Honda Motor Co. (HMC) has topped the insurance industry’s annual list of the safest new vehicles.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety on Thursday gave 39 vehicles top safety ratings for 2014. That is dramatically fewer than the 130 on the list last year because vehicles now must meet tougher standards.
For the first time, the vehicles need top crash test scores and a good front crash prevention system — such as warning systems or automatic braking — to get its highest designation. Vehicles are now ranked as either a “Top Safety Pick” or “Top Safety Pick +” if they meet the front crash protection criteria as well.
Honda, which also owns the Acura brand, had the most winners of any automaker with eight of its vehicles making the list. The Honda Civic hybrid, Honda Accord, Acura RLX and Acura MDX all got the highest ranking. Its Honda Civic two-door and Acura TL were also ranked as top safety picks.
The list is often used by safety-minded car shoppers and by automakers in advertising.
There are eight newcomers to the list,
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including Infinity’s Q50, the Mazda 3, Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet Spark mini-car. The Honda Civic Hybrid and several Volvo models won the top designation on the basis of standard equipment in their vehicles.
The IIHS’s rankings have been a catalyst in recent years for automakers to make their cars safer. Automakers are scrambling to bolster the front-end protection of their cars and trucks to meet the institute’s offset test, which measures how well a car protects people in a crash covering only part of the front end.
For example, Toyota Motor (TM) redesigned the midsize Camry sedan, America’s top-selling car, so it could pass the test, the institute announced Thursday. The changes helped the Camry’s crash-test rating move from “poor” to “acceptable,” for all models built after Nov. 1, the institute said.
By Michael Zak | AOL Autos
A recent Interest.com study looked at the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the United States to see which median-income households in those respective areas can afford to purchase a new car, the average price of which was $30,550 in 2012, according to TrueCar. The study found that in only one city can residents actually afford a car with this sticker price — Washington, D.C.
Households with an average income in Washington, D.C. can afford a payment of up to $628, which would allow for purchase of a $31,940 vehicle. The next closest city, San Francisco, can only afford $537 per month, equating to a $26,786.
While it’s not news that Americans like to buy things that they can’t afford, the data is a little surprising given how many great cars there are out there for well under $30,000. Solid hybrids, CUVs, sedans and sports cars can all be had for less than this.
We’ve racked our brains and come up with 5 of the best cars that are cheaper than the average car’s purchase price. These are affordable, versatile, fun and fuel efficient. Of course, there are some stinkers in this price range, as well, so we’ve included 5 vehicles we think you should avoid.
The Best And Worst Vehicles For Under $30,000
MSRP: $25,495 – $27,495
Invoice: $24,327 – $26,112
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 30 mpg Highway
The Subaru BRZ proves that driving bliss doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The rear-wheel drive sports coupe is one of the most engaging vehicles on the road today, with utterly superb dynamics and looks. The best part? You can have one for $25,495.
Research the Subaru BRZ
Subaru BRZ Photos & Information
Subaru BRZ Best Deals
Subaru BRZ Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $18,095 – $25,200
Invoice: $17,371 – $24,192
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 33 mpg Highway
Although the redesigned 2014 version of this handsome hatch will be on sale in the near future, the current generation is still worth buying. It’s fuel efficient, fun and surprisingly versatile. Starting at less than $20,000, the Golf is also quite affordable.
Research the Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf Photos & Information
Volkswagen Golf Best Deals
Volkswagen Golf Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $26,650 – $30,295
Invoice: $24,809 – $28,202
Fuel Economy: 44 mpg City, 40 mpg Highway
The Toyota Pirus v is essentially a bigger version of the popular Prius hybrid. This hatchback acheives stellar fuel economy while allowing for transport of numerous people and all of their stuff. Starting at $26,650, you can have all the benefits of a versatile hybrid for an agreeable price.
Research the Toyota Prius v
Toyota Prius v Photos & Information
Toyota Prius v Best Deals
Toyota Prius v Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $20,995 – $28,595
Invoice: $20,396 – $27,771
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway
The Mazda CX-5 is one of our favorite crossovers here at AOL Autos even when taking more expensive ones into account. Remarkably fun to drive, fuel efficient and starting at a low price, there’s a lot to love about this agile utility vehicle.
Research the Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-5 Photos & Information
Mazda CX-5 Best Deals
Mazda CX-5 Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $16,695 – $21,115
Invoice: $16,208 – $20,218
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
This small sedan continue to be the darling of both critics and consumers nationwide. Available with tons of standard features, great looks and sweet fuel economy, the Elantra is one of the best cars on the planet right now.
Research the Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra Photos & Information
Hyundai Elantra Best Deals
Hyundai Elantra Local Dealer Price Quote
Best –
MSRP: $18,995 – $32,820
Invoice: $18,770 – $31,334
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg City, 29 mpg Highway
The 200 is a holdover from when Chrysler was owned by Daimler and then private equity-firm Cerberus Capital. It’s not that this car is awful, especially since the new Chrysler, managed by Fiat, made a series of improvements. It’s that the other cars in this category are so good, and much better designed and engineered.
Research the Chrysler 200
Chrysler 200 Photos & Information
Chrysler 200 Best Deals
Chrysler 200 Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $18,725 – $21,815
Invoice: $17,789 – $20,725
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg City, 31 mpg Highway
The Scion tC is intended to be a sporty coupe. The problem? It’s not sporty. At all. In fact, the tC finds itself on the Consumer Reports list of the least fun cars to drive and we’re inclined to agree with that assessment.
Research the Scion tC
Scion tC Photos & Information
Scion tC Specs
Scion tC Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $18,995 – $30,795
Invoice: $18,800 – $29,276
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg City, 26 mpg Highway
Short on features and with pretty poor driving dynamics, the Dodge Journey is one you should skip if you’re shopping for a sub-$30,000 crossover. We’re looking forward to Dodge’s next attempt.
Research the Dodge Journey
Dodge Journey Photos & Information
Dodge Journey Best Deals
Dodge Journey Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $25,900 – $29,200
Invoice: $24,452 – $27,507
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway
Don’t be fooled by the badge. This is not really a luxury car. With uninspired driving dynamics and a lackluster interior, you should pass on the ILX even though its low sticker price seems very tempting.
Research the Acura ILX
Acura ILX Photos & Information
Acura ILX Best Deals
Acura ILX Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
MSRP: $12,490 – $17,890
Invoice: $11,616 – $16,638
Fuel Economy: 34 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
The idea of the smart fortwo is great. It’s the execution that’s the problem. The fortwo is loud, terrible to drive and really isn’t all that fuel efficient, considering its size. There are way better options between $10,000 and $20,000.
Research the smart fortwo
smart fortwo Photos & Information
smart fortwo Specs
smart fortwo Local Dealer Price Quote
Worst –
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