Top 10 Summertime Toys

One of these sexy drop-tops could be the perfect reward for your hard labor. There are plenty of options, from affordable to extravagant, so you don't have to blow your retirement savings.

Buying a car purely as a personal indulgence may be more within reach than you think. The article list of Top 10 Summertime Toys includes racy convertibles that start at about $20,000 and go up to more than 10 times that.

But exactly how much wealth do you have to amass before you can safely justify purchasing even a moderately priced convertible purely for the sake of enjoyment?

First, have enough money invested to fund your retirement until at least age 95, possibly even longer, says John Wasik, personal finance columnist and author of The Merchant of Power. “If a dream car purchase puts you into debt, then it's unwise,” he says. “Financing a depreciating asset is always a bad idea, but if a sports car makes you feel alive and you aren't financing the thrill with money you'll need later, then by all means you should put the pedal to the metal.”

We’ve concocted a list of entertaining convertibles in a wide range of prices that serve as rolling rewards for a life well lived. Far from being rational choices, ragtops convey a sense of freedom and emotion that no other vehicle can offer, which makes them popular choices as personal extravagances.

If price is a primary concern, there are affordable convertibles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Pontiac Solstice, both of which made our top 10 list of summer reward cars. Mid-range drop-tops like the BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class step up the luxury and performance without busting a decent-sized budget. Then there are special roadsters like the Dodge Viper SRT10, Ferrari F430 Spider and extremely rare Spyker C12 LaTurbie, an automotive testament to one’s net worth and, perhaps, need for attention.

An Emotional Choice

A car can speak volumes about its driver, says Dr. Charles Kenny, a psychologist who has conducted research for the likes of General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. He says that most car purchases fill an emotional need, whether the buyer cares to admit it or not.

“Single women do not usually want to drive four-door sedans, no matter how nice or how luxurious,” says Kenny, who is president of psychology firm The Right Brain People. “They feel that driving a four-door car says to others that they are committed, taken, settled down and are older and stodgy.”

On the other hand, those who buy ultra-luxury models might expose a need for status and uniqueness, while sports car owners may seek to impart youthful exuberance and rejuvenation. “Buying, owning, being seen in and driving fast, exciting sports cars is a way for people to reassure themselves and tell others that they can in fact be in control of their impulses — like driving too fast and doing almost anything else you can imagine to excess — while still having fun, escaping and expressing themselves,” Dr. Kenny says.

Though research shows that some drop-tops, like Volkswagen’s New Beetle Convertible, tend to have a higher percentage of female buyers, the quickest and costliest convertibles attract more of a testosterone-fueled following. See our feature on the Top 10 Luxury Vehicles Driven by Men for more on this topic.

“Men are drawn to higher-priced, ‘performance’ cars, with 41 percent citing looks and design as a key consideration,” says Doug Scott, Senior VP at the market research firm GfK Automotive. Women, on the other hand, want more conservative, value-oriented models that are fun yet affordable and practical, he says.

Chicago attorney Kathleen Zellner bucks the trend. As an avid car buff, her personal fleet currently includes a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG and a 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo. In a reluctant nod to practicality, as well as to her husband’s bird-hunting hobby, she also drives a Lexus LX 470 SUV.

“Driving sports cars is one of the things I’ve done to reward myself — it’s where I’ve allowed myself to be extravagant in an otherwise extremely disciplined and structured life,” Zellner says. “Plus, it’s a way to stand out in what is a male-dominated business — I like to show the guys I’m every bit as skilled a driver as they are, and probably more so.”

Renting Versus Owning

Fortunately for those who can’t afford (or can’t justify buying) a costly sports car, a growing rental market for upscale rides can help even those with more moderate salaries scratch the itch to feel affluent for a day.

For example, Altitude Dream Cars in Denver, Colo., will rent you a Lotus Elise for as little as $299 a day, or a Porsche Boxster for $349. If you want to make the ultimate impression, a Lamborghini Gallardo will set you back a staggering $1,395 for a 24-hour period. Still, that’s around $179,000 less than actually buying one to impress the former homecoming queen at your high school reunion. Click here to read more about exotic car rentals.

Regardless of how much you spend on a flashy, fun roadster, owning or even just renting one is a great reward. “Driving a good car is one of the few things in my life that I don’t overanalyze and worry about,” Zellner says. “It’s just something I enjoy.”

To make this list, cars had to be convertibles with only two seats. We left out four-seaters because of their bias toward practicality under the premise that two-seat roadsters make no such pretenses — they’re the embodiment of automotive style and encourage driving purely for the sake of enjoyment. The list reflects ForbesAutos editors’ subjective opinions based on collective reporting and test-drives.

10. Most Underrated Roadster

2007 BMW Z4
MSRP: $36,400 - $52,100

The Z4 carries all the visceral appeal of classic European roadsters, yet it tends to get lost in a crowded market. It's extremely satisfying to drive, practical enough for daily use and surprisingly calm with the top down.

Everything about the Z4 warrants a closer look, whether in the quick 215-hp 3.0i, quicker 255-hp 3.0si or quickest 333-hp M Roadster version, each of which delivers progressively sharper handling.

9. Best Budget Ragtop

2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
MSRP: $20,500 - $26,520

A modern version of the classic roadsters from the 1960s and '70s, the MX-5 Miata remains one of the most entertaining rides at any price. An optional power retractable hardtop keeps the fun rolling when the temperature dips.

The MX-5 Miata packs a lively, 170-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox among its three transmission choices. It also hugs corners like few others, making it a real value in terms of driving enjoyment per dollar.

8. Best Flash for the Cash

2007 Pontiac Solstice
MSRP: $21,500 - $27,115

Though not quite as polished as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the two-seat Pontiac Solstice delivers exotic-car curb appeal thanks to curvaceous, low-slung styling. But don't expect a lot of storage space.

The base Solstice backs up its good looks with decent performance from a peppy 177-hp four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged 260-hp GXP version is more satisfying.

7. Most 'Affordable' Luxury Roadster

2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
MSRP: $43,350 - $62,500

Combining elegant styling and deft German engineering, the SLK doesn't force you to compromise comfort and luxury — even in cooler months. A retractable power-operated roof makes it a true four-season convertible.

Buyers can choose from 228-hp and 268-hp V6-equipped models, as well as the hot-blooded SLK55 AMG that features a burly 355-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine shoehorned under the tiny hood.

6. Best Car for Weekend Racers

2007 Lotus Elise
MSRP: $46,270

The diminutive Elise looks and acts like it belongs on a racetrack more than a roadway. Lightweight aluminum construction allows this two-seater to wring maximum velocity out of its 190-hp 1.8-liter Toyota-sourced engine and hit 60 mph in just under 5 seconds.

Serious racers should opt for the $2,495 Track Pack, which includes Bilstein dampers, an adjustable front sway bar, a rear control-arm brace and provisions for a bolt-in harness bar, all designed for hardcore track driving.

5. Best Modern Classic

2007 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
MSRP: $52,590

The Chevrolet Corvette is the quintessential American sports car; anyone who grew up during the '50s, '60s or '70s probably lusted after a 'Vette. Now is a great time to get one — the current version is arguably the best ever, yet it stays true to the original.

A 400-hp 6.0-liter V8 engine catapults the Corvette to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Besides grinning on the straights, you'll smile when the roads turn twisty thanks to its tight suspension. A burly exhaust sound and coarse nature keep that classic muscle-car persona alive.

