Saturday, February 14, 2009

Forbes; 2009's Safest Vehicles

Midsize sedans, wagons and small SUVs dominate our list of the safest vehicles of the year.
To generate our list of the Safest Vehicles of 2009, we used crash-test and rollover data from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Each vehicle on our list received the highest possible overall scores from IIHS (IIHS crash ratings are more severe than federal standards), and at least four out of five stars from the NHTSA.
We awarded points based on those scores and itemized crash-test scores that evaluated head, chest, leg and pelvis injuries to crash dummies, as well as the effectiveness of torso restraints and the safety cage. We awarded bonus points to any vehicle mentioned as a "second-tier" recommendation by Consumer Reports.

The distinction is given to vehicles that perform well in Consumer Reports' crash tests and also have average or better reliability; are included in the front-offset and side-crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; and provide very good or excellent overall crash protection. The vehicles cannot have tipped in federal rollover tests or, if not tested, they must offer electronic stability control.
Here's the list of Safest Cars of 2009 without having to go through the slide show;
-Acura MDX
-Acura RL
-Acura TL
-Honda Accord
-Honda CRV
-Honda Odyssey
-Honda Pilot
-Honda Ridgeline
-Mercedes Benz M-Class (SUV)
-Nissan Rogue
-Saab 9-3
-Subaru Impreza
-Subaru Legacy
-Subaru Tribeca
-Toyota Highlander
***Where are the Volvo's and VW's?!?!? Wow.
Source w/more information on each vehcile listed;

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