2007 Toyota Camry

Interior

Standard engine is an upgraded 158-hp DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter "Variable Valve Timing with intelligence" (VVT-i) four; optional is a new 268-hp DOHC 24-valve V-6 with Dual VVT-i (on both intake and exhaust valves), a Toyota first. The four is available with standard 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic. The V-6 is coupled to a new 6-speed automatic with a manual shift feature and "intelligent" shift control that learns a driver's driving style and selects gears based on it. The Hybrid marries a 147-horsepower Atkinson cycle 2.4-liter four to a 45-horsepower electric motor driving through a continuous variable transmission (CVT).


The base CE offers 4-wheel disc brakes, power mirrors, locks and windows, air conditioning with a pollen filter, cruise control, tilt/telescope wheel, halogen headlamps with automatic on/off feature, multi-information display, daytime running lights, 60/40 fold-down rear seat, 16-inch steel wheels and 6-speaker, 160-watt digital audio with CD player, MP3 capability and auxiliary input jack. The up-level LE adds an 8-way power driver's seat, remote keyless entry and the right to purchase the optional V-6.


The top-level XLE piles on alloy wheels, 440-watt 8-speaker premium audio with 6-disc CD changer and Bluetooth wireless cell phone connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather interior (V-6 only), woodgrain trim, a power moonroof, 8-way power driver seat and 4-way power passenger seat, a 40/20/40 reclining rear seat with fixed center pass-through and much more. The well-equipped Hybrid gets most of this plus a "Smart Entry" system with push-button start.

Performance

The only available option on the base CE is the highly recommended vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control that is also optional on LE, SE and XLE (not the Hybrid). Additional major options for most of these models include JBL premium audio with Bluetooth, power moonroof, leather interior, heated seats, navigation system and (on XLE with V-6) the "Smart Entry" system with push-button start. A "Plasmacluster Ionizer" dual-zone automatic climate system standard in XLE and Hybrid allegedly reduces airborne odors, mold spores, microbes, fungi, germs and bacteria inside the cabin by creating positive and negative ions that seek out and surround them—a seemingly terrific feature if it works as claimed.


Standard safety gear includes Toyota's Star Safety System, which integrates anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and brake assist (BA), plus whiplash injury lessening (WIL) seats. Seven airbags are also standard: "advanced" driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side, side curtain, and (unusual in this class) a driver knee bag.