4. Best Brute

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10
MSRP: $85,000 (estimated)

With its 600-hp V10, firm suspension, massive wheels and minimalist cockpit, the aggressively styled Viper SRT10 is all about visceral appeal and raw performance. It makes no apologies for its brutish nature, which can definitely be intimidating.

Its 8.4-liter V10 engine generates enough muscle to catapult the Viper to 60 mph in less than four seconds, while bulked-up brakes will bring it back to a standstill from that speed in just 100 feet.

3. Best Attention Getter

2007 Ferrari F430 Spider
MSRP: $192,484

Few cars scream excess and sex appeal more loudly than a red Ferrari. The F430 Spider is currently the only Ferrari with a drop-top. Though engineered for speed, it's actually comfortable for casual cruising, too.

Like a work of art, the F430's mid-mounted 4.3-liter V8 engine sits beneath a glass cover. It's not just for show, though, and generates 490 hp for a 0-60 mph time of around 4 seconds.

2. Best Display of Wealth

2007 Spyker C12 LaTurbie
MSRP: $345,625

We're hard pressed to find a car as rare and impressive as the Spyker C12 LaTurbie, which hails from Holland and could make a Porsche seem mundane. The workmanship of its interior is stunning, with aeronautical details that evoke the company's history of building planes.

Hand-built in limited numbers, this dramatically sculpted Dutch treat exploits a mid-mounted, Audi-sourced 500-hp W12 engine to register a 3.9-second 0-60 mph time and a wildly illegal top speed of 196 mph.

1. Best All-Around Performer

2007 Porsche Boxster
MSRP: $45,600

With classic, uncluttered styling, a comfortable interior, commodious cargo space and stellar performance, the Porsche Boxster excels in every aspect. Thoughtful design — like not one, but two trunks and an easy-to-use top — make it practical enough for daily use.

The base model is more than fast enough, with its 245-hp 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine behind the seats. The S version takes performance to a higher level with a 3.4-liter 295-hp six-cylinder. Also key to the Boxster's appeal is long-standing reliability.
(C)Forbes

Most Expensive Cars to Insure

High-priced cars aren't just expensive to buy — they can cost a lot to protect, as well.

The more expensive the car, the more it costs to insure. But just how expensive may come as a shock. For modest coverage ($500 deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage, $100,000 each for personal and property coverage, and $25,000 each for medical and uninsured coverage) on this year's $135,400 Mercedes SL, owners will pay about $22,536 a year.

For pricey cars like this, yearly insurance costing 20 percent of the base price is typical. But for those with low monthly payments on high-end cars, that could mean spending more on insurance than on the car itself.

"The cost of the vehicle is primary when setting the price of a policy," says David Wurster, president of Vincentric, a Detroit-based automotive data firm that studies car insurance costs. Vincentric gets its data from state agencies and averages these figures in compiling its list of most expensive yearly rates. "But there's also the type of vehicle it is. Sports car owners tend to drive them a little more aggressively."

This, in turn, leads to higher-priced policies. With this in mind, it's no surprise that racy offerings from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche make for some of the most expensive cars to insure.

How It Works
"We start with the manufacturer's suggested retail price," says Kip Diggs, a spokesman for State Farm, the largest insurer of autos in the U.S. Diggs says State Farm then considers how expensive it is to repair each model. The more costly the parts, the higher the policy. For foreign brands with parts from afar, expect to pay more. "From there," Diggs says, "we look at safety features to see if a vehicle qualifies for a safety discount."

Allstate, the second-largest U.S. car insurer, also considers the price, but places more weight on a policyholder's driving record.

"Pricing has more to do with the driver than the car," says spokesman Raleigh Floyd. "If there are two drivers with the same car, the driver with accident histories will have a higher rate. He's shown himself to be a higher risk." Those with a penchant for wrecking Ferrari Enzos on California's Highway 1, for example, can expect to pay more.

Age is also a factor. "A 17-year-old driver is going to be more expensive to insure than a 40-year-old with a family," says Floyd. "Experience counts. It counts a lot."

There are some anomalies in the ranking.
"You would think a Corvette Convertible would be hideously expensive to insure," says State Farm's Diggs. "But that car is involved in very few accidents, so it's fairly low." This is because research shows Corvettes typically aren't driven every day.

More utilitarian models like the Toyota Camry can be more expensive to insure because, with more road time, they are more likely to be involved in an accident. Vincentric doesn't collect data on exotics like Ferraris and Lamborghinis because, says Wurster, there are too few owners to make the data useful.

Policy pricing also has to do with where a car is garaged, with urban areas considered higher-risk. "In a more concentrated area, your chances of bumping into something are higher," says Floyd. "Jersey's going to be on one end of the spectrum, and a less populous state is going to be on the exact opposite."

But if you have a hundred grand to spend on a car, you're probably not worrying about insurance.

"For people of that caliber," says a salesman at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, "the cost of insurance really isn't an issue."

1. Mercedes SL Class and S Class
SL Class (pictured)
MSRP: $135,400
Insurance: $22,536

S Class
MSRP: $123,888
Insurance: $21,161

The convertible SL is Mercedes' most expensive production offering. A two-door roadster built for speed, the SL features a 5.5 liter V8 engine. The retractable hardtop roof is classier than its canvas counterparts, and the trunk is surprisingly spacious. The S Class sedans, while no less luxurious (and only slightly less expensive), aren't quite as sporty. But with the Benz logo front and center, they're not cheap to insure.

2. Mercedes CL Class
MSRP: $122,050
Insurance: $20,942

Who said coupes were small? Mercedes' CL is based on the stately S Class sedans, but sports only two doors for a sleeker profile. Zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds will get you to the office in time, but it comes at a price. With a monster V8 engine, the federal gas-guzzler tax applies. And then there's the insurance.

3. BMW Alpina B7
MSRP: $115,000
Insurance: $20,100

Good luck getting your hands on an Alpina B7. BMW is only selling 200 in the U.S. A souped-up version of the 7-series full-size sedan, the Alpina features bigger wheels, better suspension and an advanced stabilization system. All of this makes going fast a bit safer. But speed comes at a price.



4.BMW M5 and M6
M6 (pictured)
MSRP: $102,000
Insurance: $18,548

M5
MSRP: $82,500
Insurance: $16,220

The M Series cars are meant to go fast, and for insurers, speed is dangerous. The flagship M6 hardtop coupe is arguably the fiercest-looking BMW to roll off the production line, and inarguably one of the priciest. Both the M6 and the more practical M5 sedan have roaring V10 engines.

5. Mercedes G Class
MSRP: $95,600
Insurance: $17,784

The G Class is a boxy, military style SUV from Mercedes. Indeed, it was originally designed for the battlefield. But don't let the lack of finesse fool you--today the G Class is all luxe. The door handles are wrapped in leather, and a DVD-based navigation system keeps drivers on target.



6. Audi S8 and A8
S8 (pictured)
MSRP: $92,200
Insurance: $17,353

A8
MSRP: $92,000
Insurance: $17,353

The A8 and its fancier cousin, the S8, are the best Audi has to offer, and they're not half bad. The V10 in the S8 make this sedan faster than the Porsche 911 Carrera in a zero-to-60 sprint. And with enormous cast-aluminum tires concealing oversize brake discs, even speed demons can stop on a dime.

