When it comes to buying a car, safety is often a top priority for most consumers. With the advancement of technology and increasing governmental safety regulations, car manufacturers have made significant efforts to improve the safety features of their vehicles. In this article, we will investigate the most reliable car brands of the past decade, based on their safety records, customer reviews, and crash test ratings.
1. Volvo: Known for its commitment to safety, Volvo has consistently been a frontrunner in producing reliable and secure vehicles. The brand has introduced numerous safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and advanced automatic emergency braking systems. In 2020, Volvo’s XC90 was awarded the Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its exceptional crashworthiness ratings.
2. Subaru: Subaru has gained a reputation for building safe and reliable cars by implementing its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology across its lineup. This technology includes features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Subaru models have consistently received top ratings from IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), making them popular choices among safety-conscious buyers.
3. Mercedes-Benz: As a luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz has prioritized safety by incorporating cutting-edge innovations into its vehicles. Features like collision avoidance systems, intelligent emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control make Mercedes-Benz cars some of the safest on the market. Most of their models have scored top safety ratings in crash tests conducted by both IIHS and NHTSA.
4. Toyota: Toyota has long been synonymous with reliability, and it’s no surprise that the brand’s commitment to safety matches its reputation. Toyota’s Safety Sense package, which includes features like pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams, comes as standard in most of their vehicles. Many Toyota models consistently achieve high scores in both IIHS and NHTSA tests.
5. Honda: Honda vehicles are renowned for their reliability, and the brand takes safety seriously. Equipped with Honda Sensing, their advanced safety suite, which comprises collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control, Honda cars offer robust safety features. This dedication to safety has resulted in numerous IIHS Top Safety Pick awards for various Honda models over the years.
6. Ford: Ford has invested heavily in safety innovations, making their vehicles some of the most reliable on the road. With features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist, Ford cars provide drivers with peace of mind. Both IIHS and NHTSA have consistently given positive safety ratings to several Ford models.
7. Audi: Audi’s commitment to safety can be seen in the advanced driver assistance systems present in their vehicles. From their virtual cockpit technology to adaptive cruise control and night vision assistance, Audi ensures a safe driving experience. As a result, many Audi models have received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
8. Mazda: Often overlooked, Mazda has consistently produced vehicles that are reliable and safe. Their i-ActiveSense safety suite, featuring numerous driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and advanced smart brake support, reinforces Mazda’s commitment to safety. Many of their models have achieved top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
9. Hyundai: Hyundai has made significant strides in safety over the past decade. With models like the Hyundai Sonata and Elantra equipped with advanced safety technologies like forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist, Hyundai offers a safe driving experience. Numerous Hyundai models have earned top safety ratings, making them a reliable choice.
10. Kia: Kia has also become a player in the safe car market by equipping many of their vehicles with advanced safety features. Models like the Forte and Optima come standard with forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Kia cars consistently score well in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests, establishing them as a reliable brand for safety-conscious consumers.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, car manufacturers place a growing emphasis on producing safe vehicles. The brands mentioned above have consistently prioritized safety and reliability, making them trustworthy choices for consumers seeking peace of mind on the road. When it comes to buying a car, remember: safety should always be the first consideration.