Going green never looked so good!
My husband and I owned two cars in 2007, a Chrysler 300m and a Dodge Durango. With gas prices soaring and both of us having a 20 mile commute to work, we decided to retire the Dodge Durango and purchase a car that had better gas mileage. I had wanted a hybrid car as CO2 emissions and the US dependence on foreign oil supplies had been weighing on my mind.
i really did not want a small car like the Prius. I was involved in a head-on collision in 2000 and walked away with only minor injuries. I contribute that to having a safe, moderate-sized vehicle (Volvo). That sealed it for me - as cute as small cars are and their ability to get very good gas mileage didn't sway me in choosing a sedan for my next car.
There was not a lot of Hybrid Sedans on the market. I looked at the Lexus model and could not entertain the thought of paying over $50,000 on a car. I then turned my attention to the Camry.
I found out that the Toyota Camry Hybrid's engine was the exact same engine that was used in the Prius. The Prius has been on the market for 9 years and the engine as proven itself to be safe, reliable and gas friendly. After test driving the Camry, I was amazed at how fun it was to drive and how it "teaches" you to be a better driver and get the most out of your gallon of gas.
First, some facts. I purchased a 4 door, 5 passenger 2008 Toyota Camry SLE model. I was able to find one in Black (which were uncommon) with gray interior. It is a very sleek and decked out with all the luxurious features found in higher priced sedans. I have a GPS navigation unit, a blue-tooth interface for my cell phone (which allows for hands-free talk through the car's speakers), a moon-roof, a Sirirus Sat Radio and leather seats. The lights come on automatically and the car as a key less start (more on this later).
I am not a car expert so I'm going to tell you how the hybrid engine works in my own terms. I had a lot of misconceptions about the way hybrids work and you may also. First, you don't have to "plug it in at night", which is a question I get asked often. The way the electric portion works is there are batteries in the trunk that obtain their charge by absorbing the energy expelled when you brake. Cool, huh? So every time you apply the brakes to slow down, that energy is not wasted (as it is in gas-powered cars), it is stored in the car's batteries. The car has an automatic method of knowing when to pull energy from the batteries and when to pull energy by burning gas. You don't have to do anything.
Another misconception about the hybrid engine is that it only benefits you if you drive in the city. I don't live in the city, I drive 75% on the highway. The car actually performs much better when there is not a lot of stopping and starting as in city driving. The reason for this is that if you peel away from the red lights and accelerate the car quickly, the hybrid engine will use gas. Period. Also, if you brake hard, you lose a lot of the energy that could go back into your batteries. The car even tells you on a display how well you are driving. Slow accelerations and slow braking can get you much higher gas mileage. The feedback loop on the display is a great way of learning how to get the most out of your gas. I think this is an amazing feature and after driving for a few months in the Hybrid Camry, my husband is getting gas mileage from the Chrysler 300m. Simply by learning to drive a little different.
The only difficulty I had in adapting to the car, was the key less start. You have a "key" that has a RFID chip in it and is married to the car's doors and engine. As long as you have that "key" in your purse, pocket or within close proximity, the car's doors will automatically open for you when to pull the handle. The same goes for starting the car. You put your foot on the brake and press a "start engine" button. I really like being able to have the "key" in my purse and not having to dig it out each time I need to travel. It takes some getting used to, but well worth it.
For anyone looking for a mid-sized Sedan and wants to help improve CO2 emissions and get really good gas mileage, this is the car for you. If you have any specific questions, please comment and I will answer best I can! Thanks for reading!
Update on May 01, 2008 23:21
Sorry I left this out! The Toyota Camry Hybrid states 34/35 mpg, but on average I get about 37. I'm very careful to accelerate slowly and try to apply my brakes slowly. Some tanks I do better than others, but I've never gotten below 32 mpg on a tank even when in a hurry to meetings and ignore the feedback from the car.
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Rank: 450th
ShareScore: 100%
City: n/a
Age: 44
Marital Status: Married
Children: 0
Industry: Textile
Position: Statistician
Income: $150,000.00 - $250,000.00
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Now, that's a sharp looking car! I'm not familiar with how hybrid cars work, but I believe they're great for the environment. Thank you for providing this detailed description of the 2008 Toyota Camry. Excellent information!
Thank you! I love the car and can't talk about it enough!
Excellent review on a very nice looking and functional car!
Thank you!
Would you let us know what you get for milage, please? I'm very interested. Thanks, good review on how the hybrid switches form gas to batteries.
Thanks for pointing this out! I've updated the review. The sticker claims 34/35. I can get 37/38 if I'm very careful and drive according to the feedback loop from the car (accelerating slowly and braking well ahead of time). Of course, I've driven it really fast when in a hurry (fast acceleration) and when doing so, the tank will average about 32. One other note, the car has great pick-up - if you need to really accelerate, as in passing another car, it will respond well. I can't tell it isn't a 6 cyl car.
Thanks for the info! We will be in the market for a new vehicle when our truck finally gives out, and are seriously considering a hybrid.
