More Crash Test Results, Rollover Ratings For 2003 Models on NHTSA's Web Site

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
September 15, 2003

NHTSA 41-03
Monday, September 15, 2003
Contact: Tim Hurd
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

Additional National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test results and rollover ratings for selected 2003 models are now available on the agency's web site: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

Rated for rollover resistance are the 2003 BMW X5 4x4 four-door utility, BMW Z4 Convertible, Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x2 four-door utility, Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4x4 four-door utility, Honda Element 4x2 four-door utility, Honda Element 4x4 four-door utility, Honda Pilot 4x4 four-door utility, Jeep Liberty 4x2 four-door utility, Jeep Liberty 4x4 four-door utility, Kia Sorento 4x2 four-door utility, Kia Sorento 4x4 four-door utility, Mercedes-Benz ML350 4x4 four-door utility, Mitsubishi Outlander 4x2 four-door utility, Mitsubishi Outlander 4x4 four-door utility, Nissan Murano 4x2 four-door utility, Nissan Murano 4x4 four-door utility, Subaru Forester 4x4 four-door wagon, Subaru Outback 4x4 four-door wagon, Toyota 4Runner 4x2 four-door utility, and Toyota 4Runner 4x4 four-door utility.

Rated for frontal impact is the 2003 and 2004 Volvo XC90 4x4 four-door utility. Frontal tests should be compared only within the same weight class.  The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) reports crash test results in a range of one to five stars, with five stars showing the best safety protection for vehicles.

Rated for side impact are the 2003 BMW Z4 Convertible and the Saturn ION four-door sedan. The NCAP side impact ratings result in one to five stars based upon the chest measurement, with five stars being the highest rating. Scores can be compared across the vehicle weight classes.

A fact sheet, containing explanatory information and tables showing NCAP crash tests results for model year 2003 vehicles, is available by calling the NHTSA Office of Public and Consumer Affairs, 202-366-9550; the Auto Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236; or by writing to NHTSA Public Affairs, Room 5232, 400 Seventh St., S.W., Washington. DC 20590.  Crash test information is available at NHTSA's web site by clicking on "Crash Test" under "Popular Information" in the index on the left side of the screen.