2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Our Camry astonishes all who drive it. One editor went 455 miles using under 11 gallons of gas-just over 41 mpg. That same editor crept along in bumper-to-bumper traffic in just electric mode; the gasoline engine never turned on. Very cool.

Some feel the interior isn't quite what we've come to expect from Toyota; seems it saved a few bucks on materials. Although we're below the EPA numbers of 40/38 mpg city/highway, we're not that far off. Add the fact that this is a full-size sedan, capable of triple-digit speeds, all while averaging over 30 mpg--mighty impressive.

OTHER VOICES:

Not gonna bag too much on the Camry hybrid because, with the price of gas continuing to rise, it's great to have the option of a fuel-sipping midsize sedan. But driving the hybrid version of our COTY still feels a bit awkward. Like all Toyota hybrids, the brake grab is still noticeable. You instantly know this car sports a different drivetrain from other Camrys or other appliance-like sedans. Also, the CVT might be great for optimizing the hybrid-system's efficiency, but it's a bore to drive. The on/off power from the electric motor, in addition to the grabby brakes and CVT, makes it hard to drive this thing smoothly. Plus, there's no shortage of whirring noises from the hybrid system heard mostly when stopped at a traffic light. I also feel like the suspension is tuned with a Buick owner in mind; it feels soft and willowy. Can't help but feel the demographic this car is aimed at are those born right around the mid-century mark or earlier. Not sure this matches up with potential hybrid owners, but, then again, what senior citizen doesn't like to save money on purchased good, gasoline being no exception? -- Brian Vance

It's been interesting to see how this hybrid has aged over the year or so we've had it. That tear in the driver-side door panel seems to be the only interior damage so far, but it's pretty noticeable. I still wonder if that was a fluke or if the cabin materials are more susceptible to rips and tears than other Toyotas.

Seems like the brakes are overly touchy, but not all the time, making them unpredictable. The transition from electric motor to engine has gotten rougher over time and is especially noticeable in traffic. It used to be a smoother switch -- wonder what it's going to be like five, six, seven years down the line. (For that matter, how are hybrids going to hold up as used cars?) Otherwise, this is a comfortable commuter car and would make would-be Camry owners happy -- there isn't a strong feeling of compromise with this hybrid. -- Allyson Harwood