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Solid Midsize Performer: Toyota Camry 

As the top-selling car in the midsize segment, the Toyota Camry is renowned for smooth styling and reliability. During our extensive testing with the Camry, we also discovered just how well the car performs at the track and on the highway.

The vehicle is now available in Camry, LE, SE, and XLE grades. Our test car was powered by the DOHC 3.5-liter V6, available in the LE, SE and XLE grades. The engine delivered a substantial performance boost with 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm. The standard engine is a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine that delivers 158 horsepower, mated to a five speed manual or electronically controlled automatic transmission.

The V6 Camry we tested came equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a sequential mode for manual shifting when desired, and it added spice to our test drives. The intelligent control actually adapts shifting strategy in response to driver input, with quick kick-down and noticeable response.

From a standing start, the vehicle ran the NHRA quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds, and reached a top speed of 94.1 mph. For getting onto the highway via an onramp, our tests showed the Camry went from 0 to 60 mph in a touch over 8 seconds, and went from 50 to 70 mph in 3.1 seconds. At the quarter-mile finish line, our test driver hit the brakes and came to a smooth stop in 3.8 seconds, and just less than 210 feet.

The V6, 3.5-liter engine performed well, and our test numbers showed a highway mpg of 35.3, while the car carries EPA ratings of 28 mpg for the six-cylinder equipped models. The four cylinder powered model gets an EPA estimated 33 mpg in the city, 34 on the highway.

In our VehiclesTEST.com road test, the Camry offered responsive handling while providing a smooth, quiet ride via four-wheel independent suspension is via MacPherson struts in front and a dual-link strut rear configuration. All models are equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

During our test and review we discovered the vehicle offers many storage spaces around the front-passenger area, including console side pockets. Storage options also include a large front console box equipped with an accessory power socket and auxiliary audio jack; this box is big enough to store nine CD jewel cases. Other storage areas include an accessory box behind the shift lever containing another power socket, a rear-console box with a card holder and a movable tray, and two large cupholders adjacent to the shift lever.

A distinctive, athletic exterior design sets the Camry apart from other competitors. The car is built on a 109.3 inch wheelbase to provide outstanding interior room: 101.4 cubic feet of passenger space, with 38.3 inches of rear legroom.

The roomy interior shows the attention to detail that has helped this model set such high standards for sedan comfort. Controls on the two-level dash and console are easy to see and use. Large instrument panel gauges are easy to see, and the odometer and trip meters are illuminated at all times to improve visibility. A standard multi-information display provides the outside temperature, estimated range, average speed, average fuel consumption and a trip odometer.

The Camry scored high in our review, and is sure to please families and performance-oriented drivers.