Camry hybrid MSRP starting at: $25,900

I feel the same way about the Hybrid Camry pricing - a bit cheaper than I expected. I just put my deposit down for a Hybrid Camry with Toyota 101 in Redwood City. I drive a 2001 Prius with 82K on the odometer. I bought it new in January 2001.

Gautam.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Mar 29 2006, 11:18 AM) [snapback]231768[/snapback]</div>

Bigger, yes. More stylish? Maybe, if you are over 70 and like Oldsmobiles

The only Toyota that is remotely stylish is the new Prius (and maybe the Scion B gets warmer.) The Prius is cool, the Camry is the opposite.

 

The Camino browser is not opening the data sheets on the different models at toyota.com.

Anybody have a chance to figure out the HSD premium, and tax credit ?

OK -- saw the datasheets with Safari. I'm really impressed with the array of safety features available across the entire model line. Except for VSC (which is an option on all non-hybrid trims), every other safety feature is *standard*. GO TOYOTA !!

Camry does not interest me, but I'd say 4 cyl base model with VSC + auto transmission looks the best value; although the tax credit may change that conclusion. Anybody considering a V6 will have little reason not to pick the HSD model instead.

 

I agree. The Prius is the better balance of size, performance and visual appeal.

The TCH doesn't meet CA HOV lane MPG requirements I believe.

I'm glad though that Toyota didn't make a performance hybrid as the HAH.

 

The spec says 45 hp, or 21 kW.
Google says 45 hp is 33.5 kW.

Who is right ? It is probably 147 from the ICE, and 45 from the traction battery that sum up to 192 hp. The 21 kW seems like a typo, from the Prius HV.

So HV battery power has increased 50%.

 

The hybrid camry has VDIM as standard, while the other Camry variants have VSC as an option. VDIM is a more advanced safety system as compared to VSC. Here is a quote from a web site that I fould by Googling:

"One of the latest is Lexus's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). VDIM gathers input data from several vehicle safety systems that formerly operated independently, including Brake Assist (BA), the electronic throttle, and the anti-lock braking system. Plus, versus the company's VSC stability control system, VDIM factors inputs from a wider range of sensors - including brake pedal pressure, pedal stroke, and data from the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, along with yaw rate and steering angle."

Gautam.

 

Quite right, Gautam. Do you have any idea what kind of practical differences that might translate into ?

Along the lines of maximum speeds going around the same slippery curve, for instance.

 

specs from toyota: http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=16719&hl=

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EricGo @ Mar 29 2006, 01:22 PM) [snapback]231846[/snapback]</div>

Check out this URL. They tried out a car with VSC and one with VDIM and talk about how VDIM is a lot better.

www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Techno_Beat/Stability_Control_Gets_Some_Finesse.S198.A9227.html

Gautam.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Mar 29 2006, 06:21 PM) [snapback]232060[/snapback]</div>

Me think a different target audience....:blink:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clintd555 @ Mar 29 2006, 04:28 PM) [snapback]231849[/snapback]</div>

Actually, many big buicks have copied Jaguar for 10-16 years...and someone said the Quattroporte looks like a melted Buick in front...

 

The Camry Hybrid will be our 2nd car when it comes out. We'll now be a SUV free family.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Black2006 @ Mar 30 2006, 02:01 AM) [snapback]232205[/snapback]</div>

I agree. I think anyone who likes the unique styling of the Prius (or simply wants to stand out) would prefer the Prius, while those who like traditional styling (or don't like to stand out) would prefer the Camry. Some people don't like hatchbacks, so they refuse to buy a Pruis for that reason alone. For those who aren't stylistically conscious, I think it would come down to a utility/comfort/fuel economy/luxury trade-off. The Prius has better utility and fuel economy, but the Camry is more comfortable/luxurious.

My .02 USD

 

The Camry hybrid, like the standard one, is a generic-looking four door sedan. Boring, insipd, bland, unexciting. :mellow:

The Prius has a unique character. B)