2011 Gov. Crash Test vs. IIHS *CONFLICT*. What's SAFE?

[MikeS]

The 2011 new government crash test data appear to be in conflict with the 2011 Insurance Institute's (IIHS) crash test conclusions.

 

2011 Gov Results so far:

http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/5-Star+Safety+Ratings/2011+Vehicles

 

IIHS:

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx

 

This is particularly frustrating because safety was my #1 criteria.

 

Originally, I was considering a Honda CrossTour which was listed on the sticker as 5 star, 5 star.

 

Then, by accident of random surfing, I learned that the IIHS is more strict, and include roof strength, and IIHS did NOT select the crosstour as a 'safe pick' because of that. It then led me to only consider the safe pick list cars: kia sorrento, outback, venza, & fusion.

 

However, the 2011 gov. tests came out, and the Kia Sorrento was only 4 stars, as was, the Taurus. Both were IIHS safe picks.

 

The only car in common (so far) was the BMW and hyundai sonata (which is 4 cyl. and FWD, and I really don't want a hyundai).

 

I'm very frustrated. I've already committed to the Fusion AWD on a 27 month lease.

 

I guess the good news is the next lease expiration will be 1/9/12 and hopefully more crash test data from both sources will be available, than in the sept./oct. time frame.

 

YIKES!

 

Mike

[xmech2k]

From your Gov safety links: "Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and rigorous new 5-Star Safety Ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash avoidance technologies. Because of the more stringent tests, ratings for 2011 and newer vehicles should not be compared to ratings for 1990-2010 models."

 

And it looks like the Fusion made the IIHS list.

 

I think you'll survive to see 2012. But then there's that asteroid thing.....

[Waldo]

Yes the new tests really confuse things. What was a 5-star in 2010 (the Taurus) might only be a 3-star in 2011 (the Taurus got a couple updates to make it a 4-star), even if nothing changed. The 2011 Taurus is actually a "safer" car than the 2010, even though the rating is lower.

 

Honestly, the difference between these ratings is really insignificant. All cars are safe. The ratings are based on very specific tests that are a good representation of situations, but change the angle, the speed, or the impact position and the results and relative rankings would come out totally different. Focus instead on your driving, when was the last time you took an advanced driving course?

[akirby]

Yes the new tests really confuse things. What was a 5-star in 2010 (the Taurus) might only be a 3-star in 2011 (the Taurus got a couple updates to make it a 4-star), even if nothing changed. The 2011 Taurus is actually a "safer" car than the 2010, even though the rating is lower.

 

Honestly, the difference between these ratings is really insignificant. All cars are safe. The ratings are based on very specific tests that are a good representation of situations, but change the angle, the speed, or the impact position and the results and relative rankings would come out totally different. Focus instead on your driving, when was the last time you took an advanced driving course?

 

Reminds me of the folks who think not having BLIS is a safety problem.

[MikeS]

Why would I need an advanced driving course?

 

I'm not at an advanced age.

 

And besides: gas on the right, brake on the left; I mastered that years ago :-)