Vehicle Seat Back Failure Report - NHTSA crash standards - CBS News
Like Lake Wobegon where every child Garrison Keillor is above average, government safety crash tests produced five stars for most vehicles So for 2011 models, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched new more rigorous testing The result There are much more difficult for your favorite car, truck or van to get five stars.
Of the 33 models initially recorded, only two achieved an overall five-star rating, the BMW 5 Series and the Hyundai Sonata details below for the first time, NHTSA gives an overall score for a vehicle in addition to the individual evaluations for crash testing front, side crash tests and risk of rollover accident.
The new ratings cut for many stars including the Toyota Camry models - which for 2010 models got five stars for front and side crash tests - scored three each in these trials and three in all, even though the 2011 model is little changed See Toyota Recall Safe Stop and small car crash tests Nissan Versa has dropped from four to three in accidents before, three to two sides and has two stars overall, the lowest note of the initial list of Ford Taurus rose from the equivalent of five-star status in 2010 four stars for 2011 and the Honda pilot, Jeep grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback and global heritage.
The new procedures include a simulated accident in a post on the driver's side and add smaller models of crash test for accidents approximate effects on women in another change, new assessments compare one vehicle with another in the same class for the overall injury risk the new system also quotes approvingly models with accident prevention technology, including control electronic stability - now on most models - and newest lane change warning and forward collision alert, available mostly on luxury brands.
Among the 2011 models, NHTSA will test and evaluate 22 more cars, SUVs, vans and pick-up beyond the initial list to see the complete list below for a total of 55 that will leave just rated vehicles Untested But if a model that interests you fall into this category, see the crash test ratings from the insurance Institute for Highway safety IIHS crash tests done front and side roof strength tests related to reversals and rates protecting rear seat passengers models that perform well in their category get a security best choice assessment Several 2011 models now rated four stars by NHTSA get the best IIHS notes They include Jeep grand Cherokee, Subaru Outback and Legacy, the Toyota Sienna minivan and Ford Taurus Ford Taurus View Luxury Car Better Believe It.
Here's a closer look at the two five-star entries.
BMW 5 Series The 2011 overhaul of the 5-Series is loved like never critically See New Cars 2011 What to look for in luxury cars Series 5 has no way or collision warnings before touted by NHTSA But he has a raft of other optional security devices, including night vision to help avoid pedestrians and deer on dark roads and adaptive cruise control that keeps your car a set distance behind the car ahead.
Hyundai Sonata Sonata recently ranked third in sales behind the sedan leaders perennial midsize Toyota Camry and Honda Accord powered by Hyundai constant improvement reliability, high fuel consumption and competitive prices Show 2011 New vehicles What are you looking at mid-size Cars 2011 Sonata has a complex history of crash test initial production of Sonatas - who came off the assembly line before 2 July - earned a four-star before starting a new production cycle, Hyundai made some structural belt changes and security improved the next crash test at a five-star Hyundai should remember Sonata recently for solutions to a problem with the steering column mandated by NHTSA Nevertheless, it leads among midsize sedans for crash tests.
View all articles by Jerry Edgerton on CBS MoneyWatch Jerry Edgerton, author of Car Shopping Made Easy covered the pace of the car since Detroit companies dominated the US market The former columnist for Money magazine and matching Washington Business Week, Edgerton specializes in finding the best deals on wheels and offering advice to your last car.
Find out what activities and attractions make these 20 towns and the city some of the best places to retire in the world.
Generics are a great way to save money in many cases, but here's a look at some clear exceptions.
New car safety crash tests Reduce Notes CBS News Star, safety, accident, testing, reduce.