2007-2008 Toyota Camry: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

America's best-selling car was redesigned for 2007 with new styling, more power and features. For the first time, a gas/electric hybrid model was offered. Still midsize with front-wheel drive, Camry's overall length was unchanged versus the 2002-2006 generation, but wheelbase grew by 2.2 inches and height decreased an inch. Curtain side airbags were now standard instead of optional. The Camry lineup included the price-leader CE model, volume LE, sporty SE, and luxury XLE. Each came with a 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine that used a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. LE, SE, and XLE sedans offered the alternative of a 268-hp V6, with a six-speed automatic transmission. Camry's previous V6 made 210 horsepower and used a five-speed automatic. The Hybrid teamed a four-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 187 horsepower. Like Toyota's other hybrids, it could run on one or both of its power sources, depending on driving conditions, and required no plug-in charging. Hybrids used a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Antilock braking was standard on all Camrys. So were front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and for the first time, a driver's knee airbag. The Hybrid added traction/antiskid control, which was available for other models. SEs had a firmer suspension and, like the Hybrid, specific interior and exterior trim. A split-folding rear seat was standard except in the SE, which had a center pass-through. Leather upholstery was standard in the XLE V6 and optional for SE and four-cylinder XLE models. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link was optional for SE, XLE, and Hybrid models; so were heated seats. A newly available keyless entry/starting system was included in the Hybrid, and optional for the XLE V6. Competitors included the archrival Honda Accord, as well as the Nissan Altima, and new-for-2007 Saturn Aura.