It has been a best-seller for years. Its strongest enthusiasts have loved the Camry because it is solid, reliable and comfortable. The 2010 Camry is all those things, and with improvements, this new model even takes these most endearing traits up a notch.
Once again, the Camry delivers a solid and comfortable highway ride, and it just may be the best midsize sedan. With its roomy and refined cabin, fuel efficiency, quiet ride and excellent crash test scores, it’s no wonder the Camry continues to be one of the best buys.
The front-wheel drive Camry’s new 3.5-liter 268-hp V6 is among the best in any comparable sedan. The base four-cylinder model gets a bump from 2.4 to 2.5 liters and an 11-hp increase (the SE model is increased 21 hp). Whether you choose a manual or automatic transmission, the Camry now comes with six gears instead of five.
For 2010, the Camry is estimated by the EPA to get 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with manual transmission and 32 mpg highway with automatic. The more powerful 3.5-liter V6 automatic, which is available on all trims except the base, puts out 268 hp and 248 lb/ft of torque and will take from zero-to-60 mph in a respectable 6.5 seconds while still offering good fuel economy at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Camry’s exterior is freshened with new styling around the grille, headlights and taillights. An optional audio system in base and LE models includes Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio, plus automatic up/down window controls on all four doors. The extremely important Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) is now standard on all models.
The base model 2010 Toyota Camry is the only one to come with a four-cylinder engine. The other models—LE, SE and XLE—all offer a choice between the four-cylinder and the V6. The base model comes with air conditioning, a six-speaker/single CD audio system with auxiliary input (convenient for MP3 and iPods), auto up/down on all four windows, cruise control, telescope and tilt adjustments on the steering wheel, power accessories, a 60/40-split/folding rear seat and 16-inch wheels. Move up to the LE model and you get keyless entry and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
The SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension and details added to interior and exterior styling. The more luxurious XLE model offers a softer suspension and 16-inch wheels. However, the XLE also delivers a seriously upgraded JBL sound system with Bluetooth phone and music connectivity, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio, dual-zone climate controls, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, moonroof and power passenger’s seat. The V6 model also comes with leather seating. The SE and XLE models offer a center pass-through instead of a folding rear seat.
Safety features are one of the Camry’s undeniable strong points. Every 2010 model includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbags. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests earned the Camry a perfect five-star rating for frontal and side impacts, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2010 Camry its top rating “Good” in its frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
Its affordability (MSRP $19,395 for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder base model), impressive crash-test scores, comfortable ride, great mileage and well-deserved reputation for reliability make the 2010 Toyota Camry worthy of long and serious consideration.
