What was the name of the first production car to feature an airbag, introduced in 1973?

The Oldsmobile Toronado was the first production car commonly credited with featuring a passenger airbag when the system was introduced in 1973.

General Motors called its early system the Air Cushion Restraint System, or ACRS. Unlike today’s airbags, it was conceived partly as an alternative to seatbelts for occupants who were not buckled. The system used crash sensors and gas inflation to deploy a large cushion from the dashboard for the front passenger; related installations also included a driver-side bag and knee protection.

The date can be confusing because GM also equipped a limited fleet of 1973 Chevrolet Impalas with airbags for government use. The Toronado is generally identified as the first domestic U.S. vehicle with a passenger airbag offered to the public. Some historical accounts describe the first full production ACRS Toronado as a 1974 model-year car, even though the introduction is commonly dated to 1973.

Early airbags were expensive and consumers showed little interest, so GM discontinued the option after the 1976 model year. Airbags later became widespread as supplemental restraints, designed to work with—not replace—seatbelts.