7. Cadillac XLR
MSRP: $87,898
Insurance: $16,973

The only American entry on the list, Cadillac's XLR is a serious roadster meant to rival its European competitors. The V8 is plenty strong to pull the light aluminum chassis, and the interior is posh--trimmed with eucalyptus. A retractable hardtop makes the XLR a speedy option in any weather, and there's also an exclusivity factor: GM is planning to sell only 1,000 a year.

8. Porsche 911
MSRP: $91,208
Insurance: $16,955

The fundamentals of Porsche's 911 have hardly changed over the years, and with good reason: Its teardrop shape keeps it aerodynamic and recognizable, and its hardware keeps it among the fastest cars in the game. Today's iteration comes equipped with Porsche's Active Suspension Management system, which adapts the suspension to match road conditions and driving styles.

9. Jaguar XK
MSRP: $83,335
Insurance: $16,154

The XK, in coupe or convertible, is a brand-new offering from the storied Jaguar brand. Designed to recall the XKE of the 1960s, today's XK appears perhaps a bit too similar to its countryman, the Aston Martin. That doesn't stop it from performing. The V8 propels a relatively light frame with ease, and this two-seater is the most teched-out Jag ever built, with a computer adjusting it to Comfort or Sport modes.

10. Land Rover Range Rover
MSRP: $84,285
Insurance: $16,042

One of only two SUVs on the list, the Range Rover is capable of climbing mountains, but more at home in the city. Four-wheel drive and a supercharged V8 make this among the most powerful production vehicles on the market, while options like Sirius satellite radio and a rear-seat DVD system ensure creature comforts are never far off.
(C)Forbes

Top 20 Safety Features

The most significant and sought-after technology on modern vehicles makes the road safer for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and even animals.

We now have vehicles that can park themselves, car radios that can hold enough music for a cross-country trip and climate controls that can measure occupants' body temperature. But of all the great gadgets on cars these days, safety technology is by far the most vital—and the most in demand.
In a 2006 survey of 500 consumers conducted by Accenture, more than two-thirds of respondents ranked safety as the most important technology to have in their automobiles, and seven out of 10 were willing to pay extra for safety features. Accenture is the largest consulting firm in the world and is one of the largest computer sciences and software companies on the Fortune Global 500 list.

Safety technology has experienced a quantum leap in the last few years, with advances spurred by the government in an effort to lessen loss of life and injury, as well as automakers seeking a competitive edge. But it's equally driven by consumer awareness.

"Auto safety took a big step forward in the '90s, when there was a high awareness of ABS brakes and airbags," notes Charlie Vogelhiem, vice president, automotive development, with J.D. Power and Associates. "We saw that when people had a vehicle that didn't have airbags, for example, they were less inclined to keep it."

Below we highlight the top 20 auto-safety technologies currently available, ranging from the common to the cutting-edge. And if auto-safety tech follows the typical pattern, even innovative features currently found only on higher-end cars should trickle down to more affordable automobiles. "As consumers replace their existing vehicles and the technology price tag continues to decline," explains Accenture's Richard Spitzer, "[safety features] will be part of the deciding factor in the car purchase decision."

Pre-Collision Systems
This technology uses various methods to sense and prepare for a collision. When a sensor signals an impending crash, the system takes preemptive action such as pre-tensioning the seat belts, preloading the brakes and even aligning airbags to better protect occupants.

Electronic Stability Control
To help drivers maintain control, ESC compares steering and braking inputs with the car's lateral acceleration, rotation and individual wheel speeds. If a difference in the driver's intended path and that of the car is detected, brakes can be automatically applied and the throttle can be dialed back until the vehicle is back on track.

Brake Assist
This technology resulted from a study that determined that most drivers do not push the brake pedal hard enough in emergency situations. So when sensors detect "panic" braking, Brake Assist applies maximum brake boost and therefore decreases stopping distance.

Dynamic Head Restraints
Few people adjust their car's headrests properly to prevent whiplash, so some vehicles now come with active head restraints that move into more effective positions when a car is rear-ended. Volvo's Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) and Saab's Active Head Restraint (SAHR) go a step further by getting the seats to help in mitigating whiplash injuries.

Dual-Stage Airbags
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stipulated that all passenger cars and light trucks produced after September 2006 must include passenger-side front airbags that are automatically enabled or disabled depending on whether a front passenger is detected (typically by seat sensors), and some now deploy in stages depending on the severity of a crash or the weight of the front-seat passenger.

Side and Supplemental Airbags
Side airbags can greatly reduce injuries, since occupants are often more vulnerable than in front- or rear-end crashes, where there's more of a "crumple" zone to protect them. Side airbags are not mandated by the NHTSA, however, and auto manufacturers can decide where and how to deploy them, and whether they're a standard or optional feature. Some luxury cars also include supplemental airbags, such as with BMW's Active Knee Protection and Head Protection systems.

Blind Spot Warning Indication
The Volvo S80's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) uses a camera on each side-view mirror to scan a driver's no-see zone and indicators in the corners of the front windows alert the driver to the presence of vehicles. The Side Assist in the Audi Q7 and Side Blind Zone Alert in the 2008 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS and STS work in much the same fashion, except the indicators are located on the side-view mirrors, and GM's system use radar instead of cameras.

Lane Departure Warning System
Infiniti's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) System uses a camera in the rearview mirror to detect when the vehicle gets close to the lane marker and sounds an audible warning. GM will also offer the technology on the 2008 Cadillac DTS and STS, and Buick Lucerne.




Night-Vision Camera System
Hitting an animal or pedestrian while driving after dark is an accident night-vision cameras can help prevent. BMW's night-vision system senses thermal energy and Mercedes' projects infrared light in front of the vehicle, and both show night-vision images on a screen in the dash.

Adaptive Headlights
This technology directs light from the headlights in the direction that the steering wheel is turned, to help illuminate where the driver intends the car to go. A feature currently found only on higher-end cars, adaptive headlights will likely trickle down to more affordable vehicles.

Tire-Pressure Monitor
Starting in the 2008 model year, the Feds will require all new vehicles to include tire-pressure-monitoring systems, which use sensors to provide information on tire inflation to a display in the instrument panel. Vehicles ranging from sports cars to SUVs already allow drivers to check tire pressure on the fly, and some show pressure in individual tires.

Rollover Protection
Manufacturers first offered airbag systems that inflate from the headliner or ceiling in top-heavy SUVs to protect occupants in case of a rollover. Ford's Safety Canopy, for example, covers 65 percent of the window surface in the first two rows of seats in Ford, Mercury and Lincoln SUVs, and the system is also available on the Volvo and Land Rover SUVs, as well as on the Ford Freestyle, Five Hundred, Mercury Montego and the Volvo C70 convertible.

Head-Up Display
Looking away from the road for even a few seconds can be dangerous. By projecting vital information from the speedometer, tach or navigation system on the windshield, a head-up display (HUD) allows drivers to keep their eyes straight ahead.

Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System
While head-up displays let you keep your eyes on the road, Bluetooth lets you keep your hands on the wheel when using a mobile phone. The technology establishes a wireless connection with a compatible phone so that calls can be made and received using buttons on the steering wheel and voice commands.

Voice Activation
Using voice activation, you can change a radio station or adjust the volume on the audio system, raise and lower the temperature of the climate control, even enter destinations into a nav system—all without lifting a hand off of the wheel.

