Camry Hybrid Vs. Prius

Minivans are actually more aerodynamic than SUVs.

 

I switched to HyCam for the far better resale value. The Prius 'glut' of 30+ days supply will only increase with other, similar hybrids coming on line. HyCam is currently 7 days supply and production limited, probably for the rest of this year.

The added standard content, available options, ride, handling, braking, visibility, safety, lower NVH, price point, insurance cost (surprisingly $150 less than Prius) and as mentioned residual value more than offset ~10% lower fuel economy. Honestly, I'm as giddy about HyCam as my first Gen II Prius.

I just ordered my third HyCam, a 50th Anniversary, due late March.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Feb 26 2007, 06:58 PM) [snapback]396932[/snapback]</div>

No changes to the 330 in 04 but the engine. Mild refresh in 05.

 

Sure the Camry Hybrid doesn't get as good mpg as the Prius but the Camry is Motor Trend's 2007 car of the year. That alone says something. Not everyone wants a Hybrid vehicle that stands out and looks like a treehugger car.

 

According to Consumer Reports, the new Camry has been less reliable than the old in addition to the corners cut with the interior... (though I'm sure this'll get fixed eventually)

I am mad that they dropped the Accord hybrid! I've heard the new Accord is amazing, and it would be wonderful if they'd make it a full hybrid someday.

A bit off the subject, but does anyone on PC drive an Avalon? It is an incredibly excellent car, but there seems to be far less market for it than the Prius and Camry.

 

You apparently didn't read very closely. The problems are isolated to the V6 Camry, specifically the transmission. The 4-cylinder and hybrid Camry are predicted to be better than average and much better than average in reliability respectively, are still recommended by CU.

 

Honda is using a different technology for increasing the fuel efficiency of the new Accord. They are releasing the diesel Accord in model year 2009 (haven't heard if that means September of this year or a 'mid-year' introduction next spring). Depending on which article you Google up, it is expected to get from 52-62 MPG on the highway, and Honda has developed a system whereby no additives are ever needed to clean up the exhaust (unlike Mercedes' or VW's urea-injection).

I look forward to the inevitable magazine comparisons between a diesel Accord and a Camry hybrid. Of course diesel prices will continue to climb, but the Accord has the advantage of being able to burn biodiesel, whether purchased at a retailer, co-op, or manufactured in the garden shed.

If most of my driving was around-town, I'd choose the HyCam. If most of my driving was an the highway, the diesel would be the way to go.

I will take a long look at the Accord when it arrives. I have long wanted a diesel Jetta, but Volkswagen has a horrible reputation for customer service and I am no longer interested in wrenching on my own cars.

I wonder which technology General Motors will copy? Diesel hybrid maybe?

 

Just to clarify your google errors.

Honda Accord mpg you used is in imperial mpg. And their mpg ratings are much higher than US mpg averages. I doubt it will get better than mid-40s.

And VW's 2.0L TDI engine has no urea-injection that is coming out this fall.

 

The current European 2.2 CDTI Accord UK MPG is 39.1/62.8 and 51.4 combined according to Car Fuel Data

The 62.8 Imperial extra-urban MPG converts to 52.3 US highway MPG.

 

That is with the UK tests. Like the Prius, it said 67.3 mpg Imperial (56 US gal) on the highway. EPA rates highway to be only 46 mpg. Even the old EPA rating got 51 mpg and people was calling for lawsuit with Toyota.

So if everything is linear, then you are looking at 42.9 mpg EPA rating.

Fifth Gear did a mpg test on a VW Polo TDI. It was supposed to be rated at 72.4 Imperial mpg. They got only 49 Imperial mpg doing some Sunday driving on the Highway (to Grandma's home). And we thought EPA test averages was bad.