Re: More Driving Impressions / Photos WANTED!
After five days and 301 miles:
I love this car much more than I ever expected. I'm "downsizing" from two cars to one. Former cars were Insight (hybrid) and Lexus SC430. My goal was to get one car that would give me enough luxury plus economy.
The Camry is a SOLID car. It feels solid and BIG. No rattles or vibrations on any surface. The quietness is amazing, and I still haven't gotten used to selecting a gear and "gliding" away. The only time you'll be aware it has a four-cylinder motor is under heavy acceleration, but the sound and noise level are still unobtrusive, and power is excellent.
This car is feature-rich. I got it fully-equipped, but am amazed that everything that's on my Lexus is also on the Camry, and then some more. The Bluetooth phone works great, the iPod connector works great (sorry, no NAV screen interface), and the smart key is a very handy reminder that we're in the new millenium. So much on the car can be programmed for personal user preferences.
Steering is light and precise/direct. Brakes are smooth and well-modulated. Handling is what you'd expect from a family sedan, or slightly better. Seats are very comfortable, and visibility is good (I have the driver's seat raised to its highest point). There is nothing offensive or less-than-you'd-expect on this car.
My average mileage so far, as noted on another post, is 37.5. In fairness, this figure could be easily beaten, but I have been driving with a passenger, and not wanting to appear too sloth-like. When alone, I can effortlessly squeeze out another 5 MPG. In case you didn't notice on my other post, I was very excited today when I had a chance to do some city driving, and did about 11 minutes (4 miles) at 80+ MPG, running between stop signs at 35 to 45 miles per hour.
Having come from the world of Honda hybrids, the Toyota driving techniques are all new to me. I found in the city that my best option, if traffic permitted, was to accelerate at a snail's pace on 100% pure battery juice, avoiding using gas. If the traffic was heavy, then I accelerated quickly to cruising speed, then took my foot off the pedal for a second until the instant mileage gauge indicated 60+ (battery), and then lightly resumed pedal pressure to cruise. My apologies to Prius hypermilers who know superior techniques and terminology... I come from Camrys-for-dummies.
Regardless of features, mileage, etc., the real test for me about whether this car was the right choice is the "grin factor." I keep looking for reasons to run errands, and the added miles I'm putting on this car will probably offset any savings I'll have from its fuel efficiency!
Today, I pulled alongside an IDENTICAL newly-purchased '07 Camry Hybrid, and was ready to honk my horn and wave, until I noticed the driver was probably 85 years old and seemed totally oblivious to other drivers. Well, even though I missed my first "bonding moment," at least she still had good taste.
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More Driving Impressions / Photos WANTED!
Steve Villatoro
