The Safest Cars on the Road Today
A few days ago the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released its annual list of the safest passenger vehicles. While most of the names on the list are not surprising, there was one car company conspicuously missing: Toyota.
Ford and its Volvo subsidiary topped the list with six vehicles rated as a “Top Safety Pick.” Subaru and Volkswagon each had five top picks while Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy with four safety picks.
On last year’s list, Toyota and its Lexus and Scion subsidiaries dominated. This year, however, the insurance institute included a test to measure a vehicle’s roof strength in the event of a rollover. This requirement not only bumped Toyota off the list, but also dropped the total number of Top Safety Picks from 94 in 2008 to 27 this tear.
The insurance institute conferred a Top Safety Pick award on those vehicles that scored a Good rating in tests of front, side, rear and rollover protection. The vehicle also must be equipped with electronic stability control.
Here is the full list of Top Safety Picks:
Large cars:
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80
Midsize cars
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after October 2009)
Chrysler Sebring 4-door with electronic stability control
Dodge Avenger with electronic stability control
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Passat sedan
Volvo C30
Small cars
Honda Civic four-door (except Si), with electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen Golf four-door
Midsize S.U.V.’s
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Small S.U.V.’s
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot with side torso air bags
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan
Tags: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Picks