The 2004 Toyota Camry, a popular mid-size sedan, underwent various crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These tests evaluated the vehicle’s performance in frontal offset, side impact, and head restraint evaluations. This article summarizes the results of those tests, providing valuable insights into the safety of the 2004 Camry.
Frontal Offset Crash Test Results (2002-2006 Models)
The IIHS moderate overlap front crash test simulates a 40 mph collision with a deformable barrier. The 2002-2006 Toyota Camry received a “Good” overall rating in this test. This indicates that the vehicle’s structure and safety cage performed well, maintaining the driver’s survival space.
- Structure and Safety Cage: Rated “Good.” The passenger compartment held up well during the impact, minimizing intrusion into the driver’s space. Measurements of footwell intrusion and steering column movement were minimal.
- Driver Injury Measures: Injury measures for the driver’s head, neck, chest, and left leg/foot were rated “Good.” The right leg/foot received an “Acceptable” rating, indicating a slightly higher possibility of injury in this area.
Action shot of a 2004 Toyota Camry during a frontal offset crash test.
Forces on the lower right leg were high enough to indicate the possibility of injury in the frontal offset test.
Side Impact Crash Test Results (2004-2006 Models)
The IIHS side impact test simulates a T-bone crash with a rigid barrier moving at 31 mph. The 2004 Camry’s performance in this test varied depending on the presence of optional side airbags.
With Optional Side Airbags:
- Overall Evaluation: Rated “Good.”
- Structure and Safety Cage: Rated “Acceptable.”
- Injury Measures: Head/neck, torso, and head protection for both driver and rear passenger were rated “Good.” The driver’s pelvis/leg received an “Acceptable” rating, while the rear passenger’s pelvis/leg received a “Good” rating. Side curtain airbags and torso airbags provided crucial protection.
Without Optional Side Airbags:
- Overall Evaluation: Rated “Poor.”
- Structure and Safety Cage: Rated “Acceptable.” While the structure itself performed adequately, the lack of airbags significantly impacted the injury measures.
- Injury Measures: Driver head/neck and head protection received “Poor” ratings due to direct contact with the intruding barrier. The driver’s torso received a “Marginal” rating. The rear passenger’s torso received a “Poor” rating and head protection was “Marginal.”
Side impact test with optional airbags deployed, showing protection of the driver’s head.
Side impact test without optional airbags, showing the driver’s head making contact with the intruding barrier.
Head Restraint and Seat Test Results
The IIHS head restraint and seat test evaluates the ability of these components to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2004 Camry received mixed ratings depending on the seat material.
- Cloth Seats: Received a “Marginal” overall rating.
- Leather Seats: Received a “Poor” overall rating.
Conclusion
The 2004 Toyota Camry demonstrated strong performance in the frontal offset crash test. However, the side impact test results highlight the importance of optional side airbags for occupant protection. The head restraint and seat evaluations indicate areas where further improvements could be made. When considering a used 2004 Camry, prioritizing a model equipped with side airbags is crucial for enhanced safety.