Navigation Systems
GPS navigation systems take the guesswork out of getting where you're going—and are much safer than reading a map behind the wheel. They issue turn-by-turn guidance and will reroute you if you miss a turn.

Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control automatically keeps a safe distance between you and the car ahead so that the driver doesn't constantly have to adjust the speed. A radar sensor monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front of you, and most systems allow selecting a gap with which you're most comfortable.

Rearview Camera
Rear-vision cameras first appeared on super-sized SUVs to help drivers see behind the vehicles. But they are now available on luxury and sports cars as well as minivans and crossovers. Some also include visual aids that allow aligning a vehicle with an intended parking spot.

Obstacle Sensors
As with rear-vision cameras, obstacle sensors can help make you aware of objects you wouldn't normally see. The systems detect objects in close proximity to the vehicle and issue audible and/or visual warnings.

Emergency Response
OnStar and similar telematics services are known for "concierge" features such as unlocking doors and providing directions. But in the case of an accident they can pinpoint your location and detect if an airbag has deployed so that emergency personnel can respond accordingly.

Heartbeat Monitor
The key fob remote for the 2007 Volvo S80 will not only tell you if someone has broken into the vehicle while you were away, but a heartbeat sensor will alert you if someone is hiding inside.

While safety technology can save lives, features such as electronic stability control can also give drivers a false sense of security. "People may not understand that if you don't maintain your brakes, for example, the stability control won't work properly," maintains Lauren Fit, a.k.a., The Car Coach. And while safety technology compensates for human error, it can't make up for lack of common sense. "Nothing takes the place of putting down the phone and paying attention to what you're doing," remarks J.D. Power's Charlie Vogelheim.
(C)MSN

Top 10 Passenger Cars

The most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos, based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages.

Passenger cars have traditionally come in small, midsize or full-size but a new entry-level class was introduced recently when automakers began making more fuel-efficient subcompact cars. However, small and midsize cars continue to be the bread and butter of the segment and it's evident on MSN Autos' most popular passenger cars list.

Japanese imports lead the way with the Honda Civic taking the number one spot for the fourth consecutive quarter. The next three spots are taken up by three of the best-selling cars in America in 2006: the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

The lone bright spot for domestics is the always popular Ford Mustang. It ranks fifth on the list followed by the most recognizable hybrid on the road today, the Toyota Prius. In fact, Toyota is the only automaker with four vehicles in the top ten.

The most popular list consists of nine imports with eight coming from Japan and one from Germany. The top ten is also comprised of five midsize cars, four small cars and one subcompact.

The list of the ten most popular passenger cars on MSN Autos is based on visits to the site's vehicle research pages between April and June of 2007. Here is the complete list:

1. Honda Civic
Over the years, Honda has shown the Civic can take on the shape of a sedan, coupe and hatchback. There is no hatchback version for the eighth generation but there is a sedan version of the Si for the first time ever. Sharing the same characteristics as the 197-horsepower Si Coupe, the Si Sedan comes in a 6-speed manual transmission with helical-type limited slip differential, 17-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. For consumers who don't need all that power, opt for the more efficient DX, LE or EX which can get about 30/38 mpg on city/hwy.

2. Nissan Altima
Nissan introduced a redesigned version of the Altima for 2007 with distinctive styling. Built smaller than its predecessor, the midsize sedan has a smaller wheelbase and is shorter in overall length but is about a half-inch wider. For the first time a coupe version of the Altima is available and joins the lineup for 2008. Based on the sedan, the Altima coupe is smaller, shorter and lighter than the sedan but it shares similar interior design and features. The Altima also comes in a hybrid but it is only available in eight states so far.

3. Toyota Camry
The best-selling car in America continues its dominance in 2007 with more than 240,000 units sold in the first half of the year. Toyota redesigned the Camry to give it a richer look, roomier interior and the most powerful V6 ever. On top of that, the first-ever gasoline-electric Camry Hybrid also debuted for 2007 featuring an estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg in the city and 38 on the highway. The Camry is available in four trim levels—CE, LE, SE and XLE—and prices start at under $19,000 for the base CE with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission.

4. Honda Accord
Not long ago Honda held the top spot in U.S. car sales. Now the automaker is trying to regain that crown via the Accord, which was revamped in the 2006 model year. According to Automotive News, the Accord is third in passenger car sales in the first half of 2007. Available in a coupe or a sedan, the midsize car is fun to drive and comes with a laundry list of safety features. Although it's popular among families, Honda says the V6 sedan with a 6-speed manual is "designed to appeal to driving enthusiasts." The gasoline-electric hybrid is still available for 2007 but Honda has announced it will not produce it for 2008.

5. Ford Mustang
Ford's Mustang was given the retro look back in the 2005 model year. Its popularity has not waned and consumers have continued to give it a thumbs up by making it the most popular sports car on MSN Autos for six straight quarters. Available in a coupe or convertible, shoppers can also choose between a 210-horsepower V6 or a 300-horsepower V8. The convertible is more rigidly built than any pre-2005 Mustang convertibles with virtually no cowl shake. Affordability has kept the Mustang an attainable sports car with a starting price of under $20,000.

6. Toyota Prius
The most popular hybrid on MSN Autos also makes the top ten passenger cars list as well. Known for its great fuel economy, the Prius has become a mainstream vehicle since its introduction in 2000. One of Consumer Reports' Top Picks of 2007, the Prius is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in America with estimated 2008 EPA ratings at 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Consumer Reports also gave the hybrid the best depreciating rating because of the ongoing demand and excellent reliability.

7. Toyota Corolla
It seems that Toyota's formula to keeping the Corolla a success is rather simple: Don't change it. The Corolla has consistently been a best-selling car in America without any major changes for the past few years. Fuel economy is one of the reasons for its popularity and having a good reputation as a reliable car doesn't hurt either. A Consumer Reports survey named the Corolla as one of 59 cars to make the Good Bets List and a top vehicle priced under $25,000 for 2007. Prices start at under $15,000 for a 2007 Corolla.

8. Toyota Yaris
A whole new entry-level segment of vehicles has emerged and Toyota is once again ahead of the game with the Yaris. Available in a sedan or a hatchback, the subcompact car has better fuel economy than any of its nonhybrid competitors with a starting price of just over $11,000. The Yaris is powered by a 106-horsepower 1.5-liter engine and provides decent 65-75 mph passing. Lots of shifting is required for best performance but buyers can opt for the automatic, which is smooth and responsive. The ride is supple and handling is OK if it's not pushed too hard especially with the base version that has 14-inch tires.

9. Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta has grown in size over the years and this latest-generation version is the biggest one ever. Offered in a variety of trims, the Jetta comes with a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter engine or the more peppy 2.0-liter inline four turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen has been showing a number of commercials touting its vehicles' safety. The Jetta comes with a number of safety features including anti-lock brakes, traction control, front-seat side airbags and head-curtain airbags. The Jetta also gets four stars out of five from the NHTSA in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test.

10. Nissan Maxima
Nissan's flagship car got a facelift for the 2007 model year featuring a new grille, hood, bumpers and headlights. One of the new features is the Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which is designed to be more fuel-efficient than the traditional automatic transmission. The 255-horsepower V6 is quite potent but it produces a bit of torque steer. Automotive consulting firm Strategic Vision awarded the Maxima as a top medium car (tied with Saturn Aura) in the 2007 Total Quality Index (TQI). The survey is based on responses from more than 27,000 buyers who bought 2007 models in September, October and November of 2006.
(C)MSN

Top 10 Least Expensive (TCO) Luxury Vehicles to Own

Cars at the lower end of the luxury class are the least costly to own because their lower starting prices minimize the effects of depreciation.

