Statistics have shown that travel by automobile is one of the most dangerous forms of transportation. Driving is one of those luxuries that we often take for granted. Most individuals are so busy doing other things while driving that they do not think much about the dangers that are surrounding them. It is for this reason that when it comes time to buy a new and or used car we should take that little extra precaution to arm ourselves against the hazards of the road. I’m talking hitting the pause button on this merry-go-round that we call life and taking a good hard look at vehicle safety. After all who doesn’t want to be behind the wheel of one of the safest cars?
When it comes to driving one of the safest cars - safety advancements have made cars safer than they have ever been and technology continues to make evolutionary contributions to the survivability of accidents. The truth is -- because of safety in cars standards and technology -- even vehicles with a relatively low safety ratings are safer than many cars built as little as 15 or 20 years ago.
Purchasing one the safest cars is not just about survivability in an accident. It is also about reliability, security, and all-weather capability. A car that leaves you stranded along side the road has put you in a very unsafe situation, especially if driving conditions are less than favorable. If you currently researching your next car purchase and purchasing one of the safest cars is paramount, you will find on our list a variety of vehicles that all rank highly in both overall safety and reliability. Keep in mind that our rating system averages several attributes to get a composite rating, so cars with excellent stand-alone safety ratings (i.e. Volvo) may not appear on the list.
Computing the Rankings
A total of 10 cars were selected for our safest cars list. Vehicles were chosen based primarily on safety ratings, safety features, reliability, available drive system, driving characteristics, and child friendliness. Vehicles on this list scored very well in collision testing and feature advanced safety features and equipment. Also taken into consideration were driving characteristics such as all-wheel-drive, ride height, view of the road, and the overall child friendly aspects of a vehicle. Child friendly vehicles tend to be safer vehicles because additional considerations have been made for the safety of child passengers.
Top 10 Safest Cars
- 2008 Ford Taurus
- 2008 Jeep Commander
- 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2008 Lincoln Town Car
- 2008 Infiniti FX
- 2008 Honda Pilot
- 2008 Mercury Sable
- 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2008 Toyota Highlander
Just Missed The Safest Cars Cut
11. 2008 Toyota Sienna
12. 2008 Chevrolet HHR
13. 2008 Honda Odyssey
14. 2008 Lincoln Mark LT
15. 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
Top Safest Cars by Type
Sedans & Coupes
- 2008 Ford Taurus
- 2008 Lincoln Town Car
- 2008 Mercury Sable
Wagon/Utility
- 2008 Chevrolet HHR
- 2008 Honda Element
- 2008 Subaru Forester
Sport Utility Vehicles
- 2008 Jeep Commander
- 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2008 Infiniti FX
Minivans
- 2008 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2008 Toyota Sienna
- 2008 Honda Odyssey
Latest News Regarding "The Safest Cars"
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Labor Day RoundupWashington Post (blog)I drive a Volvo...one of the safest cars made...and I'm still wary when on our roads. I can't imagine exposing my body to the wack jobs with driver's ...and more » |
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Car applies brake for pedestriansTrading Markets (press release)"Volvo has always had a position in the consumer's minds as one of the world's safest cars," Plunkett said. "That is and has been a competitive advantage ...and more » |
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