IIHS Reveals Top Vehicle Safety Picks of 2010

If car financing is on your mind and you’re ready to buy something new, it’s a good idea to check the list of top vehicle safety picks released this week by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The list, which named 66 vehicles that were “Top Safety Pick Winners” for this year, more than doubled the number of vehicles that won awards in 2009.

Criteria for Top Safety Picks

In order to earn a Top Safety Pick Award from the IIHS, a vehicle must earn top scores in a number of categories, including:

• Front crash tests
• Side crash tests
• Whiplash protection tests
• Roof crush tests

Also, the vehicle must be available with electronic stability control, which is a computerized system that allows the driver to maintain control during abrupt maneuvers.

According to the list, plenty of vehicles in all categories from economy to luxury-model cars and SUVs offer great choices in safety. In fact, every major automaker is being recognized this year for having at least one winning model to choice from.

Top Vehicles in Safety for 2010

If you’re considering a new car loan, make sure the car you want to finance is a safe choice. Here are some vehicles you might consider based on the IIHS’s list of top safety picks:

• Large car (Buick Lacrosse): The 2011 Buick Lacrosse was chosen as a top pick because it offers good performance in front, side, rollover and rear tests, along with standard electronic stability control. Other vehicles in this category include the Ford Taurus, Toyota Avalon and Buick Regal.
• Mid-size car (Chevrolet Malibu): According to the IIHS, the 2011 Malibu offers good performance in all safety categories as well. Other top mid-size vehicles include the Audi A3, Kia Optima and Ford Fusion.
• Small car (Toyota Corolla): Despite the fact that Toyota vehicles have been recalled numerous times this year, the IIHS found that the Corolla was a great safety pick for offering good performance in all categories. Other top choices in this category include the Honda Civic, Nissan Cube and Scion tC.

In the SUV categories, top choices included the Volkswagen Touareg (large SUV), Dodge Journey (midsize SUV) and Kia Sportage (small SUV). The Toyota Sienna was noted as a top choice for minivans.

For a complete list of top safety choices, visit the IIHS vehicle ratings list.