Most Dangerous Vehicles of 2009

By Jim Greene

Published on November 14, 2009

The most dangerous 2009 model-year vehicles include six sport utility vehicles, six light pickups and three mini-cars, according to a Forbes Magazine analysis of crash test data from the federal government and the insurance industry.

The Chevrolet Trailblazer, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty SUVs all scored low for side and rear impact results and rollover potential in auto accidents. The Jeep Wrangler was judged less likely to roll over, but its removable doors offer almost no side impact protection. The Hummer H3 and GMC Envoy were also on the list, although the H3 showed better resistance to side impact and the Envoy was judged as stable as a mid-sized sedan in rollover tests.

Like the SUVs, the Ford Ranger, Mazda B series, Nissan Frontier and Suzuki Equator light pickups were also on the list for side and rear impact results and rollover potential. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon were also faulted for impact results, but did slightly better in rollover tests.

The Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio mini-cars made the list primarily because their small size works against them in side impact crashes. Even though the cars are equipped with side air bags or curtains, because occupants sit so much lower than in larger vehicles, they are subject to serious head and upper torso injuries.

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