The most dangerous cars in the US

[Bubba1]

No, it's not kids in winged honda civics after Atlanta drift events....

According to the Wallstreet /24/7 Column from MSNBC's bottom line, based on the IIHS data (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety which is a non-profit agency)+ a few other factors including NHTSA crash studies, the following 7 vehicles tested worst for their 4 categories of crash tests. The 4 categories are:
(1) a frontal offset crash test in which the vehicle travels at 40 miles per hour and hits a barrier head-on;
(2) a side-impact crash test in which a 3,300 lb. “SUV-like” object strikes the driver side at 31 mph;
(3) rollover ratings in which a metal plate hits the corner of a vehicle to determine how much force it can take before rolling over; and
(4) a rear-impact protection rating, which focuses on the ability of seats and seat belts to protect against whiplash.


Here they are:

1.Dedge Ram 1500
2.Chevy Colorado crew Cab
3. Mazda CX-7
4. Mazda CX-9
5. Nissan PAthfinder
6. Jeep Wrangler
7. Suzuki SX-4

From the article: "The Nissan Pathfinder earned “marginal” ratings in rollover and rear-impact testing from the IIHS. The Pathfinder’s performance in government rollover tests is likewise troubling, as it registered an estimated 20 percent to 30 percent risk of rolling over during testing. "

I was expecting to see mostly small vehicles on the list, but that's not really case. The PAthfinder was also a surprise.

thoughts?

[Jesda]

I'm not that worried. I drive a 21 year old car and all of these are probably a ton safer.

[snwbrdr435]

Dodge rams are for people who don't need pickups. People buy them just so they can say they drive a truck.

[Jesda]

I would totally drive a Dodge Ram for the heck of it. I took a very spartan V6 work truck Ram from Missouri to San Antonio and really enjoyed the ride and comfort. The front bench was great for taking naps and the steering and braking were surprisingly good for a large pickup.

But if I was buying a used truck, I'd probably go backwards few more years and get an older GMT400 Sierra/Silverado.

[Bubba1]

the Ram may drive well and be comfortable, but you would think it make one more concerned that such a big heavy vehicle will not protect you as an occupant as well as a subcompact car in a head on collision. Evidently, many do not take that into consideration as it's a consistent big seller.

[Jesda]

Trucks and SUVs always come with a risk. I'm not that worried. Safety has come such a long way in such a short time that the only truly "unsafe" vehicles left are designed by the Chinese.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Safety has come such a long way in such a short time

^This

And its not just in automobiles. The govt. is becoming safety crazed. Google CPSIA. I have to deal with it on a daily basis and it is not fun. Most of my Chinese vendors refuse to acknowledge it.

[ADDirishboy]

Two Mazda's on the list? Didn't see that coming.

The Suzuki on the other hand...

[Eikon]

is "whatever Nala's driving" on the list?
If not.. I demand a recount.

[themadscientist]

I have an 85 Skyline. They can slide head-on into a guardrail at 50MPH, no worries. Trust me, I tested it.

[themadscientist]

is "whatever Nala's driving" on the list?
If not.. I demand a recount.

No, it's most dangerous, not stickiest.

[hannibal]

I would love to see the results sans the rollover test. No way in hell I'd chose a Smart FourTwo over a Dodge Ram in any of the other tests...

[300ZXttZMAN]

I'm surprised the Trailblazer is not on the list. In the auctions its not uncommon to see a couple that rolled over...

Wait was that 2011-12 model year vehicle's only?

[RicerX]

Pretty sure it was for MY11-12.

Extremely surprised to see the mighty Ram top that list. Might be even moreso surprised to see the Pathfinder on there now that I think about it - Nissan has had great safety standards in recent model years... maybe the Pathfinder is the last of the older hat.

I remember my B15 wasn't the safest thing. Wasn't bad, but wasn't spectacular. The B16 did much better. The Z is rated pretty well (for a car that would go underneath a Ram in a head-on collision) and the Altima was best in class at one point recently.

[MinisterofDOOM]

If I wanted a safe car I'd buy a 1980s Cadillac again.

My car is safe because I don't crash into s*** with it. Where's the 5 star crash rating for that?

[BusyBadger]

IMy car is safe because I don't crash into s*** with it. Where's the 5 star crash rating for that?

It's on the shelf next to the force field generator that keeps a texting tween from crashing into you.

[MinisterofDOOM]

IMy car is safe because I don't crash into s*** with it. Where's the 5 star crash rating for that?

It's on the shelf next to the force field generator that keeps a texting tween from crashing into you.

That force field generator is built into every car I drive. It's called "situational awareness." Conveniently, it moves with me from vehicle to vehicle, so I never have to worry.
I have a secondary shielding system called "Wariness" that works in tandem with the primary system. The two are closely integrated but work off of separate sensor systems, resulting in very sophisticated accident avoidance.
I was working on an Acronym to stick on the trunk but SA-W just doesn't have a ring to it, and it doesn't work when most other people drive the car anyway.

[themadscientist]

I just assume the other guy is going to do the dumbest thing possible and react accordingly. I am rarely disappointed.

[MinisterofDOOM]

The problem is that, while I expect them to do the dumbest thing possible, my comprehension for the possible limits of stupidity is severely restricted by the presence of actual firing synapses inside my skull. I am rarely wrong that they will be stupid. I'm often wrong about HOW they will be stupid.