Is It Getting Too Easy?: 2007 Crash Tests Results Rate 24 Autos High

Two dozen 2007 passenger vehicles received top scores in government crash ratings Tuesday under a system that is expected to be revised to offer more meaningful information for car buyers.

The test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are frequently cited in advertising, but the government's watchdog group and others have said the "star system" needs to be improved because most vehicles receive four or five stars under NHTSA's system. The grade inflation makes it more difficult for consumers to compare the safety value of similar vehicles.

Most of the 2007 vehicles received four or five stars in frontal and side testing.

Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said last month that NHTSA planned to upgrade the New Car Assessment Program to enhance test ratings while measuring new crash avoidance technologies found more commonly in vehicles.


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Westside7th - 2/14/2007 1:10:40 PM

+3 Boost

Maybe cars are just built better and safer.

Heyhuub - 2/14/2007 4:00:58 PM

+1 Boost

Yes they are, but won't this hinder further improvment in safety.

mstangpny07 - 2/14/2007 5:40:47 PM

+1 Boost

No, it's the test that's too easy, not the safety of the car. A last gen F150 got FIVE stars from the NHTSA, but a POOR from the IIHS.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/14/2007 9:44:16 PM

+1 Boost

That's what they were implying. The crash tests.