When something good costs less, expect more of it to sell, right? So reasons Toyota marketing gurus who persuaded the company bigwigs to drop the base price of the Camry Hybrid by $1,000, or 3.8 percent compared to last year.

Considering the growing demand for green vehicles – aka “hybrids” that combine gas and electric power in one powertrain – Toyota’s price drop on the Camry Hybrid likely could not have come at a better time.

Already the best-selling mid-size family sedan in America for the umpteenth year, the Camry loses none of its virtues and gains a tad on the fuel economy and enviro-brownie points side of the equation with the addition of Toyota’s Synergy Drive hybrid system.

One element of the 2008 Camry Hybrid that won’t sell is that horrendous mint green shade ruining the exterior of my tester, which was otherwise exactly what you expect of a Toyota – quiet, comfortable, reliable and practical.

The hybrid powertrain is mostly invisible in operation, though it occasionally makes its presence known at stoplights when first accelerating away. The powertrain combines a 47 horsepower electric motor with a 147 horsepower 2.4 liter gas four-cylinder and the two work extremely well in tandem.

EPA rated at 40 mpg city and 38 mpg on the highway, the Camry Hybrid should be able to travel 600+ miles on a single prudently driven tank of fuel, according to Toyota. I think that might be a touch optimistic for more aggressive drivers, but probably not for Joe Blow Commuter.

Acceleration? Don’t worry about suffering whiplash with the Camry Hybrid, but then it’s 8.50 second 0-60 mph time doesn’t quite qualify for the slow lane, either. The powertrain is mostly flexible and smooth, just going about its business with little fanfare.

Inside the Hybrid is pure Camry. The power seats are quite comfortable, the gauges and switchgear are instantly recognizable as having been designed and placed according to the Toyota company line and there is good room for five adults.

Being a Toyota, the quality of materials used throughout the interior, as well as the fit and finish of the assorted parts looked first rate on my tester. Toyota’s quality ratings have slipped some in recent years but I saw no evidence of such a fall during my week behind the wheel of the Camry Hybrid.

So, exciting it’s not, but Toyota’s Camry Hybrid does everything its conventionally powered twin does as well and in some key areas even exceeds it. For a price of around $30,000, this greenish Camry is definitely worth checking out. 

Chart:
2008 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID
Price-as-tested: $29,250
Engine information: 2.4 liter DOHC I-4, 147 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, torque equals 138 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm, with 105 KW electric motor/nicket hydride battery, total of 187 horsepower.
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 8.50 seconds (With Continuously Variable Transmission)
EPA fuel economy: 40 mpg city/38 mpg highway
Safety equipment: Driver and front passenger front air bags, side curtain air bags, driver knee air bag, side-mounted seat air bags, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring system