docboy

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/ehmk45jgfd/acura-tl-3/

FWIW, the Acura TL is #1 on the list. Other models may have more appealing exterior design or more features or carry more badge cachet, but Acura does not over look safety (something I cannot say for Toyota/Lexus). All it takes is one accident.

A friend of mine's wife and her 2 kids were recently in an accident in their 2007 MDX. Car was totaled but his wife/kids were ok. Kudos to Honda/Acura again for their safety design.

g37guy01

In 2012 safety ratings are not my concern. Talking about mid size cars not micro cars, like the smart, I wouldn't get a car solely for their ratings or not get a car solely for their ratings.

People miraculously survive horrific crashes in micro cars and suffer fatalities driving tanks. It all depends on the luck of the draw.

potmilkz

^^true that.. every accident is different. you could be in a highest rated safety car and still be in a fatal accident..

docboy

^True.

But not all things are built equally. Have you checked out some of the crash videos? Some vehicles are horrific, regardless of size.
Some cars are just well engineered and designed with safety in mind over others. IMHO I whole heartedly disagree with your statement, I personally would NOT get a car solely b/c of it's crash test ratings. When my daughter reaches driving age, I WILL choose a vehicle with strong crash test ratings, and I WILL NOT allow her to drive a vehicle with poor ratings. I had a Lexus IS that I hated and took a loss on the trade in; the crash test on that so-called luxury mid size sedan is horrific and inexcusable for a $40k vehicle.

Why take that chance on safety when you have independent agencies testing these vehicles on dummies? The independent tests show that vehicles are not created equally wrt safety.

NorCalJay

Gravy.

Litt

sweet

g37guy01

When IIHS downgraded the TLs ratings, if I had a TL i clearly would not have sold one just because of that debacle. Now that the IIHS gives the TL a good rating, it would not make the difference in a potential purchase decision.

That in my neck of the woods, there are scads of Lexus IS on the road, shows that people don't really care either, for whatever reason.

Granted next to a fully loaded 18 wheeler a car doesn't stand a chance, but I don't want my kids driving micro cars, like the fit, yaris, mini, smart car etc; even though they may have stellar ratings against a vehicle their own size.

zovinger

Quote:

Originally Posted by docboy

FWIW, the Acura TL is #1 on the list.

FWIW the list seems alphabetical in order and I doubt if Forbes had any ranking associated with the order.

UA6

potmilkz

i agree with you, some cars are better designed as far as safety, but my statement still remains.. even with the highest rating car, it can still be fatal.. every accident is different.

Mr Marco

Good thing I'm already wearing a helmet.

docboy

Agreed.

NorCalJay

Sure the semi-vs-car crash proves fatal no matter what...but the more common collision tests apparently concludes 4G owners have the best chance not ending up with extra leg joints or speech impediments.

Acura, the gift that keeps giving