The 2006 Toyota Camry was a popular mid-size sedan known for its comfort and reliability. But how did it perform in crash tests? This article examines the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test ratings for the 2006 Toyota Camry, covering frontal, side, and rear-end impacts. Understanding these results can help you make informed decisions about vehicle safety.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings for the 06 Toyota Camry
The IIHS conducts various crash tests to evaluate vehicle safety in different collision scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of the 2006 Toyota Camry’s performance:
Moderate Overlap Frontal Crash Test
The 2002-2006 Toyota Camry received a “Good” rating in the moderate overlap frontal crash test. This test simulates a collision with another vehicle or a fixed object, where 40% of the vehicle’s front end overlaps with the barrier.
Action shot of a 2006 Toyota Camry during the moderate overlap frontal crash test.
The Camry’s structure and safety cage performed well, maintaining the driver’s survival space. Measurements indicated low risk of significant head, chest, and left leg injuries. However, forces on the lower right leg were high, suggesting a possibility of injury in that area.
Detailed view of potential right leg injury area in the 2006 Toyota Camry crash test.
Side Impact Crash Test
The 2006 Toyota Camry’s side impact crash test rating depends on whether the vehicle was equipped with optional side airbags.
- With Side Airbags: Models with optional front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags received a “Good” overall rating. The airbags effectively protected occupants’ heads and torsos. However, there was still a potential for pelvis/leg injuries.
Side impact crash test showing deployment of curtain airbags in a 2006 Toyota Camry.
- Without Side Airbags: Models without side airbags received a “Poor” overall rating. The lack of side airbags resulted in significant head and torso injuries for the driver and a poor head protection rating for the rear passenger.
Side impact crash test showing the driver dummy’s head hitting the intruding barrier in a 2006 Toyota Camry without side airbags.
Head Restraints and Seats
The 2006 Toyota Camry received a “Marginal” rating for its head restraints and seats. This evaluation assesses the seat/head restraint geometry and their ability to prevent neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The dynamic rating was “Marginal”, indicating that the head restraints might not provide adequate protection against whiplash.
Conclusion: Safety of the 06 Toyota Camry
The 2006 Toyota Camry offered good protection in moderate overlap frontal crashes. However, its side impact performance was heavily dependent on the presence of optional side airbags. Without them, the risk of serious injury was significantly higher. The marginal rating for head restraints and seats suggests a potential for whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions. When considering a used 2006 Camry, prioritizing a model equipped with side airbags is crucial for enhanced safety. Always remember that crash test ratings are just one factor to consider when evaluating vehicle safety.
