2012 Chevrolet Sonic, Volkswagen Passat Earn Five-Star NHTSA Ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released another batch of 2012 model-year crash-test ratings today. Under the stricter guidelines, the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic compact and the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan earned five-star composite scores.
NHTSA’s composite scores are composed of five-star ratings for frontal, rollover and a combined side pole and barrier tests. The side pole test, which is new, simulates a 20-mph side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver’s side.
The two models join the Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, Saab 9-4X, Chevrolet Camaro and Toyota Camry as the only other vehicles to earn five-star composite scores for 2012.
Also in this batch of testing were results for the 2012 Dodge Durango and Mazda6; each earned a four-star composite score. The Mazda6 had a relatively poor three-star rating in the side pole test and frontal crash test. The Durango received a four-star frontal, three-star rollover and a five-star rating for the combined side pole and barrier tests.
NHTSA said it will test 74 vehicles for the 2012 model year, including 42 passenger cars, 22 SUVs/crossovers, eight pickups and two minivans, representing 81% of the 2012 models by sales volume. So far, only seven models have earned five-star ratings for the model year.



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I wonder if the Sonic would still get the 5 stars if NHTSA has purchased one without the brake pads...
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/gm-recalling-chevrolet-sonics-check-151851570.html
Saw that, how's the quality control on the rest of cars/trucks shipped?
The union worker in charge of the brakes was probably at the park smoking pot and consuming bear.
What does bear taste like? Is it legal to eat in the US?
You obviously don't know anything about "Foster," Derrick G.
These two brands have the good safety record. Their sale are not par their reputation. Their marketing dept need to do something.
They are strong brands in safety.THe adward belongs to the vehicles part suppliers also.
The new Passat looks really, really sharp, I'm thinking it's time to upgrade from my '01 and they're pretty affordable now, too. Also thought it was really cool that they used Little Joy's "The Next Time Around" in the new ads (http://youtu.be/5jSUVKOpR9w )...the only question now is, what color?