Luxury car buyers looking for the best long-term value should cross-shop vehicles at the lower end of the price spectrum. The lower the starting price of a vehicle, the more likely it is to mitigate the single largest financial hit associated with car ownership — depreciation.

This is the second feature in SMART-NEWS's series on vehicle ownership costs, and here we rank the top 10 luxury vehicles with the lowest cost of ownership over five years.
See also our list of the Top 10 Most Expensive Vehicles to Own.

Depreciation is the largest ownership cost for any vehicle. Therefore, models with lower sticker prices end up dunning owners less than models with higher manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs).

That's true even if a higher-priced model holds its value better: The Audi A3, the fifth least expensive car to own according to our research, depreciates a whopping 71 percent from its base MSRP over five years. By contrast, Porsche’s 911 Turbo — the sixth most expensive car to own — loses just 54 percent of its base price in five years. But the A3 starts at around $25,000, compared to $122,900 for the 911 Turbo. And 71 percent of $25,000 comes out to $17,750, which is a lot less than the 54 percent of the Porsche’s $122,900, or $66,366.

Looking at those numbers, it starts to become clear why the top 10 luxury vehicles with the lowest ownership costs all have base prices below $35,000.

Lower-priced cars also cost less in other categories, says David Wurster, president of Vincentric, the research firm that provided data for our rankings. “You see that in taxes and insurance,” he says.

But bear in mind that Vincentric’s projected ownership costs are only estimates. Actual expenses will vary by region. “There are large variations in maintenance and repairs when you look at a state where costs of living are higher, because labor rates are higher,” Wurster says. Similarly, people living in high-tax states will likely pay more in vehicle taxes and other fees. Insurance rates also change by region, as do fuel prices, he says. All of these are factored into the five-year ownership costs used to rank the vehicles on our list. Click here to see the full list of vehicles in the slideshow.

Drivers do have some control over ownership costs, regardless of where they may live. For instance, driving style and distances traveled determine fuel, maintenance and repair expenses. Plus, insurance premiums remain lower with good driving records.

“There are substantial variations in insurance rates between carriers even in the same region,” says Michael Calkins, who tracks ownership costs for AAA's national office as manager of its approved auto repair program. “You have to be a smart shopper for everything, not just for the car, but also for the insurance.”

Owners who care well for their cars can even beat the deprecation average. “You need to maintain your vehicle properly,” Calkins says. “Keep it in good condition cosmetically and mechanically to maximize its trade value.”

Japanese and Swedish brands dominate our list of the 10 least expensive luxury vehicles to own, likely due to the fact that they tend to have lower starting prices. One German and one American nameplate help balance out the rankings.

The 10 least expensive to own luxury vehicles are determined by estimating six expenses over five years: depreciation, interest and opportunity costs, fuel, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and taxes and fees (see explanations below). The rankings include 2007 models only.

Vincentric breaks down ownership costs for every variation within a model line, so the ownership costs used to rank vehicles on this list are averages of all variants in a given model line. For example, Acura sells four versions of its TSX sedan, the least expensive luxury car to own. Vincentric computes separate lifespan costs for each of the four variants.

The data used in this ranking is from late May 2007 (Vincentric updates cost-of-ownership estimates monthly). Interest expenses assume a five-year loan at 6.86 percent with a 15 percent down payment. Opportunity costs consider what owners would have earned if car expenses went into certificates of deposit instead. Insurance costs are for a typical driver under age 65, with a clean record. Vincentric used the EPA's 2007 Fuel Economy Guide to calculate fuel costs.

10. Lincoln MKZ
Starting MSRP: $29,305
Five-year cost of ownership: $55,011
Depreciation: $19,718
Interest and opportunity cost: $10,456
Fuel: $10,983
Maintenance and repairs: $3,880
Insurance: $7,851
Taxes and fees: $2,123

The Lincoln MKZ is the only model from a Michigan-based auto company that makes the list of either the 10 least or 10 most expensive luxury cars to own. It squeezes onto the 10 least list by dint of its relatively low sticker price. With a base MSRP under $30,000, the MKZ can get away with a high depreciation rate. Averaging $19,718 for the front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions sold by Lincoln, the MKZ's depreciation takes 67 percent of its starting price.

9. Lexus ES 350
Starting MSRP: $33,470
Five-year cost of ownership: $54,585
Depreciation: $19,549
Interest and opportunity cost: $10,905
Fuel: $10,648
Maintenance and repairs: $3,888
Insurance: $7,315
Taxes and fees: $2,280

The ES 350 from Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has been called a Camry in fancy attire. That may account for its showing among the 10 luxury leaders in lowest total ownership cost. The sedan is the highest-priced model that makes the list, with a starting MSRP of $33,470. That raises its loan interest and opportunity cost, as well as its taxes and fees. But the Camry's reputation for dependable quality rubs off, so the Lexus does well with depreciation, and it also enjoys the second lowest insurance cost.

8. Acura RDX
Starting MSRP: $32,995
Five-year cost of ownership: $54,502
Depreciation: $17,826
Interest and opportunity cost: $11,323
Fuel: $12,542
Maintenance and repairs: $3,538
Insurance: $6,950
Taxes and fees: $2,323

The Acura RDX is the only SUV that runs with the 10 luxury vehicles that are least expensive to own. With the gas-guzzling rap against SUVs, it seems appropriate that the RDX has the highest estimated fuel cost in the group. At $12,542 over five years, the Acura squanders 20 to 25 percent more fuel than some passenger cars in the ranking. Still, for a sport utility, its EPA fuel economy rating of 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway is good — especially for an all-wheel-drive hauler with pep and pizzazz.

7. Lexus IS 250
Starting MSRP: $30,255
Five-year cost of ownership: $53,220
Depreciation: $16,998
Interest and opportunity cost: $10,793
Fuel: $10,480
Maintenance and repairs: $3,700
Insurance: $9,060
Taxes and fees: $2,189

As a sport sedan made for more aggressive posturing, the Lexus IS 250 carries the highest average insurance cost among the 10 least expensive luxury cars to own. That excess alone moves it lower on the list. With better resale value — and therefore lower depreciation — than four of the six luxury models that have lower lifespan costs, the IS 250 would rise at least one spot in the ranking, even though its purchase price is higher than the six models that score lower lifetime ownership costs.

6. Volvo V50
Starting MSRP: $26,690
Five-year cost of ownership: $52,906
Depreciation: $18,306
Interest and opportunity cost: $10,054
Fuel: $10,346
Maintenance and repairs: $4,006
Insurance: $8,176
Taxes and fees: $2,018

Like other European models among these economy leaders of the luxury class, Volvo's introductory-priced wagon stumbles with a high depreciation rate that saps its value. The average depreciation of the three V50 versions Volvo sells, at $18,306, comes to 69 percent of the car line's starting MSRP, among the highest in the group. The V50 wagon would do better, but the higher priced, all-wheel-drive version pulls its average ownership costs upward.

