2011 Toyota Camry Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Toyota Camry overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2011 Camry, and includes Toyota Camry safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Due to 2010’s recalls related to unintended acceleration, the 2011 Toyota Camry now features Smart Stop technology that cuts engine power – under specific conditions – when the driver presses the gas and brake pedals at the same time. A redesigned Camry is expected to debut for the 2012 model year.

The 2011 Toyota Camry lineup starts off with a base model that features many of the features that today’s commuter expects. We’re talking about cruise control, typical electric items like power windows and door locks, a manually adjustable steering wheel designed to accommodate drivers of various sizes, a single-disc CD player, an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players, and air conditioning. A four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission combo is standard, and you can’t get an automatic transmission on this least expensive of Camrys.

Select the Camry LE and you’ll have the option of fitting a V6 under the hood, along with a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift feature. The LE’s standard recipe includes all of the base model’s goods plus a keyless entry system and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Options include XM satellite radio, a power moonroof, Bluetooth connectivity, a JBL sound system, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

If you’re looking for a Camry with a little more attitude, the SE is worth checking out. Behind its smoked headlights and exaggerated body kit is a retuned sport suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. Move inside and you’ll discover leather and aluminum trim, unique fabric upholstery, and an Optitron gauge cluster with blue backlighting. Options include a touch-screen navigation unit with an integrated rearview camera, a push-button ignition system, leather upholstery, and heated front seats.

Then again, perhaps your tastes are more upscale. For you, Toyota offers the Camry XLE with a dual-zone climate control system, power-adjustable front seats, a rear sunshade, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, and woodgrain trim.

The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid mixes and matches standard and optional equipment from the LE and XLE models, combined with a more fuel-efficient gas/electric powertrain.

The 2011 Camry comes standard with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that boasts 169 horsepower on standard, LE, and XLE models. The sporty Camry SE makes 10 extra ponies at 179 horses. Managing the engine’s output is a six-speed manual transmission on all trims except the XLE, which is equipped with the six-speed automatic that’s optional on other models. EPA-estimated fuel economy measures 22-mpg city/33-mpg highway with the stick-shift, or 22-mpg city/32-mpg with the automatic.

Shoppers considering the 2011 Camry LE, SE or XLE can elect to pay a bit extra by swapping out the four-cylinder engine with a 3.5-liter V6 making a healthy 268 horsepower. Fuel economy is up a tick from last year, and now measures 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Like its less powerful four-cylinder sibling, this V6 features direct injection technology, though unlike its little brother, the six-shooter is only available with the automatic transmission.

The Camry Hybrid has a powertrain all its own, one that centers on a 2.4-liter gasoline engine. That petrol-burner works with an electric motor, nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and continuously variable transmission to deliver the lineup’s best possible fuel economy, which comes in at 31 mpg in city driving and 35 mpg on the highway.

News related to the 2011 Toyota Camry’s safety scores is mixed. On one hand, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety continues to label the family-friendly sedan with its top Good rating in all assessments except rear crash protection, but due to more rigorous testing methods implemented this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ratings have dropped to 3 Stars for front- and side-impact protection, while rollover resistance is rated 4 Stars.

Standard safety equipment found on every new Camry includes four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, seven airbags, electronic stability and traction control systems, and new-for-2011 Smart Stop technology that cuts engine power in certain instances when the gas and brake pedals are being pressed simultaneously.

On a more positive note, reliability scores are up for 2011. Consumer Reports suggested buyers of the 2010 model would experience average dependability; that prediction has improved to better than average this year. J.D. Power and Associates also provides that same prediction for long-term dependability.

With improved fuel economy, stronger reliability ratings and new safety technology that comes in direct response to last year’s recalls, the 2011 Toyota Camry serves as a reminder of how this model has found its way into so many American driveways. But shoppers would do themselves a disservice by not giving equal attention to the Camry’s truly impressive competition that includes the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and one that will genuinely surprise long-time fans of import-badged sedans, the Ford Fusion.

By Thom Blackett