This sounds like a great car! I too am not happy with smaller cars. The Camry is just the right size for my family. Thanks for sharing.
The keyless entry/start has me intrigued! Too bad we're a Chrysler family and I'm in a 2-year lease, maybe I can talk hubby into letting us try a hybrid when my lease is up.
I had a situation a few months ago where a guy tried to get in the car with me at a grocery store. In my 300, I would normally unlock all the doors with the button on the key because I would put my groceries in the back seat. You didn't have a choice but to open the driver's door OR all doors. with the keyless entry, it only opens the doors you are in proximity to. When this happened, the guy could not open the passenger side door even though I had the back seat driver side door open. I was able to get in the car and lock all doors before he could make it around to my side of the car. So, I think it a very safe feature and was really glad i had it that day. It was scary.
We need a car like that! I like the keyless entry as well.
This car sounds amazing. Thank you for so much detail, I never realized they obtained energy from braking either.
thanks! And if you ever drive a long distance and the batteries kick in a lot and you don't brake (like interstate driving), the engine will automatically use gas to charge the batteries if they fall below 50%. it's a lot smarter than I am!
What a great detailed review. I have always wanted a Camry and a hybrid one would be great right now, but the price has held me back. Your review makes me want to save my pennies and get one even more, thanks.
Thanks! The good news is that I think they are coming down. The invoice on the car without all the bells and whistles was around 25K. And you can't beat a toyota for longevity. I don't think these cars will lose as much value as others do. the batteries have a lifetime warranty. it comes with a 3/36, but you can get up to a 7/70 for just a little more.
This is definitely a car to add to one's wish list. I think I will be telling my hubby about it. Thanks for your detailed information about this great car. These facts will be very helpful.
Toyota sure has come a long way with their Camry's! I own a 87 camry and it is nowhere near as cool sounding, lol. But, we do get could gas mileage, over 25 mpg in a 21 year old car! Glad to hear they are still making them strong, because you know, Toyota's are supposed to last forever!!
Absolutely, and the fact tht you have 1987 model is a testament to that! And i bet it held its value better than any counterpart. thanks for the vote! I'm going through your reviews now!
Toyota's have had a long history of turning out quality cars. My mother had one that ran and ran and ran... The odometer turned over TWICE and let me tell you, her philosophy about maintenance was "put gas in it and it will run." lol! I really like the look of your car and love all the details that you have provided.
Thank you so much for explaining Hybrids in layman's terms. I want a larger Hybrid than the Prius so I will be checking into this one. The price is a bit more than i would have thought about paying, but good grief with the price of gas these days, I would get a pretty fast pay back.
very well detailed review
Beautiful review-I'm interested in the keyless entry! I definitely think hybrids are well worth the price!
This sounds like a very good choice in hybrids. I am a bit surprised that it only gets 35 mpg. I guess for a bigger car, that is very good.
My sister has been looking at Hybrids, I will email her the link to this review.
I've wanted one of these since I heard they were coming out. Your review just makes me want one more! Not in my budget now, but maybe in a few years I can find a used one that I can afford. Hybrids are the way to go until there's something better. Great review! Thanks for all the info!
very well written review
Thanks to your cogent and well written description of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, I've decided this will be our next vehicle. I love Toyotas anyway, and this one seems to be the pick of a very fine litter.
that's awesome! thanks. If you want to know anything else about the car or need more pictures of the inside - I'll be glad to take them or even make you a small video so you can see in full view. One other thing - it is a very quiet car. When you first start it, it normally pulls from the batteries -- if you outdoor animals, you may need to blow the horn because they won't hear a normal car engine to signal that you are moving the car. It sounds like a golf cart when it first starts (when it is pulling from the battery). good luck and I hope you find one in a color you love!
Great review, thanks for all the detailed information. I have been looking into getting a hybrid. Thanks.
I really wish that I could have afforded a hybrid veh when I purchased a new car. I am sure it would have apid off in the end because of the gas prices. Great review!
lots of info, great review
Wonderful review, very informative and detailed.
Excellent review . I know nothing about hybrid cars but I found that interesting and informative. You are helping the environment too.
Thabnk you for your personal note to my inbox. And now it is a perfect review, Thanks!!
A well written and in-depth review. Thanks for sharing this detailed information.
You guys made a GREAT purchase!! Thanks for the great detailed review.
Very detailed review, and a great car! Glad you're so pleased!
Great gas mileage! Sounds like a good car. Great review!
This is a really looooooooooong review,Glad to know that it ia a good buy for you, great car indeed, voted
I'm curious about maintenance, because the only thing holding me back from buying a Toyota hybrid is the fact that my mechanic said he can't work on them. Everyone in my family drives a Toyota, and we live 2 hours from the nearest dealership so it wouldn't be practical to have to go to the dealer for maintenance. I'm sure you haven't had any issues yet with a brand new car, but do you know anything about maintenance of the hybrid technology a few years down the road?
