Unfortunately, you're mostly on your own when trying to determine which cars are safest. Vehicles that don't protect you in crashes and lack advanced safety equipment are plentiful, particularly among lower-priced vehicles.
With that in mind, Kiplinger's evaluated hundreds of 2004 models to come up with 13 vehicles that go to the head of the safety class. Five of the vehicles -- Mini Cooper, Mercedes-Benz E Class sedan, Volkswagen Passat sedan, Ford Freestar minivan and Volvo XC90 SUV -- are featured in the March issue of the magazine. Here are eight more that represent the gold standard for safety. Note that we've included only those vehicles that have been crash tested by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The top rating from NHTSA is five stars. Sticker prices include destination charges.
Audi A4 sedan
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Best Pick Weight: 3,252 pounds Sticker price (1.8T Manual): $26,270
Audi's near-luxury sedan is a stout, sturdy sedan with good crash-test scores, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, front side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags, seat belt pretensioners for front and rear passengers, and a crash sensor that unlocks the car, puts the hazard warning lights on and shuts off the engine and fuel pump. The only desirable safety feature the Audi lacks is electronic stability control. You can upgrade to the Quattro, four-wheel-drive model for $28,470.
BMW X5
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Best Pick Weight: 4,533 pounds Sticker price (3.0i): $41,495
All-wheel-drive on the popular Bimmer crossover is standard, and standard safety equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, front-seat head protection system, seat belt pretensioners and traction control. We recommend adding side airbags in the rear, for an additional $385. Electronic stability control isn't available.
Chrysler Pacifica
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Best Pick Weight: 4,320 pounds Sticker price: $31,230
With the best possible crash test scores, Chrysler's SUV/minivan/wagon is as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar.
A safety package that includes front and rear curtain airbags and traction control is reflected in the price above. All-wheel drive costs another $3,455. Standard features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes and inflatable driver-side knee bolster. Electronic stability control isn't available.
Honda Accord EX
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Best Pick Weight: 3,144 pounds Sticker price (Manual): $22,490
It's comforting to know that one of the best-selling cars in the world also gets top crash-test scores. The price above includes front side (torso) airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Also stardard are traction control, anti-lock brakes and seat belt pretensioners.
Jaguar X-Type
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Best Pick Weight: 3,428 pounds Sticker price (Manual): $29,995
All-wheel drive is standard equipment on the intro-level Jag. Also included are four-wheel anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners. You can't get stability control.
Lincoln Town Car
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Good Weight: 4,015 pounds Sticker price (Signature): $41,930
In a supercompetitive market, carmakers -- especially Detroit carmakers -- are reluctant to add features that consumers aren't clamoring for. So even a luxury auto like the Town Car doesn't offer side-curtain airbags or stability control. On the other hand, you get tank-like crash protection, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, front side (torso) airbags and traction control.
Saab 9-5
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Best Pick Weight: 3,470 pounds Sticker price (Aero): $40,160
The Swedes take car safety seriously, and the Saab 9-5 has a long list of standard safety equipment: four-wheel anti-lock brakes, front head and torso airbags, active head restraints (to prevent whiplash) for front passengers, seat belt pretensioners, electronic stability control, traction control and daytime running lights.
Toyota Sienna
NHTSA frontal crash: NHTSA side crash: IIHS frontal crash: Best Pick Weight: 4,120 pounds Sticker price (CE): $25,640
When you think minivan -- the vehicle that hauls your whole family -- you probably think safety, and Toyota has designed the Sienna with that in mind. The price reflects a $2,145 package that includes three-row curtain airbags, stability control, traction control and daytime running lights. Standard equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist (in case you're not pushing on the pedal hard enough in emergency braking situations) seat belt pretensioners and collapsible steering column.
GETTING STARTED
