Top Safety Picks For Vehicles Of 2013

BY Editor

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, or IIHS, rates all automobiles on very strict criteria to keep consumers informed on the safest motor vehicles on the road.

The IIHS makes these evaluations based primarily on how well the vehicle protects the driver and passengers in the event of a crash from the front, rear, and sides, and these evaluations are presented in the form of their “Top Safety Picks”, as well as their even more stringent “Top Safety Picks+” list for every model year.

To qualify for this rating, a vehicle must perform better than good in at least four out of five crash test categories. These tests include moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side strength, as well as roof strength and head restraint capability. In 2013, 22 vehicles from various classes made the list for the tall order of a “Top Safety Pick+” vehicle. If you are going to invest in a vehicle the IIHS deems superior in safety, a car clear bra to protect the paint on that investment can save you money in the long-run.
Small Cars:

From the category designated as “small cars” by the IIHS itself, eight out of the twenty-two vehicles were given the ranking. These cars include the domestic and very similar Dodge Dart and Ford Focus, as well as both the two and four door versions of the Honda Civic. The Hyundai Elantra also made the list, as well as the Scion TC–but only models manufactured late in the 2013 model year. Subaru also performed very well, with its long-standing Impreza making the cut, as well as its much newer Crosstrek XV.

Moderately Priced Sedans:

As far as the IIHS is concerned, moderately priced sedans are full sized cars, often seating five comfortably, that do not carry the “bells and whistles” of more expensive brand names. Twelve cars from this category made the list in 2013–with many variations and trim options between vehicles as well. From the domestic market, the Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, and Ford Fusion all performed very well. The German-made Volkswagen Passat made the list–the only European made vehicle in this class that did. Other cars that made the IIHS’s cut include the very affordable Kia Optima, Mazda 6, as well as the Nissan Altima. Other vehicles set apart by safety standards include the Subaru Legacy and Outback, as well as the Suzuki Kizashi.

Luxury Sedans:

In this category, you would probably expect to see manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus–however this is not the case at all. In this category only three vehicles met IIHS standards for their Top Safety Picks+. The Acura TL, a product of Honda’s engineering, is perhaps the most modestly priced in the category overall, and yet made the list. Another manufacturer you may not expect to see also trumped the category, Lincoln, claimed one of the three vehicles with the MKZ line of luxury sedans.

Sport Utility Vehicles:

In 2013 only two small SUV’s qualified for the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Both the Mitsubishi Outlander (including the Outlander Sport), as well as the Subaru Forester met the criteria, leaving other small SUV’s behind significantly. As far as larger Sport Utility Vehicles go, both the Volvo XC60 as well as the XC90 made the list for high safety marks, joining the Mercedes M-class to round out the SUV category.

The Honda Odyssey minivan is the only other vehicle given IIHS top marks in 2013. Use of a car clear bra for your safe investment can protect your monetary investment for years to come.

Jim Smuckateli is family man, business man, entrepreneur and blogger. He has an affinity for vintage cars and cigars. On the weekends he can be found working on cars in his shop or spending time with his family.