2016 Toyota Camry SE Special Edition Review: Surprisingly Fun!

As a car enthusiast and author for Car News, I’m always eager to get behind the wheel of the latest and greatest vehicles. While the Toyota Camry, America’s perennial best-selling car, might not scream “exciting,” the 2016 SE Special Edition proved to be a pleasant surprise. This wasn’t just another Camry; it had a certain charm that left me impressed.

Sporty Styling and a Special Shade of Blue

Let’s face it, styling is subjective. But personally, I find the current generation Camry to be a good-looking sedan. The Special Edition package takes it up a notch with its striking Blue Streak Metallic paint, black-and-silver alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler that adds a touch of sportiness.

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Inside, the blue theme continues with inserts on the seats, blue stitching, and accents throughout the cabin. It’s a cohesive look that adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming.

Peppy Performance from a Familiar Engine

Under the hood is Toyota’s tried-and-true 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. While this engine felt a bit sluggish in the RAV4 I tested, it felt surprisingly lively in the Camry.

The six-speed automatic transmission deserves credit for its quick and decisive shifts. While it does have paddle shifters, I wish Toyota had opted for a sportier shift pattern like Mazda’s, with forward for downshifts and back for upshifts.

Sport-Tuned Suspension Delivers

The Camry SE Special Edition boasts a sport-tuned suspension that delivers impressive handling. The steering is direct and accurate, and the car stays planted in corners with minimal body roll. While the ride is a touch firm, it’s a fair trade-off for the enhanced handling.

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What surprised me most was how much fun the Camry SE Special Edition was to drive. It’s not a sports car, but it handles itself remarkably well and is engaging on a winding road.

A Missed Opportunity for a Manual Transmission

Here’s the thing: that stubby shifter practically begs for a manual transmission. In a world where sporty, affordable sedans with a stick shift are becoming increasingly rare (looking at you, Honda Accord Sport and Mazda6 Touring), adding a manual to the Camry SE would make it a true standout.

Comfortable Interior with a Few Quirks

The Camry’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with supportive front seats and a straightforward dashboard layout. I appreciated the large center console and the Qi wireless charging pad, though it struggled to accommodate my oversized iPhone.

The infotainment system is standard Toyota fare—functional but not particularly flashy. However, the sound quality from the stereo was surprisingly good, ranking among the best factory systems I’ve encountered.

One notable omission is the lack of automatic climate control. While the manual controls are easy enough to use, it’s an unexpected absence in a car priced over $27,000.

Value Proposition and Final Verdict

The 2016 Toyota Camry SE Special Edition starts at $25,715, but my tester, with its upgraded stereo and destination charges, came in at $27,075. Compared to rivals like the Mazda6 and Honda Accord Sport, the Camry is slightly more expensive. However, it holds its own in terms of features and performance.

So, should you buy it? Absolutely. The 2016 Camry SE Special Edition proves that Toyota can build a car that’s both sensible and fun to drive. It looks good, gets decent fuel economy, and offers a surprisingly engaging driving experience. I, for one, am excited to see what the future holds for the Camry, especially with the new TNGA platform promising even more driving enjoyment.