Safest Cars of 2007
IIHS - Top Safety Picks 2007
Criteria: The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. A new requirement for 2007 is that the winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This addition is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.
However, don’t compare ratings across vehicle size groups because size and weight influence occupant protection in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones. Top Safety Picks are the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories, but this doesn’t mean a small car that’s a Top Safety Pick affords more protection than a bigger car that doesn’t earn the award.
Note: Top Safety Picks 2007 are 2007 models, unless otherwise noted.
Large cars
Audi A6
Ford Taurus 2008 models with optional electronic stability control
Mercury Sable 2008 models with optional electronic stability control
Volvo S80
Midsize cars
Audi A4
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy with optional electronic stability control
Midsize Convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volvo C70
Minivans
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona
Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Ford Edge
Ford Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Mercedes M class
Subaru B9 Tribeca
Volvo XC 90
Small SUVs
Honda CRV
Subaru Forester with optional electronic stability control
Information provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, further information can be found on their website