Toyota Camry Receives Low Crash-Test Marks

The newest version of the Toyota Camry, the nation’s best-selling car, received a low score in a closely watched U.S. government crash test.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2002 Camry sedan two stars out of five for protecting the driver in a side-impact crash.

Of 86 2002 passenger car models the agency has run the same test on, 10 others earned two or fewer stars. Among the Camry’s direct competitors, Honda Motor Co.’s Accord sedan earned four stars, and Nissan Motor Co.’s Altima earned three stars.

Toyota Motor Corp. said the findings were inconsistent with its own crash-test results. The version of the Camry sedan tested by the agency did not have an optional side air bag.