gavriil

3 SUVs get top marks in U.S. crash tests - - Reuters / May 06, 2004 - - Source: AutoNews

DETROIT (Reuters) -- Only three 2004-model SUVs earned perfect scores in the latest series of U.S. government frontal and side-impact crash tests, federal safety regulators said Wednesday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the Infiniti FX, Saturn Vue and Toyota Highlander all got five out of a possible five stars for protection of their occupants against serious injury in the closely watched tests.

The redesigned Dodge Durango also won a perfect rating in the frontal crash test, in which vehicles are pulled into a fixed barrier at 35 mph. Side-impact tests were not conducted on the Durango, NHTSA said.

Vehicles scoring poorly in the frontal tests were all from General Motors. They included the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy and GMC Envoy XUV, Isuzu Ascender, Oldsmobile Bravada, which are built off the same platform or chassis. All got a lowly three-star rating for protection of front seat positions in a crash.

The Cadillac SRX and Toyota RAV both got four-star ratings in the frontal crash tests, NHTSA said.

charliemike

I think these are the offset side-impact tests (for side impact tests).

I'd like them to do side-impact tests where the vehicle gets hit square at 35mph by another vehicle. I hear there's a 50-50 chance of living through one of those. At 50mph, the odds are 20-80 to live.

Not good.

gavriil

I am really disappointed at GM with the above results. I thought Detroit was on par with safety, with the competition.

michiamo

These days both quality and safety have taken a back seat to corporate greed.

Have you seen ford explorer's optional safety canopy?

charliemike

The problem with side impacts is that they have to find a way to balance safety with visibility. They could build a car/SUV with huge side pillars which would be very safe, but you probably would have a blind spot that would hide the U.S.S. Eisenhower.

heyitsme

They can do it with side airbags like honda has done with the accord.

charliemike

I just rented an Envoy today. It's not a confidence-inspiring chassis. Floats on the highway, does not track true and straight so staying in the lane takes a constant effort.

I don't like it. I certainly wouldn't buy one.