2007 Toyota Camry Safety Review [ 2009 , 2008 ]
Toyota Camry Safety Review
Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)
The 2007 Toyota Camry scores well in government and Insurance Institute of Highway Safety crash tests, partly because the cabin is loaded with air bags. Kelley Blue Book reports, "There are no fewer than seven air bags, including 'advanced' driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side, side-curtain and (unusual in this class) a driver-knee air bag."
Anti-lock brakes are also standard, while an electronic stability system with traction control is optional. "Traction control and an electronic stability system are a single option," points out Cars.com. "That it's available on any trim level is a plus. That the Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Passat include it standard is a minus for the Camry and other midsize sedans."
Accident Avoidance
When it comes to avoiding an accident, Automobile.com notes that "the first and most likely" avoidance measure "will be braking," and the Camry comes standard with ABS, electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist. When it comes to gripping the road in adverse conditions, USA TODAY reports, "The Camry was a respectable snow car, making it up the ol' slick, steep driveway with elan."
A $650 option at all trim levels is the vehicle stability system with traction control. "It isn't often needed, but when it is," claims A Car Place, "it can be invaluable in avoiding an accident (or just avoiding embarrassment)." Car and Driver finds that it puts a damper on performance: "The car's stability-and-traction-control system steps in at the slightest hint of tire scrub and slows everything down. It won't tolerate an aggressive launch, and if you snap-shift the car into second gear and cop a tiny chirp of wheelspin, it slaps your wrist with a half-second of nothing. And it can't be switched off."
Crash Protection
"Instead of two air bags standard with four more optional," explains Automotive.com, "all Camrys return this year with no less than seven: fronts (dual-stage), sides, curtains, and a bonus knee bag for the driver." And, BusinessWeek reports, "All Camrys get a revised layout; the front seats have a new Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) design for better neck support in accidents." As a result of these measures, the Camry scores well in crash tests. It gets five out of five stars in government crash tests for frontal and side impacts. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gives it a rating of "good" -- the highest possible rating -- in frontal offset testing.
