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SUVs Fare Better in New Government Crash Tests

March 17, 2006

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Seven SUVs are among the models that fared well in the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test and rollover ratings.

There are 16 passenger cars in the ratings, 17 sport utility vehicles, four vans, and five pickups. Also included in the tests are two early-release model year 2007 sport utility vehicles.

The 2006 models of the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes Benz ML-class, Nissan Murano and Subaru B9 Tribeca received five stars in frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver's and passenger's sides.

The 2007 model of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, which is already in showrooms received five stars in the two crash categories. One pickup truck, the four-door 2006 Toyota Tacoma, received top scores in the two crash tests.

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe, which has been on sale since January, received the five stars rating as well.

In NHTSA front-end tests, five stars equals a 10 percent or less chance of serious injury and four stars suggests an 11 percent to 20 percent chance of serious injury. The government's frontal tests are conducted at 35 mph.

Other vehicles from the 2006 model year earning five stars in both seating positions for frontal crashes include: Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Lexus ES330, Chevrolet HHR, Ford Expedition, Jeep Commander, Chevrolet Express, Chevrolet Uplander, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona and Chevrolet Colorado.

None of the SUVs or pickups tested received five stars in rollover testing. Those receiving four stars include: Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT, Ford Expedition, Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes Benz ML-Class, Nissan Murano, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier 2-door.

All of the results, including previously tested model year vehicles, are available at the agency�s web site: www.safercar.gov.

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