2010 Toyota Camry

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The automotive press has reached a consensus that the 2010 Camry is a refined performer, with smooth and predictable driving dynamics.  It is far from the sportiest car available at this price point.  Toyota engineers clearly praised comfort over athleticism in designing this car.  Its available V6, however, is one of the more powerful engines found in the affordable car class.

• "The new 2.5-liter base engine and standard six-speed transmissions add splashes of zest and refinement to the Camry's tried-and-true formula, which is to provide excellent ride comfort and isolation at the expense of engaging driving dynamics." -- Edmunds
• "The 2009 Toyota Camry drives much like most family sedans, not too sporty and not too soft. The base car tends toward the soft side, but the LE and XLE are crisper and more athletic. Most fun to drive, at least on smooth roads, is the lower and stiffer SE sport model." -- Kelley Blue Book
•  +"Camry offers comfortable, quiet and smooth ride, even when the road conditions are less than ideal." -- All Auto Reviews
• "On the road, we were underwhelmed by the Camry's performance." -- Left Lane News

Acceleration and Power

For 2010, the base four-cylinder engine of the Camry has been improved, growing from 2.4 to 2.5 liters.  It now offers 169 horsepower, and reviewers say the power boost is noticeable.  The available 3.5-liter V6 remains unchanged.  At 268 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful engines found on an affordable midsize car, and operates so smoothly that reviewers say it's easy to lose track of how fast you are going in a Camry.  Both engines come mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.   EPA ratings for the 2009 Camry range from 19 to 22 (mpg) miles per gallon in the city to 28 to 33 mpg on highways.

• "Camrys with the 4-cylinder engine furnish adequate go with either transmission.  However, 4-cylinder models feel taxed with the automatic when attempting quick acceleration in the 35-55-mph range." -- Consumer Guide
• "The muscular V6 is a powerhouse, good for a zero to 60-miles-per-hour burst in less than seven seconds." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Though not as green as Honda's PZEV engine, Toyota's 24-valve mill provides virtually identical fuel economy, thanks in large part to the extra cog in its six-speed automatic, which, unlike the Accord's five-speed, offers a sport-oriented manual mode." -- Motor Trend

Handling and Braking

Reviewers say the Camry isn't the sportiest midsize car, with handling distinctly tuned for relaxed driving.  That makes it an excellent, easy-to-drive commuter car. 

• "For many shoppers in this segment, the Camry's cosseting suspension and cabin may be preferable to the sportier approach taken by Mazda and Nissan, but for the record, the Camry's handling dynamics are about as bland as they get." -- Edmunds
• "In stark contrast to the Fusion, it was almost impossible not to drive the Camry smoothly, making it the car everyone wanted to inhabit during heavy-traffic slogs." -- Car and Driver
• "Most fun to drive, at least on smooth roads, is the lower and stiffer SE sport model, which has added structural bracing, firmer springs, shock absorbers, bushings and anti-roll bars, better steering feel and even an underbody aerodynamic treatment for enhanced high-speed stability." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Steering on all but the Hybrid is accurate and responsive, if a bit overboosted and numb in the opinion of some testers." -- Consumer Guide
• "The SE has firmer springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars and bushings to improve handling and limit body roll over the other trim levels." -- Cars.com
• "While we never doubted the stopping power, brake pedal feel and travel are still sedan-grade: a bit soft and long for our enthusiast-driver preferences." -- New Car Test Drive