5. Audi A3
Starting MSRP: $25,340
Five-year cost of ownership: $51,513
Depreciation: $18,092
Interest and opportunity cost: $9,863
Fuel: $10,026
Maintenance and repairs: $3,697
Insurance: $7,815
Taxes and fees: $2,020

As a hatchback, the Audi A3 is the only model among the 10 least costly luxury cars to assume that classic economy car shape. Fittingly, its five-year fuel cost estimate, at $10,026, is the lowest among the least expensive to own. But the A3 suffers from rapid depreciation. The model line's five-year depreciation, averaging $18,092, steals 71 percent of the A3's starting price, the highest percentage among the 10 lowest cost luxury cars.

4. Saab 9-3 SportCombi
Starting MSRP: $27,495
Five-year cost of ownership: $51,499
Depreciation: $17,457
Interest and opportunity cost: $9,672
Fuel: $11,521
Maintenance and repairs: $3,159
Insurance: $7,740
Taxes and fees: $1,950

Vincentric's David Wurster explains that higher purchase prices point to higher ownership costs. The Saab 9-3 SportCombi shows how. The wagon's starting price is just $1,245 higher than its kindred, the 9-3 Sedan. Over five years, the SportCombi depreciates about $200 more, takes about $300 more in interest and opportunity costs, $300 more for insurance and $100 more in taxes and fees. Add about $300 worth of additional gas consumed by the heavier wagon and the SportCombi drops two places below the 9-3 Sedan among the least expensive to own vehicles.

3. Volvo S40
Starting MSRP: $24,240
Five-year cost of ownership: $51,484
Depreciation: $16,941
Interest and opportunity cost: $9,736
Fuel: $10,783
Maintenance and repairs: $4,005
Insurance: $8,104
Taxes and fees: $1,915

Starting at $24,240, the Volvo S40 sedan is the lowest-priced luxury car among these 10 models with the lowest ownership expenses. But its average depreciation, at a whopping 70 percent of the base price over five years, hits hard. Not only will you spend more to own the S40 than you will for the top-rated Acura TSX, you'll also spend more when you visit the repair shop. At $4,005, the S40's maintenance and repair expenses tie with the Volvo V50 wagon as the highest among these lowest 10.

2. Saab 9-3 Sedan
Starting MSRP: $26,250
Five-year cost of ownership: $50,282
Depreciation: $17,247
Interest and opportunity cost: $9,352
Fuel: $11,197
Maintenance and repairs: $3,159
Insurance: $7,437
Taxes and fees: $1,890

The first of five European luxury models with the lowest lifespan costs, the Saab 9-3 Sedan benefits from its relatively low purchase price. That puts it in second place among the least expensive to own vehicles, even though depreciation grabs 66 percent of its starting MSRP. At their base prices, you'll pay less to purchase a 9-3 Sedan than an Acura TSX, the least expensive luxury car to own. But through five years, the 9-3 will gobble up $3,000 more.

1. Acura TSX
Starting MSRP: $28,090
Five-year cost of ownership: $47,084
Depreciation: $13,808
Interest and opportunity cost: $9,730
Fuel: $10,279
Maintenance and repairs: $3,002
Insurance: $8,285
Taxes and fees: $1,980

Half the models on this least expensive to own list wear lower sticker prices than the Acura TSX. But after five years, this sporting sedan ends up the most economical. Acura's reputation for vehicle reliability helps hold up resale value, so that the TSX depreciates just 49 percent over five years — the lowest depreciation among the 10 luxury cars that consume cash most lightly. It also boasts the lowest maintenance and repair expenses among these 10 lowest cost luxury models.
(C)Forbes

Top 20 Most Dangerous Vehicles

Here are the 20 most dangerous vehicles according to 'real world safety' from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Hoping to stay safe on the road? You might want to avoid certain cars.

For example, the Nissan 350Z has a death rate that's about double that of the average sports car.

But it's not for the reasons you might think. In this case, says Russ Rader, communications director for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an organization that represents the interests of the insurance industry, the 350Z is part of a group of vehicles that tends to be driven by younger, less-experienced or riskier drivers, and stands out for having high death rates, through no particular fault of the car.

"When they are in crashes," he adds, "they're particularly serious ones."

This illustrates a key point: Simply looking at the historical death rates for one particular model might not give much insight into the relative danger, or safety, of driving that vehicle. Furthermore, the most recent available federal data, interpreted by make and model by the IIHS, covers 2001 to 2004 model years in calendar years 2002 to 2005. Many models have had significant changes in safety equipment or complete redesigns since then.

The consensus among several safety experts we asked is that the best way to predict how dangerous or safe a new vehicle will be comes from looking at the way it's configured, particularly with respect to several important factors — side-impact protection, stability control and rollover risk — that together span a wide range in real-world safety.

That's what we did. Topping the list of the least safe: the Buick Rendezvous, the Ford Ranger/Mazda B-Series, the Nissan Frontier, the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner and the Toyota Yaris.

High-Priority Protection
Among the various crash tests the IIHS performs on new vehicles, according to Rader, they see the widest range of results in those with side-impact and rear whiplash protection.

"What makes a vehicle unsafe today is a lack of side-impact protection," he says. "Whiplash is not a life-threatening injury, but head injuries [from a side impact] are commonly life-threatening."

Side-curtain airbags have been shown to greatly increase the chances of surviving a classic "T-bone" side-impact accident, such as when the other vehicle runs a stoplight, and depending on the design, they can also increase the chances of surviving a rollover. Side-curtain bags are mandated for all 2009 vehicles, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that these alone will reduce fatal side-impact head injuries by 45 percent, saving up to 1,000 lives per year.

"Side airbags designed to protect your head are crucial, because a head injury is the most common fatal injury in a crash," says Rader. "It's the difference between life and death."

Structurally Sound
Along with side airbags, a vehicle also needs a well-built side structure to withstand a strong blow from vehicles of varying heights, says Rader.

Which leads to another major point: "Size and weight are very important aspects of safety," he says. "The laws of physics always apply in a crash. That means that people in smaller and lighter vehicles are always at a disadvantage in crashes with other vehicles."

In single-vehicle crashes, the weight advantage isn't as pronounced, but the statistics still point in favor of larger, if not heavier vehicles, he says.

However, John Linkov, managing editor of Consumer Reports, says that smaller and lighter vehicles aren't necessarily more dangerous. In many cases, they may offer handling and maneuverability advantages to help avoid accidents.

"A more nimble, better-handling vehicle," he says, "is likely going to be easier to control in an emergency and help the driver avoid the dangerous situation."

While generally heavier SUVs and pickups are at an advantage in multi-vehicle accidents, they've been shown to be at quite a disadvantage in single-vehicle accidents (such as when the driver falls asleep, or loses control swerving around a deer), which comprise 43 percent of fatal accidents.

In this type of accident, SUVs and pickups have more than double the chance of rolling over, according to NHTSA data. This risk relates closely to overall federal fatality data, showing that SUVs and pickups generally have a higher fatality rate than cars of a similar weight.

Corrective Measures
Electronic stability control systems, which smartly apply the brakes on one or more of the wheels as best to avoid loss of vehicle control in an extreme maneuver, have been offered for more than a decade in some luxury and high-performance vehicles, but the technology has been trickling down to most mainline brands over the past several model years.