Hi. I'm sorry - I don't know. As you said, my car is not quite a year old, so I haven't had any mechanical issues with it. I would assume that most mechanics wouldn't have the knowledge to work on a hybrid engine, as they are vastly different than typical gas powered engines. I think as more and more hybrids are on the road, mechanics may become more widespread in their knowledge. As for me, my dealership is a little over an hour away and I think I would trust them only if something happened to the car. But regular oil changes and simple maintenance - I have had that done many times at places like the Oil Well chain and they don't bat an eye. They even know how to start it! I wish I could be more helpful.
Sounds like decent gas mileage but I still think they should be able to do better :0( Very cool that it "teaches" you to drive more energy efficient. Maybe I can rent one for a week or so :0)
Your review was very detailed with loads of information. I've never owned a Hybrid vehicle but with the gas prices today they are looking better and better.
Wow, you gave tons of great information. I am really interested in Hybrid cars. My husbands drives 50 miles one way to work and with the gas prices, it is taking a huge chuck out of our budget. I would love to be able to get my hands on a Camry! Toyotas are great cars in general and I would expect the Hybrid to be just as good.
Greatest pictures, looks like an awesome car. Glad you went green :)
Very nice review! Any thing that will protect or at least help to protect our mother Earth gets my vote! One vote for you... =)
Toyota makes great cars, someday i hope to own one.
I just went to purchase a prius however they are very hard to find here in tx. There is a waiting list at every dealership. So I ended up with a Toyota Corolla which averages 35mpg. I didnt even look at the Camry Hybrid. Excellent review.
I love the hybrid, and someday want to own one. I have a mazda that gets 26 mpg. That would save me tons of money!
Sounds like a good car.
I have a regular Camry and it's been the best car - 11 years and still running strong. It sounds like the hybrids are great too.
Love the title. This is a good review and is well written. I voted for it.
Excellent review! Thanks for all the detail.
That's a very nice looking car! Awesome review!
That is sooooo awesome that you got a Hybrid car!! Good for you. Your car looks sooo sleak too. Great review. I voted :)
Great review! I was actually looking at the Prius today, I love the learning feature. Since I have a 150 KM drive to work every day (both ways) I am looking for something ultra fuel efficient.
Wow, you included a lot of user informatino (not too technical) in this review!! Thank you for that.. Its the simple things we need to know when reading these reviews. I actually had no idea that Toyota made the Camry in a hybred, I thought it was just the prius, and your right, that is just too small. This will have to be one I take a look at in the next year! Thank you!
Was thining about getting a Prius next but may take a look at the Camry as well!
I'd love to have any of our cars get that kind of gas mileage!
i Love The Car :-)
This is one of the best reviews I have read on here. Good job! I had no idea the Hybrids worked that way. I always assumed they would be so much more work. I might need to take a closer look.
Thank you so much for your clear explanation on how the hybrids function! I didn't even know that toyota had a Corolla hybrid. I am now officially educated. (and I want one!!!)
Great review and I love how talented that cat is LOL
Didn't have a clue that Toyota made a hybrid, thanks for the comprehensive review. It was nice to have a hybrid engine explained in laymans terms.
This sounds like a great car. I have also been a Ford person but after reding this review I want one. I was clueless on how the hybri partworked so thanks for clearing that up. It sounds like you are a very savvy consumer. Thanks for the very informative review. You defintely get my vote.
Very informative. My next car will be a hybrid. Your review had piqued my interest in the Camry. You have my vote.
This review really got me interested in the Camry! Thanks for the great details!
great detiled review!! Wow i actually learned alot from your review Thanks :) you got my vote!
I had always wondered exactly how these cars worked. I would also like the no key thing too. But what would I do if I wasn't looking for my keys?
fantastic review! well done!!!!
Awesome review, i personally own an older model camry and although i'm currently not thinking about buying one, i will look to buying one when i'm older and have a family for sure. Thanks
cool
GREAT REVIEW!
Sounds like an awesome car. I wish I could afford a hybrid!
great review. I just traded in my van for something a little more gas friendly
This sounds like a wonderful option to using so much gas. I just wish they would make a hybrid car that is under $30,000. Some people just don't want to, or can't afford to, spend that much on a car.
Wow! This car really sounds great. Only being 19 I don't have the need for anything larger than my litte coupe. But the idea of not having to pull the keys out anymore is awesome. The usual place for my keys are in the bottom of my purse burried under everything. I'm glad this hybrid has helped you out.
Great review! I wish the cost of the car would be a bit cheaper so I could get one! How's the insurance rates, have they gotten cheaper or higher?
Not only does this car look great but it is a hybrid. Thanks for the lesson on Hybrids, I too was unsure about them and what they meant. Great review!
What a fantastic Review, So much detail. Thanks for the update to the MPG. I love the Toyotas, and have my eye on this one. Thanks for all the pictures, this looks sweet! What a nice car!
Sounds like a great car and great for the planet. Thank you for the good review.
Toyota is a makes a great product and reliable too!
That's what we call a modern car! Thanks for your great review.
Fantastic.....