List of the Safest Cars for 2011
December 30, 2010
Car safety is a very important factor when it comes to buying a car - safer cars are more desirable and generally result in higher resale values.
For 2011, there are 66 vehicles that have earned Top Safety Picks by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
Leading the way are Kia and Hyundai, with a combined nine vehicles, and Audi and Volkswagon, which also combine for nine.
General Motors, Ford and Lincoln as well as Toyota, Lexus and Scion have 2 to 3 picks each, while Subaru is the only brand to have its entire lineup earning five stars.
Among new additions are the 2011 Kia Optima, Ford Explorer and the VW Jetta and Touareg.
Top 2011 Model Year Safety Winners
Large cars
- Buick LaCrosse
- Buick Regal
- BMW 5 Series (except four-wheel drive and V-8)
- Cadillac CTS sedan
- Ford Taurus
- Hyundai Genesis
- Infiniti M37, M56 (except M56x four-wheel drive)
- Audi A3
- Audi A4 sedan
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Chrysler 200 four-door
- Dodge Avenger
- Ford Fusion
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Optima
- Lincoln MKZ
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Honda Civic four-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
- Kia Forte sedan
- Kia Soul
- Mitsubishi Lancer (except four-wheel drive)
- Nissan Cube
- Scion tC
- Minicar
- Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback built after July 2010
- Minivan
- Toyota Sienna
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Midsize SUVs
- Audi Q5
- Cadillac SRX
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Dodge Journey
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Flex
- GMC Terrain
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sorento built after March 2010
- Lexus RX
- Lincoln MKT
- Small SUVs
- Honda Element
- Hyundai Tucson
- Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
- Kia Sportage
- Subaru Forester
- Volkswagen Tiguan
My Recommendation for Car Shoppers
TrueCar No-Haggle, CarsDirect, and Ryde Shopper are the quickest way to see the lowest car prices in your area. These sites show you no-haggle prices from dealers closest to you - and the deals are usually really good. This should be the first step you take when negotiating your car price. Follow this up with my checklist to make sure you squeeze out every last bit of savings.- Gregg Fidan
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Gregg Fidan is the founder of RealCarTips. After being ripped off on his first car purchase, he devoted several years to figuring out the best ways to avoid scams and negotiate
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