2011 Toyota Camry

The newly freshened Toyota Camry features a new 4-cylinder offering and six-speed transmission, as well as a hybrid model with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (discussed in a separate report). The Camry's competitive set is comprised mostly of the archrival Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Chevy Malibu.

Toyota quietly slipped the new four-cylinder, six-speed powertrain under the hood of its Camry sedan for 2010. Featuring the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that was introduced into the RAV4 for 2009, the '10 Camry also gains a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, as well as modestly revised styling.

Power is up to 169-horsepower for the LE and XLE and 179-horsepower for the more sporting-oriented SE. A six-speed manual transmission takes the place of a five-speed manual on LE and SE and a six-speed automatic is now standard on the XLE, optional on the LE and SE.

Fuel economy is up to 22 mpg in town for either transmission and 32 mpg on the highway for the automatic or 33 mpg for the manual. Automatic transmission models still trail the Chevrolet Malibu by 1 mpg and the Ford Fusion by 2 mpg.
V6 and Hybrid models carry over mechanically.

All models, including the hybrid, gain new, larger projection headlamps, a larger grille and lower intake and restyled tail lamps and wheels.

Available in CE, LE, SE, and XLE models, the Camry offers a model for most new car buyers.

Entry-level buyers will find a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine which outputs 169 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 167 lb-ft of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. Buyers of the V6 package get the 3.5-liter engine with a power output of 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque.

Buyers of the four-cylinder engine will have a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, while those who opt for the V6 will get the six-speed automatic with sequential mode to allow drivers to shift manually if they desire.

Safety does not suffer in this, the new generation of Camry. Dual-stage front, side-seat, side-curtain, and driver's knee airbags are standard throughout the Camry lineup. Stopping power is assisted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) as well as Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) component. An optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) assists to reclaim traction in turns.

Camry CE offers the traditional ride that previous owners have come to expect. Macpherson struts in front and dual-link strut rear suspension are standard. Camry SE buyers are treated to a more firm, spirited feel, by way of chassis modifications to the springs, shock absorbers and bushings, as well as the addition of underbody stabilizing braces to increase torsional rigidity.

The Camry, LE, and XLE all ride on standard 16-inch steel or aluminum wheels while the sportier SE model is equipped with 17-inch, six-spoke aluminum wheels as standard.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows and door locks, color-keyed side mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a six-speaker 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary audio jack. To make the ride even more entertaining, opt for the voice-activated navigation system with 440-watt JBL premium audio package.