NHTSA Completes 2004 Model Year Rollover Testing; Announces New Supplemental Rating Presentation Method

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
August 9, 2004

NHTSA 34-04
Monday, August 9, 2004
Contact: Rae Tyson
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced rollover ratings for the remainder of its 2004 test series. The agency also released comparative rankings for all 2004 vehicles tested.

Consumers can view the ratings at: http://www.safercar.gov/.

New model year 2004 ratings for rollover are available for the Chrysler Pacifica 4x2, Chrysler Pacifica 4x4, Ford Escape 4x2, Ford Escape 4x4, Ford Freestar, Mazda Tribute 4x2, Mazda Tribute 4x4, Mercury Mariner 4x2, Mercury Mariner 4x4, Mercury Monterey, Nissan Murano 4x2, Nissan Murano 4x4 and Nissan Quest.

Overall, the best rollover ratings for 2004 models tested were: Mazda RX-8 four-door (passenger car); Chevrolet Silverado 4x2 extended cab (pickup truck); Chrysler Pacifica 4x4 (sport utility vehicle); Nissan Quest (van).

NHTSA uses a 5-star ranking system to rate a vehicle on its likelihood to rollover in a single vehicle crash.

The agency also unveiled an enhanced scoring system that will provide consumers with valuable new rollover information. In addition to the star rating used to rank a vehicle's likelihood of rollover in a single vehicle crash, NHTSA also reports the percent chance of rollover and how the vehicle ranks in its class.

These additional pieces of information will aid consumers when comparing vehicles with similar rollover star ratings. The new consumer-friendly format can be seen at: http://www.safercar.gov/.

A fact sheet containing explanatory information and tables showing rollover rating results for all 2004 vehicles tested can be obtained by calling the NHTSA Auto Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236.

2004 Model Year Rollover Testing