New 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid [ 2008 , 2007 ]
Toyota Camry Hybrid - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid has many of the attributes of the conventional Camry -- comfortable cruising and plenty of interior features -- but with better fuel economy.
According to most automotive writers, the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a nice balance of performance, comfort and fuel economy. Not only is the car an eco-friendly choice, but it's a good option among family sedans. Compared to another popular hybrid, the Toyota Prius, Newsday reports, "The Prius can't match the Camry's quietness and its elegant ride."
It's also considered a good value. CNN lists the 2008 Camry Hybrid as one of the most-cost effective hybrids sold today, based on a value equation that weighs its hybrid price premium against its annual fuel savings. Forbes says the Camry Hybrid is the best deal for a Los Angeles commuter who pays $4.59 a gallon, because it's priced so closely to the gas-powered Camry XLE. "The owner of the hybrid breaks even after 18,292 miles," according to Forbes' calculations. "For Los Angeles commuters who log 15,000 miles a year, that's just a little over a year of driving."
If you're in the market for an affordable midsize sedan, you should also consider the Honda Accord, or conventional Toyota Camry. If you bleed green, consider the Toyota Prius or the Nissan Altima Hybrid.
- "If you want to be green but don't want to announce it to other road users, then the Camry hybrid makes sense." -- Car and Driver
- "This may be the only car on earth able to satisfy performance junkies and ecoconservatives. It's a uniter, not a divider." -- Motor Trend
- "If you want a cool car, with the latest technology, lots of room, decent styling, outstanding quality, and killer fuel economy (for its size), hurry on down to your Toyota dealer." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
- "With the new Camry Hybrid, it's difficult to tell at a glance that this mid-size family car is any different from its basic gas-engine sibling, outside of the subtle badging on its flanks. But in most other respects, you'd be hard-pressed to tell this is one of the most technically sophisticated cars on the planet." -- Detroit News
- "A well-equipped sedan that holds big people in comfort while getting the mileage of a coupe or sedan better suited to Smurfs." -- Chicago Tribune
Camry-Hybrid Performance - 7.4 (Good)
Green tech aside, 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid drives well. But the stopping and starting of the engine and the regenerative braking might take some getting used to. Our full Performance Review gives an in-depth description of what it's like to drive the Hybrid. continue
Camry-Hybrid Exterior - 7.6 (Good)
The Camry Hybrid doesn't look like the space-age Prius, but many people say that's part of its appeal. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes, "There's no oddball styling that pronounces to the world that it's a 'green' car... so if you're wanting a gasoline-electric hybrid car to make an obvious statement to your fellow motorists that you're energy- and environmentally conscious, the…Camry Hybrid might not be the vehicle for you." Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn what other critics say the Camry Hybrid's similarities to the gas-engine Toyota Camry. continue
Camry-Hybrid Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Reviewers like that the 2009 Camry Hybrid is a comfortable vehicle that's packed with features. According to the Los Angeles Times, it's "loaded to the gills." Continue with our full Interior Review to learn about the car's popular multi-information display. continue
Camry-Hybrid Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid has a competitive list of safety equipment and very good government crash test ratings. Continue with our full Safety Review for information on features in the sedan that help reduce potential distractions for drivers. continue
Camry-Hybrid Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Toyota offers a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty for the 2009 Camry Hybrid. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn what coverage is available specifically for this Camry's hybrid technology. continue
