2011 Top Safety Picks
The year in safe cars.
Web2Carz Contributing Writer
Published: July 8th, 2011
Every year vehicles become more exciting to drive, and fortunately for us all, safer to crash. For 2011, NHTSA has revamped vehicle safety tests and rating systems to keep up with growing advancements in safety technologies. A more comprehensive testing process and rating system may mean lower ratings for last year’s high scorers, but it also paves out to safer roads for us all.
For 32 years, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has tested vehicles in the areas of Front-Crash Driver and Passenger, Side-Crash front and rear seats, and rollover. For vehicles 2011 or newer, NHTSA’s New Vehicle Assessment (NCAP) will add side-pole crash tests along with a new Overall safety rating. This new Overall rating will make it easy for consumers to identify the overall top safety performers, but will also continue to push automakers to make safer cars.
Of the 66 vehicles given Tops Safety Picks, 40 were Cars, 25 SUVs and only one a mini-van. To make the grade, these vehicles passed all crashed tests with highest possible ratings, and are standard-equipped with traction control.
Coming out on top is VW/Audi and Hyundai/Kia, who both tied with the greatest number of Top Safety Picks, and a total of nine triumphant models. Toyota/Lexus/Scion, Ford/Lincoln and General Motors came in a close second, all tying with eight top safety picks. Interestingly, Subaru has retained its status as being the only Top Safety Pick winner for every vehicle it manufactures.
To help you get started in your search for the safest new car, below is the IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2011.
2011 Top Safety Picks (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) Minicars
