Insurers Rate Cars in Crash Tests: The...

Insurers Rate Cars in Crash Tests: The 1996 models of the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Lumina and Volvo 850 were rated “best picks” in a new crash test sponsored by the insurance industry. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ran 16 four-door family cars into a soft barrier at 40 m.p.h., so that only one side of the hood crumpled. Rated “good” overall and “best pick”: the Ford Taurus 1996 models, Chevrolet Lumina 1995-96 models, Ford Taurus 1992-95 models and Volvo 850 1993-96 models. Rated “acceptable”: the Toyota Camry 1992-96 models, Subaru Legacy 1995-96 models, Honda Accord 1994-96 models and Mazda Millenia 1995-96 models. Rated “marginal”: the Toyota Avalon 1995-96 models and Saab 900 1995-96 models. Rated “poor”: the Ford Contour 1995-96 models, Volkswagen Passat 1995-96 models, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995-96 models, Mitsubishi Galant 1994-96 models, Chrysler Cirrus 1995-96 models and Nissan Maxima 1995-96 models.