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September 29, 2006
SIDE IMPACT TESTS, REQUESTED BY FORD, GET MIXED RESULTS
IIHS announced results of tests of four 2007 model vehicles with side airbags: Toyota FJ Cruiser and Ford Freestyle (midsize SUVs); Ford Fusion (midsize moderately priced car) and Ford Crown Victoria (large family car). It said the FJ Cruiser and Freestyle earned good ratings for protection in side crashes. But IIHS reported that “the Fusion is rated acceptable, and the Crown Victoria is marginal. Side airbags are optional in the FJ Cruiser and Crown Victoria. The Fusion has been upgraded to standard side airbags for the 2007 model year. The Freestyle will have standard side airbags in 2007s built after September.”
Ford had requested that IIHS run the tests after its vehicles without side airbags did poorly in earlier IIHS impact results. "Manufacturers may request a test because they've made changes to improve a vehicle's performance or they have a new vehicle they think will earn a good rating," IIHS said.
Posted by MVHAP at September 29, 2006 12:52 PM