NHTSA: SUV Crash Test Scores Released -- Ford, MB,

[Variance]

NHTSA: SUV Crash Test Scores Released With Good News for Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Date posted: 03-18-2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Seven 2006 and 2007 model sport-utility vehicles, including the Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac and Honda Pilot, have won five-star ratings for front and side crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The other winners include the Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Nissan Murano and Subaru B9 Tribeca.

One pickup truck, the four-door 2006 Toyota Tacoma, received top scores in two crash tests. None of the SUVs or pickups tested received five stars in rollover testing. However, three SUVs earned four stars: the M-Class, Murano and B9 Tribeca.

Other vehicles from the 2006 model year earning five stars in both seating positions for frontal crashes include the Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Chevrolet Uplander, Dodge Caravan, Ford Expedition, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Jeep Commander, Kia Sedona and Lexus ES 330.

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, which went on sale in January, received five stars on frontal crashes.

What this means to you: Good news for consumers, because, on a scale of one to five stars, NHTSA says most of the vehicles tested received either four or five stars on front and side crashes.

Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109679

[Intrepidation]

Is that the new Aveo they tested or the current one? And the Uplander better get 5 stars...that thing has enough crash-absorbing nose to BE a small car stuck in front of the windshield.

Edited March 23, 2006 by Dodgefan

[Variance]

The current Aveo.

[KaliRover]

Wow, that's alot of Chevy's... nice.

[ToniCipriani]

Well... NHTSA said the Cavalier had five stars quite a while ago...

I seem to trust IIHS more than NHTSA.