NHTSA Announces List of 2011 Model Year Vehicles to be Rated Under the New Government 5-Star Safety Ratings Program

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the lineup of 2011 model year passenger vehicles that will receive new safety ratings under the agency’s revamped and updated 5-star safety ratings program.

In all, 24 passenger cars, 20 sport utility vehicles, two vans, and nine 2011 model year pickups will be rated under the new system that not only includes tougher crash tests, but, for the first time, provides consumers with a single overall safety score per vehicle. The new testing program will also provide consumers with information about new advanced crash avoidance technologies, such as lane departure and forward collision warning systems.

The results of the 55 vehicles being tested under NHTSA’s new 5-star safety ratings system will be posted on the agency’s website, www.safercar.gov. “The vehicles we are announcing will be the first ones tested under the Department’s tougher, more rigorous 5-star ratings program,” Secretary Ray LaHood explained. “This new testing program significantly raises the safety bar for all vehicle manufacturers and will provide consumers with a great deal more safety information about the cars and trucks they want to buy.”