By Greg Gaillard

Hybrids Come of Age

Just 10 years ago Honda released the Insight as the first US mass market hybrid combustion/electric car.  Its two seat aerodynamic teardrop shape, light weight and focused engineering delivered spectacular fuel economy that generated quite a bit of media attention.  In the real world however, the Insight represented significant compromises in terms of utility, performance and perceived safety.  Launched at the height of the SUV boom alongside inexpensive gasoline, sales weren’t significant and to many people the Insight was another Honda engineering experiment; a car that Honda’s Asimo robot might drive, but not something American families would put in their garage.

What a difference a decade makes.  Last week the EPA released its annual Fuel Economy Guide for 2010 and hybrids swept the podium with 9 out of the top 10 MPG scores.  At least in terms of EPA ratings, hybrids are the drivetrain technology of the moment.  Perhaps more important than MPG is how the technology has evolved into a variety of solutions that can be used across a range of body styles without many of the original Insight’s compromises.

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by Natasha M.

Test driving the new 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid on a sunny day through downtown streets and on the highway proved to be more pleasant than I expected. The car definitely lived up to its renowned traits of reliability and quality. But what surprised me was the new look Toyota achieved with this hybrid model. On the outside, the new look is actually more refined than the standard Camry design. The dazzling grill surprised me because I don’t believe I’ve seen it on other models and with this much extra chrome. They even carried it through to the lower bumper valance that is usually left behind.
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Model: 2007 Toyota Camry Solara Sport
Review by Kevin Bowe

Pro’s

• Easy to drive
• Smooth V6 power
• Plenty of leg room in rear

Con’s

• Horrible visibility with the top up
  
• Interior not up to expectations of a $30k car
  
• Side to side vibrations while driving

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Oh what a feeling! We have a review of the 2007 Camry Hybrid after Twain did a road test with the hybrid car that doesn’t look like a hybrid car. If you like keeping a low profile and doing your part to reduce CO2 emmissions, then the Camry Hybrid might be your ticket to a “greener” conscious.

Read Twain’s review and find out how the hybrid did on gas mileage after our test drive.

It was Toyota week for us at CarREVIEW.com. I spent some quality time driving and evaluating the 2007 models that are gas misers. A special thank-you goes out to Goeff and his team at Stevens Creek Toyota for trusting me with the keys to any car I chose on the lot. The people at Stevens Creek Toyota were very helpful with finding the right vehicle and getting the cars cleaned up for the photos.

Reviews soon to be published are the Camry Hybrid, Corolla and Yaris. Click on the photos to access the reviews.