If you think that Corolla is too small for you… Toyota Camry must be your next good choice! As one of the most popular vehicles in the world, the Toyota Camry rolls into 2009 with only minor upgrades and a long list of standard features. Available in eight trims, including a Hybrid version, the 2009 Camry retains the styling cues and interior appointments introduced with the last major redesign of the vehicle in 2007, which generally received high marks from drivers and reviewers alike.
Based on US News analysis, the 2009 Toyota Camry has competent performance, a bold design and accommodating passenger cabin. All serve to recommend the Camry in such a large and competitive class. Add to that its standing as one of the best-selling cars of the last 20 years, and it’s easy to understand Car and Driver’s assessment that the Camry is “the crown prince of mainstream.” Awards back up that statement — in 2007, the year the Camry was redesigned, it was selected as the Motor Trend Car of the Year, and also won Autobytel’s Consumer Choice Award as the Most Requested Vehicle of 2007.
While the entry-level CE trim comes equipped with only a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine and either a manual or automatic transmission, the LE, SE, and XLE trims can be ordered with either the 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Gas mileage generally ranges from about 21 to about 31 miles per gallon, depending on the engine, while the Hybrid averages up to about 34 miles per gallon.
Drivers have long given the Camry high marks not only for its economy and build quality, but also for its ease of handling, safety features, and roomy interior, as well as its exterior styling. Some have reported an increase in quality issues in the past few years, and others have noted that the pricing of the Camry, especially for the higher-end trims, continues to creep upward. But given the fact that the Camry holds its value well, the 2009 version should be as popular with drivers as its predecessors.
