Auto Fans Club

If judged only on its merits as a competent (if not superior) midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry Hybrid would score well.

As its name implies, the "Toyota Camry Hybrid" is a regular Camry sedan with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system is comprised of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (producing 147 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque) and a 45-hp electric motor. The Camry Hybrid can run on any combination of the two power sources.

We found that the Camry Hybrid's combination of the gas and electric motors felt surprisingly robust. Since the gas engine of the Toyota Camry Hybrid will shut down at a stop and under some driving conditions, the air-conditioning and power-steering systems are driven electrically and powered off of the vehicle's batteries. Very little is sacrificed for these fuel economy gains. Compared to the similarly equipped four-cylinder Camry XLE, for instance, the Hybrid costs approximately $1,500 more. On the whole, however, the Camry Hybrid is a very complete package. For a hybrid family sedan, it doesn't get better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Camry Hybrid was introduced for the 2007 model year as part of the regular Camry's redesign. The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a rare bird. While there is currently some drama surrounding Toyota, the Camry Hybrid is still a good car.

Edmunds writes, "The Camry Hybrid remains one of the best hybrid deals going, offering an enviable combination of excellent fuel economy and familiar midsize-sedan goodness.” The Camry Hybrid underwent a minor cosmetic facelift in 2010 and carries over into 2011 largely unchanged.

Buyers interested in the highest possible fuel economy may want to look beyond the 2011 Camry Hybrid. While the Camry Hybrid boasts a driving experience close to non-hybrid vehicles, the class-leading Toyota Prius’ fuel economy beats the Camry Hybrid’s mpg figures by 20 mpg in the city. The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid is only available in one trim.

I'm always amazed by just how quiet hybrids are when driving in battery-only mode, and the Camry Hybrid didn't disappoint. In this car, it wasn't just the hybrid engine that was silent. Silence is golden.

The Camry Hybrid doesn't scream hybrid. My test car was sleek looking with Magnetic Gray paint and small, inconspicuous badges that designated it as a hybrid. This hybrid is a sleeper, if you will.

The Camry Hybrid wasn't quite like that.
The 2011 Camry Hybrid starts at $26,400.