When it comes to determining a list of the safest American cars, we should consider the fact that the competition in this segment has become extremely tough over the last few years. The IIHS ratings include lots of brands and autos produced with additional safety kits and packages for fun and comfortable driving. Of course, it is really hard to compare different classes and unite them into one list considering the fact that some sports and luxury cars come along with respectably high level of advanced safety while other vehicles still have something to offer, we tried to create our list of top 10 safest American cars according to results published in 2015. Our rating includes not only sedans, but also SUVs and small compact cars in order to bring the full picture to our readers.
Chevrolet Spark
This year Chevy Spark is actually the only small compact car that managed to show good results during crash tests arranged by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This segment is well-known for poor safety kits. But this time Chevrolet came up with an advanced package, which made it possible for the model to get the “GOOD” mark with the exception of the small overlap front test result which appeared to be acceptable. The rest of the results were good. After this compact model was first introduced in 2012 it became rather popular with the US consumers due to a low starting price and a wide selection of options and facilities for fun and economic driving.
Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln MKZ has already proved to be a true sensation on the automotive arena with its innovative hybrid engine, elegant design, up-to-date modern firmware and lots of technical options representing high class and luxury style. Engineers also paid a lot of attention to the safety features of their auto prodigy. As a result we have a reliable hybrid sedan of the premium class with an overall mark “GOOD” during the IIHS tests. At the same time according to the results published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the new auto gets the “Excellent” mark for all the tests with the exception of rollover which is “good” not “exceptional”. But we will certainly forgive this small drawback to the producers of this masterpiece.
Chevrolet Volt
Chevy Volt turned out to be another small and affordable car. The average price is about $33,000, which is rather good considering all the features and results of its crash tests. The overall mark is ”GOOD” according to the IIHS results. At the same time the NHTSA tests proved this model to have excellent safety features in all the aspects with the exception of the frontal crash. The same thing is with the IIHS results where Volt got an acceptable mark. The safety kit includes a 4-wheel ABS, drive and side airbags, break assists and disk brakes, traction control, lane departure warning and many more.
Dodge Dart
Dodge Dart starts with advanced high-strength hot-stamped steel used for its body, which forms a reliable auto structure in addition to a safety still frame for maximum protection of the driver and the passengers. The owners will certainly benefit from various safety features that include a 10+ airbag kit, blind spot monitoring, rare cross path direction and additional options which are aimed at providing confident and secure driving under any conditions.
Ford C-Max Hybrid
Ford C-Max Hybrid has been first introduced in 2013 and since then it became one of the most anticipated and wanted family wagons. Needless to say that it has all the necessary safety options and features considering the fact that it is presented as a family car for the most comfortable and economic city driving featuring its innovative hybrid engine. Speaking about the safety kit – it includes various standard driver assist systems in addition to child safety locks, integrated turn signal mirrors, traction control, break assist and many more. Such a variety of features in addition to a low starting price from $24, 90 make Ford C-Max Hybrid a perfect family car.
Ford Focus
Here we are with another safe and reliable Focus sedan produced by Ford. Most auto fans are already used to the fact that this model regularly gets into the list of the top safest cars. This year was not an exception, which is not surprising. The model represents affordability and security with an average price from $17,571 and various safety features. The IIHS tests showed good results while the small overlap front test was acceptable like in the majority vehicles from our list. Taking into account the fact that the new Focus is also presented as a family car for fun city driving it has several additional options apart from the standard safety kit. They include children’s lock, traction control and many more.
Chevrolet Malibu
Priced from $23,290 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a 2.5-liter Ecotec engine, which is able to produce 196 HP for a perfect ride. This is probably one of the most affordable American sedans available on the market at the moment. At the same time the new model came up with several significant improvements, which make it easy for the car to compete with the main rivals in this segment. Safety features include standard 10+ airbags along with an electronic stability control system and other options.
GMC Terrain
It is time to introduce the first compact SUV in our rating. Priced from $27,390 the new model has a 2.4-liter engine under the bonnet, which is actually the same engine that can be found be found in Chevrolet Equinox. We will talk about this model at the end of our rating. Speaking about the Terrain, GMC offers other modifications with more power. They include a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The new car is rather powerful, spacious, reliable and safe. It is the most you can get from a compact SUV for such a price.
Chrysler 200
Meet our champ! Chrysler 200 earned excellent marks during the IIHS tests featuring outstanding occupant protection along with an efficient automatic breaking system. The 2014 model ended last generation of these vehicles. Starting from 2015 Chrysler 200 is a totally new fully redesigned auto. It got various new features and options, which made it possible for the car to get “superior” marks and take the lead in our rating. Safety features include full speed forward collision, which is a part of advanced safety tec package.
Chevrolet Equinox
It is time for our last but not least participant. Chevrolet Equinox is also one of the safest crossovers available on the market. Its price starts from $25,315. As well as its previous version, the new model comes with all-wheel drive and various safety features, which let it receive “excellent” marks during IIHS crash tests.
Sources
- Top 10 Fastest Cars in the World;
- Top 5 Iconic Cars in the History;
- Top 10 Safest Cars in 2015;
- All Car Brands List.
