2010 Toyota Camry Review

by Derek Mau

Pros:

• A much needed bump in power of 11 hp
• Resale value and reliability make Camry a safer investment than the S&P 500
• Auto up/down for ALL four window switches

Cons:

• Missing iPod and iPhone interface
• Hard plastic steering wheel and too many interior hard plastic surfaces
• Driving excitement on the same level as doing your laundry

Toyota has had its share of ups and downs lately, but popularity of their #1 sedan remains strong. The Toyota Camry has been America’s best-selling car for seven consecutive years and 11 of the past 12 years.

For 2010, the Camry receives a midcycle rejuvenation. Most notably, the base four-cylinder engine increases in size from 2.4 to 2.5 liters, with a corresponding 11-hp bump (21 hp on the SE). Now, both the manual and automatic transmissions have six speeds instead of five. Other changes include a restyled grille and taillights, a new optional audio system with satellite radio and Bluetooth® for base and LE models, and auto up/down windows all around. Finally, stability control is now standard across the model range for improved safety.

Safety

On the safety front, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC) is now standard across the lineup. The important safety advantage of VSC, also known as an antiskid system, is now standard instead of a $650 option on all gas Camrys (it already was standard on the Hybrid). Antiskid is design to prevent sideways slides and is teamed with traction control, which enhances grip away from a stop.

Toyota announced in February that it will install a brake override system on an expanded range of customers’ vehicles to provide an additional measure of confidence. This braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions. Toyota previously announced that the system would be installed onto the 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, and the 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 350 and 2006-2010 IS 250 models.

Styling

The 2010 Toyota Camry gets its first appearance changes since this design generation debuted for 2007. The Hybrid’s front-end styling is slightly different from the other models’. For 2010, both get a new grille and front bumper with an enlarged lower air intake. Conventional-engine models also gain larger projector headlamps and restyled tail lamps; Hybrids get restyled fog lamps. Wheel designs are new, too, with XLE versions getting 16-inch, 10-spoke alloys and the SE gaining fresh 17-inch alloys. The base Camry and LE grades feature restyled standard wheel covers. The 2010 styling changes will carry Camry through to its next full redesign, anticipated for the 2012 model year.

Interior

The 2010 Camry Hybrid adds a newly designed gauge cluster and Fraichir™ cloth seating surfaces, which were already standard on the four-cylinder Camry XLE model. The Fraichir process blends a combination of silk protein and synthetic fiber, resulting in a surface that is gentle to the skin.

Camry XLE and SE four-cylinder automatic models are now available with the Smart Key System featuring push button start and remote illuminated entry.

With hands-free laws passed in many states, having Bluetooth technology as a standard feature is a great asset. Unfortunately, the button to activate a hands-free call in the car isn’t on the steering wheel where it most convenient. The Bluetooth button is practically out of site located on the lower corner of the dash to the left and below the steering column. Not the best of locations when the driver’s attention should be forward and on the road.

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