The Driving Woman - 2008 Midsize Sedan Crash Test Results

2008 Midsize Sedan Crash Test Results

2008 Crash Test Scores for midsize sedans. Graphic courtesy of IIHS.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released its crash tests of 2008 midsize sedans. Hopefully you can read the graphic above.

The bottom line: All the cars were significantly improved over the IIHS test done in 2004. The attribute the difference to stronger side pillars and side and head cushion airbags. Notice the column for standard vs. optional stability control on the right.

Rear crash protection is still all over the board, as some of the seats have active head restraints and some do not.

Read the full press release here.

Posted by Joanne Apr 10, 2008 4:00 pm

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Categories: Car Safety | What Women Want in a Car | Car Design and Car Shows

Comments

ewilfong - Apr 11, 2008 8:30 am (#1 Total: 3)

I'm surprised at the poor showing the rear-crash category, especially since the chances of being rear ended are relatively high.

Then again, I remember being rear ended while sitting at a light in a mid-80s Toyota Tercel. The woman hit us at around 40 miles per hour and pushed us into a Bronco II. Other than some stiffness, we were totally unhurt. Of course, the car was a total loss.

opfreak - Apr 11, 2008 11:27 am (#2 Total: 3)

I belive the rear crash test ihas fairly new requirements. And basically involves the use of more active head restrains.

researchqueen - Apr 11, 2008 12:04 pm (#3 Total: 3)

Los Angeles, CA

Yes, Opfreak is right. It's all about "active head restraints," which is why they're not officially called "head rests" any more. An active head restraint moves forward during a crash to "catch" your head and prevent it from snapping too far back, which is how you get whiplash. Also, the restraint has to be high enough to protect the right part of your head. Active head restraints are often accused of being uncomfortable, and/or too close to the head. For a car to get a good rear-crash score, though, head restraint and the "geometry" of the seat itself are involved. For all the details and crash test pictures, see our story, "Pain in the Neck," http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/105554/article.html.
-- joanne