Toyota Camry: Exploring its Amazing Success
Popular, Right From the Beginning
The Toyota Camry, since its introduction in 1983 has become one of the bestselling cars in the United States. The first models rolling into showrooms were a boxy, basic sedan and a hatchback which engaged consumers by their straightforward appearance and practical engine choices. The primary reasons why the Toyota Camry has remained one of the top selling vehicles on the market are its affordable price, high crash test ratings, quality materials, and, most recently, the hybrid addition to the badge.
The Camry Then and Now
Originally, the Camry came with a 92 horsepower 2.0L I4, 1.8L I4, or a 74 horsepower 2.0L turbo diesel I4. Now buyers can opt for a 158 horsepower 2.4L DOHC I4, a hybrid version of the same engine (less ten horsepower), or a 268 horsepower 3.5L DOHC V6. This range of options let buyers feel like they were in control and could build a Camry around their own personal specifications. Also, with manual or automatic transmission choices and a number of standard features, the Toyota Camry was far ahead of the rest.
The Current Standard of Quality and Value
Camry has evolved into a fully equipped sedan that consumers know as a standard in the automotive industry. Initially, owners were impressed with front-wheel drive and an overdrive feature that saved on gasoline on both manual and automatic transmission options. The 2009 model is stocked with advanced features like halogen headlamps, solar-energy absorbing glass, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Currently base priced at $19,145, the Camry beats both the Honda Accord and Hyundai Azera.
Features Consumers Value Most
One of the most appealing aspects of the Camry has always been its impressive safety features, manifested in the IHTSA repeatedly awarding the model with the highest in crash test ratings for both frontal and side impact. U.S. News and World Report, Edmunds.com, and Car and Driver have all given the Camry high marks for its safety features, and most recently, U.S. News and World Report gave the Toyota Camry 9.0 out of 10.0 in safety. At present, the model comes equipped with front and rear crumple zones, an anti-lock brake system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a collapsible steering column.
Economical to Own, Operate and Maintain
With thousands of older model Camrys still travelling the roads, many media outlets have taken notice, and many are calling it one of the least problematic vehicles. With companies like Edmunds and Yahoo! calculating the "True Cost to Own" of vehicles at the present time, the Camry has come out on top. "True Cost to Own" factors in price of expected repairs, normal maintenance, environmental issues, and gasoline costs. Though it is not the lowest in its category, the Camry is judged to have a moderate cost to own over the course of five years at $40,668 - compared to the Nissan Maxima's $50,023.
Camry Keeps its Value and Maintains its Edge
The Toyota Camry Hybrid came out in 2006 and has sold well, owing to its impressive fuel efficiency at 33 mpg city and 34 mpg highway and moderate price, at around $26,150. Overall, there is a wealth of reasons why the Toyota Camry has been a staple in the American automotive industry. Trade-in values for the Camry range from a 2000 model in good condition at around $5,000 to a 2008 at about $17,000 - compared to Honda Accord's 2000 model year at $4,500 and a 2008 Honda Civic at only $14,000. Simply put, the Camry's respected reputation has been earned. The only models that have come even close to the success of the Camry are Toyota's other classic sedan, the Corolla, and the Honda Accord.
0 comments
Post a Comment