The Insurance Institute for Highway Safey (IIHS) released the results of their tests on seven midsize sedans today: Malibu, Avenger, G35, Optima, Galant, Aura and Altima. All but the Optima received good ratings in front and side crash tests. The Optima was rated acceptable in front and side tests while it received a good rating in rear crash testing. Four of the cars– Malibu, Aura, G35 and Altima– were considered "marginal" in rear crash tests; the Galant was rated poor and Avenger was rated adequate. The Detroit News points out IIHS test standards are more stringent than those NHTSA uses for their "star" ratings, but NHTSA says they'll have stricter standards in effect for the 2010 model year. Mitsubishi and GM were quick to say they design their vehicles to meet federal standards, displaying their usual "if 65's a pass, 66 is overkill" mentality.
Find Reviews by Make:
Read all comments
Frank
After reading the article it’s clear all the manufacturers have made huge improvements in these tests. Remember “Good” is the highest rating. I also think your comment about Mitsubishi and GM are cheap shots. Also don’t forget this is all created and funded by the insurance industry. With all the improvements in safety have your insurance rates gone down?
Good summary; just 2 things:
The Optima was good in the frontal impact (acceptable in side impact).
The G35 damage pictured was from a prior bumper test at 6 mph. (The rear end tests are done with a seat mounted on a sled that simulates a 20 mph rear impact.)
I’m glad you pointed out the silly comment the manufacturers always trot out about their vehicles meeting federal standards. Of course they do; otherwise they couldn’t be sold here in the first place!
Juniper, it’s not a cheap shot at all. The federal standards are minimums everyone must meet. Just because a Yugo technically met the standards in 1986, would you have bought one then, even if you assumed it would be reliable?
As for insurance rates going down, that depends on your company. And don’t forget, the majority of payouts go for minor fender benders, like that for the G35’s damage from a 6 mph impact, and for whiplash injuries. The crashes that have the potential to kill are relatively rare events.
While GM’s comments might be typical PR fluff, I think it raises a valid point.
For Shits and Giggles, it would be nice to see what differences the height of the occupant makes when doing the seat test (maybe weight also).
How much difference is there between a 5’2″, 5’10” and 6’4″ person when it comes to safety?
So when ever car in America reaches “Good” status, are we going to have to adjust the test or just add a new layer (eg “But these go to eleven”)?
The year is 2035 and a new gaggle of vehicles is brought together to undergo the latest IIHS impact tests. The first car is brought up – and the technicians clear the area. Then one of the two guys that used to star on Mythbusters yells “Fire in the hole!!” and presses a button. At that instant a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) is fired at the target – uh vehicle. After the smoke and dust clears the technicians approach to take measurments. The verdict is – a fair rating. “I guess we won’t be able to raise rates on this model” quips an insurance industry exec who has been observing the test.
210delray: “Just because a Yugo technically met the standards in 1986, would you have bought one then…”
No, but if I’d known what a rare collectible they’d become, I would have bought a used one a few years later when more-or-less drivable Yugos could still be found.
The just enough to pass mentality is the reason there are so many recalls in the mill. All car companies conduct risk analysis before they release a design to the assembly plant. They look at what will fail and how much the lawsuits/recalls will cost compared to how much they will save by not correcting the potential failure. This mind set extends to problems that develope in the field, like Dex-cool, bad head gaskets, oil leaking onto the manifold, etc. They know there is a problem but continue to use the same parts until there a class action suit or the government forces them to change.