New 2009 Toyota Camry

The 2009 Toyota Camry model remains unchanged from the automaker’s previous year’s versions, retaining its much-praised ride, build quality and passenger room and comfort. This 4-door sedan midsize car lineup includes CE, LE, SE, and top-line XLE styles. Each comes standard with a 158-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on CE, LE and SE styles.

For the XLE, a 5-speed automatic is standard while optional on the others. LE, SE, and XLE also offer 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6 versions, which use a 6-speed automatic. Go-power proves adequate or better. Consumer tests show the LE automatic went from 0-60 mph in 10.1 seconds with all V-6 styles admirably strong and quiet.

Camry comes with a plentitude of available safety features including ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and a driver knee airbag. SEs have a firmer suspension and specific interior and exterior trim. Brakes provide smooth and ample stopping power.

Leather upholstery is standard on the XLE V-6 and optional for automatic transmission equipped SE and 4-cylinder XLE models. A navigation system with wireless cell phone link is optional for SE, and XLE styles, as are heated seats. A keyless-entry/starting system is available for the V-6 XLE and a universal garage door opener is available for either XLE.

The cabin is outfitted with soft-touch surface and faux metal or wood trim. Tall riders will enjoy adequate headroom (38.8") and legroom (41.7") while nestled in comfortably padded, well-shaped seats. A tilting, telescoping (raise/lower) steering wheel helps fine tune the driving experience.

Folding rear seatbacks are available in all styles except the SE and XLE, which have a fixed seatback and 40/20/40 split respectively.

Base MSRP ranges from the CE price of $ 18,720 to $28,270 for the XLE V-6.

As a class leader in powertrain refinement and passenger comfort, the 2009 Toyota Camry is a must-see for the sedan seeker.