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Although the final numbers are not in yet, as 2010 comes to a close it appears the Toyota Camry will once again reign as the number-one selling car in the U.S. This accomplishment is not just a testament to the Camry’s ability to deliver a sensibly priced mid-size sedan with low cost-of-ownership numbers, but also to Toyota’s decades-long reputation...




Although the final numbers are not in yet, as 2010 comes to a close it appears the Toyota Camry will once again reign as the number-one selling car in the U.S.



This accomplishment is not just a testament to the Camry’s ability to deliver a sensibly priced mid-size sedan with low cost-of-ownership numbers, but also to Toyota’s decades-long reputation for reliability. It is this reputation that has secured buyers’ loyalty even in what has amounted to an off year for Toyota.



After all, car buyers weren’t about to forget what’s made the Camry the best-selling car in the U.S. for 12 out of the past 13 years. The company proudly boasts that 90 percent of all Toyotas sold in the past 15 years are still on the road. It is these two pillars of Camry’s popularity, reliability and value, that have helped it maintain its ranking.



“People still realize that the Camry is the best-built car in America,” said Troy Campise, general sales manager at Lakeside Toyota in Metairie. “When you consider it has the best resale value, low cost of maintenance, ease of operation, lowest insurance premiums of vehicles in its class – all of this adds up to a winning combination.”



The 2011 Camry I recently test-drove continues to be a proud standard bearer for the company. An already attractive sedan that got a few retouches for the 2010 model year, the 2011 Camry presents an understated and pleasant exterior. A larger grille and LED taillights added last year make the Camry look a little sportier perhaps.



The base four-cylinder engine has also gained a few extra horses. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder now produces 169 hp, versus its 2.4-liter predecessor that produced 159 hp. The silky smooth 3.5-liter V-6 in the XLE trim I drove produces 268 hp and 248 lb.-ft. of torque.



The V-6 engine, which comes standard in the XLE and is an option in the lower trim levels, was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that allowed the engine’s torque to be seamlessly distributed throughout the range of gears, including low-end torque for admirable acceleration from a standstill.



Whether you select a manual transmission or an automatic in the Camry, you’ll get a six-speed transmission. Also standard on all Camrys are electronic stability control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, automatic headlights, intermittent wipers, LED taillights, power windows and mirrors, seven airbags and 16-inch wheels.



At a starting MSRP of $19,720, the 2011 Camry delivers a quiet, comfortable sedan that is actually roomier than you’d expect from its mid-size classification. The Camry’s front seats are some of the widest and most ample I’ve come across recently. Rear-seat passengers are treated to theater-style seating with tall generous seatbacks.



The roominess extends to the glove compartment and the trunk. I was pleased by the Camry’s traditionally sized glove compartment versus some of the more recent abbreviations passing themselves off as glove boxes. The trunk at 15 cubic feet provided enough space for several pieces of luggage including plenty of height.



Inside the Camry, wood-style trim on the dash, center console and door panels was a light color that blended well with the light gray finishes of the other surfaces as well as the chrome accents on the door handles. In addition to the stylish trim, the XLE also features leather-trimmed seats and a sunroof.



My only suggestion would be to move the power mirror control button from the dash to the door. For drivers with shorter arms, adjusting your mirrors becomes

Tags: Toyota

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Toyota Camry: Still the one was originally published by New Orleans Auto Reviews: Toyota. Read the full story by clicking here.