The Toyota Camry is America's best-selling midsize car, but even this perennial favorite faces challenging times ahead. In fact, they've already begun. In recent months, Toyota sales have plunged steeply from corresponding 2008 levels due to the financial crisis.
The result for car buyers is a great pricing opportunity. Toyota needs to move these Camrys sitting on the lots (this presents a very good opportunity for consumers to do some effective internet negotiating ... see more on this at the conclusion of this article).
The question is, is a Toyota Camry for you? Well, here's some information on the new 2009 model to help you decide.
First of all, while gas prices have been falling from record highs recently, this isn't something we can count on for the long term, as history has so painfully proven. Many car buyers are now wisely looking for vehicles that get superior gas mileage. And for a midsize sedan, the Camry scores very big points in this category.
The 4-cylinder manual and automatic Camry models both have fuel economy ratings of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The ratings for the V6 models are 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway ... still very respectable.
And the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which sports a combination of a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric drive motor, gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. The Camry Hybrid is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), just one of the few that meets this standard. It produces more than 70% less smog-forming emissions than the average new car.
Update: Sluggish Car Sales Lead To Lower Camry Prices:
Toyota's sales have been on the weak side for over two years now, along with most of the other carmakers. There's no question that dealers are struggling in this weak, post economic-crisis economy ... which means there are some extremely good deals to be had right now on a new Camry ... often below invoice prices, sometimes far below.
Here's How To Buy A New Toyota Camry At The Best Price (at or below invoice): Article about the best new car negotiating tactic, especially given the current economic environment.
The V6 DOHC 3.5-liter engine, available on the LE, SE and XLE models, use Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) that controls the valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize efficiency and performance at all engine speeds. In addition, the V6 Camry models are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential manual shifting ability when desired.
All new Camry models come with a standard anti-lock brake system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). As an option, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) is available. These features regulate the engine's output as well as the brake application on individual wheels to help control traction loss while turning.
Standard equipment on the Camry includes air conditioning (with a dust and pollen filter), cruise control, color-keyed power side mirrors, power windows and door locks, halogen headlamps with an automatic on/off feature, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, vehicle immobilizer, and a six-speaker 160-watt digital AM/FM/CD audio system (with an auxiliary audio jack) that play both CDs and MP3 files.
The Camry LE model adds remote keyless entry and an eight-way-adjustable power driver's seat.
The Camry XLE adds an upgraded dual-zone automatic climate control system with steering-wheel controls, PlasmaclusterTM ionizer technology that reduces airborne mold spores, germs and bacteria, a premium 440- watt JBL audio system with Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling, wood-style trim, a power moonroof, reclining rear seats, fog lamps, and aluminum wheels. The Camry XLE V6 also comes with leather-trimmed seats.
The Camry Hybrid has the same equipment as the XLE, but also adds a standard Smart Entry and Smart Start system. Push-button start enables the locking, unlocking, or starting of the car just by carrying the Smart Key.
Available options for some Camry models include heated front seats, power moonroof, a voice-command DVD navigation system, leather-trimmed interior, rear spoiler, and the Smart Entry and Smart Start system. If you add the voice-activated navigation system (available on the SE, XLE and Hybrid), it's coupled with a premium JBL audio system which includes a four-disc in-dash CD changer.
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