Easily one of the most popular cars on the road, Toyota has given its Camry a mild work-over for 2010 with particular focus on the high volume four-cylinder models.
FAST FACTS |
| 1. The 2010 Camry gets a larger, more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 169hp.
2. Fuel-economy is also improved thanks to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a rating of 22/32 mpg (city/hwy). 3. Other 2010 updates include a new front-end design with a Venza-inspired grille and a more modern and expensive looking instrument cluster. |
MORE POWER, LESS FUEL
Last year’s 2.4-liter four-banger is out in favor of a slightly-larger 2.5-liter unit. As expected, the power increase isn’t enormous, with a total output of 169hp and 167 ft-lbs of torque. Still, that’s up from seven percent from 158hp and 161 ft-lbs, and considering the last engine did a fine job, this one just makes acceleration a little less laborious.
Both LE and XLE models get the new 169-horse 2.5, while SE models get a slightly more potent version with 179hp and 171 ft-lbs.
As mentioned, helping out in the acceleration department is a six-speed automatic transmission, meaning that every Camry now comes with six cogs, rather than five.
The addition of an extra gear also allows for improved fuel savings with the 2010 Camry rating 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway for an average of 26 mpg with the automatic transmission. Six-speed manuals, available on the base, LE and SE get one notch better on the highway. Overall, fuel-economy is improved by one tick in each category over the ’09 model, which translates to a 3.8 percent increase.
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NEW GRILLE TAKES CUES FROM VENZA
A few mild design changes for the 2010 Camry continue to differentiate the car from its more traditionally-styled predecessors. Most noticeable is the redesigned front grille, which takes its inspiration from the new Venza.
Other changes also continue to up the aggressive factor for the family sedan, like bigger headlights and a larger center air intake. New wheel and hubcap designs as well as new taillights are also part of the mid-cycle update and overall the changes help to give the Camry some character.
NEW GAUGES DO LITTLE TO SPICE-UP INTERIOR
The cabin of the Camry stays mostly unchanged for 2010, with the exception being the gauges. Gone at the cheap drawn-on dials in favor of some cool blue sweepers that have a high-tech digital look to them.
We like the simple and elegant center stack but unfortunately the rest of the interior is still standard Camry. That’s fine if you opt for a trim level with leather, but the standard fabric really is blaze and cheapens the feel of the car.
Still, for a starting price of just $19,395, the cabin is acceptable and you actually get quite a nice list of standard features. They include power locks and windows with auto up/down, cruise control, A/C, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, redundant audio controls on the steering wheel, two 12V power outlets and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD player with satellite radio capability, MP3/WMA playback and an auxiliary jack.
LE models, like our tester, include am eight-way power driver’s seat and remote keyless entry.
A slightly nicer seat fabric is available on the SE trim level; which also includes a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter. XLE models get dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, Bluetooth compatibility, faux wood trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a four-way power passenger seat. XLE V6 models come standard with leather.
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STABILITY CONTROL NOW STANDARD
Along with factors like fuel economy and reliability, another popular reason to buy a Camry is the car’s safety. The Camry has always been an excellently safe choice and the 2010 model takes it a step further by including stability control as standard. Other safety equipment includes ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag.
THE DRIVE
Whether out on the highway or around town, the Camry’s new engine and transmission make for an improved package. The combination of more power with a more relaxed open road feel almost make a convincing argument for doing away with the V6 altogether.
We say almost because the power gap between the two engines is still significant. The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder can’t hold a candle to the 268hp, 3.5-liter V6, but you have to ask yourself if you really need those extra 99 ponies. Most Camry buyers don’t seem to think they do, as the four-cylinder is easily the volume seller. And now with an added 11 horsepower it’s sure to create more than a few converts.
THE VERDICT
The 2010 Camry is easily an improved package over the ’09 model, due mostly to the new engine/transmission combo. The ‘more power, less fuel’ strategy is a bonus for four-cylinder buyers and will also help Toyota lower its average fleet emissions, which in turn is good for mother earth. And while green peace activists might not approve of the added power, they can’t object to the fact that the 4-cylinder just became a more attractive option to traditional V6 buyers.
