Before applying for an auto loan it’s better to check how safe the particular model car is. Thousands of people are killed or injured in road traffic accidents every year. How safe is the new or used vehicle you are driving in terms of crash test ratings? Find out more about safety ratings here:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government, part of the Department of Transportation. It provides safety information for a large number of vehicles through their New Car Assessment Program (US-NCAP). The purpose of this agency is to save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates vehicle safety as good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests as well as seat/head restraints used for protection from neck injuries in the event of rear impact.

A Top Safety Pick Award is only given to good ratings in all three Institute tests. Winning vehicles must offer Electronic Stability Control. Research indicates that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency moves.


2008 Top Safety Pick award winners include:

1. Large cars
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus with optional ESC
Mercury Sable with optional ESC
Volvo S80

2. Midsize cars
Acura TSX 2009 models
Audi A3
Audi A4
Honda Accord 4-door models
Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy with optional ESC

3. Midsize convertibles
Saab 9-3
Volvo C70

4. Small car
Subaru Impreza with optional ESC

5. Minivans
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

6. Midsize SUVs
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
BMW X3
BMW X5
Ford Edge
Ford Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Veracruz after August 2007
Infiniti EX35
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M class,
Nissan Murano 2009 models
Saturn VUE after December 2007
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Volvo XC90

7. Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Subaru Forester 2009 models

8. Large pickup
Toyota Tundra