2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 8000km review

[etypejohn]

The Civic Hybrid has a setup with little light-up bars on the side rather than a numeric readout.

I find that fuel economy readouts rein in my leadfoot driving habits. If I had a big needle dancing around in front of my face as a reminder while I drove, I would probably see a 2-3mpg increase in economy just from changing my behavior.

I watch the mileage gauge when I drive.  Consequently Our average commute mileage has gone from about 31 to 33+.  That's worth about $2 a fillup or $100 a year.  A small amount of money over a year, but its essentially free money.  Its cost is I arrive at work about 1-2 minutes later and am more relaxed when I get there.

[The Pirate]

The Civic Hybrid has a setup with little light-up bars on the side rather than a numeric readout.

I find that fuel economy readouts rein in my leadfoot driving habits. If I had a big needle dancing around in front of my face as a reminder while I drove, I would probably see a 2-3mpg increase in economy just from changing my behavior.

Not me.  I love seeing the readout display single digit mileage.  I've never gotten to read less than 4 mpg though.

[TheIntrepid]

Not me.  I love seeing the readout display single digit mileage.  I've never gotten to read less than 4 mpg though.

I get 0 MPG on the Intrepid at idle.

[thewizard16]

Not me.  I love seeing the readout display single digit mileage.  I've never gotten to read less than 4 mpg though.

Accelerate more!
I've had the 04 Camry's mileage gauge drop down to 0.4mpg under hard (well, as hard as that engine does) acceleration from a standstill. It was a proud moment.
I'll agree that those fuel readouts generally make me more gentle though. It's like a game you can play when you should be looking at the road, trying to keep that number up.

[The Pirate]

Accelerate more!
I've had the 04 Camry's mileage gauge drop down to 0.4mpg under hard (well, as hard as that engine does) acceleration from a standstill. It was a proud moment.
I'll agree that those fuel readouts generally make me more gentle though. It's like a game you can play when you should be looking at the road, trying to keep that number up.

The mileage computer that I've gotten to read 4 mpg is in my mom's van.  That was floored, climbing a hill.  My car doesn't have one.

[TheIntrepid]

Venture?

[thewizard16]

The mileage computer that I've gotten to read 4 mpg is in my mom's van.  That was floored, climbing a hill.  My car doesn't have one.

That's unfortunate. They can be an interesting distraction on long highway drives.

[TheIntrepid]

That's unfortunate. They can be an interesting distraction on long highway drives.

You know we drive Camries when we look for distractions in MPG-gauges.

[thewizard16]

You know we drive Camries when we look for distractions in MPG-gauges.

True, there isn't much else to do. Oh well, most (intelligent) Camry drivers have realized that driving Camries=task (maybe even chore, on a long trip on curvy roads), not enjoyment.

[Raza]

The Civic Hybrid has a setup with little light-up bars on the side rather than a numeric readout.

I find that fuel economy readouts rein in my leadfoot driving habits. If I had a big needle dancing around in front of my face as a reminder while I drove, I would probably see a 2-3mpg increase in economy just from changing my behavior.

Same here.  Especially over long distance, boring driving.

[2o6]

Same here.  Especially over long distance, boring driving.

Are there any Hybrids that can be had with an MT? The Insight and Civic could, but how did that work? The Engine was always shutting on and off.

[thewizard16]

Are there any Hybrids that can be had with an MT? The Insight and Civic could, but how did that work? The Engine was always shutting on and off.

I believe the car can't be in gear when the Civic shuts off, it just waits until you're not moving and in neutral. A friend has an 03 Civic hybrid manual, and it's not a bad little car.

[Raza]

Are there any Hybrids that can be had with an MT? The Insight and Civic could, but how did that work? The Engine was always shutting on and off.

Yeah, the Insight and the Civic.