by Aaron Gold

Writing a review of the Toyota Camry LE is harder than it sounds. I compare virtually every mid-size sedan I test-drive to the Camry, specifically the mid-line 4-cylinder LE. So what am I supposed to compare the Camry LE to? Answer: To what I expect in a mid-size car, those expectations being formed largely by the Camrys of years past. Surprisingly, the all-new 2007 Camry LE doesn't quite earn a perfect score. $21,080 base, $22,404 as tested, EPA mileage 24 city/33 highway (automatic).

First glance: Aggressive in a Camry sort of way

Let's start with curb appeal: How does the new Camry score on looks? Pretty high. Let's face it, 4-door mid-size sedans aren't designed to be sexy, and the 2007 Camry certainly isn't. But it's just a tad less unsexy than its predecessor. The new Camry is nothing special in profile, but the ends have a brawnier look; there's just a shade of Scion tC up front, while the taillights give it a more aggressive look (in the same way that a gerbil is more aggressive than a hamster). The standard wheels are now 16" in diameter, as opposed to last year's 15" wheels; they do a nice job of filling up the wheelarches which gives the Camry a sportier look (in the same way that a gerbil is sportier than a hamster). Steel wheels with hubcaps are standard on the LE; my tester had optional alloys, reasonably priced at $410.

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In the Driver's Seat: All the equipment I expect, plus some nice surprises

The Camry LE comes with the amenities that I consider mid-size must-haves: Power windows, mirrors and locks, remote keyless entry, A/C, cruise control, MP3-compatible CD player, and antilock brakes. There are also some nice surprises: Multi-adjustable steering column, power driver's seat and side curtain airbags. (I'll let you in on a secret: All of those things, save the power driver's seat and keyless entry, are standard on the Camry CE, which costs almost $1,200 less than the LE.)

Cars not equipped with a navigation system have brilliantly simple three-dial climate controls. Since most Camry owners probably won't upgrade the stereo, the fact that it's integrated into the console is an advantage; because it's a non-standard size and shape, it's not as appealing to thieves. I didn't care for the center panels' grayish-green backlighting: It was bright enough to be distracting at night.

My biggest complaint is the trunk. The size (15 cubic feet) is OK, but the two grocery bag hooks are positioned in the corner where they are almost useless. The split-fold seatbacks (only available on CE and LE) are a joke: The actual opening between trunk and cabin is tiny, and the center seatbelt stays permanently in the way. (See photo below.)

On the Road: Extraordinarily ordinary

Toyota reckons that most Camry buyers will opt for the 4-cylinder/automatic combination, just as they have in years past. So kudos to Toyota for making this all the engine you'll ever need. There is more to this powertrain than the numbers (which are 2.4 liters, 158 horsepower, 168 lb-ft of torque, and 5 speeds for the automatic transmission). Using technology such as variable valve timing (Toyota calls it VVT-i), Toyota has engineered the 2.4 to produce a flat, even torque curve that is well suited to an automatic transmission. It feels stronger from a standstill than many 4-cyl/auto combinations. With 5 speeds (up from last year's 4), said automatic improves acceleration while returning impressive EPA numbers of 24 MPG city/33 MPG highway. It's a bit dull to drive, if you ask me, but with fuel economy like that, I can live with dull. (If you want more excitement, the 268 hp 3.5 liter V6 is optional on the LE.)

The LE's handling is set up for accident avoidance rather than out-and-out thrills. My test car's optional Vehicle Stability Control added a sizeable margin of wet-weather and sudden-swerve safety. The ride is quiet and comfortable in typical Toyota fashion - a mark or two above my expectations, matter of fact.

Journey's End: Thanks, Toyota, for giving buyers what they need

All in all, the 2007 Camry does pretty well on the scale its predecessors helped to define. Interior space, ride, and handling are all spot on, and I like the punched-up styling. But I don't like the cost-cutting in areas like the trunk and fold-down rear seat. Buyers might not notice this in the showroom, but then will when they have to haul their oldest kid and her footlocker to college.

The Camry LE's closest competitor is the Honda Accord LX. It costs less but lacks the power driver's seat, and while the Camry offers a moonroof and alloy wheels as options, Honda requires you to buy to the more expensive EX -- and the Accord doesn't offer side-curtain airbags or stability control. An all-new Nissan Altima is on the way for 2007; Korea's Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima are nipping at the Camry LE's heels for functionality, but resale values are low and long-term quality is unknown.

What I like best is that Toyota could have made the 4-cylinder LE a less-desireable model, giving buyers more reason to buy the pricier XLE. Instead they've given the LE everything most buyers will want and then some -- and all at a reasonable price. The Camry may not be a passionate car, but it's no wonder owners are so passionate about them.