The 2006 Toyota Camry Le was a popular mid-size sedan known for its reliability and comfort. 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 LE, covering frontal, side, and rear impact tests. Understanding these results can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s safety.
A 2002 Toyota Camry undergoing a moderate overlap frontal offset crash test.
Frontal Crash Test: Moderate Overlap
The IIHS moderate overlap frontal crash test simulates a collision with another vehicle or a fixed object like a tree or utility pole. For the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry models, including the LE trim, the IIHS gave an overall rating of “Good” in this test.
Post-crash view of the driver’s space in a 2002 Toyota Camry, showing good survival space maintenance.
This “Good” rating indicates that the Camry’s structure and safety cage held up well, protecting the driver from serious injury. Measurements taken during the test showed minimal intrusion into the occupant compartment and good control of dummy movement. However, forces on the lower right leg were high, indicating a possibility of injury in that area.
Close-up of the lower right leg area in a 2002 Toyota Camry after a frontal crash test, highlighting potential injury risk.
Side Impact Crash Test
The IIHS side impact crash test evaluates a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a T-bone collision. The 2006 Toyota Camry LE received different ratings depending on the presence of side airbags.
With Side Airbags
Models equipped with optional front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags earned a “Good” overall rating. This signifies excellent protection for both the driver and rear passengers. The side airbags effectively shielded occupants from head and torso injuries.
Side impact crash test showcasing the effectiveness of the side curtain airbag in protecting the driver’s head in a 2004 Toyota Camry.
Without Side Airbags
The 2006 Camry LE without side airbags received a “Poor” overall rating. In these tests, the driver’s head was struck by the intruding barrier, resulting in high head injury measures. The lack of side airbags also led to increased risk of torso injuries for both driver and rear passenger.
Side impact crash test demonstrating the driver’s head impacting the intruding barrier in a 2004 Toyota Camry without side airbags.
Head Restraints and Seats
The IIHS also evaluates head restraints and seats for their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2006 Toyota Camry received a “Marginal” rating in this category. Although the seat/head restraint geometry was rated as “Good”, the dynamic rating was “Marginal” indicating that the head restraints may not provide adequate protection in certain rear-end crashes.
Conclusion: 2006 Toyota Camry LE Safety
The 2006 Toyota Camry LE offered good protection in moderate overlap frontal crashes. However, side impact protection varied significantly depending on the presence of optional side airbags. The “Poor” rating for models without side airbags highlights the importance of this safety feature. The “Marginal” rating for head restraints and seats suggests a potential area for improvement in protecting against neck injuries. When considering a used 2006 Camry LE, prioritizing a model equipped with side airbags is crucial for enhanced safety. Remember, crash test ratings are just one factor to consider when evaluating a vehicle’s overall safety.
