Last redesigned in 2007, the 2011 Toyota Camry brings little new this model year, and certainly not a titillating ride. Reviewers have almost universally commented on the lack of excitement offered by the 2011 Camry; then again, this midsize sedan has never been the choice of thrill-seekers. The 2011 continues its sedate course, offering a quiet, comfortable, and reliable, if not electrifying, family sedan.

The four-door, front–wheel-drive Camry offers four trim levels (Base, LE, sporty SE, and high-end XLE), with the LE, SE, and XLE each available with an inline four-cylinder (I4) or V6 engine, plus an eco-friendly Hybrid. The Base Camry comes standard with a tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, filtered air conditioning, fabric seats with a manual driver’s seat adjustment for vertical height, and 16-inch steel wheels. Standard technology in the Base trim includes an AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 capability, six speakers, an auxiliary audio jack, power windows and locks, as well as two auxiliary power outlets. The LE includes remote keyless entry and more adjustments for the driver’s seat (such as lumbar support). The Hybrid resembles the LE, but has added standard dual-zone climate control, the Plasmacluster ionizer to improve interior air quality, and the Smart Key System, which uses sensors to unlock and start the car automatically. The Hybrid also presents a uniquely designed grille, bumpers, and headlights (Hybrid Synergy Drive blue!). The SE trim adds foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sport suspension. The top-of-the-line XLE offers standard dual-zone climate control, the Plasmacluster ionizer, wood-grain interior with chrome door handle accents, heated side mirrors, manually reclining rear seats, and 16-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels. Standard technology in the XLE includes a JBL AM/FM 6-disc CD changer with eight speakers, XM Radio, a USB port for iPod connection, and Bluetooth technology for streaming music and hands-free phone. It also offers the HomeLink Universal Transceiver, which allows for the activation of up to three remote controls from one unit mounted on the Camry’s visor.

All 2011 Camrys are available with a 2.5-liter I4 engine with 169 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque (179 hp and 171 lb-ft for the SE), and all but the Base trim and Hybrid are also available with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that cranks the power up to 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. While the performance of the I4 is deemed by most to be adequate compared to the Camry’s competitors, the power and handling of the V6 seems to be one of the vehicle’s selling features. In fact, one test review reports that the XLE V6 gets from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The I4 Base, LE, and SE trims come with a standard manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic. The LE and SE V6 and all XLEs come only with a six-speed automatic. The I4 with a manual transmission gets mileage estimates of 22/33 mpg, while the automatic gets 22/32 mpg. The V6’s mileage drops slightly to 20/29 mpg.

The Camry Hybrid uses Hybrid Synergy Drive and offers net power of 187 hp. The gasoline engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 hp and 138 lb-ft that partners with a battery-driven electric motor. The Hybrid achieves mileage estimates of 31/35 mpg (lower than Ford’s Fusion Hybrid) and offers an electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission that operates like an automatic. In tests, the Hybrid took 8.3 seconds to get from 0-60 mph.

Most considering a Camry are looking for a comfortable ride. The Camry features a MacPherson strut front suspension and stabilizer bar with an independent strut rear suspension. The SE adds sport-tuned shock absorbers and springs as well as strut-tower and trunk-mounted braces. Reviews have criticized the “sporty” SE as delivering a less-than-sporty ride, delivering an only slightly firmer suspension than the other soft-riding models, and preferring the Mazda6 and Nissan Altima for the sport-minded consumer in this class. The Camry consistently gets called a “comfortable” and even “plush” ride, but the comfort-centered suspension drew criticism for its noticeable lean in corners (except the SE), and an ungainly feel in fast turns. The Hybrid, in particular, was critiqued for clumsy and delayed steering response. Even more alarming was one report of a loud creaking noise from the steering column of a Hybrid as it cornered.

“Comfortable” and “spacious” typically describe the interior of the 2011 Camry, with plentiful interior storage and seating for five of any shape or size. The layout and design of controls garners consistent praise for its ergonomic thoughtfulness. Base and LE trims provide 15 cubic feet of cargo space. The SE and XLE decrease the trunk size slightly (to 14.5 cubic feet), while the Hybrid shrinks the available trunk room even further (10.6 cubic feet). One review noted, however, that the shape of the hinges intrudes on the actual storage available. The back seats of the Base, LE, and Hybrid come standard with 60/40-split rear seats for additional storage. The XLE has a rear seat split 40/20/40, but surprises with reclining rear seats. The SE has a fixed rear seat, with only a central pass-through to the trunk.

Available upgrades for the 2011 Camry include leather upholstery and heated front seats (SE, Hybrid, and XLE), a power tilt and slide moonroof, a rear spoiler (SE), voice-activated DVD touch-screen navigation system with backup camera (SE, Hybrid, and XLE), and the SmartKey System (SE, XLE).

In spite of the comfort of the interior, several reviews note problems with the quality of interior fixtures and fit, including seams and plastic panels that aren’t properly or precisely aligned, and complaints of squeaks and rattles.

Given Toyota’s recent recall problems, safety concerns jump to mind when considering the brand. Every 2011 Camry comes standard with the “Toyota Star Safety System.” All trims are equipped with seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), Vehicle Stability Control with off switch, traction control, antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution with Brake Assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, Toyota has declared that the 2011 Camry’s accelerator pedal has a completely new design distinct from the one in recalled models.