All small cars are easy on the budget, especially at the gas station. But they are not equal when it comes to safety.
This is a great time of year to buy a 2013 model, as dealers discount them to make room for the 2014 models starting to arrive.
If you are in the market for a 2013 or 2014 compact or subcompact car, consider these crash test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) –
Top rated – 2013 models are the Honda Civic sedan and coupe, achieving the “Top Safety Pick+” designation,
Acceptable – 2013 Dodge Dart, Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra, and the 2014 Scion tC.
Poor – 2013 Nissan Sentra, Kia Soul (pictured above) and Kia Forte pretty much flunked
Other models that performed with less than stellar results include Chevrolet Sonic, Volkswagen Beetle, and Chevrolet Cruze.
IIHS crash tests measure how well the vehicle body protects occupants in a 40-mph crash designed to simulate a front corner hitting a tree, utility pole, or another vehicle.
According to the IIHS, such crashes account for more than 20 percent of the serious injuries sustained in frontal crashes.
Here are some reviews of the IIHS results from automotive experts I trust –
Always drive safely.
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