Toyota Camry

Based on an all-new platform, the 2018 redesigned Camry becomes slightly more nimble but retains its comfortable and quiet demeanor. The lower stance makes access a bit more difficult and the rear seat has lost some roominess. The new Camry offers familiar engines: a 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Both paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. A four-cylinder hybrid is available, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The premium-looking interior upgrades throughout nudge the car upscale, particularly on XLE versions. The next-generation Entune infotainment system is more capable and easier to use, but has no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available.

Sure, it might seem vanilla, but the Camry truly delivers what shoppers want in a midsized sedan. The Camry's no-fuss driving experience--great outward visibility, controls that fall easily to hand, a roomy interior--may not be the most thrilling in its class, but it's far from its undeserved boring reputation. A quiet cabin, slick powertrains, a comfortable ride, and sound handling make it pleasant and capable. Year after year this sedan delivers outstanding reliability and solid owner satisfaction. The Camry acquitted itself well in crash tests, and fuel economy is competitive. We got 26 mpg overall with the V6 and 28 mpg with the four-cylinder, topping out with the Hybrid's 38 mpg. A redesigned 2018 model is out.

The 2012 to 2016 Camry is a wise used car choice. Among other things, this vintage benefits from improved interior quality. It also retains Camry hallmarks of generous room and a comfortable ride. Good performance and competitive fuel economy remain as well. A more modern touchscreen infotainment system was introduced with this generation of the car. Handling is pleasant and secure, but not sporty -- even if you get the SE version. The hybrid got an impressive 38 mpg in our tests, but even the optional V6 engine is surprisingly fuel-efficient. A freshening for the 2015 model year introduced nicer styling details and an easier to use touchscreen. The revisions also made the ride steadier, enhanced noise isolation and improved crash test results.

The 2007-2011 Camry continues as a practical and comfortable mid-sized sedan. This vintage brought mildly better handling and more modern connectivity including Bluetooth phone pairing. A hybrid version that returned 34 mpg overall in our testing was also introduced. The 3.5-liter V6 got 23 mpg overall, as opposed to the 24 mpg our four-cylinder yielded. If you can find a 2010 or newer four-cylinder example, you'll benefit from the addition of a six-speed automatic transmission which improved fuel economy to 26 mpg overall. Stability control also became standard in this year.

The Camry's 2002 to 2006 design upholds the model's reputation as a roomy, easy to drive car with a smooth powertrain, comfortable ride and quiet interior. Most versions have a four-cylinder engine, which is quite sufficient. High-end samples come with a V6 engine, which is slick and powerful, but sacrifices some fuel economy. Look for examples with the optional curtain airbags noted on the headliner. Without them, this generation of the Camry received a poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test. High-end models may also have optional stability control, one of the first mid-sized sedans to offer this safety feature.

The refined Camry has long been one of our top choices among family sedans. Predictable handling, good brakes, a smooth, quiet ride, and excellent reliability remain Camry hallmarks. Redesigned for 1997, the Camry only marginally improved over the well-regarded previous generation. The 2.2-liter four-cylinder is somewhat sluggish, but the 3.0-liter V6 is smooth and energetic. The front seats are comfortable, and the rear is relatively roomy. The steering feels light but is fairly quick.