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Toyota Camry, America's best-selling car is redesigned for 2007 with new styling, more power and features, and, for the first time, a gas/electric-hybrid model. Overall length is unchanged vs. 2002-2006 Toyota Camrys, but wheelbase grows 2.2 inches and height decreases an inch. Curtain side airbags are now standard instead of optional.
The lineup consists of the price-leader CE model, volume LE, sporty SE, and luxury XLE. All 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 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Toyota Camry's previous most-powerful V6 had 210 hp and a 5-speed automatic. Both '07 automatics include a manual shift gate.
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) that provides near-infinite drive ratios.
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard for all models. 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 included on the XLE V6, available for the SE and the 4-cyl XLE. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link is optional for SE, XLE, and Hybrid models, as are heated seats. A new-to-Camry keyless-entry/starting system is included on the Hybrid and available for V6 XLE. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Toyota Camry is a perennial Consumer Guide(r) Best Buy among midsize cars, and the redesigned 2007s improve on a winning formula. They add standard safety features and gas/electric-hybrid fuel thrift to a long list of continuing virtues. This still is no excitement machine--not even the sporty SE version. But every Toyota Camry is a class benchmark for refinement and workmanship, and is backed by Toyota's strong record for reliability and resale value.
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