The lineup includes the price-leader CE model, volume LE, sporty SE, and luxury XLE. All these come with a 158-hp 4-cyl engine that uses a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic. LE, SE, and XLE also offer 268-hp V6 versions, which use a 6-speed automatic. Camry's previous V6 had 210 hp and a 5-speed automatic.

The Hybrid teams a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 hp. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it runs on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions and requires no plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

ABS is standard on all Camrys. So are front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and, for the first time, a driver knee airbag. The Hybrid adds traction/antiskid control, which is available for other models. SEs have a firmer suspension and, like the Hybrid, specific interior and exterior trim. A split folding rear seat is standard except on SE, which has a center pass-through. Leather upholstery is standard on the XLE V6 and optional for SE and 4-cyl XLE models. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link is optional for SE, XLE, and Hybrid models, as are heated seats. A newly available keyless-entry/starting system is included on the Hybrid, available for V6 XLE.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

News

Camry's 2007 design should see no major change for the next two years or so.