With a longer wheelbase, larger wheels and a new V6 engine that makes 78 more horsepower than the outgoing six-cylinder powerplant, it’s hardly a surprise that the 2007 Toyota Camry offers a significantly better driving experience. Add to that a retuned suspension and a new six-speed automatic transmission, and the Camry sheds its reputation as a soft-riding, numb-driving conveyance.

Just don’t choose the four-cylinder.
This engine feels outmatched for the weight of the car, whining a bit too much and protesting hard acceleration – all in all losing significant refinement. For our money, the four-cylinder Honda Accord is a better driving car, and the new Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata respond at least as well. These engines offer virtually the same horsepower, torque and fuel economy ratings as the Camry.

The V6 Camry has no such problem. With power and torque to spare, this powertrain is the class of the segment, offering smooth performance in city driving, peppy acceleration, and well-timed gear changes from the six-speed transmission. Braking, on the other hand, is a little sloppy, especially on Hybrid models with the VDIM safety system.

The difference in the driving experience lies in the trim you select. The Camry LE drives like the commuter sedan it is, though with more feedback, sharper steering and less body roll than the previous model. The LE does suffer from some excess road and wind noise, however. So while the driving experience is certainly improved, it is still a classic point-to-point sedan, offering an inoffensive ride, a nice interior on wheels that handle better, and a suspension that will keep you awake, if not shake you by the shoulders.

What does come close to a good shake, however, is the SE model. Built with enthusiastic drivers in mind, the Camry SE makes the most of its stiffened suspension, larger 17-inch wheels and underbody aerodynamics, adding a healthy dollup of performance to the Camry’s character. Sure, calling it a sport model may be a bit of a stretch compared to real sport models on the road, but for a Camry, the SE is a stiff ride that mostly sticks to corners and makes the most of the superb V6 powertrain. The new six-speed transmission’s shifts are precise, and using the sequential shift mode helps to keep things interesting as you cycle through the gears. The SE model simply gets the most out of what is sure to be a cornerstone powertrain for just about all mainstream Toyotas. Where the SE puts sport into the Camry, the XLE provides a taste of Lexus, with a softer ride, more body lean and a quiet cabin. This is the trim for those who want to coast down the road, listening to a quality sound system (the Camry’s optional JBL audio is quite fine), and not be bothered about such mundane details as the driving experience.