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E-mail this ArticleEarlier this year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released the results of its 2004 rollover tests for 36 sport-utility vehicles, 20 passenger cars, eight pickups and four minivans. The listing represents the first time that the agency has incorporated complete, detailed results from its new "dynamic" tests, which subject the vehicles to two tight turns at varying speeds on a test track.
NHTSA has always used a "star system"--assigning each vehicle from one to five stars, with more stars indicating greater stability. Now, in addition to the star system, the new ratings include the chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (expressed as a percentage). The agency also notes whether the vehicle tipped onto two wheels on the test track.
The newly detailed information allows you to make finer distinctions between vehicles earning the same number of stars. For example, of the 23 SUVs that received three stars, only three--the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner 4X4s--tipped onto two wheels during dynamic testing.
For a complete list of rollover ratings, visit www.safercar.gov or call NHTSA's toll-free hotline, 888/327-4236.
