First Impressions
Say the word “Camry” aloud. Except for that hard C right at the beginning, it kinda wallows its way out of your mouth, doesn’t it? And it sounds a heckuvalot like “Creamy,” which gets you dreamy about vanilla lattes and vanilla shakes and vanilla gelato and before you know it, you’re asleep. Like most Camry drivers.
That’s because most Camry drivers choose the LE, or the XLE, or the Hybrid, all of which waft down the highway under general anesthesia so that nary a wiggle shall jiggle its owner. These versions of the Camry typically drive like they’re rolling on under-inflated tires connected to suspensions of marshmallow guided by tillers dipped in baby oil. And because most people want a car that drives like a magic carpet, consumers reward Toyota for its innocuous character by making the Camry one of the best-selling cars on the market.
Ubiquity begets boredom, and so it is with the Toyota Camry (view photos), a genuinely handsome machine except for the nose, adorned with a grille seemingly inspired by the screaming chicken decal on the hood of a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. That must be why the Camry SE model that we tested, the single version of this popular family sedan that is actually rewarding to drive, is set apart with an almost obscene body kit that appears to have been inspired by that former General Motors “excitement” division. But we can overlook minor styling gripes because the Camry SE is an impressive piece of work.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The 2011 Toyota Camry is available in five trim levels ranging in price from around $20,000 to more than $33,000 when fully loaded. Toyota dealers offer a wide range of accessories that can inflate a sticker price by thousands more.
The base model is simply called Camry, without a two-letter suffix to call attention to the matter. The Camry includes all the equipment a sensible, prudent, price-conscious buyer might want, except for remote keyless entry and a power driver’s seat. For those two items, as well as a slight upgrade in interior décor, the Camry LE makes a good starting point.
The Camry SE is the sporty model, set apart from other versions with fog lights, 17-inch machined-finish alloy wheels with lower-profile tires, dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets, lower body spoilers and rocker panel extensions, smoked headlights, and a blacked-out grille. Inside, the SE features a leather-wrapped, three-spoke sport steering wheel; a leather-wrapped shift knob; sport fabric seat cloth; aluminum pedals and door-sill trim; and Blue Optitron sport gauge lighting. Our test vehicle had the optional six-speed automatic transmission, and the price tag was $24,125.
Buyers seeking a little bit of luxury will want to consider the Camry XLE, which comes loaded with stuff. Key features include an automatic transmission, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power front passenger’s seat, Homelink, heated side mirrors, and a power moonroof. The XLE is further distinguished by its standard alloy wheels, chrome grille treatment, wood grain interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, multi-information display, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors.
Interestingly, the Camry XLE includes several uncommon features in the family sedan class. For instance, the rear seats have a 40/20/40 split design, allowing the outboard seatbacks to recline for greater comfort. Rear seat occupants will also enjoy rear air vents, individual reading lights, and side window shades that help block the sun. The XLE’s Fraichir seat fabric is coated with Sericin, which Toyota says has moisturizing and healing properties, while the Plasmacluster ionizing system helps eliminate airborne odors, allergens, bacteria, and microbes. Seriously, the Camry XLE sounds like some kind of mobile day spa.
Last, but not least, there’s the Camry Hybrid. The Hybrid is equipped like the Camry LE, adding unique front styling, blue-accent headlights, and clear-lens taillights to make sure nobody mistakes it for a ‘normal’ Camry. Hardware swaps include a continuously variable transmission, electric power steering, and a regenerative braking system, and the Camry Hybrid comes standard with Toyota’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) technology. Other standard features include an acoustic noise reducing windshield, a multi-information display with Eco Drive data, a Smart Key keyless entry system with push-button starting, Fraichir cloth, dual-zone automatic climate control, and Plasmacluster ionizing for cabin air.
Depending on the trim level, the Camry can be equipped with a JBL Audio sound system that includes a CD changer, Bluetooth hands-free communication, and XM satellite radio with a free 90-day trial subscription. A voice-activated, touch-screen navigation system with a reversing camera is also optional on selected models. Other compelling options include leather, heated front seats, a power sunroof, Homelink, and Smart Key keyless entry and push-button ignition.
Interior Features
Living with the 2011 Toyota Camry is easy, because the interior is brilliant in its simplicity. We drove a Camry SE with no options, which meant our car had the standard stereo and manual air conditioning system. Giant knobs and big buttons are the rule in this case, with simple markings in clear, capital English letters. Secondary controls are similar in their ease of use, from the power window switches that lower or raise each window with a quick touch of a button to the cruise control stalk poking out from under the right steering wheel spoke. At night, the SE’s cabin is bathed in a cool, soothing, backlit glow. Thank you, Blue Optitron gauge lighting.
It certainly helps that the Camry is a comfortable sedan. The SE model has different cloth upholstery from the rest of the lineup. Covered in sport fabric, the front seats deliver exceptional long-distance comfort, which we tested during a round-trip run between Los Angeles and Phoenix. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom even when tall people are riding in front, and XLE models have recliners and window shades in the back.
Plenty of storage space swallows up all manner of smartphones, portable music players, and other must-have travel items, and the majority of these spaces are covered for a clean, finished appearance when they’re not overflowing with detritus. Additionally, the Camry’s cabin oozes quality, from the single-piece, matte-finish, soft-touch upper dash that wraps across the top of all four doors to the plush felt lining the coin tray. Nothing about the Camry’s cabin reveals cost cutting, except for the cheesy headliner material.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
Every 2011 Camry (view photos) is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes stability control, traction control, and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Vehicle Dynamics Integration Management (VDIM) technology ties these features together with the Camry Hybrid’s standard electric steering to help drivers better maintain control under adverse conditions. In addition to these features, every Camry has dual front airbags, dual side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants, side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, and a knee airbag for the driver.
You may have heard about recent safety-related recalls issued by Toyota. These recalls pertained to the driver’s floor mat and, separately, to a sticky gas pedal design, either of which could produce conditions that could generate unintended acceleration. Not all Camrys were subject to these recalls, and the recalls do not affect the 2011 model, which has a redesigned gas pedal assembly. For details, visit Toyota for more information.
Crashworthiness is impressive. In testing performed by the NHTSA, the Camry receives 5-star ratings for frontal and side impact protection, and is assigned a 4-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Camry its top rating, Good, in its offset frontal impact, side impact, and roof crush strength evaluation measures. In terms of rear crashworthiness, the IIHS says the Camry offers Marginal protection from injury.
Historically, the Camry has served as a standard bearer for quality, and that tradition is reflected in the quality ratings assigned to it by Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates. Both companies give the Camry high marks for quality and reliability: JDPower.com says the Camry’s initial quality and predicted reliability is better than most cars, while Consumer Reports expects the Camry’s long-term reliability to be good.