Safety is always a concern for families who need reliable transportation. The 2011 models haven’t gone through any official crash test ratings yet but there are some signs of cars that will be the safest in 2011. Here are my picks for some of the safest cars for the 2011 model year.
Hyundai Sonata
U.S. News and World Report recently published an article that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has named the 2011 Hyundai Sonata as the top safety pick. What was more impressive is that the new standards for 2011 include a roof strength test that is twice the Federal government standard.
The Sonata is loaded with six airbags and has anti-lock brakes, stability control, and passes all crash tests with flying colors. The new 2011 model will price somewhere in the $19,000 base price up to a fully loaded $28,000.
Ford Fiesta
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a compact car for $13,000 and it comes loaded with safety features that will make this an attractive car for 40 MPG and four cylinders. Traction control, anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system, curtain airbags, and even a knee airbag for the driver are all available in Ford’s new Fiesta.
Popular in Europe, with American consumers going to more fuel efficient models Ford will lead the way again in safety and reliability for the Big Three. If the car looks familiar it was featured in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet’s new Cruze model has yet to be tested in American markets but in Europe and Asia it has made top marks for safety in every category. The Cruze earned 96 out of 100 for adult occupant protection by the European New Car Assessment Program.
There won’t be many substantial changes in the American version that will feature ten airbags, stability control, antilock brakes, and OnStar all standard. The price will range close to $17,000 when you include all the options for this larger compact/smaller sedan class vehicle.
Subaru’s Legacy has been named the safest car in Japan and should do well in the 2011 model year. It will be base priced at just under $21,000 for the sedan that is a steady earner for the Asian carmaker.
Subaru’s 2010 models earned IIHS safety awards and should continue the trend for next year. There are front and side airbags and electronic stability control that will be standard on the Legacy for a midsize sedan.
Volvo S60
Volvo is the industry leader when it comes to safety and the S60 for 2011 is no exception. In addition to airbags out the wazoo, the $37,000 base price car has the inflatable curtain feature, collision warning system, pedestrian protection system, and even a whiplash protection system.
If this all sounds high-tech, the collision warning system uses cameras and radar to detect cars and pedestrians to bring the car to a dead stop if need be. No wonder Volvo guarantees your safety.
