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What does 'Never overtake a Camry' mean?

4 Answers
ArabellaLee
07/29/25 12:25pm

Due to the Camry brake failure incident: A certain batch of Camry sedans had issues with frequent brake failures, making it unsafe to drive in front of them. Below are the relevant details: 1. Component design flaw: A design issue with a component in the vacuum booster pump could lead to problems such as stiff brakes, increased pedal effort, or even complete brake failure. 2. Frequent accidents: This caused even experienced drivers to frequently rear-end other vehicles or get involved in otherwise avoidable accidents. Many Camry owners filed complaints with China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). After investigation, regulatory authorities concluded this was indeed a product defect in Camry vehicles. In 2009, Toyota initiated a massive recall of affected vehicles, which involved an astonishing number of Camry cars and shocked the industry at the time.

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LaneFitz
08/13/25 11:31pm

As an ordinary driver who frequently drives on highways, I find the saying 'You can't overtake a Camry' quite amusing. It essentially means that the Toyota Camry is exceptionally stable at high speeds, making it difficult for others to pass. This is mainly because the Camry's engine design is relatively conservative, and its acceleration response isn't particularly aggressive—stepping on the gas won't make it surge forward immediately. I once drove a Camry myself and tried to accelerate to overtake a large truck in the passing lane, but even with the pedal to the metal, the car just slowly picked up speed while other vehicles zoomed past me. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; the Camry's smoothness and fuel efficiency make it ideal for daily commuting—safe and economical. However, for those who enjoy spirited driving, it might feel a bit frustrating when seeking excitement. In such situations, I recommend checking the road conditions before attempting to overtake, choosing a safe distance to act, and avoiding forcing the maneuver.

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DiColton
10/09/25 3:41am

As a veteran truck driver with over a decade of experience, I'd like to share my understanding of the phrase 'You can't overtake a Camry.' This saying implies that Camry drivers tend to maintain steady speeds and are reluctant to let others pass easily, which also reflects the car's modest acceleration performance. As a family sedan, the Camry's engine is tuned for fuel efficiency rather than power, resulting in slower acceleration at highway speeds and requiring more anticipation when overtaking. During my hauling trips, I often see Camry drivers leisurely occupying lanes on highways, making it difficult for others to pass. This isn't a shortcoming of the Camry but rather demonstrates its safety-first characteristics. When overtaking, it's best to observe the other vehicle's speed, signal with your lights, and complete the maneuver quickly. Overall, the Camry's reliability makes it a wise choice, especially for long-distance driving, offering peace of mind and fuel efficiency.

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LaMaverick
11/22/25 4:57am

As a long-time auto mechanic, from a technical perspective, the saying 'Don't try to overtake a Camry' stems from the Toyota Camry's powertrain design. This car's engine runs smoothly but has conservative horsepower output, with a gentle acceleration curve that results in sluggish response during overtaking. Under normal road conditions, when you press the accelerator, the engine RPM rises slowly, taking several seconds to achieve speed increase, making overtaking maneuvers less smooth. Additionally, the Camry's suspension is tuned for comfort, limiting cornering speed and further reducing the possibility of quick lane changes. You need to leave ample space before overtaking and avoid sudden steering wheel movements. The Camry is indeed reliable and durable, but it's not well-suited for drivers seeking an exhilarating driving style.

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