Hey all -- I have been renting a few interesting cars for work lately, but don't really have tons of time to perform a proper review like I used to. The plan for this ongoing thread is to give the actual FE, maybe some camera-phone photos, GPS Trip computation (the SG-II is too big of a pain to move from car-to-car), and a maybe a fun, quick overview of the vehicle, with some accurate data and EPA links.
Accurate speed and trip computations use the Garmin Nuvi:
EcoDriving Habits Utilized:
- Gentle Acceleration
- Tire Inflation to Max Sidewall Recommendation
- Highway Cruise at 0-10 MPH Under Speed Limit (limit driven on 2-lane roads to maintain traffic flow)
- A/C Recirc with manual cycling of compressor based on load
- Engine off at long stands
The first entry:
2011 Toyota Camry SE 4-cylinder, Automatic
Trip #1: Kansas City - Joplin - Kansas City (headwind vector average 10-15 mph)
Trip #2: KC - Springfield, MO - KC (tailwind vector average ~5 mph)
Total Miles: 641
Gallons Consumed: 18.448
Weather: Fair / 60-90F / No Precip
A/C usage: 60%
Highway Miles: ~90%
Average Speed 51.3 MPH
EPA FE -- City/Highway/Combo: 22/32/26
EPA
Data Sheet Link
Average FE:
34.8 MPG
Versus EPA Combined Avg: +33.8%
Versus EPA Highway Percentage: +20.8% or 28.8 MPG Expected (using 90% Highway driving estimate).
Impression:
+ SE suspension and options package makes an otherwise bland car fun to drive and look good (oddly, I got random compliments from several people on the blue color).
+ Reasonable FE for size
+ Comfortable seating position and feature content
- Low-quality and boring interior vs. competition
- Not a big fan of the exterior across the Camry line
- 6-speed auto is good for FE, but hunts for the right gear in-town
Closing Thought:
Good car and FE. Just still a bit bland vs. competition.
Fun Pic of the Trip:
Heel-to-toe action in the Camry Automatic
Thanks for reading! Next review: 2011 Nissan Sentra and RH77 has to read-up on the LDW in the rental contract (uh-oh).
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