5. C Class
> Make: Mercedes-Benz
> Small overlap frontal crash test rating: poor
> 2011 sales: 43,349
> Price: $37,220
> J.D. Power Initial Quality: 2 out of 5
The Mercedes C-Class was given a score of “poor” in its small overlap frontal crash test, despite receiving good marks on the other IIHS tests. Neither the side curtain nor side torso airbags deployed in the test, and the dummy’s foot was stuck beneath the brake pedal. The pedal had to be cut off to free the foot. IIHS also noted the seat belt allowed for too much forward movement, with the head at risk of hitting the A-pillar, which is the vertical support near the driver’s seat. In 2011, sales were 8.8% higher than 2007 sales and 17.9% higher than in 2010.
6. IS 250/350
> Make: Lexus
> Small overlap frontal crash test rating: poor
> 2011 sales: 29,669
> Price: $40,220
> J.D. Power Initial Quality: 4 out of 5
The Lexus IS 250/350 was also given a score of “poor” in its small frontal overlap crash test, with the structure/safety cage, lower leg/foot and the restraint/dummy kinematics receiving poor scores. The side torso airbag did not inflate and the head actually moved outside the open side window at one point during the test. Meanwhile, the brake pedals had to be cut off in order to free the right foot. Nevertheless, Lexus was named by J.D. Power and Associates as the most problem-free nameplate in America, with a score of 73 problems per 100 vehicles. The 29,669 combined Lexus IS 250, 350 and 500Fs sold in 2011 represented a 46% decline from 2007 and a 13.1% decline since 2010.
7. A4
> Make: Audi
> Small overlap frontal crash test rating: poor
> 2011 sales: 35,234
> Price: $32,500
> J.D. Power Initial Quality: 2 out of 5
During the new test, the footrest and instrument panel moved toward the driver, making injuries to the left hip likely in the event of an accident. The dummy’s head did hit the front airbag but slid off to the left side, while the side torso airbag did not deploy. Furthermore, the driver door opened during the crash, placing the driver at risk of being ejected from the vehicle. Nevertheless, Consumer Reports points out the crash test results were one of the highs scores for the A4, along with agility, acceleration, transmission, fuel economy, fit and finish. In 2011, sales of the A4 were 22.4% lower than in 2007, although 2011 sales improved 1.6% from the previous year.
Also Read: Countries Where Women Do Not Feel Safe
8. ES 350
> Make: Lexus
> Small overlap frontal crash test rating: poor
> 2011 sales: 40,873
> Price: $36,725
> J.D. Power Initial Quality: 5 out of 5
When the IIHS put the Lexus ES 350 through its new test, the dummy’s head barely made contact with the front airbag, with the head sliding off the left side. Meanwhile, the steering column moved significantly to the right and up, diminishing the protection to the chest in a high-impact collision. Neither the side curtain airbag nor the side torso airbag deployed in the crash test. IIHS notes that “injuries to the left knee and left lower leg, ankle, and heel would be likely in a crash of this severity.” Despite this, the car received “good” scores for all the other “Top Safety Pick” crash tests, with an exception of a “marginal” rating in the rear crash protection test. In 2011, the ES 350 sales were a whopping 50.7% lower than 2007 sales, including a 16% drop from 2010.
–Michael Sauter and Samuel Weigley
