The Toyota Camry has been a best seller for more than a decade now and for good reason. The Camry offers countless virtues in the family sedan segment while asking for few sacrifices. The Toyota Camry has long competed against the likes of the Honda Accord, the Ford Taurus, the Nissan Altima, and recently the Ford Fusion. While the Camry does not come out on top in all categories, its strong performance all around makes its solid choice for a family sedan.
For 2010, the Toyota Camry received a mild freshening which includes some exterior changes as well as the use of a new 2.5 liter four cylinder engine and a six speed automatic transmission. These changes make the Camry even better than previous models and amount to a capable vehicle that is likely to please most buyers.
The 2010 Toyota Camry starts at a base price of $19,395 on up to $29,045 dependent upon the model line chosen. The Camry comes in five different trim lines to please all buyers. Starting at the bottom of the range and working on up, the Camry is offered as Base, LE, SE, Hybrid, and XLE. Each model in the lineup has different standard and optional features to differentiate it from other trim lines. Likewise, each model has a different base price.
Available engine choices include a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder that outputs 169 hp, a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder that outputs 179 hp, a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder hybrid models that outputs 187 hp, and the top of the line engine a 3.5 liter V6 that outputs 268 hp. Along with the slew of engine choices comes your choice of three different transmissions dependent upon model line. The transmission offerings include a 6 speed manual, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and a 6 speed automatic transmission.
The 2010 Toyota Camry offers solid performance from each engine. The 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine provides decent power and returns around 26 mpg in daily driving. Stepping up to the very powerful V6 gives the vehicle sports car like acceleration while still averaging 23 mpg in daily driving.
The Toyota Camry has always been know for good build quality, a soft, comfortable ride, and a quiet interior and the 2010 example is no exception. Improvements for 2010 include a better shifting, more responsive automatic transmission, good interior storage, and improved fuel economy.
The Toyota Camry excels in pampering its occupants but gives up a little ground in terms of handling and performance to competitors such as the Honda Accord and Ford Fusion. The 2010 Toyota Camry has lower than average handling characteristics. The lack of handling prowess is a trade off that leads to a supple ride. Additionally, the Camry does not display the sporting characteristics or fun to drive quality of its competitors. The vehicle is geared towards those who value isolation, a controlled ride, and pampering more so than those who enjoy spirited driving.
The interior of the Camry is well trimmed and spacious. Five adults can ride in relative comfort and the folding rear seat back expand an already large cargo area. Guages and controls within are clearly marked, well laid out, and user friendly.
As an added benefit, the Hybrid model returns 34 mpg in daily driving, a number that is virtually impossible to beat considering its versatility and capability of carrying five passenger in comfort.
Though the 2010 Toyota Camry lacks the fun to drive factor, it will likely please countless buyers with its notable attributes. It delivers respectable fuel economy at a good price while offering spacious seating, a quiet controlled ride and Toyota reliability. The Camry is still a stand out in its class and recent improvements make it an even better value.
