The Toyota Camry hasn’t been the best-selling model in the US of the past 12 years for nothing. The Camry’s overall attitude makes it a truly versatile car. However, things have changed recently in the US, and the Camry has had to relinquish its crown over the past few months with the arrival of a certain Hyundai Sonata (Limited, $28,999) that’s giving it a run for its money.
The Camry was the king of auto sales down south for over a decade, in itself an absolutely extraordinary feat. It probably lost its laurels in the wake of a certain brake pedal fiasco, but the Camry is still a strong seller regardless.
So what makes a rather anonymous car so popular? Simple: the Camry does everything well, is neutral enough not to offend or flatter anyone’s sensibilities, has a reasonable price tag and, especially, benefits from a reputation as long as your arm for unparalleled reliability. This particular mix of ingredients is enough to seduce most buyers who’ve never heard of the term “driving enjoyment,” something that models like the Ford Fusion (Sport AWD, $35,299) and Mazda 6 (GT-V6, $36,675) can deliver.
In full regalia
2010 is a good year in the history of the Camry, as the mid-cycle update gives it a boost in the looks department and a bit more personality. The SE version of my road test (thank heaven) gives the package a slightly “sportier” feel with the addition of an exclusive grille, side skirts, a small spoiler, 17-inch wheels and a few mechanical tweaks, such as bigger stabilizer bars.
Like the body, the cabin is a little dull design-wise. On the other hand, the quality of the materials is unquestionable, as is their variety. The finish reflects Toyota’s painstaking work in the assembly department while showcasing the practical side of the numerous storage spaces. The trunk is easily accessible, and the folding rear seats uncover a gargantuan cargo area (15 cubic feet).
On the road
Custom-made for Americans of all sizes, the seats are quite comfortable without being overly supportive: five nice seats for long summer road trips. But do make sure you program the address of all the Tim Horton’s on your route into the navigation system – or change drivers often. No, driving the Camry definitely isn’t the most breathtaking experience you’ll have this year! What’s more, the soundproofing pretty much cuts you off from the outside, so don’t count on any exterior noises to keep you awake!
 |
| The Camry is an excellent car and is rightfully popular. (Photo: Toyota) |
The Camry was the king of auto sales down south for over a decade, in itself an absolutely extraordinary feat. It probably lost its laurels in the wake of a certain brake pedal fiasco, but the Camry is still a strong seller regardless.
So what makes a rather anonymous car so popular? Simple: the Camry does everything well, is neutral enough not to offend or flatter anyone’s sensibilities, has a reasonable price tag and, especially, benefits from a reputation as long as your arm for unparalleled reliability. This particular mix of ingredients is enough to seduce most buyers who’ve never heard of the term “driving enjoyment,” something that models like the Ford Fusion (Sport AWD, $35,299) and Mazda 6 (GT-V6, $36,675) can deliver.
In full regalia
2010 is a good year in the history of the Camry, as the mid-cycle update gives it a boost in the looks department and a bit more personality. The SE version of my road test (thank heaven) gives the package a slightly “sportier” feel with the addition of an exclusive grille, side skirts, a small spoiler, 17-inch wheels and a few mechanical tweaks, such as bigger stabilizer bars.
Like the body, the cabin is a little dull design-wise. On the other hand, the quality of the materials is unquestionable, as is their variety. The finish reflects Toyota’s painstaking work in the assembly department while showcasing the practical side of the numerous storage spaces. The trunk is easily accessible, and the folding rear seats uncover a gargantuan cargo area (15 cubic feet).
On the road
Custom-made for Americans of all sizes, the seats are quite comfortable without being overly supportive: five nice seats for long summer road trips. But do make sure you program the address of all the Tim Horton’s on your route into the navigation system – or change drivers often. No, driving the Camry definitely isn’t the most breathtaking experience you’ll have this year! What’s more, the soundproofing pretty much cuts you off from the outside, so don’t count on any exterior noises to keep you awake!
 |
| The finish reflects Toyota’s painstaking work in the assembly department . (Photo: Toyota) |