Top Picks for Safest Car Models
Buying a car is one of the most important decisions you need to make. Given that cars are essential in everyday living, it is important to know that your car can also save your life.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, carries out research and produces ratings for motor vehicle safety. In the annual list of IIHS’ Top Safety Picks, all Acura and Subaru models got the stamp of approval.
IIHS crash ratings are more severe than federal standards. In order to earn a Top Safety Pick award, a car has to receive a rating of GOOD in front, side, and rear crash protection, and in an assessment of head-restraint safety. Likewise, it must offer electronic stability control.
Here is a list of its 2009 Top Safety Picks:
- LARGE CARS – Acura RL, Audi A6, Cadillac CTS, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Lincoln MKS, Mercury Sable, Toyota Avalon, and Volvo S80
- MIDSIZE CARS – Acura TL, Acura TSX, Audi A3, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes C Class, Mercury Milan, Saab 9-3, Subaru Legacy, and Volkswagen CC
- SMALL CARS- Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Rabbit
- LARGE SUVs - Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook
- MIDSIZE SUVs - Acura MDX, RDX; BMW X3, X5; Ford Edge, Flex, Taurus X; Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Veracruz, Infiniti EX35, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes M Class, Nissan Murano, Saturn Vue, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Volvo XC90
- SMALL SUVs - Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Element; Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan
- MIDSIZE CONVERTIBLES - Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Eos, and Volvo C70
- MINICAR- Honda Fit
- MINIVANS- Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, and Kia Sedona
- LARGE PICKUPS – Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tundra
- SMALL PICK-UP- Toyota Tacoma