old shoe running backward. Your unequivocal observation is proof that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I’d buy a Camry in a minute, but I wouldn’t be seen in a Prius. I’m betting most people would agree.