My First
Camry Hybrid Test Drive
Monday,
May 1, 2006
On Friday
morning my local Toyota dealer called me to tell me that
they had just received their first 2007
Camry hybrid. An hour later, I was at the dealership,
but there wasn't any Camry hybrid in sight.
After a few calls around the lot, we learned that it was
already on a test drive, and that another customer was
also waiting to take Toyota's newest hybrid for a test
drive as well.
Finally, it was my turn in this hot, red hybrid.
This was my first up close look at the newly designed
Camry. What an improvement! The Camry has never been a
visually stunning vehicle, but it is now. I would almost
call the new Camry, sporty, but one thing is certain, this
is the best looking Camry ever.
As I sat in the Camry, it was immediately obvious how much
roomier this new hybrid is compared to the Prius.
Much like most other hybrids, sitting in the Camry hybrid
feels very much like sitting in a conventional vehicle.
Almost everything about the Prius, on the other hand,
seems different.
As I looked around the cabin, I quickly noticed the
sunroof, something which isn't available on the Prius.
This Camry also came with leather and a few other
amenities which pushed the price to about $29,000, versus
about $25,000 for a base level Camry hybrid.
The 2006 Prius that I checked out in the lot while waiting
for my test drive actually cost a few hundred more than
this Camry. While both hybrid
cars offered leather and top electronics, the Prius
also offered a navigation system and rear back up camera.
Still, it goes to show how difficult it is to understand
the pricing of hybrids.
As we pulled out of the dealer lot, it was immediately
obvious that the hybrid Camry offers more horsepower than
the Prius, of course that also means that the Camry isn't
as fuel efficient as the Prius. Additionally, I feel that
the Prius drives a little stiff, whereas the Camry offers
a bit of a smoother drive.
Unfortunately, my test drive did not last long. Just as we
were about to pull onto the freeway, my salesman's phone
rang and we were directed back to the lot. This Camry
hybrid was no longer available for sale.
While I was disappointed that I didn't get to hit the
freeway, I'm sure the Camry hybrid would have offered more
power there as well, compared to the Prius.
The Prius Versus the Camry Hybrid
Some people hate the design of the futuristic Prius. I
find the Prius to be one of the most efficiently designed
vehicles ever made, and I don't just mean regarding fuel
efficiency. For such a small vehicle, the Prius offers an
incredible amount of storage and space. Additionally, one
of my favorite Prius amenities is the hatchback, which is
just incredibly useful.
For those whom hate the design of the Prius, the Camry
hybrid is a very nice alternative. Unlike most hybrid
vehicles that are compared to their conventional cousins,
many hybrid Camry buyers might only compare the Camry
hybrid to the Prius, rather than to a conventional Camry.
This could really help the Camry hybrid sell, even though
it is more expensive than a standard Camry.
Ultimately, these two Toyota hybrids feel and look very
different. The Prius is a unique, sensible, very fuel
efficient vehicle. The Camry hybrid is sensibly elegant,
offering a little more luxury, a little more refinement,
but a little less fuel economy for a few thousand more
than the Prius.
Nonetheless, with gas prices above $3.00, I think both
cars will be hot sellers.
posted by Dahcredyns at 9:48
AM
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