Small Cars Come Up Short in Crash-Test Safety Study

Small cars are back in vogue because of high gasoline prices but most fail to provide the same safety protection that buyers find in bigger vehicles, according to the results of new tests simulating crashes with sport utility vehicles or pickup trucks.

All eight models of small cars tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety received passing scores in head-on crash tests, but only one, the Nissan Versa, received high marks in both side- and rear-crash tests. The Versa is several hundred pounds heavier than competing models and therefore was better able to withstand the test impact.







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SixxFive - 12/19/2006 11:25:39 AM

+2 Boost

Saw this headline on MSNBC this morning. Of course a smaller car is not going to provide the same protection as a car twice its size and weight - duh!

mobiustech - 12/19/2006 11:28:46 AM

0 Boost

I would rather purchase a used heavier vehicle than these rediculously small cars to save a few dollars. My family life isn't worth it.

mobiustech - 12/19/2006 11:29:51 AM

0 Boost

Sorry, correction, the family IS worth it (typo)

chewy - 12/19/2006 3:09:49 PM

+1 Boost

The Aveo really sucks. I remember when it bombed the European test, still sucks here.

Rupert - 12/19/2006 4:24:25 PM

+1 Boost

you guys should get some of our hatches, they're good. renault expecially, all 5 star vehicles. peugeot too. even ford has a 5 star focus.