Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is currently available in several trim levels with a hybrid model available as well. These trims include: the base model, the mid-level LE, the sporty SE, and the premium high-level packaged XLE. Depending on the trim, the Toyota Camry comes powered with either an inline-4 or V6 engine while the hybrid model uses Toyota’s highly fuel-efficient hybrid synergy drive. All trims are available with air conditioning, stability control, full power accessories, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a six-speaker CD audio system, satellite radio, and Bluetooth.
The interior of the Toyota Camry is described as “more stylish and modern than before,” offering plenty of space for five passengers. Trunk space varies between trim levels with the base model coming with 15 cubic feet of trunk space while the SE and XLE models have 14.5 cubic feet of trunk space. The hybrid Toyota Camry has the least amount of trunk space at 10.6 cubic feet due to the trunk area being used to house some of the hybrid system’s components.
Due to its comfort-tuned suspension, the Camry is considered less sporty then other cars in its class, however a somewhat sporty version of the Toyota Camry is available to the public in the form of the SE. The SE offers more responsive handling with special dampers and shocks, a stiffer front anti-roll bar, stiff bushings, and a chassis that offers 15%-higher spring rates.
Safety for the Camry comes in the form of factory-equipped dual frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side torso airbags, front and rear row side curtain airbags, and driver’s knee airbag. Other safety systems which come standard with the Camry include a tire-pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, and electronic brakeforce distribution. Safety with the 2010 Toyota Camry models will be further emphasized with Toyota adding Vehicle Stability Control and traction control to their list of standard features.
Overview/History
Originally developed as a four-door version of the Celica, the Toyota Camry became its own model in 1983. Since then it has gone through seven generations, starting out as a four-door compact car before becoming a mid-sized sedan with the fifth generation in 1996. Through the years the Camry has been available in other body styles with a two-door coupe and even a station wagon version available for a brief time.
Its long, continuous lifespan can be attributed to its popularity. The Toyota Camry has regularly been the best-selling vehicle in the United States for the last decade and has continued to sell very well in Australian, Canadian and several Asian markets. Unfortunately the popularity of the Camry has also made it a target of thieves, causing it to earn a place on several top stolen cars lists.