Toyota Camry Hybrid review: not so hot
With the Toyota Camry Hybrid's lineage (Toyota hybrid technology, Camry styling), it seems like it could be an ideal car for a lot of people. But it's not for one reviewer over at epinions. Mkaresh has written over 400 reviews for epinions (of cars and tires and related items) and so knows his stuff. He certainly knows he doesn't like the Camry hybrid. He found it lacking compared to the Lexus ES 350 he drove the same day, and lacking overall in punch and looks. The shift from the electric to gasoline systems was too noticeable for him, and the handling was weak. Reliability comparisons from multiple Camry Hybrid drivers will be collected on Mkaresh's TrueDelta site, but for now the word is look elsewhere for an enjoyable hybrid experience.
[Source: Epinions.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh 10:19AM (6/30/2006)
Thanks, Sebastian.
I should clarify one thing: I did not expect the Camry Hybrid to directly compare with the Lexus. Of course the Lexus is much more powerful with a much nicer interior.
My actual reference points were the previous Camry on interior fit and finish (the Lexus only made the shortcomings especially obvious) and the Accord and Highlander Hybrids on handling and performance. A V6 isn't good for fuel economy, but it apparently helps with driveability. Honda's system is also less complex, so there simply aren't the same sort of transitions.
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Michael Karesh 2:30PM (6/30/2006)
I just uploaded the data and code to display employee prices for Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles to my site.
Unlike in the past, all SRT (except the Ram and Viper) and LX models appear to be included.
July rebates have not been released yet. But last time they had employee prices, rebates were cut by $1,500 in most cases. Chrysler has announced that the largest rebate will be $3,500. It was $5,000, on the Durango, suggesting that the typical cut will again be $1,500.
So I have estimated rebates by cutting June rebates by $1,500. My suspicion is that in some cases that this reduces to $1000 or less there might be another $500 to $1,000 put on the table.
Chrysler tells me they'll announce the rebates at midnight or so tonight, and I'm supposed to get an email. When I have them, they'll be updated.
My site adjusts rebates when the low-rate financing is opted for when converting all prices to monthly payments.
http://www.truedelta.com
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Michael Karesh 2:33PM (6/30/2006)
I posted this to another thread on Autoblog. Sorry for the OT here.
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Will Mayall 12:58PM (7/01/2006)
I own a Camry Hybrid. It's a great car that is well worth the price. I've owned an Acura Legend, Camry, and Avalon. The styling, fit and finish, handling and performance are very good for a car in its class. Fuel economy is outstanding.
Powertrain transitions are almost imperceptible. You have to concentrate carefully to notice them. They are at least as subtle as in the Prius. In most cars, the engine revving and transmission shifts are much more noticeable.
I strongly recommend that anyone interested in the Camry Hybrid test drive it. Do not rely on this review. The Camry Hybrid is currently a unique car in a class of its own.
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BobtheFish 5:28PM (7/01/2006)
I own one too and I don't agree with this review at all. You don't buy a Lexus for good gas mileage. You don't (didn't...) buy the Accord for good gas mileage. The camry has good mileage, is attractive and comfortable, and it handles well. It also grabs a lot of attention.
This review is just plain wrong.
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grant 9:05AM (7/03/2006)
As a prius owner, I must say that if the reviewer found the current prius to be overly noticeable when changing modes (elec/gas/etc) I don't put much faith in the rest of this review. I recently had a loner camry (non-hybrid) and the auto tranny was so clunky when in city traffic going in and out of second that I couldn't wait to have the smooth-as-silk prius back.
And of course it's not a barn burner, it's tuned for efficiency, and why on earth would one compare it to a lexus?
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BobtheFish 4:52PM (7/03/2006)
There is another problem, too. The Camry is a full hybrid and it has to change from only gas to only electric and vice-versa. The other cars mentioned (especially the Accord, a more luxurious car, I agree) aren't full hybrids and never have to run on just electric. That's partly why it's more noticeable.
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borgie 5:02AM (7/04/2006)
Michael Frigging Karesh? The Biggest self-promoting comment whore on autoblog? Is he paying you guys now to promote his pathelic little site? Who give a flying fxxx what HE thinks of the Camry Hybrid? Is he a real auto journalist or just a dude who likes to haggle test drives out of his poor local dealerships? I have zero love for the new Camry but this whole post just turned me off so much. I think it's time I start spending more time on better automotive news source. A frequent comment ho bitches about a car and THAT's a story. Why don't u guys start posting on how Lithous hates everything Honda and Toyota cus he maybe just a wittle bit racist. GeeZUZ F. Christos.
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Jason Coyne 3:14PM (7/07/2006)
I recently purchased a hybrid camry, and posted an extensive review at my blog :
http://geekswithblogs.net/gaijin42/archive/2006/07/06/toyota_camry_hybrid_review_navigation_bluetooth_in_depth_prius.aspx
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Xias 1:37PM (3/19/2008)
I think the Camry Hybrid's will continue to improve in quality and performance (I created a site, http://www.toyotacamryhybrid.net to track it's progress).
That said I think it's nor surprising that some reviewers will find the camry hybrid isn't their cup of tea.
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