New Toyota Camry Hybrid Review in PCMAG

This link highlights the review in PC Magazine October 17, 2006 in the TECHNORIDE section.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2021230,00.asp



By Bill Howard Why has Toyota become the world's number one automaker? Look no further than the 2007 Camry Hybrid. It's an incredible combination of fuel economy, roominess, and fit and finish. About all that's missing is the sense of automotive character found in its competitors and in its sibling, the Prius Hybrid.

The Camry Hybrid costs about $2,400 more than a non-hybrid Camry. You get a four-cylinder gas engine, electric motors/generators at the two front wheels, a continuously variable transmission, and a huge NiMH battery pack. The Denso navigation system has more tech features than on past Toyotas and thus is harder to use, but it's learnable. On our car, it was a bargain: $1,200 for DVD nav plus premium audio and Bluetooth, according to the window sticker.

Other tech goodies include a keyless-start fob (standard), a "multi-info" LCD, a line-in jack for music players, six airbags, tire-pressure monitoring, and the ability to attach XM or Sirius satellite radio. There is no sport package for the hybrid; if you want that, go for the V6 gas-engine Camry. And the government tax credit on this car ($2,600) drops 25 percent after September and will fade away within the year. But most drivers should make back their hybrid premiums anyway. So long as you need transportation and not an extension of your ego, the Camry, either hybrid or gas, is hard to beat.




PROS (as stated)
Very good fuel economy.Roomy cabin. Reasonable power. Near flawless fit and finish.Affordable navigation system.Easy-to-negotiate site.
CONS (as stated)
Some trunk space lost to hybrid batteries. Odd mechanical noises (common to hybrids), some shudder when engine starts(uncommon). Build-your-own site is missing some options. Little personality.
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Now, that said, being a TCH owner, I am a little put off by the 'look down your nose' theme herein, but I suppose it is subjective. I do not agree with all of the PROS or CONS for that matter and doesn't the TCH actually have 7 airbags?