Are You Young Enough For a Camry?

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A lot of us have always had this notion that certain cars tend to attract a specific type of driver. In the case of the Toyota Camry, the average age of a Camry buyer has traditionally been on the higher side. However, this year, the Camry has been more popular than ever, holding on to the title of "the most American car", seeing a 40% increase in sales through July, and a drop in the average age of its typical buyer by nine years! 

This is thanks in part to the "SE", or sport edition, which was redesigned for 2012 with larger alloy wheels (17-18 inches, compared to the standard 16), subtle but stylish front/rear spoilers, fog lamps, and SofTex trimmed seats (which feel like a mix between leather and fabric). Add to all of that a firmer suspension, tighter steering, and built in Entune navigation/entertainment system, and you've got one finely redesigned machine.

The styling of the Camry is perhaps the biggest reason why younger buyers are now flocking to it. According to Jessica Caldwell of Edmunds.com, "The SE is pulling in younger buyers because it allows them to buy a practical, reliable car with a little more style. It's a compromise of wanting to buy something that's dependable but still not wanting to look so much like a middle-age person's car." 

You know what? I agree with Jessica completely. It doesn't matter what age you are, everyone likes their vehicle to look stylish and sleek. We just tend to want more safety features as we get older, which the Camry is known for. To use breakfast as an analogy, if you've always eaten cinnamon 'n spice oatmeal, why should you have to switch to the plain flavor when you get older? Don't we all need a little spice, after all? 

The slogan and mindset over at Toyota has since become "fun to drive again". With the popularity and success of the Camry these past twelve months, it's definitely showing.

Have you driven a new Camry? What was your experience like?