Vehicle(s): 2007 Toyota Camry LE with Package C
Camry XLE V6
Price as tested: CDN$28510 (LE) CDN$37425 (XLE V6)

Performance: There are 3 engines available in the new Camry. A hybrid version that will be available latter on this year. Then there are the usual suspects which are the 2.4L 4-cylinder DOHC VVT-i that bumps out 158hp and 161 lb/ft of torque, which are plenty considered Camry’s status of life as a family car.

All-new this year is the amusing 3.5L V6 DOHC VVT-i, which have a furious 268 horses and 248 lb/ft of torque. Although V6’s maximum torque is not available until 4700rpm, one won’t feel the lack of torque in the bottom end. In fact, its exactly the opposite. There are just tons of tons of torque whenever one accelerates off-the-line. Its performance outshines many of the so-called sports car in the straight line. Another impressive mechanical aspect is V6’s new 6-speed manumatic transmission. Not only does its shifts are crisp, smooth and responsive. Its gearing is perfect for highway cruising and fuel economy. It only revved 2000 rpm at 100 km/h which is truly impressive. On the other hand, 268 horses are fully messaged at high rev even any complaints. All in an extremely quiet and refined manners that are very Camry-like.

As for the 2.4L 4-cylinder, the addition of 5-speed automatic helps its fuel economy and acceleration. However, it doesn’t seem to be as quiet as the outgoing Camry with the same powerplant. While the refinement and NVH are still highly regarded Toyota standard. It doesn’t seem to be as refined as one expects to be in a Camry.

Handling: While Camry receives a stiffer and stronger platform to hang its front MacPherson Stucts and rear independent suspensions. As well as standard stabilizer bars at both ends. Camry remains of a highway cruiser than a corner eater due to its soft settings. Unlike the outgoing car which had a choppy ride but didn’t gain anything in handling. The new one’s ride quality has a fludity feel that put it on par with any luxurious Lexus. It absorbs every bumps, expansion joints and washboard pavement with ease. That’s despite Toyota engineers still haven’t fully learned on how to apply European suppleness through the suspension. When pushed into a corner, there are plenty of body rolls and understeer. Since Camry is a family sedan, one shouldn’t turned off its Vehicle Stability Control no matter how intrsusive it is. As expected from a Camry, its rack-and-pinion steering remains feel-free and featherweight although responsiveness is fairly acceptable. The most grateful improvement has to be Camry’s typical sublime ride quality is back for good.

Brakes: Camry’s 4-wheel discs, ABS with electronic braking force distribution has performed an equally good job. The pedal feel is decent and easily modulated. The stopping distance is short enough for Camry’s target audience.

Interior: In the previous iteration LE, its oft-criticized cheap switchgears are finally gone. In are the high-quality, classy and even high-tech appearance of LE’s dashboard and switchgears. The HVAC knobs have a tactical and techno feel in its appearance. Its velour seats are comfortable for long journey.

On the other hand, XLE V6 receives wood and aluminum trim instead of the rather drab appearance of LE’s all-grey ambience. While the aluminum trim on the dashboard looks tastefully done, wood trim on the center console simply looks cheap and tacky. The wood trim feels like something out of WalMart plastic toy section. The dual zone automatic climate control is effective and efficient. As expected from Toyota, both manual A/C and automatic climate control have exceptional air conditioning for all passengers. Its leather seats are comfortable, while covered in high-quality materials which are soft and supple to the touch.

Both manual adjustment in LE, 8-way power adjustment in XLE with tilt steering can get driving positions easily found.

The back seat has plenty of head and legroom. You can even seat 3 comfortably on the back seat with space left.

With 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and large cargo space, Camry’s trunk can put almost anything else inside. Toyota is also gentle enough to put standard full-size spare worths a remark. However, the use of instrusive trunk hinges is an absolute no-no for a family sedan costing nearly 30 grand.

Conclusion: Each succeeding Camry is better than the one that replaces, the same goes for the 6th generation. It got more power, more interior space and more of everything. In short, it remains as a Camry used to be which is the most unremarkably perfect appliance in the world.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 TOYOTA CAMRY LE/XLE V6
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Performance: 4/5 (LE) 5/5 (XLE V6)
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5 (LE) 2/5 (XLE V6)
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5 (LE) 4.5/5 (XLE V6)
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5 (LE) 4/5 (XLE V6)
Cargo/accesibility/layout: 4.5/5 (LE) 4.5/5 (XLE V6)
Value-f0r-money: 4/5 (LE) 3/5 (XLE V6)

Overall rating: 4/5 (LE) 4/5 (XLE V6)