NHTSA has called it the most significant development since the seat belt, and the federal government has mandated electronic stability control, but not until the 2012 model year. NHTSA estimates that the stability control mandate will prevent up to 9,600 fatalities and 238,000 injuries annually, at an average cost of $111 per vehicle in addition to the cost of antilock brakes, which most vehicles already offer as standard equipment or as an option.

"Electronic stability control is one of those rare safety features that's having a dramatic effect on saving lives," says Rader. "Stability control alone can reduce the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes by 56 percent. And it can reduce fatal single-vehicle rollovers by 80 percent for SUVs, 77 percent for passenger cars."

Even though stability control was only offered in some of the more expensive SUVs a few years ago, Rader says that its impact is already easily seen in the Institute's yearly list of vehicles with the lowest death rates. Rader said that in the past, only a few of them were SUVs, but now they make up nearly half of the list.

Terrifying Trucks
Pickups are another surprisingly unsafe group of vehicles. Based on fatality-rate data, they're by far the most dangerous, says Michael Dulberger, president of the safety advocacy group Informed for Life.

"Pickups as a class have the highest rate of fatality and serious injury," he says, "and they have a very high rollover risk."

Rader agrees. "Pickups have a rollover problem," he says. "They have a high center of gravity and a high propensity to roll over." And making matters worse, "They're the laggards in electronic stability control," he says.

Last year, only one pickup model offered electronic stability control, according to Rader, while this year it's standard on 8 percent of models and optional on 20 percent. By comparison, 87 percent of SUVs now have standard stability control, according to the Institute.

Linkov agrees that some pickups pose the most danger to inexperienced drivers. "What we're seeing is that young people in places where pickups are a de facto choice are at an especially strong risk, with their propensity to roll over," he says.

Any vehicle can be especially unsafe if it's used in a way it's not designed for, such as if a high-clearance pickup is used primarily empty on curvy, hilly roads, according to Linkov.

"Combine that with a poorly trained driver," he says, "and it's dangerous."

The Methodology
As we've outlined, generalized fatality statistics point toward today's most dangerous new vehicles as those that are light, don't provide proper side-impact protection (airbags), have a higher propensity to roll over, don't handle particularly well and lack electronic stability control.

Informed for Life releases SCORE (Statistical Combination of Risk Elements) data each year, which combines all the available safety data from the federal government and the IIHS, along with the role of weight and the presence of stability control, into a single number for each particular model, making it easier to compare vehicles of varying sizes or body types.

The SCORE is calculated according to the role that each element plays in general fatal accidents. For instance, as about 26 percent of national accident fatalities occur in a side impact, 26 percent of the SCORE depends on the vehicle's rated side-impact protection.

The system, which has been implemented for about five years, more closely matches the fatality rate on a model-by-model basis than either IIHS or NHTSA ratings alone. And it's easy to decipher; it's on a scale that's proportional to risk, with the average passenger car ranked 100.

So, for instance, a SCORE of 150 means that the relative risk of driver fatality is 50 percent higher than for the average passenger car. In the group's 2007 list, the most dangerous vehicle, the Buick Rendezvous, at 161, has more than three times the relative risk of fatality than the Hyundai Entourage and Kia Sedona minivans, at 51.

To distill our list of the most dangerous vehicles, we looked at Informed for Life's bottom-of-the-heap results for 2007 model-year vehicles, including vehicles with a full range of crash-test results from NHTSA, the IIHS, or a combination of the two; and to also consider the role of accident avoidance (or lack thereof), we broke any ties with Consumer Reports' accident avoidance scores.

CR first measures the vehicle's maximum stable speed through emergency handling, essentially simulating a quick swerve around an obstacle and back into the right lane, then factors in driving position, visibility and seat comfort — all issues that the organization deems important in successfully avoiding an accident.

We're aware that this is a snapshot of the most dangerous cars among those that have been extensively tested, and that there may be more dangerous vehicles that either haven't yet been fully crash-tested or were only partially tested. Please consult www.safercar.gov or www.iihs.org if you're concerned about a particular model.

How Carmakers Reacted
Automakers were generally supportive of a methodology that looked for the safest — or in this case, the least safe — vehicles through a composite assessment of existing crash-test results, and considering side-impact protection and rollover likelihood, instead of looking at prior model-by-model fatality or injury data.

GM
Alan Adler, GM's safety spokesman, confirms that it's important to look at a wide range of information. "You've identified two technologies [side airbags and stability control] that are important, and we have rollout plans for both," says Adler.

More than 40 percent of GM's light trucks now have side-curtain airbags that allow head protection even in rollovers. Stability control is offered in 35 percent of GM vehicles for 2007, and the percentage rises to about 50 percent for 2008, according to Adler. Regarding SUVs and pickups, Adler says that "rollover is a big deal" to the company, which now does its own rollover safety testing.

To shoppers who might wonder why stability control isn't yet installed in more vehicles, GM's Adler says, "It isn't something you can slap on a vehicle," and explains that the automaker has been working to install it across the board ever since the agencies have revealed its importance. "It's a major engineering change to the vehicle."

Toyota
Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong questions the correlation between weight and safety; he says that Toyota has been incorporating more high-strength steel, which improves crash resistance yet saves weight, though again, at a higher cost to the automaker.

Kwong said that side-impact airbags are now available on all Toyota cars. They're optional on the Corolla, along with the Yaris and Matrix, two cars that ranked among the least-safe vehicles, according to our methodology, without the option.

"Those models are more price sensitive," especially the Yaris, which is why the side bags are optional, according to Kwong. He adds that dealerships are told to inform shoppers of the benefits of the Yaris's side airbag system.

Ford
Several Ford Motor vehicles were on our Most Dangerous list, but the company's safety spokesman, Daniel Jarvis, explains that these are all products near the end of their life cycle and not representative of the rest of Ford's model lineup.

Jarvis said the company places a strong emphasis on safety. Several of the vehicles that place highest in crash tests are from Ford, and the company has aggressive programs in place to install side airbags and stability control across its entire fleet.

"By the end of calendar year 2009, all retail vehicles will have stability control," says Jarvis; that would be nearly three years ahead of the federal mandate. Ford has also made an enhanced version, called Roll Stability Control, aimed to prevent the likelihood of rollover, standard on its larger Expedition and Explorer SUVs, and the company is adding the system to the smaller Escape sport-utility for the '08 model year.

Jarvis suggests there are a number of reasons why pickups have been among the last to get stability control, but one is that they come in such a wide range of powertrains and configurations, and each one of them needs to be engineered individually. "Complexity is one factor," he says.

Nissan
"Nissan has not had the opportunity to fully understand the methodology that went into this listing," says Jeannine Ginivan, a spokeswoman for Nissan. "That being said, Nissan takes its commitment to safety very seriously.

"All Nissan and Infiniti vehicles are engineered to meet or exceed government safety regulations as well as our own rigorous internal safety requirements — the Nissan Xterra and the Nissan Frontier are no exceptions. Nissan's electronic stability control feature, known as Vehicle Dynamic Control, is standard on the Xterra and currently an option on the Frontier. Rollover curtain airbags are also optional on both vehicles.

"As a company, we are committed to the safety of our vehicles and our drivers, and we urge everyone driving a Nissan or Infiniti vehicle to do so safely."

Suzuki
"At Suzuki, we place the utmost priority on manufacturing and selling safe vehicles, and both Forenza and Reno comply with all federal motor-vehicle safety standards," says David Boldt, communications manager. "Additionally, like all 2007 Suzuki passenger cars, the Forenza and Reno offer front-seat-mounted side airbags for both driver and passenger, as well as several layers of standard safety equipment.

