1. Autos

Discuss in my forum

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid Test Drive

About.com Rating 4 Star Rating
User Rating 4 Star Rating (1 Review) Write a review

By , About.com Guide

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Image © Toyota

Pros:

  • Power, amenities, ride and handling similar to a conventionally-powered Camry
  • Roughly 50% better mileage than a typical mid-size sedan

Cons:

  • Fuel economy isn't as good as the Prius
  • Significant price premium over regular Camry
Who should buy the Toyota Camry Hybrid:
Buyers who want the environmental benefits of a hybrid without giving up typical mid-size ameneties

Who should not buy the Toyota Camry Hybrid:
Buyers looking for the best possible fuel economy in a mid-size car

Continued below...

Details and specs:

  • Body style: 4-door sedan
  • Trim levels: One
  • Price range (including options): $26,820 - $30,730
  • Base engine: 2.4 liter inline 4, 147 horsepower @ 6000 RPM, 138 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM; 105 kW electric motor, 199 lb-ft @ 0-1500 RPM (combined output: 187 horsepower)
  • Optional engine: None
  • Premium fuel required? No
  • Transmission: Power-split continuously variable transmission
  • Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
  • EPA fuel economy estimates: 40 MPG city/38 MPG highway
  • Where built: Japan
  • Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted torso airbags, two-row side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes
  • Optional safety equipment: Electronic stability control
  • Major standard features: Dual-zone climate control, CD/MP3 player, power windows/mirrors/locks, keyless entry, power driver's seat, Bluetooth
  • Major options: GPS navigation, power moonroof, heated leather seats
  • Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5years/60,000 miles powertrain, 8 years/100,000 miles hybrid components, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
  • Roadside assistance/free maintenance: None

Best rivals:

User Reviews

 4 out of 5
Camry hybrids don't like cold weather, Member Goblin1

Our '09 Camry hybrid has all the bells and whistles (Almost all are standard), and has actually gotten - on one occasion - 43.7 mpg (38 mpg is more usual). The one really annoying thing, however, is cold weather mileage. I actually thought one or two battery cells had died, but when I took it in to Toyota, they said everything tested fine - it was the cold weather that had done us in. Traction battery efficiency declines with the temperature, and is totally inoperative at -50 degrees farenheit. And there's the rub: who can you go to to dispute what Toyota says? They're the only ones with the equipment to test their proprietary systems.

Write a review

33 out of 37 people found this helpful.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.