Generally speaking, the Camry continues to be a strong player with excellent safety, reliability and a spacious interior. Unfortunately while the 2010 model looks more engaging, it isn’t any more exciting from behind the wheel.
The only other down side is that along with the increase in power and fuel-economy there also comes a higher price. But don’t worry; the change is marginal, with the individual trim-levels listing at $281 over last year’s models.
That means a base Camry starts at $20,445 with an automatic transmission, while the LE model (like our tester) comes in at $21,900.
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Most Popular
This is a nice car. I've been in a camry before and drove the and they are really good like to ride quality. Now Toyota did a good job getting LED technology to the taillights, the new front bumper and headlights looks very good too. One feature missing here is the availability of Xenon headlights or HID's however they call it, Mazda offers that in all the lineup except Tribute and B-line pickup and nissan does too in the Maxima,Altima,Z,Rogu e,Murano and GT-R. Other feature you can do with Honda and Nissan ,I guess with Mazda too is that in some models you can open the windows with the remote something that Toyota does not have in the Toyota lineup and toyota dont even have the vehicle customization setup in the some cars like Nissan,Chevy,Mitsubi shi etc... I know the Tundra does dont know any other Toyota vehicle but of corse I know those details
I named here aren't important at all for everyone. Overall I like Toyota's they are good cars and that's it.
Still as boring and bland as ever. Adding a few HP from larger displacement and making the V6's 6 speed std on 4 banger models is hardly worth mentioning when the basic car it'self is hardly changed at all with boring overly plain exterior with not a single piece of trim and little bright work in sight and that interior has to be the worst in it's segment. I know several people with this same body style and they have had lots of trouble with warped brake rotors, hesistating transmissions, front end clunks and steering problems. Question: wouldn't a Mazda 6, Honda Accord or even a Chevy Malibu make more sense than this blandmobile?
Still looks like a rental car with an interior to match! yawn...
this car sucks....i bought this car on Aug 10 2009 and on Aug 20 2009 i had to change manifold,gas kit and water pump on 1362 miles... this car have shifting problem...dealership found same problem in 5 other car which were on sale.... my friends are going through same problem...plus Toyota already put a recall on 2010 Camry already...its not even 2 months this model been out and they are doing recalls already....
Wish I'd never bought it. Poor front, rear and side visibility makes this car unsafe.
You want good front, rear and side visibility? Get a motorcycle.
The Camry is a visual appealing more than the Fusion,the ugly butt Malibu. I am like the reliability and longevity of the interior holding nicely the wear & tear. I have had the reliable 4-cylinder since 2007 but not too hot that some minor fascia changes on the 2009 looks like a Corolla. I went for the LE model but seem as basic as every basic model from the other brands, so 2 years I swapped to a SE 4-cylinder of the same year...I love it and once again as a another model that has a resilient wear...that's what make the Toyota brand so desired, I wasn't gonna fall again for the new models from Ford or GM cause the fireworks fizzle off in functionality and wear over time across the board.
Good lord, how much does Toyota pay you Byron. The Camry is the McDonald's of automobiles. Cheap, low quality, and BLAND. With the stellar offerings of GM and Ford in this class plus the always steadfast Accord, I have no idea why anyone would consider one of these things. Add to that the current deluge of problems plaguing Toyota in terms of engine sludge, runaway acceleration and low safety ratings and you have every reason to dump this boring refrigerator.
C'mon guys, the Camry just happens to be the best selling car in America 9 years running! You can take potshots all you want but it comes across like sour grapes. I guess you know something that the vast, vast majority of purchasers have missed. Or is it jealosy?
I drove one of these 4 cyl. LE models belonging to a friend and afterward I had to look at the back end of the car to make sure it was a 4 cylinder. My 6 cylinder has a little more moxie but I think the next one will have the 4 it is just too good to pass up.