NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released crash test results for 2004 model-year four-door sedans. While most vehicles protected their crash-test dummy occupants relatively well, those with side airbags outperformed those without, taking the top spots in most categories.

Among mid-sized sedans for example, the Toyota Camry had the poorest overall score while its luxury sister-sedan, the Lexus ES330, tied with the Acura TSX for the best score in the group. (The Chevrolet Malibu's scores are still being reviewed in two areas.)

What the ratings mean Percentage chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less 4 = 11% to 20% 3 = 21% to 35% 2 = 36% to 45% 1 = 46% or greater

The Camry received scores of 4 for front driver, front passenger and side driver protection and a score of 3 for protecting rear-seat passengers from side impacts. The Lexus ES330 received scores of 5 -- the best possible -- in the first 3 areas and a score of 4 for protecting rear passengers from side impacts.

The Lexus has side airbags as standard equipment. In the Camry they are a $650 option and the vehicle tested did not have them.

The cars with the poorest ratings overall were the Mazda3 and the Suzuki Forenza. Among compact sedans the Hyundai Elantra with side airbags had the highest scores. It received scores of 5 for front and side driver protection and a scores of 4 for front and rear side passenger protection.

Some early side airbags made little difference in crash test results, said Tim Hurd, a spokesperson for NHTSA. As side airbag technology has improved, though, the effect on crash test results is being seen.

"We generally say that they make about a one-point difference," he said.

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