Random Thoughts + Test Drove Camry Hybrid

[islandboy57]

I went down to a Toyota dealership here to test drive the Camry Hybrid. I was very curious how it would compare to a 'regular' Camry and how the whole Hybrid drivetrain worked. The dealership was pretty crappy (Servco Auto in Mapunapuna for those in Hawaii - maybe cuz I'm too young for them to pay attention to ). Anyway.. I didn't like it. The car felt really sluggish and I had the gas pedal haflway down before I would get up to 30 MPH. Because in lower speeds it was only the battery powering the car, you don't go anywhere unless your foot is on the gas. It's not like a regular car where you'll be going forward unless your foot is on the brake. I'm sure getting used to it would be easy enough but it makes me feel uneasy about manuevering in an emergency situation.

For the first time since I got my car early this year, I had a full car and lots of stuff in the trunk. I could tell the I4 was struggling.. I mean, I've packed 7 people into my mom's gen 3.5 V6 and you couldn't tell.. Even though my car was struggling a bit, it handled admirably. I don't doubt that it would still be very capable if I needed to accelerate in an emergency one bit.

Drove my friend's grandma's Avalon today with a full car (5 people) and dang, the 2GR is absolutely amazing. I can only imagine how much fun it must be in the Camry.. Only crappy part is that gas mileage isn't as good - but remarkably it's still better than my mom's 1MZ and the 2GR has more than 50% more power.

Anyway.. I'm still loving my gen 5.5 because it definitely has more head room. My friend is 5'7 and she said her head was nearly touching the roof in the Camry Hybrid's backseat. I can't wait to see how the gen 6.5 Camry looks..but by the time I'm in the market again, the gen 7 will probably be out

[Avalonman]

[Lilarienne]

I'm 5'9" and I did not feel at all cramped height-wise in the back seat of the TCH I test drove. I was riding in the back with my son, who was in his car seat, while my husband drove. I found it very roomy feeling in the front and the rear, especially in comparison to my 1999 Corolla. As a relatively tall person with long legs it's also nice to have plenty of leg room.

I have to disagree about the Hyrbid's performance. On our test drive in the TCH we went up a steep highway on-ramp effortlessly without having to put the pedal to the floor at all. Shortly after we test drove the Hybrid we test drove a regular 4cyl 2007 Camry and a Matrix, and the Hybrid performed better than either of the other cars, especially than the 4WD Matrix-- I had to floor it and it still felt like it had a hard time. Even my husband, who drives a TDI Jetta, was impressed with the Hybrid.

Also, the Hybrid does not always run on electric at low speeds. That's not how the HSD works.

We were so happy with the fuel economy, emissions, performance, interior space and appearance of the TCH that we ordered one. It should arrive in the next two weeks.

[spiff72]

I have to disagree. My Camry Hyrbid seems surprisingly quick off the line (to the point where you can easily chirp/squeal the tires before the VDIM intervenes).

In addition, taking your foot off the brake will allow the car to creep forward.

[H2ODoctor]

Originally Posted by islandboy57

My friend is 5'7 and she said her head was nearly touching the roof in the Camry Hybrid's backseat. I can't wait to see how the gen 6.5 Camry looks..but by the time I'm in the market again, the gen 7 will probably be out

You must have a very unusual friend. I am 6 foot 1 inch and very long waisted and very seldom can fit in the backseat of any vehicle without touching the roof. I was able to sit in the back seat of the TCH with no problem.