The base Camry LE starts at a respectable $24,990 with steel wheels, air conditioning, variable assist steering, power windows, mirrors

The base Camry LE starts at a respectable $24,990. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

and locks, Optitron gauges (which are awesome) and an AM/FM/CD stereo with single-disc capacity, to mention some of the highlights - all the basic conveniences. I wouldn't go so far to say it offers the best value in the midsize segment, at least not immediately, before factoring in its stellar 36-month resale value and therefore lower cost of use over three years, it's an approachable price for most middle-income families.

Every Camry arrives with driver and passenger-side airbags, as well as a passenger weight-sensing system that will disable the airbag in the event of a child or very small person in that seat. I truly expected to read in the press release that it comes with six standard airbags, but apparently that's the type of protection exclusive to the XLE V6 crowd. I truly hope that

I truly expected to read in the press release that the Camry would come with six standard airbags, but apparently that's the type of protection exclusive to the XLE V6 crowd. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

Hyundai's move to put in six standard airbags (two front, two side and two curtain) in even the base Accent registers with the rest of the manufacturers. Safety should not be part of the trim upgrades that go to raise a sticker price or the province of more powerful engines. Safety should always be a basic option.

Sign up for Toyota's B package and you're treated to limited open-top driving with a power tilt and slide sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support (thank you), all for a reasonable $2,515, bringing the total price up to $27,505. This is the exact configuration in which my tester was outfitted.