"It's also important to note the active safety benefits provided by Forenza and Reno, with composed handling (four-wheel independent suspension), precise steering and four-wheel disc braking. Add excellent outward visibility for driver and passengers, and Suzuki's approach is to help the driver avoid an accident before it occurs."

Honda, Hyundai and Kia did not return calls for comment.

1. Buick Rendezvous
Four-Door SUV
SCORE: 161
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: N/A

The minivan-based Rendezvous helped bring new customers to Buick dealerships, thanks to the Tiger Woods ad campaign behind it. But after the 2007 model year, the Rendezvous, with its abysmal three-star (out of five) NHTSA frontal impact rating, is history, to be replaced by the 2008 Buick Enclave, a crossover SUV with a full roster of standard safety equipment.

2. Ford Ranger/Mazda B-Series
Pickup, Regular Cab/Extended Cab: Four-Wheel Drive
SCORE: 153
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: N/A

The Ranger still follows a simple, proven design that's good for pickup buyers who really want to keep it basic and affordable. Unfortunately, side airbags or curtain bags aren't available, even as an option; neither is stability control. What's more, the Ranger (and the nearly identical B-Series) gets a low three-star NHTSA rollover rating, (which corresponds to a 20% to 30% risk of rollover in a single-vehicle crash) with one of the highest rollover risk factors (0.3) of any vehicle.

3. Nissan Frontier
Extended-Cab Pickup
SCORE: 145
ConsumerReports' accident avoidance: Average

Stability control is optional on the Frontier, and recommended considering its three-star NHTSA rollover rating. The King Cab Frontier has surprisingly low three-star NHTSA frontal crash-test ratings (most other pickups do quite well in the frontal tests), though a four-door Crew Cab Frontier was given a better four-star frontal rating. The Frontier was also rated "Poor" (out of good, acceptable, marginal or poor) by the IIHS in rear impact. Both Frontiers tested didn't have side airbags or side curtain bags, which are also optional.

4. Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner
Four-Door SUVs
SCORE: 138
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: N/A

Ford's small sport-utility vehicle, the Escape, and its cosmetically different sibling, the Mariner, were given an overall evaluation of "Poor" (the lowest possible rating) from the IIHS due to its lacking driver torso- and head-protection in the Institute's side-impact crash test (without the optional side airbag package). The federal government also gives the Mariner one of few three-star ratings, which corresponds to a relatively high risk of rollover. And stability control isn't available. Waiting for the '08 would be a smart move, as front side airbags, side curtain bags and stability control will all finally be standard.

5. Toyota Yaris
Four-Door
SCORE: 132
ConsumerReports' accident avoidance: Worse than average

Even though the Yaris has impressive fuel efficiency, a nicely designed interior, high expected reliability, and a number of other positive attributes, Consumer Reports' John Linkov says that the Yaris can't be recommended, "because its emergency handling is quite tail-happy and the driver could get out of control very quickly." And to make an especially dangerous combination, the Yaris four-door performs badly in both major side-crash tests, with three stars from NHTSA and a "Poor" rating from the IIHS.

6. Hyundai Accent
Four-Door
SCORE: 132
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Average

The Accent tested near the bottom among all cars, according to IIHS crash testing, with the organization giving it a "Poor" rating in both side-impact and rear-impact tests, plus an unimpressive "Acceptable" frontal rating. And this is with standard side airbags. When the federal government tested an Accent four-door sedan, it rated its side-impact performance with three stars--the lowest it gets in 2007.

7. Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe
Four-Door
SCORE: 131
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Average

The Matrix and the closely related Vibe fair acceptably with four- and five-star results in the federal government's crash tests. But without the optional side airbags, the Matrix gets only three stars for front-seat passengers in the side-impact test. Stability control is optional on both models, which are due to be replaced by a new model after '08.

8. Kia Rio
Four-Door
SCORE: 127
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Better than average

The Rio is structurally similar to the Hyundai Accent. And like the Accent, it gets a low, three-star NHTSA side impact rating, plus appalling "Poor" ratings in both side- and rear-impact tests and the not-quite-passable "Acceptable" frontal rating from the IIHS. Surprisingly, those results are with the standard side airbags. Fortunately, the Rio has "better than average" accident avoidance qualities, according to Consumer Reports testing.

9. Chevrolet Aveo
Four-Door
SCORE: 126
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Average

The basic, lightweight Aveo, which is assembled in Korea by GM affiliate Daewoo, is the lowest-priced U.S.-market vehicle, starting at $9,995 for 2007. Side airbags are standard for front passengers, but not in back, and by the three-star side-impact result for rear-seat passengers and the "Marginal" side-impact result from the IIHS, occupants might not fare so well in a side-impact accident.

10. Suzuki Reno/Forenza
Five-Door/ Five-Door
SCORE: 125
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Average

The Reno and Forenza, a four-door hatchback and sedan, respectively, are also made by GM-Daewoo in Korea. Both come with standard front seat-mounted side airbags, but that doesn't seem to help them in IIHS side-impact tests, where they get "Poor" ratings in side impact, as well as rear impact. Side curtain airbags and stability control aren't available in either the Reno or Forenza.

11. Ford Focus
Two-Door Hatchback
SCORE: 124
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Average

The economical Focus received a "Poor" rating from the IIHS in its side impact test, and in federal tests it achieved only a three-star rating, with an accompanying warning regarding the high likelihood of head trauma. Compiling the risk, side-curtain airbags and stability control aren't available on the Focus, and seat-mounted side airbags are optional for front occupants.

12. Jeep Liberty
Four-Door SUV
SCORE: 118
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Average

The Jeep Liberty maneuvers much better in real-world driving than its height might suggest, and the "Average" CR accident avoidance score is reassuring. Yet it's also given just three stars in the federal rollover rating system. Additionally, in IIHS tests, the Liberty didn't fare so well, with a "Poor" rating in rear impact and a "Marginal" rating in front impact, together corresponding to a significantly higher chance of injuries if an accident occurs.

13. Dodge Dakota
Four-Door Pickup
SCORE: 117
Consumer Reports'accident avoidance: Average

First, the good: The mid-size Dakota is one of the least-tipsy pickups, with a four-star rollover rating, plus an "Average" accident avoidance rating. Now, the bad: It's rated "Acceptable" in front- and rear-impact tests, and there's no available stability control. Side airbags and side-curtain bags are optional.

14. Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac G5
Two-Door
SCORE: 117
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Much better than average (Cobalt SS)

The Chevy Cobalt and its almost identical twin, the Pontiac G5, are a little more dangerous than average due to their side-impact performance. The IIHS gave the Cobalt a "Poor" evaluation in its side-impact tests, and when NHTSA tested the Cobalt, they noted a safety concern over the higher-than-average likelihood of serious head trauma. Front-side airbags and side-curtain airbags are optional, but stability control is not available.

15. Nissan Xterra
Four-Door SUV
SCORE: 115
Consumer Reports' accident avoidance: Average

The tall, boxy Xterra sport-utility vehicle flaunts its rugged looks toward active young men, and fortunately comes with stability control to help remedy its three-star NHTSA rollover rating and especially high rollover risk. Frontal impact results are passable but unspectacular, at four stars. Side and side-curtain airbags are optional.

16. Saturn ION