Top Safety Picks 2008
2011 winners | 2010 winners | 2009 winners | 2008 winners | 2007 winners | 2006 winners Criteria: The Institute rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. Another requirement is that winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This requirement is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers. However, don't compare ratings across vehicle size groups because size and weight influence occupant protection in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter ones. Top Safety Picks are the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories, but this doesn't mean a small car that's a Top Safety Pick affords more protection than a bigger car that doesn't earn the award. Note: Top Safety Picks 2008 are 2008 models, unless otherwise noted. Large carsAcura RL 2009 models Midsize carsAcura TSX 2009 models Midsize convertiblesSaab 9-3 Small carsHonda Civic 2009 4-door models with optional electronic stability control MinivansHonda Odyssey Large SUVsAudi Q7 Midsize SUVsAcura MDX Small SUVsFord Escape 2009 models Large pickupToyota Tundra Small pickupToyota Tacoma 2009 models |
