The Toyota Camry has been the best-selling car in this country for the past four years, and for eight of the past nine years. It' s been in the top few for even longer. I see numerous examples from the previous three generations, models going back to 1992, on a regular basis, and even a few earlier ones, going all the way back to the Camry' s debut in 1983. Over six and a half million Camrys have been sold in America since then. The words "rare" and  "exotic" will never be applied to the Toyota Camry.

With its position at the top of the sales charts, the Camry is a serious target for all competitors. Toyota has recently made their jobs much more difficult by replacing the fifth-generation Camry, introduced in 2002, with a new and very different sixth generation debuting early as a model year 2007 vehicle.

Little about the Camry has been left unchanged. Most apparent is new styling, bolder and more international than previously seen on a Camry. Overall size is not much changed, but a longer wheelbase and wider track translate to even more interior space. Crashworthiness has been improved by changes to both materials and design. Wheels and tires are larger, and all models feature four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

And "all models" has more significance, with an expanded lineup. After all, the Camry didn' t reach the peak of popularity by being a niche vehicle. Even the entry-level CE grade is well-equipped, with power windows. mirrors, and locks, Optitron backlit gauges, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with a jack for an external MP3 player, and seven air bags. The core-model LE adds remote entry, a power driver's seat, and a long list of available options. The SE has gotten sportier, with an aero body kit, extra chassis reinforcement, and a specially-tuned suspension. The premium XLE gets as standard equipment many of the LE' s options, and upscale options including a DVD navigation system, leather upholstery, and a keyless push-button starting system.

The standard engine is all non-hybrid 2007 Camrys is an upgraded version of Toyota' s 2AZ-FE 2.4-liter four-cylinder, now with 158 horsepower. It' s matched to a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. Optional in all but the CE is a new 3.5-liter V6, with 268 horsepower. It comes with a six-speed automatic with manual-shift mode. The Camry LE four-cylinder may be statistically average, but with good power and economy, plenty of passenger and trunk space, and typically Toyota high build quality, it' s the benchmark family sedan.